Massage Therapist Practices: Free Massages & Finding Therapists

Question
Do massage therapists often get massages for free from others in their profession or do they pay like everyone else? What is typical? Also is there a good database for finding massage therapists? I personally would prefer someone working outside of a spa because I don't want to pay that price.

Answer
Hi James,

Good questions!  Some massage therapists will trade with another.  This may happen on a regular basis with the same two practitioners or maybe with anyone who is willing to trade.

Sometimes, if one is hurting, another may offer to work without any fee or trade, just because we are mostly pretty nice.

Some therapists will only pay for massages because they don't want to do the extra work--they want to be the client with all of those benefits.  

In my opinion, based on what I've seen, most massage practitioners do NOT get massage as often as they should.  And, if one doesn't receive massage, how can one tell their clients that they should come back, hopefully frequently?  And if one doesn't receive massage, we really kind of forget what it feels like and what is most needed.

Trading is a taxable event so even though no money changes hands, the IRS still treats it as income for both parties.

The American Massage Therapy Association has a data base of therapists.  I am sure the ABMP does, too.  http://www.ncbtmb.org/tools/find-a-certified-massage-therapist is the link to find one who is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage.  Just put in your zip code and select Therapeutic Massage in the drop down box.  You can also search online by putting your location and massage therapist in the search box.  It's okay to call and ask questions to be sure you are getting the type of treatment that you would like.

Lots of practitioners work out of their home office or a chiropractor's office or private clinic and they tend to charge much less than a spa.  But some beauty shops call themselves a 'day spa' and the massages don't usually cost any more there.

I hope this helps you get some great massages, James.

Thank you for asking.

Kathryn