A five-star rating can tell you that people left happy. It cannot tell you whether a massage therapist is a good match for the reason you are booking.
Before booking, check the therapist’s training, ask how they handle pressure and positioning, and make sure the price and appointment details are clear. A spa afternoon and an appointment focused on a tight shoulder can both be worthwhile, but they are different experiences.
I’m Javier Gallarzo, and I practice at OC Massage Therapy in Newport Beach. Here are the questions I’d suggest asking when you compare therapists, whether you book with me or someone else.
1. Get clear about what you want from the appointment
“I need a massage” is a start, but one more sentence helps. Are you hoping to settle down after a rough week? Does your shoulder feel tight after a day at your desk? Training for an event? Pregnant and trying to get comfortable? Buying a gift?
You do not need to name a technique. “I want to relax, but please spend some time on my shoulders” gives a therapist something useful to work with. Ask what they would focus on and whether that fits the appointment length you are considering.
2. Verify California certification
California Massage Therapy Council certification is a voluntary statewide certification, not a medical license. Still, it gives consumers a public record to check. CAMTC describes its certificate holders as meeting education and background requirements, and its official record search lets you verify current status.
Ask for the therapist’s full certificate number and use it to check the record. Names can be similar, so compare the name and status carefully. My CAMTC certificate number is 67052. Certification is a starting point; ask about training relevant to your needs, too.
3. Read the service page, not only the reviews
Look for an explanation of what happens during the appointment. A list of massage names tells you less than a description of positioning, pressure, and what you can ask to change.
For example, if you are pregnant, ask about prenatal training and how you will be supported on the table. I use a pillow kit designed for side-lying massage and can adjust the position around your comfort. My prenatal massage page explains the setup and what to discuss before booking.
If you are comparing other approaches, the services overview explains what I offer.
4. Ask how communication works during the session
Good pressure is not the deepest pressure you can tolerate. You should be able to ask for more, less, a different position, extra bolstering, or no work on an area at all. A therapist should treat that as normal information, not as a complaint.
Ask before booking: “How do you check pressure?” or “What happens if a technique does not feel right?” The answer matters more than polished language.
5. Look for clear boundaries
Massage is not a substitute for a medical assessment. If you are booking because of a symptom that concerns you, speak with a healthcare professional rather than relying on a massage appointment to explain it. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health advises against using massage to postpone medical care.
Ask how you will be covered during the session and which areas the therapist plans to work on. You can decline work on an area, ask for an adjustment, or stop the session. You should not feel pressured to continue.
6. Check the practical fit
- Where is the appointment, and is parking or building access clear?
- Is the session length stated?
- Are pricing, cancellation, and payment details easy to find?
- Does the therapist offer the setting you actually want?
- Can you get a straight answer before booking?
In Orange County, check the drive at the time you would actually travel, especially if you are fitting an appointment around work or school pickup. Ask about stairs, elevators, and parking before you arrive if access matters to you.
At my Newport Beach office, appointments are individual and in-office only: $145 for 60 minutes or $195 for 90 minutes. You can park on any floor, with the second floor closest to Suite 206 and an elevator available.
7. Use reviews for patterns, not proof
Reviews can reveal patterns in punctuality, listening, communication, cleanliness, and the overall feel of a visit. They cannot establish a medical result. Read several recent reviews and notice what people repeatedly describe. Weigh specific details, recency, and patterns more than dramatic one-off stories, and take any complaint about safety, consent, or boundaries seriously.
Red flags worth taking seriously
- Guarantees to cure a condition or “detox” the body
- Pressure to ignore pain or endure a technique
- Unclear identity, certification, location, or pricing
- Diagnosis outside the therapist’s role
- No clear answer about draping, consent, or boundaries
Questions you can copy before booking
- Does my goal fit the work you do most often?
- How do you adjust pressure and positioning?
- Is there any reason I should check with another provider first?
- What should I expect from the first visit?
- What is the complete price and cancellation policy?
Before committing to regular visits, use the first appointment to decide whether you felt listened to, understood what was happening, and were comfortable asking for changes. You can also read about my background and practice before getting in touch.
Not sure whether the fit is right?
Text me with what you’d like from the appointment and any questions about the visit. I’ll confirm availability and your booking personally.
