According to recent polls by the American Massage Therapy Association, 21 percent of the people surveyed received a massage within the past year. The majority of those polled view massage therapists as both providing stress relief and/or as providesr of alternative therapy. Other key reasons persons gave for getting a massage were to relieve pain, to get discounted or free sessions, or to help heal an injury.

So, how do you choose the best massage therapist for you? Most people find a therapist based on their location. In other words, finding someone who is close to you can help you get a massage more often and will be more convenient. Others direct their attention to the specific types of services that are being offered. However, since there are more than 70 modalities, or types, of massage, choosing a therapist based on the type of massage may be confusing if you've never had a massage before.

Another factor to keep in mind is that there are no two therapists who operate their practice exactly alike. Many therapists complete their training and licensing, and then target specific services that they want to market to the general public. The types of massage that the therapist may specialize in depends upon a combination of factors, including their personality, their technical strengths or weaknesses, on any specialized training they may have outside of massage school, as well as upon the market demand.

One common method used to select a massage therapist is simply to get a referral from someone else who has experienced the therapist. Consumers often rely on information they get from their family, from friends or colleagues to decide who to work with. Even with such an assurance, don't be afraid to ask a potential therapist about their training, as well as about any specialized skills, or other areas of expertise. Although the State of Arkansas does not require certification to practice specific types of massage, it does mandate that therapists be licensed and that they have taken at least six hours of continuing education per year. However, many massage therapists go beyond such minimum requirements to enhance their professional services.

Therapists who hold a current state license can legally offer dozens of different types of massage, regardless of the number of hours of study in a specific area. Such training is quite different from actual certification in an area of massage. Certification training is available in many modalities and is designed to be set apart from minimum requirements, allowing a therapist to demonstrate their desire to excel in their chosen field.

Education is the key - both for you as the consumer, as well as for the therapist. Don't be afraid to ask about a therapist's education or training before making your final choice. There are many massage therapists to choose from today. Find a therapist who offers you the best fit and who provides their services in a professional, ethical, and safe environment. Enjoy the remarkable benefits that massage has to offer! The field of massage therapy is constantly changing - there is a therapist out there for you and to meet your special needs!