What to Expect When You Get a Massage

Getting a massage should be a completely calming experience for you, with no disturbances or surprises to either your body or your mind.

Massages typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, with 60 minutes as a rough average. The massage may cover the full body or focus only on specific areas of concern, such as the lower back, neck, shoulders, or legs.

Though the U.S. national average is $60 for an hour of massage, prices differ greatly from place to place. In metropolitan areas, the price may be $100 an hour or more. House calls are more expensive, especially if the massage therapist is bringing his or her own table.

No matter where you choose to get a massage, the therapist will ask you about your health history, any medications you are taking, your general physical activities, and areas of pain or discomfort. This is so the therapist can rule out any conditions that may make massage unsafe and determine how to tailor the massage to your needs.

The therapist will then tell you how much, if any, of your clothing you should take off and how to position yourself on the table or floor. If you are expected to undress, the therapist will leave the room to give you privacy and return only after you are on the table and draped under a towel or sheet. If you feel uncomfortable undressing entirely, you are not obligated to do so.

Most people choose not to talk very much during the massage; it helps the therapist concentrate and helps you focus on what is happening to your body. The therapist may occa­sionally ask you to participate in the massage by taking a deep breath or moving a limb while he or she performs a certain technique. Otherwise you should remain as passive as possible and let the therapist do all the work.

At a spa or health club, the therapist earns only a portion of the price of the massage, so it is customary to tip 15–20%. You can usually leave the tip at the reception desk when you check out rather than with the therapist directly. Massage therapists in private practice have their own set rates and do not expect to be tipped.

You should never feel intimidated during a massage—don’t hesitate to speak up and tell the therapist if anything feels uncomfortable or painful to you. Every person’s body is different, so certain massage techniques may or may not work for different people. Feedback helps the massage therapist alter the session for you.