How to Get a Massage on a Budget

Job stress keeping you up at night? Plagued by low back pain? Battling a chronic condition or emotional issue that’s impacting your daily functioning? Massage therapy may beneficial. In fact, the Mayo Clinic cites studies indicating that massage therapy can be helpful for individuals experiencing many types of physical and emotional distress, whether due to lifestyle, disease or other factors. But the high prices normally associated with massage in a spa setting keep many people from seeking this type of treatment.

Believe it or not, you can experience the benefits of massage therapy without putting yourself into bankruptcy. With just a little bit of extra effort, you can get a great massage for a great price. Here are some tips for getting blissed out on a budget.

Comparison Shop

Prices for a 60-minute Swedish massage can vary widely, even within the same city. And the amount you’re expected to pay isn’t necessarily reflective of the quality of the massage you’re going to receive. Often, the size of your bill is directly related to “extra” activities you might engage in before and after your treatment. In many cases, “free” add-ons and ambiance-enhancers like mood lighting, water features, saunas, swanky locker rooms and fluffy towels come with a hefty price tag. Plenty of no-frills day spas are out there that offer affordable and effective massage therapy. Some chiropractic offices even offer massage as a secondary treatment at competitive prices.

Comparison shopping may require a few phone calls as smaller day spas, salons and massage centers are not likely to have price lists available online. But the potential savings is certainly worth the hassle. A cost comparison for a basic 60-minute massage in the Dallas area shows prices ranging from a $130 at a hotel spa to (are you ready?) $39 for an introductory session at a reputable, albeit unfussy, massage center.

Become a Great Communicator

There’s a reason massage therapists always ask for your feedback on the pressure of their massage or the way they’re addressing your problem areas—they need it in order to do a good job! It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s something you’re likely to forget as soon as you’re lying on a massage table—you’re only one who knows how you are feeling. What works for one client may not work for another, and massage therapists are certainly not mind readers. There is no reason for you to sit there quietly enduring something you don’t enjoy or is ineffective. You’re paying top dollar for your therapist’s time so it doesn’t make sense to waste it. Don’t be afraid to ask him to pay extra attention to your trouble spots or to skip that portion of the massage you’ve never really cared for. You’ll ultimately get more bang for your buck if you’re clear with your massage therapist about your individual needs. You may even be able to get the treatment you need within a shorter appointment, saving you money as well as time.

Check with Your Insurance Company

Massage therapy is becoming more widely accepted as a legitimate treatment option for conditions ranging from anxiety to certain types of cancer. According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research shows that massage can speed healing and alleviate the pain associated with a variety of serious medical problems. Many insurance plans include a provision for a limited amount of massage therapy if it is recommended by your doctor.

Contact a Massage School

Massage schools often offer low-cost massage sessions in order to allow students to hone their skills before entering the professional world. Granted, a “practice” massage is not likely to be comparable in quality to the massage you would receive from a therapist with 10 years of experience. But if you are willing to communicate clearly and practice a little patience, you can experience the basic benefits of massage—relaxation and stress relief—for as little as $20 to $30 per session.

If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of being treated by an as-yet uncertified practitioner, consider this: By the time a massage student is allowed to begin working on the general public, he will already have spent countless hours learning technique, studying the body and performing massage on fellow students. Your massage will likely be supervised by an instructor, and the student will probably be evaluated on his or her interview skills as well as massage skills. Your therapist may be tad nervous, and you may have to endure a little back-and-forth with the instructor. But there is a great chance your therapist will be eager to please and will work hard to give you the best possible experience.

Finding a massage therapist you can afford may mean the difference between enduring painful, sleepless nights and finally achieving that state of deep relaxation that is so important for your long-term health and wellness. With a little research and assertiveness, you can experience the stress-relieving benefits of massage therapy without the sky-high price tag.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.