9 Key Questions for Finding a Hot Stones Massage Therapist

Find out how to choose the best massage therapist for a great and relaxing massage with stones!

What do you as a customer want? Research shows that the formula is simpler than we might expect: low prices and good customer service. Price wars often cause a back-and-forth volleying between companies, about who can claim the lowest prices in town. So customer service typically becomes the key. We enjoy a tasty restaurant meal less, if we must wait an hour for it to be served. We lose trust in Laundromats that refuse to compensate us after ruining our favorite clothes, with huge bleach spots. And learning that the warranties for our electronics or appliances will not be honored, due to some fine print that requires a magnifying glass to read—can be devastating. Like other goods and services, how can we find the best prices and services for massages with hot stones?

Dollars and sense
As customers, we are typically satisfied when we feel that there is value in our purchases. From hamburgers to houses, if we feel that we got a "square deal," then the price is not an issue, per say. That said, we work hard to earn a living. Even if a good or service is a good deal, we may not have the cabbage, lettuce, cheese or dough (translation: money) to buy it.

How much should a massage with hot stones cost? It depends. Factors such as the location, demand, type of therapeutic massages offered, and a therapist’s experience, can influence the cost. For example, prices tend to be lower in rural areas than in metropolitan ones. Also, day spas often offer more services (i.e. manicures, pedicures, facials, etc.), so their rates tend to be higher. You can also look for special deals for therapeutic massages. For example, some spas offer discounts for first-time customers, or for a package of massage sessions.

If you are satisfied with the massage, pay a little extra amount, or give the massage therapist a tip. I am a firm believer that competition breeds excellence, so I tip big if a therapeutic massage was relaxing.

Customer service is king
That brings us to the second important aspect of a massage with hot stones: customer service. The medical profession has recently been rediscovering and promoting an ancient form of stress-reduction: heat therapy. Massages such as those with hot rocks, have proven to reduce muscle tension, boost blood circulation, reduce heart rates, and improve one’s overall moods.

Asking the right questions
When searching for an excellent therapist for a therapeutic massage, learn the answers to these questions:

• Which certifications do you have?
• How much have you been trained?
• How long have you been giving therapeutic massages?
• What types of massages do you specialize in?
• Do you have personal references?
• What types of products do you use, and can I buy them?
• How long is the massage session?
• Can I make appointments?
• Do you have discounts for referrals?

A "good" massage
You should consider several issues after receiving a therapeutic massage with a hot stone kit. For example, do you feel better? Also, were you satisfied with the therapist’s personal techniques? Each therapist has his or her own "touch." Next, does your personality fit relatively well with the therapist? For instance, if you are a reserved person, you may feel uncomfortable with a therapist who is more talkative. Finally, did the therapist create a sense of trust? As with any other relationship, trust between the massage therapist and patient is vital.

"The customer is always right." We have heard that saying time and time again, but it still holds true. When searching for a therapist for a therapeutic hot stone massage, customer service and competitive prices are the keys to customer satisfaction. You work hard for the money, so you deserve to be treated rightly.