Finding a New Massage Therapist: Why It Takes Time (and Why That’s Okay)

"I could feel myself fighting you." That’s what a smiling client said to me after a recent massage. It was her first massage since February of 2020. Like many people, she used to book sessions regularly. But during the pandemic, her go-to licensed massage therapist (LMT) moved away, and she never quite got back into her routine.

Her husband had purchased a gift certificate from our shop and encouraged her to return to something she truly loved. During our session, she admitted how much she missed her previous therapist’s style. Her body knew the rhythm and flow of those sessions. With me, her mind was trying to predict what would come next, which made it harder to relax.

I reminded her: this is totally normal. Relaxation is a skill. And like any skill, it can get a little rusty over time. In fact, another client of ours—someone I’ve known since high school—told me that it took her three or four visits before she truly felt at ease again.

If you’re in the process of finding a new massage therapist in Kansas City, please know this: it’s completely okay if it doesn’t feel like a perfect fit right away. Even with therapists who have years of experience, it takes time to build trust, develop a rhythm, and understand each other's communication style.

At Solaris Massage, every therapist on our team has at least 15 years of professional experience. And while we each have our own unique style, we’re all passionate about helping clients feel safe, heard, and deeply relaxed. Whether you book with Zeth, Christina, or myself (Kip), you're in expert hands.

That said, here are some tips to guide your search if you’re starting fresh:

1. Be willing to try several therapists.
Just like with a doctor or counselor, the first person you see might not be your forever fit. That’s okay.

2. Give it more than one session.
It can take a few visits to find your flow with someone new. Your body and mind are adjusting.

3. You might find more than one therapist who works for you.
And that’s perfectly fine. Variety can help you explore what your body needs most.

4. Start looking before you need to.
If you know your current therapist is moving or retiring, start exploring your options now. Ask friends for referrals. Book shorter sessions with new therapists while maintaining a rhythm with your regular one.

5. Appreciate what makes each therapist unique.
You can’t recreate the exact style of a previous therapist. Even with similar training, every LMT applies techniques in their own way. Think of it like asking Prince to play guitar like Eddie Van Halen. Both are masters, but their expression is entirely different.

If you’re in the Kansas City area and looking for a massage therapist with experience, compassion, and real skill, we’d love to welcome you to Solaris Massage. Whether you're starting over or simply curious to try something new, we're here to help you feel your best.

Have you been through the process of finding a new therapist? What helped you most? We'd love to hear your story.

And for our friends in St. Louis: if you're looking for someone new in that area, we recommend checking out Erika Sharp. She's a great fit for many, including my sister!

Take a deep breath. You deserve care, and finding the right therapist is absolutely worth the effort.