In pursuit of the perfect balm to mitigate physical discomfort or to enhance overall well-being, the quest to hire a professional massage therapist might appear labyrinthine. This comprehensive guide seeks to elucidate the complexities of this endeavor, empowering you to make a well-informed and judicious decision.

Firstly, the importance of understanding the nature and purpose of massage therapy is paramount. The roots of massage therapy can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as China, India, and Egypt, emblematic of its long-practiced and time-tested methodologies. Traditionally employed as a remedial tool for musculoskeletal discomfort, modern studies now corroborate the efficacy of massage therapy in not only alleviating physical ailments but also in improving mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

The curriculum of massage therapy, as specified by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), encompasses not just the physical, but also the psychological facets of the profession, turning out practitioners who are adept at addressing holistic health needs. Hence, having a profound comprehension of the purpose and potential of massage therapy is instrumental in setting clear expectations and subsequently, experiencing satisfaction.

The next step is to identify and understand the various modalities of massage therapy. There exist over 80 styles, each with its unique technique, benefits, and contraindications. Swedish massage, for instance, involves long, soft, kneading strokes that are designed to relax and energize, while Deep Tissue is more intense, targeting deep layers of muscle and connective tissue to help with muscle damage. The decision as to which modality is the most suitable depends largely on your individual needs and preferences.

The process of hiring a professional massage therapist is akin to the Principal-Agent problem in economics. Here, you (the principal) demands a service, and the massage therapist (the agent) provides it. However, there exists an asymmetry of information, with the agent possessing more knowledge about the service than the principal. This information gap can lead to two main issues: adverse selection (choosing a less qualified therapist) and moral hazard (the therapist not providing the service to the best of their ability).

To circumvent these issues, it is advisable to employ the mechanism design theory, an offshoot of game theory. This theory, propounded by Nobel laureate Leonid Hurwicz, essentially involves setting up a system where the agent is incentivized to act in the best interest of the principal, despite the information asymmetry. In the context of hiring a massage therapist, this might involve seeking referrals, reading reviews, and conducting interviews, thus ensuring that you gather as much information as possible to make an informed choice.

Given the intimate nature of massage therapy, the importance of licensure and ethical conduct cannot be overstated. In the United States, regulations vary by state, but most require a minimum number of training hours from an accredited massage therapy school and a passing grade on a licensure or certification exam.

The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) offers board certification—the highest voluntary credential a massage therapist can obtain. Hiring a therapist with such credentials ensures that the practitioner adheres to a high standard of professional conduct and possesses the necessary skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, the task of hiring a professional massage therapist is a task that demands due diligence. Employing an economically sound approach, backed by an understanding of the purpose, modalities, licensure requirements and ethical guidelines, ensures that your decision is well-informed and beneficial. After all, the intent is to bridge the chasm between discomfort and well-being, and taking an informed step forward is the most viable way to traverse this path.