Rubmd - Find Local Massage Therapist When You Travel (2024)

FAQs

Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist? ›

In many cultures, it is customary to tip service providers, including massage therapists, as a way to show appreciation for their work. While tipping is not necessarily mandatory, it is generally considered polite and customary in the Canada, North America and several other countries.

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.

A therapist can tell whether you stretch or exercise and what type of activities you participate in based on the length of your muscles or tensions you may have in certain areas. Whether you drink enough water. Dry skin and underlying tissue are indicators of lack of hydration.

“I take note of things like freedom of movement, symmetry, breathing patterns and body language,” said massage therapist Cindy Williams. “I also notice things like how fast or loud someone is speaking, how they're gesturing, and whether they seem fatigued or depressed.”

Remember, it's your choice, so let your therapist know what you are comfortable with. Many customers opt to remove just the top layer as a nice balance between allowing skin access while maintaining a degree of modesty. If being partially dressed feels comfortable to you, then this is the best option.

The therapist is doing a lot of work. For example, if your massage cost $100, a $20 tip would be considered standard. Factors to Consider: While 20% is a good starting point, several factors can influence your final tip amount.

Yes, you should tip at least 20% based on the regular cost of the service, even if you're using a coupon or gift certificate, says Sokolosky. So if a massage normally costs $100, tip $20 even if you have a coupon that discounts the massage to $90 or a gift card that covers the full cost.

The standard hospitality rate for massage tipping is 20 percent. For example, if a massage or body treatment costs $100, a 20 percent tip would be $20.

Often regarded as the most popular type of massage, Swedish massage involves long, flowing strokes combined with kneading and tapping. It's excellent for overall relaxation and is particularly pleasurable due to its gentle nature.

How can you tell if your massage therapist likes you? ›

However, there are a few signs that may indicate a genuine interest in getting to know you beyond the massage table. Firstly, pay attention to their body language and non-verbal cues. A therapist who is interested in you as a person may make more eye contact, smile warmly, and engage in small talk during the session.

Yes, massage therapists can really feel knots in the body. Through their training and experience, they have developed a keen sense of touch that allows them to detect areas of tension and tightness in the muscles.

Massage therapy is performed with the intent to heal and improve physical function. Therapists like Sara are trained to approach all treatments, including those involving the inner thighs, with a therapeutic goal in mind, ensuring that the client's well-being is always the priority.

“I take note of things like freedom of movement, symmetry, breathing patterns, and body language,” said massage therapist Cindy Williams. “I also notice things like how fast or loud someone is speaking, how they're gesturing, and whether they seem fatigued or depressed.”

When I tell people what I do for a living, they often ask me if I prefer my clients to be talking during a massage, or be silent. I will clear this up straight away – if you are getting a massage, that is your time, and if you want to chat or be silent the choice is yours.

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.

While it's customary to tip 15% to 20%, the amount may vary based on factors such as quality of service and budget constraints. It's important to note that not all massage therapists expect tips, and some spas have a no-tipping policy in place.

Partially, because massages are being provided alongside services like facials and pedicures, where tipping is customary, she explained. “Also, some spas … pay their staff lower-than-average wages, knowing that tips will top up their income,” she said.

It is imperative that you bathe prior to a massage and exfoliate your skin before the massage, especially between your toes and your back. For your therapist's protection against cuts and bacterial infections, he/she will avoid your feet if you have not cut and filed any sharp edges off of your toenails.