Why You Should Use A Private Therapist

By Debra Redman, LMT, NCTMB
Life/Spiritual Coach, Medical Massage Therapist

People who use spa services regularly are spending up to 20% more than necessary because they have not been educated on the benefits and cost savings of using a private therapist. Despite the economy, people are spending money on massage in spas. What they don’t know is that they could be getting added value for that same dollar if they worked with a private therapist. I would like to discuss why you should choose a private massage therapist over a spa or a massage chain for your relaxation and healthcare needs.

Massage franchises such as Massage Heights, Massage Envy or Zen Massage have turned massages into a cheap, convenient commodity. The key word here is cheap. Franchises can only afford to hire new massage school graduates who have no experience. For people who have never had a massage, the price point encourages them to try it. The benefits of getting a massage at a massage franchise stop there.

Spas are an excellent choice when you just want to treat yourself. Spas can offer a variety of massage services such as Thai massage, couple massage, and stone massage sessions. Depending upon the length and type of massage you book, you will spend between $75 - $200 plus the tip you pay the therapist.

As a specialized massage therapist in private practice for over 17 years, I have the privilege of being able to work one-on-one with clients as part of their health and wellness process. I provide a combination of therapeutic, spa, and medical massage therapies coupled with life and spiritual coaching. Typically, you will not find a therapist with this level of expertise and professionalism working in a spa or a chiropractor’s office.

By the time a therapist chooses private practice, they have most likely had experience working in a spa or chiropractor’s office. After gaining experience, a therapist realizes they could make more money, better serve their clientele, and have the benefits of working for themselves. They developed their skill level and knowledge, invested in years of continuing education, and made a commitment to make massage therapy a full-time profession. Generally, a therapist who chooses private practice will have the emotional maturity and professionalism required to maintain a loyal clientele. Because they are in private practice, they can offer a level of care that simply is not possible in a spa or franchise environment.

The massage services offered in a spa or franchise will most likely be offered by a private practitioner for prices that are comparable to and usually less than a spa. For example, spas charge an average of $115 - $150 (plus tip) for a 90 minute session. A private therapist such as myself charges $120 where you receive therapeutic bodywork that is tailored specifically to your needs. The knowledge gained by the private therapist about your needs builds trust between the two of you as the relationship deepens and grows. This is key to how well your body receives the work.

Next, the private practitioner usually has control over the environment in which the two of you are working. In a spa or franchise setting, there will often be outside noise in the hallways that creates a disturbance in the massage room just as you are beginning to completely relax. In private practice, noise levels, the choice of music, the types of oils or lotions used, the design of the room, and the overall feel of the room is controlled by the therapist. This adds to the experience that you have when you get a massage.

Finally, when you choose to work with a private therapist, you choose to support a local business person instead of a large corporation. As a personal client, the private therapist is vested in your best interests. They have the time and ability to learn what your healthcare priorities are and will work to help you reach your goals. In a spa or franchise, the therapist does not have the time to develop a relationship of any depth beyond encouraging the client to ask for them again if they ever come back.

In summary, the benefits of spending your massage dollars with a private therapist are 1) a guaranteed high level of experience, expertise and skill, 2) tailored and specialized care, 3) quality of environment, 4) support of a local business, and 5) a quality relationship that benefits your health.

The best way to find a private therapist is to ask for referrals from friends, co-workers, or neighbors. You can also review reliable websites such as Understanding Health at www.understandingholistichealth.com. You will find practitioners from around the Atlanta area and information about specific modalities.

Choose a franchise for convenience or a spa when you want to pamper yourself. For regular care, choose a private practitioner. You will spend less money in the long run and receive better care than any spa or franchise is capable of giving you.