Sometimes circumstances in life change, causing disruption to your massage regimen. People move away, budgets and prices change, schedules conflict. This can happen even after years of working with the same therapists. If it is time to change things up, you may need a little help to keep your self-care schedule moving smoothly.
Ask Your Therapist
If your therapist is moving, you can ask for a referral to a colleague in the area. Your massage therapist likely has their own massage therapist and will have at least a few friends in the industry. They should be able to refer you to a practitioner with similar experience who can meet your needs and may be able to confer with your new practitioner to pass on relevant information regarding your care.
Get Copies Of Your File
If your therapist keeps a file on you, you may want to as for a copy of their notes to pass along to your next therapist. This can offer your new massage therapist key insights into your needs. A quality massage therapist will want to know about old injuries, treatment plans, therapeutic goals, and preferences.
Communicate
If you are leaving your massage therapist on good terms, be honest and have a candid conversation about why you feel the need to leave. Sometimes a therapist will “grandfather” you in at your old session price or offer a discount to keep you. If they are no longer able to accommodate your schedule, let them know that too! Sometimes a little communication can go a long way. If you are choosing to leave due to unprofessional behavior or inattentive, ineffective care, you may want to reach out to the office manager to discuss your concerns and share your experience. By sharing your concerns, you can help the practice by highlighting unprofessional or harmful practices that could hurt others. You can email the clinic your concerns if you do not feel comfortable sharing them over the phone or in person.
Your Needs Matter
If your therapeutic needs are not being met, there is nothing wrong with changing therapists. Your money and time are just as important as your massage therapist’s. When communicating and advocating for your needs does not resolve the issue, pursue another massage therapist with no hard feelings. There may be any number of reasons why you don’t “click” with a therapist. Don’t dwell on it too much unless there are serious concerns about safety or ethics. If your concerns are more pressing, speak to the spa owner or managers. Not every massage therapist will be YOUR massage therapist, just like you won’t be every massage therapist’s ideal client. Take your time, shop around, and find the therapist that will take your concerns and needs seriously.