Check the license first
Most states regulate massage therapists through a license, certification or registration. States that regulate massage usually require graduation from an approved program and a passing exam, and most require at least 500 hours of training. The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards offers an online license lookup where you pick your state.
Some therapists also hold voluntary national board certification, which adds education, a background check and an exam. It's a plus, not a replacement for a state license.
Common types of massage
| Type | What it is | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| Swedish | Gentle, full-body strokes | Relaxation; a good first massage |
| Deep tissue | Slower, firmer work on deeper muscles | Chronic muscle tightness or pain |
| Sports | Deep work focused on muscles used in a sport | Athletes, dancers, repetitive strain |
| Trigger point | Direct pressure on knots | Tight spots and chronic pain |
| Myofascial release | Kneading and stretching muscle and connective tissue | Neck, shoulder and back tension |
| Lymphatic | Very light touch to move lymph fluid | Swelling, such as after a mastectomy |
| Prenatal | Positioned and adapted for pregnancy | Hip pressure and leg swelling |
See massage therapy and lymphatic drainage for more on each.
How to find a good massage therapist
- Ask for names from your doctor or physical therapist, especially if you have a medical problem.
- Verify the license on your state board's site.
- Call first. Ask about the therapist's training and experience with your problem, the price, session length and how many sessions they suggest.
- Judge the first session. It should start with questions about your health, medicines and goals, and the therapist should check in on pressure.
Safety and who should check first
Massage is low risk for most people. Rare serious harms, including blood clots, nerve injury and bone fractures, have been reported, most often with vigorous techniques such as deep tissue work or in people at higher risk, such as older adults. People with cancer can use massage as part of supportive care, with precautions.
Ask your doctor first if you've just had surgery, or if you have a condition that raises your risk of blood clots or broken bones. If you're pregnant, ask your pregnancy clinician before booking. Tell the therapist about every health condition and medicine.
Don't use massage to put off care. See a clinician promptly for pain with a swollen, warm or red leg, numbness or weakness, fever, or pain after a fall or accident. Call 911 for chest pain or trouble breathing.
How Gabriel helps
Gabriel finds and books root-cause and holistic practitioners, including massage therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths and functional medicine doctors, and files superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. See whether insurance covers massage and whether you can use an HSA for massage.
Common questions
How do I find a good massage therapist near me?
Get names from your doctor or physical therapist, verify the license on your state board's site, and choose someone who asks about your health and goals before starting.
How do I check if a massage therapist is licensed?
Search your state massage board's license lookup, or start from the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards' online lookup, where you pick your state.
What type of massage should I get?
Swedish massage is a good first choice for relaxation. Deep tissue, sports or trigger point work suit muscle tightness and pain, and therapists often combine techniques.
Is deep tissue massage safe?
For most people, yes, but the rare serious harms reported with massage have most often involved vigorous techniques such as deep tissue. Tell your therapist about any history of blood clots, weak bones or recent surgery.
Does massage therapy actually help pain?
It may ease neck and shoulder pain and knee osteoarthritis pain in the short term. The evidence for low back pain is weak.
Sources
- Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
- Credentialing, Licensing, and Education National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
- 6 Things To Know When Selecting a Complementary Health Practitioner National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH
- Types of Massage Therapy to Try Cleveland Clinic
- Look Up a License Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.