The national average cost of a massage is $75 per session, but we can do way better than that. If you know where to look, there are plenty of discounted services to be found, even free massage services just as good as full-price spas.
7 Ways to Get a Cheap or Free Massage
I used to be the spa critic for Time Out Chicago, and having experienced massages daily for that role, I can confirm that the amount you spend doesn’t necessarily predict the quality. My go-to remains a local $30-per-hour Asian massage spot, which I’d pick over an upscale hotel spa any day.
Here are some tactics to help you score cheap or complimentary massages.
1. Go to a Massage School
Massage schools exist in most cities, and their students need clients to practice on. Much like getting a haircut at a cosmetology school, a certified instructor supervises the student massage therapist performing your session. While students are still mastering techniques — and they may not concentrate on one particular area you request — I’ve personally never left disappointed after a massage school appointment.
These are usually full-body sessions, and schools try to recreate spa-like conditions as much as possible. You’ll lie on a massage table with fresh linens and typically have your own room, though some schools place several clients in a single room (ask ahead). Unlike commercial spas, you might not be able to specify the therapist’s gender. Prices often run about $20 per hour, with additional reductions for seniors and military members.
Low-cost massages are just the beginning! We’ve documented nearly 200 military discounts that service members (and their families) can use.
2. Try a Subscription Service
Many massage clinics provide a price break if you commit to recurring sessions. For instance, Massage Envy — with over 1,100 franchise locations across the U.S. — charges $85 per hour for non-members. Becoming a member trims $10 off that rate, so if you plan on multiple monthly massages, membership can be worthwhile. Keep in mind that rates vary by location, and some outlets offer introductory discounts for new clients.
Elements Massage, which has more than 250 U.S. locations, offers a month-to-month plan for $79 a month that includes a 60-minute massage. For non-members, the same service is $109. Again, local pricing differences may apply.
3. Refer Others
Many massage centers run referral programs, according to Bryan Fulton, digital marketing manager for Balance Massage & Wellness in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
“Usually, for each new customer you bring them, you receive a percentage off,” he said. “Or they do, ‘five new customers and you get a free massage,’ or something similar to that model.”
Next time you visit for a massage, ask a therapist if they have a referral scheme. You can often find program details on the spa’s website as well.
4. Use Your Insurance
Numerous health insurance plans cover medically necessary massages. These sessions are typically targeted to a medical condition and often involve deep-tissue techniques, but otherwise resemble a standard spa massage.
There are caveats. Some comprehensive plans let you walk into a chiropractor’s office and request a medical massage, leaving you responsible for the co-pay. Other plans demand a doctor’s prescription that deems massage therapy medically necessary.
Per the American Massage Therapy Association, most patients who spoke with their doctors about massage therapy received favorable responses: 20% said their doctors agreed massage might help; 22% said their doctors encouraged or strongly recommended massage therapy; and 23% said their doctors provided a referral to a massage therapist.
Although getting your doctor involved can be a hassle, a physician’s referral may let your insurance pay for part of the massage. Before scheduling a medical massage, check with your insurer about deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, annual maximums and per-visit reimbursement caps.
Confirm whether you’re required to see specific providers. You may need to book with massage therapists who practice within physician offices, chiropractic practices, physical therapy centers or acupuncture clinics, according to Tsao-Lin Moy, a licensed massage therapist and Chinese medicine practitioner. If your insurer doesn’t cover the massage, you might be able to use your health savings account to pay for it.
5. Book During National Spa Week
Spas nationwide often discount treatments during Spa Week, typically held in spring and fall. You can score reduced-price massage gift cards, book signature services for about $50 and attend special events. Spa Week’s rewards program can also help you rack up loyalty points for further discounts. Visit the Spa Week website to find participating locations near you.
6. Snag a Deal
Groupon and LivingSocial are full of massage and facial bargains. These deals are intended to introduce you to spas, but you’re not obligated to keep buying. A quick scan of Groupon Chicago turned up 60-minute massages for as little as $35.
7. Learn to Give Massages With a Partner
Some spas host couples massage workshops you can attend with a partner. While the upfront cost can be steep (often around $150 — and don’t forget to check Groupon for lower prices), you and your partner will learn basic techniques to exchange massages at home for free.
Be realistic: training to be a licensed massage therapist requires significant time, and professional-quality massages take practice. Still, partner massages can stretch out the time between professional appointments and offer meaningful value.
Alexandra Reed is a contributor to Savinly. Freelancers Tim Moore and William Fewox contributed to this report.
