Find a massage therapist in San Diego, CA

Find massage therapists in San Diego, CA

Find massage therapists in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best massage therapists in your area.
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Find massage therapists in San Diego, CA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best massage therapists in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 massage therapists in San Diego, CA

Clients agree: these San Diego massage therapists are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Primary Kneads Massage And Wellness Spa

Primary Kneads Massage And Wellness Spa

4.9Exceptional(18)
21 hires on Thervo
15+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Christopher B. says, "Sarah absolutely wonderful not just at the massage but she also has a wonderful soul! So much fun and laughter during the season. Really makes you comfortable and feel like you are two friends who have known eachother forever. While you are laughing and she is targeting your body and finding all the spots. You start to melt away and find yourself on the way to bliss!! It was an absolute treat being massaged By her and already booking my next appointment!" Read more
JustinCredible Massage

JustinCredible Massage

5.0(3)
19+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
Mikey V. says, "Amazing experience from start to finish. Justin is the only massage therapist that I've used for deep tissue work for the past 3 years. He gives incredible tactile pressure the entire time and I highly recommend his massages to anyone." Read more
Carol

Carol

New on Thervo
5+ years in business
Serves San Diego, CA
💙I am available for all kind of massage service such as: Sports massage , Hot stone massage , Deep tissue , Swedish massage , Thai massage , Medical massage , and you gonna enjoy my massage and make you good trust me no games or bs Incall in my Private location and for Outcall, Juicy Babe😜I would like to ride💖 you can add on telegram @carol_elizabeth22 and you can also text me on contact -+1 (562) 262-7468

Your Massage Therapy questions, answered

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:

  • Swedish massage costs $50 to $90 per hour.
  • Deep tissue massage costs $80 to $120 per hour.
  • Prenatal massage costs $70 to $120 per hour.
  • Sports massage costs $55 to $130 per hour.
  • Couples massage costs $120 to $220 per hour.
  • Hot stone massage costs $85 to $150 per hour.
  • Chair massage costs $1 per minute.
  • 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:

  • Swedish massage – 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 San Diego massage therapists

Recent success stories from people in the San Diego area.
Julio A.
Really good at her job and a personality that only matches her skills. I came for the Massage and I’ll stay for the personality!! Her communication was great and easy to set coordinate with. The energy and atmosphere are first class. Definitely recommend if you need someone to help you to center your energy and connect with your inner self!!
Primary Kneads Massage and Wellness Spa
Ben P.
"JustinCredible" lives up to his name. He is professional, personable, methodical, precise, and strong; Justin provides world class body work. There is a genuine serenity, a calm strength about Justin that transmits a sense of trust, that somehow you intuitively know he isn't there for the payday... and the results prove it. He listened to, but more importantly understood, what was bothering me and focused deeply on those areas, unlike like so many others who address issues fleetingly because their eye is on the clock and they feel they have to finish their "routine". I've been searching for several years for someone that can provide this level of body work and now I can stop looking. -Ben
JustinCredible Massage
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