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Oklahoma is one of just a few states remaining that don't have state-wide regulations on massage therapy which can make finding a professional massage therapist difficult sometimes. Here are some tips for selecting a therapist for treatments that will give you quality care.
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Call and inquire about their Massage Therapy training, if any. Rather than calling and asking about pricing information, find out what their training background is. Oklahoma doesn't require certifications so anyone could call themselves a massage therapist and set up shop – even if they've never had a day of training whatsoever.
It is important to find a massage therapist who has taken the time to get certified and graduated from
a massage therapy training program, even though it's not legally required for Oklahoma as this will
demonstrate their commitment to being professional and well-educated in their field.
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Ask about recent continuing education training. A professional massage therapist is constantly learning and continuing their education and will be happy to share what they've been learning recently. Most professional therapists go to some sort of extra training sessions every year or two to stay current and fresh in their field.
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Ask about professional affiliations. There are several national organizations available for massage therapists to join and a professional massage therapist, even in Oklahoma, will seek out a membership in one or more of these organizations.
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Inquire about intake procedures and policies. Professional massage therapists conduct themselves as health care professionals and take your safety, comfort and well-being seriously. These therapists will have intake forms with brief medical history questions to make sure you don't have any contraindications to massage therapy. Also, since first time clients are sometimes reluctant a professional massage therapist will be able to go over draping procedures, reassure you that no private areas of the body will be massaged and explain frankly what to expect during your first massage session.
Just because there are no state-mandated regulations for massage therapy in Oklahoma doesn't mean you can't find a high-quality massage therapist who is professional and knowledgeable. These tips will help you make a wise decision who to trust with your time, money and health.
>> posted by Angela England, LMT |