Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect when receiving a massage?
You should expect to receive the highest quality care from the person you are scheduled with. For your first appointment with a Massage Therapist or at a spa, you will want to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to fill out any paperwork. The intake form you will need to fill out gives the Massage Therapist important information on your medical history and current health. This is so that you can receive the best care possible. While some things may vary depending on the type of bodywork you will receive, here are some basic things to expect:
- You will most likely be asked to remove any jewelry (necklace, bracelets, watch, etc.)
- You will have the option of undressing to your comfort level (you can either undress completely, leave your underwear on, leave your underwear and bra on, etc.). It is possible to receive a massage while clothed. This is a different experience, but not that uncommon. Remember, your comfort level is one of the Massage Therapist's highest priorities.
- During the massage, the Massage Therapist may ask you intermittedly how the pressure is and if you are doing okay. This is to promote open communication between you and the therapist so that you have the best experience possible. Please be honest when answering. If the pressure is too much or not enough, it is your responsibility to communicate that to the therapist. Remember, the therapist is not a mindreader. - Your hair will most likely be slightly tousled. You may leave with what is often called "massage hair," but most places will have a mirror in a convenient location so that you can tidy up your hair if you wish.

What happens if I have an emergency, am sick, or otherwise cannot make the appointment?
To protect the health of both the client and the Massage Therapist, you should reschedule the appointment if you are sick. Most places have a 24 hour cancellation policy, so you should provide as much notice as possible. There is usually a charge if the appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours, but this is to prevent thoughtless last minute cancellations. If you have an emergency, you should contact the therapist to cancel the appointment as soon as you can. Most places will make exceptions for any charge for last minute cancellations when there is a legitimate emergency. Likewise, if the Massage Therapist is sick or unable to work due to an emergency, you will be contacted as soon as possible. Please understand that Massage Therapists cannot work when sick to protect your health and well being. In the event of illness, they will reschedule the appointment.
Places will have their own policies for providing care or cancellations, and you are encouraged to find out what they are before scheduling your appointment.

Minors
Parents and guardians may be requested to sign a consent form before the Massage Therapist is able to work with minors. Most places will encourage parents and guardians to be present during these sessions for their ease and comfort and that of the minors.

What should I expect if I schedule an off site visit in my home or hotel room?
You should expect the same care and thorough bodywork as you would expect in an on site location. The massage therapist brings the massage table and sets it up in a location where there is enough room for the massage to be given. Please be aware it is your responsbility to make sure there is enough room for a massage table to be set up and for the therapist to have room to work. The therapist can either bring a cd player for the music or use one you have already available if you like. The main difference in an off site visit is that you receive your scheduled bodywork in a location of your choosing. Additional time is allotted for travel, set up and breakdown. Off site visits are usually more expensive due to the extra time and travel involved. Safety is a number one concern for the massage therapist so there is always at least one person who knows who the appointment is with, where the appointment is located, and what time the massage therapist should return. The massage therapist reserves the right to terminate the session and leave for any reason.

What should I expect if I schedule chair massage for my special event or corporation?
The massage therapist will bring a massage chair and set up in a location of your choosing to perform chair massage. Set up is done a few minutes early and in a location where there is enough room for chair massage to take place. If chair massage is being offered to employees for their benefit, a sign up sheet is provided for employees to sign up in advance.

How does one become a massage therapist?
Every state's regulations are different. Currently, 48 out of the 50 states in the U.S. require that Massage Therapists obtain a state license to practice as a Massage Therapist. The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) is currently used in these states. The two that currently don't require it are Georgia and Pennsylvania, but they are making strides towards requiring a license.
In the state of North Carolina, one must attend and graduate from a board approved massage school with at least 500 hours of education, pass the National Certification Exam, apply for state licensure with the North Carolina Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy. Each city then has specific business license requirements for Massage Therapists who own their own business or for buessines (such as spa, chiropractors, etc.) who offer massage therapy. Massage therapists must complete board approved continuing education to keep their license.
There has been a movement towards a new exam that will allow Massage Therapists to be licensed in their home state, and have their license recognized in other states. Given its development by state regulatory boards and rapidly-growing acceptance by states (15 regulated states already have made a change), AMTA believes the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Exam (MBLEx), developed by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB), is the best choice for a licensing exam that can lead to portability of massage practice. For more information, please click here.

How do you know if someone is licensed in the State of North Carolina?
If you are making an appointment with a Massage Therapist, you have two options. You can first ask the person if they are licensed in NC. Another way to double check is to visit www.bmbt.org and look it up. All you need to know is the person's first and last name when you go to the "Online Verification" section. Taking a moment to do this research is strongly encouraged. BMBT will tell you if the person is licensed, and if they are in good standing or not.

Kimberly Bagley, 2009