Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does a massage cost?
Massage therapy costs$50 to $90 per hour on average. A shorter, half-hour session costs $30 to $65, while an extended, 90-minute session ranges from $90 to $175. Prices vary by location, therapist experience, and the type of massage. Prices are typically higher for therapy that requires specialized training, such as prenatal or sports massage, or in-home sessions where the therapist comes to you.
Below are the average rates for common massage types:
In-home massage therapy costs $100 to $130 per hour.
How much do you tip a massage therapist?
Tipping a massage therapist 15% to 20% is common in most areas. Tipping is not expected at medical offices or hospitals where massage is often covered by insurance. If your therapist works for a spa or non-medical office, a significant portion of your fee goes to the facility, not the therapist. While tipping is not necessarily required, it can make a huge difference in a massage therapist's income.
Most therapists prefer cash tips since it's immediate and they don't have to wait for it in their paycheck.
If you are using a coupon or gift certificate, tip based on the regular price of the service.
Consider tipping more during the holidays if you see the same massage therapist regularly.
What are the different types of massage therapy?
A wide array of massage therapy techniques exists today, from slow soothing strokes of traditional Swedish massage to Ashiatsu massage, where a therapist uses their bare feet as the primary massage tool. Common types of massage therapy include:
Swedishmassage – Long, slow, kneading strokes with light to deep pressure, focused on relaxing muscle tension
Deep-tissue massage – Similar to Swedish, but using deeper pressure to reduce pain by releasing built-up muscle tightness, knots, and trigger points
Aromatherapy massage – Swedish relaxation massage incorporating essential oils and specific fragrances aimed at helping your mood
Hot stone massage – Swedish-like massage using heated stones, instead of just the therapist's hands, to enhance circulation and reduce pain
Shiatsu – Japanese massage technique using fingertip pressure on specific points on the body to improve energy flow, or Qi
Sports massage – Deep pressure and targeted techniques to reduce muscle pain and improve mobility of a specific area of the body; not just for athletes
Prenatal massage – Light-pressure Swedish massage aimed at relaxing muscle tension and stress during pregnancy
What types of massage are safe during pregnancy?
Swedish massage is the most recommended massage technique during pregnancy because it focuses on relaxing muscle tension and improving circulation using gentle pressure applied to the muscles.
Prenatal massage can help lower stress, decrease leg and back pain, and improve sleep and mood. However, be sure to clear any type of massage with your doctor first, as massage therapy is a contraindication to some medical conditions.
Avoid these types of massage during all stages of pregnancy:
Deep-tissue massage
Shiatsu
Hot stone massage
Deep acupressure
Percussive tapping techniques
Cross-fiber friction
Pressure on the abdomen
Does insurance or Medicare cover massage therapy?
Insurance may cover massage therapy costs if you have a prescription or referral from a medical doctor. Coverage and requirement details vary greatly by insurance carrier and plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your policy in relation to massage therapy coverage.
Medicare does not typically cover the cost of massage therapy unless it is determined to be medically necessary to alleviate symptoms—like swelling or impaired joint function—from a medical procedure performed on the same day.
How do I choose the best massage therapy service near me?
When searching for a massage therapy service near you, be sure to:
Choose a therapist or company that is licensed, insured, and has been in business 5+ years.
Check their credentials and licensure information. Most states have an online database where you can search for a therapist's license and status.
If your state does not require a massage therapy license, look for a therapist who has at least 500 hours of training from a reputable massage therapy program.
Look for members of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
Check out their profile and reviews on Thervo and Google.
Ask for references.
What questions should I ask when hiring a massage therapist?
Asking the right questions can help you choose the massage therapy service that best fits your needs:
Are you licensed and insured?
How long have you been a massage therapist?
What training and certifications do you have?
Where else have you worked?
What types of massage do you specialize in?
Do you have experience with my specific problem?
Do you offer any add-on services?
Do you require a health questionnaire?
Do you offer package deals?
Reviews for Sacramento massage therapists
Recent success stories from people in the Sacramento area.
Mari B.
My CMT Tasha is very welcoming, she was very thorough, pleasant, polite and very considerate. Upon the start of my appointment with her, she was very engaging and asked me how I was doing. Tasha is very thorough & did an initial introduction with me, inquiring where my problem areas were, & took note and consideration of said problem areas. She ensured I was comfortable, and that the oils she placed on me were a comfortable temperature to my liking, and stopped and checked every so often to confirm that the pressure was adequate, and that she was massaging the problem areas she triaged at the start of our appointment. I booked a 50 minute Swedish massage, and it was the most relaxing massage I've had! Definitely walked out of my appointment less tense, than when I first came in... I'm definitely booking again with Tasha. In fact, this will be my new monthly recurring "self care" routine.
Body Nirvana
Jay. N.
She is amazing. I like someone who speaks when spoken too or simply quiet . She hits the right spits and I am a regular of hers. She is o. time to my in home appointments and I'm pretty spoiled I may hire her right before an important event. I highly recommend.
mobile massage studio
Kyle D.
She was very personable. Seemed like she knew her way around the human anatomy. Relieved my most painful spots
Healing hands
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