Massage therapy is in a long-term growth trend in terms of popularity, research, and acceptance by the medical establishment. This is in large part due to the effects of a standardized national exam (MBlex since 2007), stricter state-based licensure, and national advocacy and education organizations like AMTA (founded in 1998), ABMP (1987), and FSTMB (2005).
Despite the overall growth of massage, in-home massage still seems to lag behind. Of people who received a massage between 2018 and 2019, only 1 in 5 people reported to AMTA getting an in-home massage. It isn’t clear what the long-term effects COVID will be, but as people grapple with the new work-from-home reality (many companies are permanently closing offices) or are reluctant to go to larger clinics because of safety concerns, you are not alone in turning to in-home massage as a temporary or permanent part of your life.
There are many good reasons why in-home massage might work better for you, from the logistical and scheduling considerations to the sense of safety and control. If you’re a convert already, here are some suggestions for choosing a mobile therapist that would work for you.
Why you should consider in-home massage
Easier to schedule
Life is full and unfortunately take care of ourselves is often the first to slip. Having your massage therapist come to you can make it much easier to fit it into your day. Unless you are lucky enough to live right around the corner from a clinic, you won’t need to find the 20 - 45 minutes round trip to get to the clinic. That can be the difference between getting a massage or not.
If you were someone who used to get a massage on your way home from work, but now you aren’t going into the office as much or at all, you may need an alternative massage option.
Also, since in many cases you will be working with a solo practitioner, they may be better able to adapt and handle off-hour schedule requests.
Mobility-concerns friendly
If traveling at all outside the home is a concern for you, in-home massage is a good solution. Perhaps you will be home-bound as you recover or prepare for an operation or you or a loved one is getting older and getting out is more difficult than before.
Don’t worry that the massage has to happen on the massage table, if getting onto or off of the table is a concern. Massage is a very adaptable therapeutic modality and can be adjusted to meet your comfort needs.
More Control
In-home massage gives you the opportunity to be more in control of the environment than if you go to a clinic. I wrote a piece about the dynamics of in-home massage and how to build a trusting relationship with your therapist, so I won’t repeat myself too much here.
For a massage to be effective, you need to feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed. If you don’t feel that way in a clinic for whatever reason, it’s a good idea you are investigating in-home massage. Find a good therapist and communicate with them about what you need.
Special Precautions for COVID
Many of us are very concerned about the risk of COVID transmission, now and for however long the pandemic lasts. In-home massage gives you several ways to receive massage while being more assertive in lowering the risk of COVID transmission.
First, since you are likely working directly with a solo practitioner, you can be more assured that you and your therapist are on the same page. No hoping that the receptionist passed the message along or that someone else in the clinic isn’t following guidelines. The one-to-one relationship helps ensure your safety.
Second, since it’s at your home, you don’t need to be concerned about close interactions you may have on your way to the clinic, if they cleaned the sheets well enough, or waiting in public spaces.
And lastly, you can be more assertive to lower the risk. You can ask for the massage to occur in your backyard. You can open your windows for airflow or set up a fan. You can ask your therapist to wear gloves. Since you are hosting your therapist in your space, you can more easily and thoroughly put in place the precautions you need to feel comfortable.