Massage & Body Treatments — The Massage Center (2024)

FAQs

How much should you tip your massage therapist? ›

Since tips are standard protocol for massage therapists, you should assume a 20 percent tip in any massage or spa treatment situation (unless a self-employed therapist specifically tells you their rate is all-inclusive).

“As often as you can, you should be getting a massage,” says Mendez. “Competitive athletes do it one to two times a week. The average person should aim for once a month or every other month.” Moy believes it's better to start with more frequent treatments for the first few weeks.

Partially, because massages are being provided alongside services like facials and pedicures, where tipping is customary, she explained. “Also, some spas … pay their staff lower-than-average wages, knowing that tips will top up their income,” she said.

For Routine Maintenance: Once a Month

Incorporating a regular massage into your self-care routine can enhance your overall well-being. Whether you sit at a desk all day or are on your feet lifting heavy packages, getting a massage once a month will ease tension in your body and help you relax.

Many people tip around 15-20% of the massage cost.

For example, if your massage costs $100, you'd tip $15 to $20. This range is a good starting point and is commonly accepted across different settings: at-home or mobile therapists, franchise spas or clinics, or an individual massage therapist.

In general, the 20% rule applies to tipping your massage therapist. So, if you're wondering how much to tip for a $100 massage, you'd want to tip $20. If you're considering how much to tip for a 60-minute massage (that costs $100) – you'd still tip $20. However, generosity is generally very appreciated.

Be sure to come in fresh and clean before your appointment. You don't want any sweat, chlorine or grime rubbed into your skin. Plus, it's just the polite thing to do for your massage therapist. If you have time, a nice, warm shower can help relax your mind and your muscles before your treatment.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Even one session of massage therapy can influence symptoms of depression and anxiety, with regular sessions increasing the effect. Repeated massage also increases our perceived pain threshold which allows us to train harder, tolerate more and recover quicker.

For example, a Swedish massage is usually a full body massage, as is a sports massage.

In many cultures, it is customary to tip service providers, including massage therapists, as a way to show appreciation for their work. While tipping is not necessarily mandatory, it is generally considered polite and customary in the Canada, North America and several other countries.

Do you wear clothes during a massage? ›

It is most common for clients to completely undress for their massage, especially if it is a full body massage, where the therapist will be working across your whole body. However, it's completely up to you what you want to wear; undress to your level of comfort.

Any type of full-body massage therapy that involves moderate pressure, including self-massage, should help relieve arthritis pain and ease tension, she says. Before getting any type of massage, consult your doctor to make sure massage is safe for your arthritis and any other health conditions you may have.

Massage therapy is a great way to recuperate from injuries faster and can be vital for helping athletes reach peak physical fitness when playing sports. However, too much manipulation of sensitive areas and injured muscles is actually detrimental to the body's natural recovery process.

“The research is clear that these devices have not been proven to improve speed, power or endurance. They may, however, improve your range of motion (ROM) and perception of fatigue which may ultimately benefit you.”

A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry. This range is widely accepted as a standard gesture of appreciation for satisfactory to excellent service, and is a perfectly acceptable tip.

A 15% tip is given when they give really good service and are on top of things. A 20% or more is given when they do an exceptional job and go above and beyond. The same rule applies for your massage therapist.

The Standard Tip:

Lets get right down to brass tacks. The generally accepted tip for a massage therapist is 20% of the total massage cost. This aligns with the standard tipping guidelines for other service workers in the hospitality industry, and lets face it. The therapist is doing a lot of work.