When Paired with the Right Practitioner, Massage Can Have Healing Powers

*Photograph by Maven Photo + Film

Incorporating massage therapy into your health and wellness lifestyle has tremendous benefits, but before you start your routine, it’s important to know how to find the right practitioner.

At Impact BodyWorx in Eustis, owners Chad and Norma Gunter ensure that every person on their team is licensed and serious about their practice. In fact, Norma is a veteran licensed massage therapist (LMT) herself.

“Finding a skilled and experienced therapist is crucial to receiving the full benefits of massage therapy,” Norma says. “You should always seek out an LMT who has received proper training and certifications from reputable institutions,” she adds.

You can then begin to develop a relationship by communicating your needs and preferences.

“A good practitioner will tailor their approach accordingly,” Chad says. “Selecting a qualified and caring professional ensures that your massage experience is safe, effective, and enjoyable.” He goes on to say that building trust with your therapist is crucial to the whole experience because it’s a very intimate interaction.

Licensed therapist Christin Carver is also a long-time massage practitioner at Impact BodyWorx and says that the frequency with which you get a massage depends on individual needs and preferences.

“Some people may benefit from a weekly massage to address chronic pain or stress, while others may find that a monthly session is sufficient for maintaining their overall health,” she says. “It’s important to consult with a qualified massage therapist to determine how often you go so it’s appropriate for your specific concerns and goals.”

Another option when seeking out a massage therapist, is to visit a membership-driven massage outlet like Hand & Stone, which has several locations in the Tri-County area. These are usually easy to find in a local shopping center and often are a go-to for gift cards.

As a member, you pay a flat fee each month to receive discounted treatments which also include gift card and retail discounts plus guest privileges. You also get rewards and points that you can use at any outlet nationwide.

The upside to a membership establishment is that you are always guaranteed a licensed professional, and there is usually a time to get in if you need an appointment urgently. Also, since it is a franchise, the treatments are consistent based on the literature.

The downside is, if you choose not to join the membership program, the added “enhancements” of oils, stones and aromatherapy can get quite expensive, and because they serve so many customers at a time, it may be hard to find a therapist you like without returning on multiple occasions. This is especially true if you visit various outlets.

If you want the ultimate experience, you can find a luxury spa like Brownwood in The Villages or Calluna Spa at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. These locations don’t just offer the 50-75 minutes of table therapy, but also extra time and space for showers, lounge host, a knowledgeable, experienced staff and that yummy, refreshing spa water.

Kendra Rice, spa director at Calluna Spa, says the important first step, is initial contact.

“With the spa experience it all starts with the phone call,” says Kendra. “We have to create a level of comfort and trust because we want you feel confident after the very first conversation.”

The questions range from “do you want a male or female” to “what is your level of comfort?”

In the treatment room, there is also that opening chat.

“You have to have the 5-minute consultation and talk about medical conditions, allergies or any trauma one might have had to avoid pain or discomfort,” she says.

Kendra has worked in the spa industry for many years and from her vantage says that the benefits of massage have diversified.

“I think back in the day a lot of people thought massage was just for athletes and sore muscles, but I’ve seen the industry shift to include mental wellness,” she says. “We know first-hand through our providers and guests that massage improves sleep,” Kendra says. “And through its calming affects has also been known to help decrease panic attacks.”

Massage therapy can also lower cortisol levels in the body, which also helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.

“Cortisol is often called the stress hormone because it can increase symptoms of these conditions,” Kendra says. “Massage can also increase serotonin and dopamine, which can help fight off pain, sadness, and anxiety.”

At its core, most therapists and believers in this special type of hands-on therapy appreciate the simple human touch element to this ancient practice.

“I think the real human connection is what a lot of people need in this busy, disconnected world,” Kendra says. “We believe that ultimately, the true benefit of massage is simply the human touch.”