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 Alexandria massage therapists
Recent success stories from people in the Alexandria area.
Cesar M.
Excellent experience! He is very knowledgeable and very customer service oriented. I openly recommend him.
Handcraft Connoisseurs, LLC
Thomas A.
Marc is a very talented therapist who knows what he is doing. He is a very personable but his strength is in his excellent intuitive approach to massage. He is very knowledgeable about anatomy and also does a nice stretching routine. I will hire him again
Massage guy
Aurora D.
Second time booking the services. Feeling Tension Free and Relaxed. I appreciate being listened to and the service provided was very professional. My time available is limited and he accommodated my extremely busy schedule. Will call again to re book for a future appointment.
Emotional Touch
Simone S.
The experience was very relaxing and professional. I throughly enjoyed my massage and will be booking again. He applied the perfect amount of pressure and was well versed and you can tell he enjoys what he does. I recommend him for sure. Reasonably priced as well.
Starseed Bodywork
Lauren
Wow is all I have to say. Phil was amazing. He has magic hands. He was fully prepared. He asked me questions before the massage and it was exactly what I needed. I feel lighter and less stressed.
Yon massage
Sunny A.
She is amazing! She takes away all her f my aches and pains🙌🏾
DemHandsDoe Massage and Bodywork
Donnie H.
Satisfied coming to my home
For full swished massage
Barbara Carey, L.P.T.A., CMT Therapeutic Massage in Your Home
J B.
This place just opened in the Seminary Apartments near me. Massage Therapist, Kevin Gardner, is very friendly, professional and very enthusiastic about the work he does. The place is very clean, tidy and comfortable and even has free parking during business hours.
The introductory rate special was a great deal at 10% off and Mr. Gardner even offers your choice of a Sugar Foot Scrub or Aromatherapy with the massage session. Prices are reasonable (especially for this area) and you can choose from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
This was my first time here and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the area looking to relax! I'm busy and have a family, but will be booking next appointment here again.
Come by and check it out for yourself - open on weekends right off of 395 and Seminary Rd!
Massage Unique
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