January 5, 2020 | Categories: Fitness, Personal Finance
The national average cost for a sports massage is $105-165 per 90-minute session. The exact cost of this specific type of physical therapy will mostly depend on the length of your session. Location (in-home versus a spa, for example) and number of therapists can also impact the price.
If you play a sport, you likely have tight, aching muscles begging for a massage. Although stretching and rolling out problem areas will help, hiring a professional massage therapist skilled in sports massage therapy can take your sports recovery to the next level.
Before you book a sports massage, learn how much one costs and what factors into massage prices.
The length of your session will have the biggest impact on massage prices. However, location (in-home versus at the masseuse’s location) and the number of massage therapists you need can also raise or lower the price.
Location of the massage
Depending on your massage therapist, you will either go to their location (for example, a spa) or have them come to you at your house or office. An in-home or office session typically costs more.
For example, one Thumbtack pro offers a one-hour sport massage for $65 and hosts clients at her location in Long Island, NY.
Alivia Martinez travels all over the Bay Area of California and charges $140 for a one-hour massage in her clients’ location of choice.
Number of massage therapists
You’ll pay more for two therapists, so think about what experience you want and how much you can afford. Both massage therapists can target problem areas simultaneously using varying massage techniques. Sometimes one will concentrate on tight muscles in the neck and upper back while the other gives you a foot massage.
Session length
Sports massages are usually a 60- or 90-minute session. Just like any other massage, the longer your session, the higher the price.
If you booked a 90-minute sports massage in your home with two therapists through Drewpeutic Massage Therapy in the New Orleans area, it would cost $210.
Packages
If you’re committed to an ongoing relationship with your massage therapist, signing up for a package can save you money. This is especially helpful if you’re training for a marathon or competition. A regular sport therapy massage can help you recover during training, and prep your body to perform pre-event.
Therapist Steven Pagel in Philadelphia, PA has special offers if you book a massage package in advance. For example, you’d save 10% on five sessions, 20% on 10 sessions and 30% off on 20 sessions.
Some massage therapists include gratuity in their rates. If not, it’s common practice to tip about 20% as a standard hospitality rate, depending on how satisfied you are with the massage. Many therapists appreciate getting that tip in cash as well so remember to stop by the ATM before your appointment.
A sports massage, or sports therapy massage, combines Swedish, Shiatsu and other massage techniques to treat or prevent sports injuries, relax muscles, and stimulate blood circulation. Unlike a deep tissue massage, this technique focuses on working your muscles. A sports massage is also better than a deep tissue massage for working on injuries or pain that have built up over time.
Licensed sports massage therapists often have better understanding of the body’s anatomy than those who are just specialized in deep tissue massage. Your session will usually begin by discussing any pain or injuries you might have.
Once the session gets started, your sports massage therapist will use use several forms of touch as part of myofascial release therapy to restore elasticity and movement to stiff muscles and flush toxins from your body. They might also use targeted pressure to reduce overall pain and prevent future injuries. Rather than work deep tissues, the therapist will focus on manipulating soft tissue — aka your muscles.
Depending on your sport and body’s needs, this could be a full-body massage or a chair massage that focuses predominantly on your upper body.
If you’re used to a relaxing hot stone, Swedish, or aromatherapy massage with essential oils, you may be surprised that the massage techniques for a sports massage can be more uncomfortable than soothing. Prepare to feel a little sore the next day (but you’re already used to that, aren’t you?)
Read the full article on Thumbtack.
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