Scheduling
When you call to schedule a treatment with a massage chain like Massage Envy, you will not typically have the opportunity to speak with a therapist directly. The receptionist will tell you what modalities a given therapist focuses on. Beyond that, I’m not sure how far you will get with specific questions.
A chain will have more therapists working at any given time which will give you some flexibility with available times if you are not choosy as to what LMT you work with. A private massage practice such as Phoenix Mobile Massage has a smaller staff that may have less flexibility and/or availability, especially if a specific therapist is requested.
When scheduling clients, a therapist that is working independently has the leeway to book clients in a way that gives them an adequate and comfortable amount of time between sessions. The LMT will have time to regroup, hydrate, eat etc. leaving them refreshed and ready for a new session to start. In contrast, therapists at chains have five-minute windows to give clients homework for healing, take notes, change the room over, grab a snack, use the bathroom and whatever else they need to do. This just isn’t enough time for a smooth transition without either the therapist, the client leaving and/or the new client coming in feeling rushed.
In addition, solo therapists have complete control of how much they work in a day so they do not become overbooked. I can tell you, there is no faster way to burn out as a therapist than working past your physical or mental limitations.