How to Find a Cheap Massage

Massage school students charge less for treatment.

If you are like most people, you experience daily stress and need to unwind. The idea of paying $100 for a fancy massage can add unnecessary tension to that stress. Relax -- you can find a quality massage at a budget price, sometimes at half the average cost.

Things You'll Need

• Internet or Yellow Pages
• Telephone
• About $40
• Transportation
• An open mind

Instructions

1. Check out local massage schools. Most schools of massage therapy require their students to have a certain number of hands-on hours at a student clinic or through community service. School websites provide information about the availability of student massage services and related costs. If the site itself doesn't give this information, call the school.

2. Contact local chiropractors' offices. More and more chiropractors are hiring massage therapists to provide an assortment of massage techniques for patients. Chiropractors also generally charge much less than a spa for a 50- to 60-minute massage.

3. Watch for discount coupons. Coupon sites such as Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com offer daily coupons that may include reduced fees for massages at local offices and salons. Facebook can also lead to massage discounts, especially if you "like" or become a fan of a local salon that provides deal specials for its followers.

4. Search locally for a no-frills massage boutique. You may not find extras such as bathrobes and slippers, and the massage table may be behind a curtain or partition instead of in a private room. In exchange, though, you'll get affordability and convenience -- many such boutiques are in strip malls.

5. Keep an eye out for off-season specials or new-client incentives at spas and salons. Some also may offer memberships; for a set, often reduced price, you get a monthly massage plus other discounts on products and services. Ask about a relaxation massage versus a therapeutic massage, which may cost less. Also, half hour rather than full hour massages may be available. A shorter massage may be sufficient and save you dollars.

Tips & Warnings

• Deal only with certified massage therapists.

• Do not expect a bells-and-whistles massage that involves aromatherapy, cucumber eye masks and rain sticks. If you want such features, be willing to pay for them at full-service salons and spas.

• A cheap massage doesn't mean you should neglect to tip the therapist. Check the tipping policy with the receptionist or ask the therapist directly.

• Use common sense. Avoid "cheap massage" places that are open until midnight or where the therapists wear fake nails and high heels.

• Let any massage therapist know if you have any health conditions. This is important when getting a massage from a student so she can ask the supervisor for assistance, if necessary.

References

• Massage Therapy Benefits: How to Find Affordable Massage Services
• "Los Angeles Times"; Spa Treatments Go Minimal; Andrea Chang; March 2011