Find a massage therapist in Des Moines, IA

Find massage therapists in Des Moines, IA

Find massage therapists in Des Moines, IA

Share a few details and we'll show you the best massage therapists in your area.
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Find massage therapists in Des Moines, IA

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

Top 10 massage therapists in Des Moines, IA

Clients agree: these Des Moines massage therapists are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
M² Spa

M² Spa

5.0(2)
2 hires on Thervo
5+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
Lisa G. says, "Mary is a a fantastic massage therapist. " Read more
Keziah Melendez LMT

Keziah Melendez LMT

New on Thervo
9+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
My mission for this practice is one of balance—integrating bodywork techniques to encourage physical healing and subtle self care techniques to manage stress. I hope to help clients improve their quality of life, body AND mind. Embracing simplistic approaches makes improvements to your wellness routine feel possible. Treatment plans are always tailored specifically for you. Working towards reaching your goals with ease is top priority—whether it’s improved mobility or better sleep. I’m dedicated to applying my knowledge of proper body mechanics, pain & stress management in order to help you. Book your appointment today!
Cloud 9 Massage Therapy

Cloud 9 Massage Therapy

5.0(3)
6 hires on Thervo
Serves Des Moines, IA
Marie R. says, "Zach is amazing at personalizing your massage session. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced so he works magic relieving pain and discomfort!" Read more
Renew Massage Therapy L.L.C.

Renew Massage Therapy L.L.C.

New on Thervo
1 hire on Thervo
7+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
My Business is located in carlisle iowa. I work with clients by Appointment only 130pm-730pm. I focuse on Therapeutic and True Deep Tissuse Massage Therapy. I customize each session to focus on the treatment needs of each individual client. Call or Text me for appointments. 515-371-7586. If calling please leave a voice mail and i will return your call as soon as i am able. Texting is easier for me and response is faster. I like to help people achieve less pain and a better quality of life....
LS Bodywork

LS Bodywork

New on Thervo
4+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
I give a therapeutic massage in a relaxing environment. So whether you need relaxation or pain relief, my massage is designed to put your mind at ease as well as address any physical issues that you may be struggling with. My passion is to work with women and help them through the process of bringing a child into the world. My specialty is prenatal and postpartum massage, as it is my passion to help women prepare their bodies for childbirth and nurture them afterwards. As a mother who struggled with pregnancy, I know first hand how important it was for me to create the space to take care of my changing physical and psychological needs during...
Peak Performance

Peak Performance

New on Thervo
28+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
Peak Performance is Multi-Faceted approach in the areas of: --Athletic Performance --Recreational Performance --Industrial Performance --Nutrition --Baseball Exposure Teams for Recruiting --Body Work and Rehab
Iowa Family Massage Therapy

Iowa Family Massage Therapy

New on Thervo
1 hire on Thervo
12+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
Safiyah Grace, LMT ~Licensed Massage Therapist ~Graduated from The East West School of Integrative Healing Arts in 2011 ~Founder of Iowa Family Massage Therapy ~Associates of Liberal Arts from Eastern Gateway Community College ~Student of Integrative Health Sciences at American College of Healthcare Sciences ~Trained in Massage Therapy for PTSD, Anxiety, Sexual Trauma/Abuse Survivors, and Substance Abuse Recovery ~Studied on Apprenticeship with Seren and Azra Bertrand M.D., authors of award-winning book Womb Awakening ~Teaches Womb Awakening Breathwork, Meditation, Dance and Sound Healing Practices ~Sacred Pregnancy Class Facilitator ~Singer/...
Lemon Massage Therapy

Lemon Massage Therapy

4.6Awesome(5)
4+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
Tamin E. says, "This place is the real deal. Super friendly and very good at what they do. They ask what kind of pressure you want and then on to the massage. My masseuse was very in touch with what I needed and was attentive to that area. Highly recommend. Ask for Faye, she had been the best so far! " Read more
Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage

Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage

New on Thervo
Serves Des Moines, IA
Fiona Roberts, LMT will be joining Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage, Inc., on January 1, 2020. She is married with two small children and lives in Urbandale; however she is originally from Bangkok, Thailand where massage therapy is practically a part of everyday life. Fiona graduated from the Denver School of Massage Therapy in 2009 and enjoys using deep tissue techniques with medium to deep pressure. She can also incorporate Thai Massage, Trigger Points and Structural Massage to any massage session. Your comfort and relaxation is important. Fiona will adjust pressure and the type of massage to meet your individual needs. Fiona is passion...
Stephy Massage And Bodyworks

Stephy Massage And Bodyworks

4.3(4)
12+ years in business
Serves Des Moines, IA
John G. says, "I had my first professional massage experience with Stephanie and it was second to none. She is extremely professional and spoke with me about any stiff/pain areas that I would like her to concentrate on beforehand. I would definitely recommend seeing Stephanie for a deep tissue massage and I have every intention of going back." Read more

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 Des Moines massage therapists

Recent success stories from people in the Des Moines area.
James W.
Mary is very confident massage consultant very knowledgeable and responsive to your massage needs. She also does very good facials I thoroughly enjoyed my last one and I have a beard & mustache.
M² Spa
Cindy W.
Was most definitely a 5 star experience. Will be going back 😊
Cloud 9 Massage Therapy
Dan C.
We went in for a couples massage and it killed! These ladies aint playing. Prices are more than fair. I will be back for sure. Check it out! You will be glad you did.
Lemon massage therapy
Pamela M.
I cannot recommend Stephy more highly. She is phenomenal at what she does. I've never had a better massage in my 20 years of having massages. She will not disappoint you. And the prices are affordable which makes a huge difference for me. I can actually afford to get regular massages here instead of a once and awhile treat.
Stephy Massage and Bodyworks
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