Massage Mysteries Solved: 15 Answers to Your Secret Spa Questions (2024)

FAQs

Where do you leave tip after massage? ›

In the event a spa or clinic provides envelopes for tipping, place the money in the envelope and write the therapist's full name on the envelope to avoid confusion. When there are no envelopes provided, you can either give the therapist cash or add the tip when you are paying for the service.

Practicing massage therapy inevitably will require you to use your body for hours. This can mean standing for long hours, working with your hands all day, or being bent over a massage table for too long. As such, it's easy to burnout physically from overworking your body.

The therapist is serving only you, and expects to make enough money to make a living doing massages. So the biggest cost of the service is the human time that the therapist invests into you, which is the reason spa services will seem expensive if you compare to discretionary spendings such as restaurants and cinema.

Start by scheduling monthly visits for basic skincare such as facials or chemical peels that help reduce wrinkles and improve the overall appearance. Many clients find regular trips beneficial in maintaining healthy skin over time, so they visit their favourite spas every two weeks or once per month if possible.

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).

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.

Stress creates tension in body and over time may cause “holding patterns” that are evident when performing a massage. It is easy to tell whether a guest is relaxed or not as soon as they lay down on the table.

Massage therapy sessions

How many appointments you have in a day depends on your availability and scheduling preferences, but most full-time therapists will see around five clients a day with massage appointments typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.

Many clients find it comforting to talk for the first few minutes of a massage, especially their first few sessions as we're getting to know each other and build the trust that is really important to a great therapeutic relationship.

Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide.

What is the most demand massage? ›

Swedish Massage

Probably the most popular of the massages on our list, the Swedish massage relies on a variety of techniques—effleurage, percussion and kneading, among others—to relieve tension, improve blood circulation and give your mood a boost.

The short answer would be as often as you like really. The long answer depends on many factors to include the type of massage you are having, your pain and physical needs and indeed your stress and emotional needs. A massage every week or every two weeks would be ideal but not realistic for every person.

Shower after using the hot tub as well, to wash off any bacteria, algae, waste, etc. that may have been in the water. The longer you wait after using the spa to bathe, the longer any bacteria or viruses are able to sit on your skin.

Ideally, you should aim to time your hot tub sessions to last between 15 and 30 minutes. Depending on the factors at play (i.e., water temperature), you might be able to extend your soak to 45 minutes. Keep in mind that you can always re-enter your hot tub later on!

A full body massage will typically include the back, legs, arms, head, shoulders, and feet. Some providers may also offer a glute massage as part of your full-body treatment, but you'll be able to discuss this with your therapist beforehand if you'd rather opt out.

There are many names for a massage therapist that comes to your home or office like Mobile massage, In home massage, or traveling massage therapists.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage.

For a high-end salon, try something like a jumpsuit or a romper. Avoid wearing anything tight or form-fitting, since you'll likely be covered in lotion or oil after your appointment. Wear comfortable undergarments that you wouldn't mind getting oily.

It's not necessary to shave prior to getting a massage. Most times the massage therapist will not realize it or mind it at all if they did notice. A spa will not demand you to remove your body hair before your appointment. In reality, whether you decide to shave or keep your body hair is entirely up to you.

Some independent massage therapists charge all-inclusive rates for their services, but generally tipping 20 percent for spa services like massages, facials and more is advised. Most all-inclusive resorts, however, don't encourage tipping.

Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? ›

While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.

No massage therapist should ever make contact with your genital area or breasts. Indeed, sexual contact between massage therapists and clients is strictly prohibited under professional ethics and licensing rules as well as criminal law in most states.

A “good” massage is one that loosens tight or tangled muscles and offers relief to painful and stiff areas in the body.

Massage therapists use their hands to identify knots in the muscle tissue. By applying pressure with fingertips and thumbs, they can sense where there is a localised area of tension.

“Spas tend to be busiest weekends and evenings,” he says. “So, if you're looking for a Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work environment, a spa might not be the best fi t for you.” The work pace can sometimes be much faster than expected.

Upper Back, Neck, Shoulder for women: You will usually be asked to remove all top half clothing (except underwear) and lie face down on the couch (initially), your therapist will then leave the room to allow you to undress in private, and a large towel will be provided so you can cover yourself.

It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

Whether you want to talk a lot, a little or stay silent it's up to you! Don't forget it's your time. Whether you're getting a 15 minute chair massage or a two hour full body massage, how much conversation there is, is completely up to you.

DON'T Feel Pressured to Make Conversation

In some settings, silence is rude. Massage is not one of those settings. Most massage therapists will tell you that they perform their best work in silence. But if you prefer to chat while you're getting a massage, that's okay too.

Most therapists don't initiate conversation aside from asking follow-up questions, or checking in to see if the pressure is ok and that you're comfortable. If you do come across a chatty therapist when you would prefer silence, just say you don't want to talk during the session. They'll understand.

What is the top pay for a massage therapist? ›

$42,000 is the 25th percentile. Salaries below this are outliers. $76,200 is the 75th percentile.

Massage Therapists made a median salary of $46,910 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $60,510 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $34,770.

We spoke to two etiquette experts, who suggested leaving a 15% to 20% tip, if you're able. Twenty percent is generous for the massage therapist and easy on the brain, which may be feeling more relaxed than ever after a massage. The math is straightforward. To find 20%, start by finding 10%, then double that amount.

1. Kneading. Perhaps the most easily performed by amateurs, kneading involves either using your thumbs or your palms to apply pressure onto various parts of the body. The idea here is to pull the muscle away from the bone, a practice that helps reduce muscle spasms.

How much do you tip for a 90-minute (1.5 hour) massage? A 90-minute massage costs about $120 - $150. So, if you follow the general 20% gratuity rule, you'll tip about $24 - $30.

Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)

There are no standard guidelines for the number of massages you can get, but a massage therapist or your doctor may be able to recommend a frequency and duration that work best for your needs. Massages for injury are typically more frequent, while massages for pampering or relaxation purposes can occur less often.

DON'T shower or steam after a treatment. You'll undo the benefits of essential oils used in a massage or serums and lotions applied during a facial. DON'T shave before a facial since it will make skin too sensitive. Women shouldn't shave their legs before body exfoliations, either.

A good tip is also to avoid poking and prodding your skin or nails in the days leading up to a treatment, as it may interfere with the technician's services. If you've booked any exfoliation treatments, do not shave less than 24 hours or more before your appointment.

What not to do after a spa? ›

Avoid eating a heavy meal after your treatment. Try to keep the diet light while the body is using energy for healing. Avoid further toxins and stimulants such as smoking, alcohol, drugs and coffee. Avoid heat treatments & applying further products to the skin, as it may be sensitive.

Some people prefer to keep their underwear on during the treatment, which is totally fine. If you're wearing a bra, it would probably be beneficial to remove this so the therapist can work on your back properly. You will always be sufficiently covered with a blanket or large towel at all times for your comfort.

Most spas will provide you with a robe to wear while spending your day relaxing at the spa. Robes are great because they allow you to feel warm and comfortable at the same time! In addition, some treatments, such as hot soaks, sauna rooms, and so on, may require you to wear a bathing suit.

Take It All Off (Or Don't)

For massages and body treatments, ideally you disrobe completely (that means underwear, too). Most spas offer paper panties to wear during body treatments (like scrubs, wraps, or self-tanning)—they don't cover much, but enough to provide a modicum of modesty.

A full-body massage usually includes your arms, legs, hands and feet, your neck and back, your stomach and buttocks. The area around the breasts is usually massaged but not the breasts themselves.

A typical full-body massage will include work on your head, face, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, legs, feet, hips/glutes (over the sheet), and back.

You can tip your therapist extra in the treatment room if you believe you've received exceptional service. If you're tipping the therapist in addition to it already being included in the bill, it's expected that your therapist informs you. If you didn't know that was the policy, feel free to keep your tip.

“You should always tip something after a massage—it's rude not to,” says Beth Rose, a licensed massage therapist and business owner in Kennewick, Washington. “We are providing a service. Plus, massage is hard physical work! A good tip gives us an incentive to serve you better the next time.”

Stretching and rocking movements at the beginning and the end of massage is good too. Rocking loosens up tight muscles preparing them for massage and stretching at the end of the massage completes the relaxation of the client and feels really good to finish.

Masseuses appreciate a 20 percent tip and like it even more if given in cash. Your tip can be left on a credit card or check, but most often good ole' fashion cash is preferred. That's because if you tip on your credit card, most spas will pay that tip out with the therapist's weekly or biweekly paycheck.

What not to say during a massage? ›

WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE BATHROOM DURING YOUR MASSAGE? Going to the bathroom before the massage begins is ideal, but if you need to urinate during the massage, be sure to let the massage therapist know. Holding it for the duration of the massage isn't comfortable or conducive to relaxing.

"Always keep the lines of communication open during session, as work on your shoulders will feel significantly different than work on your glutes or feet," Travlos says. "Also one therapist's deep pressure may be another's medium or light, so always take the time to say what you need. Your body, your rules."

Is it okay to talk during a massage? Yes it is, as the client you can choose to converse with your therapist whenever you want. If you want to talk, feel chatty or just want to be heard it can be an important part of the letting go process.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your massage.

For a high-end salon, try something like a jumpsuit or a romper. Avoid wearing anything tight or form-fitting, since you'll likely be covered in lotion or oil after your appointment. Wear comfortable undergarments that you wouldn't mind getting oily.

It's ideal to schedule your massage when you're less busy, making your free moments the best time to get a massage. Some go for a massage in the morning, during their lunch break, after work, or on a day off.

Take a warm shower

First, the warm water will begin allowing your mind and body to relax making it more open to receiving massage. By cleaning your body prior to a massage, you can also mitigate some personal hygiene insecurities, if you have any, plus it is greatly appreciated by your massage therapist.

Thank You! Thank you. It was truly amazing. The best massage, I've ever had & I've a lot.

It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

Why do massage therapists expect a tip? ›

Not unlike other professions, massage therapists are often undervalued and underpaid. As a result, we rely on a uniquely American model of tipping to make up that gap and compensate people for their hard work.