When you are busy with work and home and feel stretched thin, scheduling a professional massage is one of the most restoring and relaxing things you can do for yourself.
Whether it is a calming Swedish massage, a delicious-smelling aromatherapy massage, or a deep-tissue massage to work out your tight spots, massage reduces tension and relieves pain.
But no matter how much we love professional massage, they are not cheap. For many of us, it is something to scrimp and save for.
One of the ways to help get that massage appointment on the calendar is to know the cost of the massage. Then you can take the steps to budget for it and schedule that session.
The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley that has supported members in their journey to good health for almost twenty years. We offer several fitness facilities, a cafe, and a spa.
We often are asked about the price of a massage, so we decided to answer that question here.
In this article, we will tell you what the benefits of massage are, what a massage costs in the Santa Clarita Valley, and some factors that affect the cost.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a form of bodywork that involves the manipulation of a person’s soft tissue by using the therapist’s hands, elbows, feet, or specialized tools.
The massage generally focuses on the client’s back, shoulders, neck, arms, hips, and legs.
There are many forms of massage, some even from international locations.
- Lomi Lomi massage from Hawaii
- Swedish massage from Sweden
- Thai massage from Thailand
- Ayurvedic massage from India
- Trigger Point Therapy from the United States
What are the benefits of massage therapy?
The purpose of massage is to relax the body’s muscles, reduce inflammation and discomfort, and enhance circulation and mobility.
But massage not only feels great, but it has health benefits too.
• Improves mood
• Reduces stress
• Reduces anxiety
• Increases immune function
• Increases energy and alertness
• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
How long does a massage take?
The length of a therapeutic massage can vary depending on where you go for treatment and who the practitioner is.
Some licensed massage therapists offer brief sessions for 30 minutes — often to massage a targeted area such as the neck or feet.
But what is more common are 60, 90, or 120-minute massages that encompass the client’s entire body.
Are there costs for materials?
When you make an appointment for a massage, you will pay one fee for the massage. There are no additional costs for materials because the cost of any materials the therapist needs are included in your payment.
Massage therapists incur costs such as rent for their work area, linens, massage oil or lotions, work clothes, and childcare if they have children.
There are, however, costs for what are commonly referred to as “add-ons.” Add-ons are additional components used in the massage that makes the massage special or unique in some way. Examples of add-ons are aromatherapy oils, CBD oil, or salt stones.
What are the costs of a massage in the Santa Clarita Valley?
When you go to a massage therapist for a massage, you are primarily paying for their service, skill, and expertise.
The majority of therapists charge a similar amount. But there are a few outliers that are much more affordable and others that charge significantly more.
- 30-minute massage $55 ($140 at the highest)
- 50-minute massage $135-$165
- 60-minute massage $110-119 ($60 at the lowest and $180 at the highest)
- 80-minute massage $198-$225
- 90-minute massage $140-$169 ($90 at the lowest)
- 120-minute massage $180-$219 ($120 at the lowest)
What factors affect the price of a massage in the Santa Clarita Valley?
Several factors affect what the total cost of a massage will be. Here are a few for you to be aware of:
Add-ons
Add-ons are bonus products or styles of massage that are above and beyond a typical massage. Many massage therapists offer a base price for a massage with the option for enhancements such as:
- CBD oil
- Reflexology
- Body scrubs
- Aromatherapy oils
- Hot stone massage
- Deep tissue massage
Quality of products
Bodycare is a multi-billion dollar industry. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of products made for massage therapists, including scrubs, oils, lotions, creams, salts, and more.
Some of these are products made with the most mediocre ingredients, such as mineral oils and cheap perfumes, while others use organic ingredients and specially sourced materials from international lands.
If your massage therapist uses higher-end products or products made from all-natural quality ingredients, they incur more costs that get passed onto their clients.
Location and environment
Where your massage takes place does affect the price. There are some massage therapists who offer in-home or mobile massage services. Depending on your location, this service is an additional $40 or more above the price of the massage.
Also, if your practitioner has their massage office in an exclusive part of town or building, their rent is higher, and their fees will reflect that. It also provides an elegant and upscale ambiance.
Late or cancellation fees
If you miss your appointment for your massage, it is likely there will be a fee.
Missed appointment fees are typical for doctors, dentists, counselors, and massage therapists.
Because the practitioner allocated time in their schedule to see you and did not accept other clients, they do need to get compensated.
The cost can be anywhere from $50 up to the price of your massage.
Self-employed or employed at a spa
Where your massage therapist works can affect their price, but not always.
If a massage therapist works for themselves, their income goes directly to them and not to the spa owner. Your massage may be more inexpensive.
Spas typically have more overhead and more staff to afford. Higher operating costs can raise their rates, making it a more costly choice.
But this is not always true, so check your location for pricing.
Type of massage
The type of massage you select can affect the cost. As mentioned with add-ons, some therapists do charge more for specialty massages.
You may see elevated costs for:
- Hot stone massage
- Pregnancy massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Lymphatic drainage massage
- Heated Himalayan salt stone massage
Experience level
Although this is not always true, a more experienced massage therapist will provide a better massage.
Someone recently out of massage school will have less expertise and knowledge than a therapist who has practiced for many years.
Some of the most costly massages in Santa Clarita Valley are from practitioners who have twenty years of experience or at spas that offer massage from “elite” or “master” therapists.
Gratuity
Massage therapy is a service industry, much like waiting tables or cutting hair. Gratuity is appreciated, up to 20%, by practitioners. It is especially true for therapists who work in spas and may receive an hourly wage or a small percentage of the fee.
How can I find a discounted massage?
If you want a massage and have limited means, there are ways to find a more affordable option.
Massage schools
Massage schools with student massage therapists can be a great choice for booking an affordable massage. Students study, attend classes, and practice on other students. But eventually, they need to practice on clients in a supervised setting.
Seasonal specials
Look for seasonal specials with discounted rates, such as pumpkin foot rubs, New Year’s detox massage, spring flower essential oils treatments, and more.
Membership
You can acquire a spa membership that offers discounted rates for services.
Bulk purchase
There are discounts if you can buy your massages in bulk, such as five or ten at a time. When you buy in bulk, you help to support the practitioner and can schedule your treatments at any interval you choose.
7 Steps to prepare for your therapeutic massage
In order to get the most out of your massage, there are a few things to do in preparation.
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Schedule the massage for when you can rest and relax afterward. Avoid returning to work, exercising (leisurely walks are ok), or sitting for hours. This allows your body to receive the full benefits of the massage.
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Be hydrated (and stay hydrated). Drinking water aids circulation and flushes the toxins released from the bodywork.
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Eat lightly so you are sated but not overly full or bloated.
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Shower before the massage. That is good etiquette!
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Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early so that you can use the restroom, communicate with the therapist, and have time to begin to relax from your day.
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Be prepared to meet with your therapist to discuss any questions, concerns, relevant health history, and/or goals for your treatment.
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Try to take deep breaths and calm your mind from busy thoughts. This can help your body to relax so that you can optimize your experience.
Final thoughts on the cost of massage therapy in the Santa Clarita Valley
The Santa Clarita Valley is full of experienced, skillful licensed massage therapists. Whether you are looking for a massage in a private office, a spa, or in your home, there is a practitioner for you.
When you book a therapist, be sure to ask them what you need to know to be prepared for your appointment and the price of your session. You can also ask about the different styles of massage they offer to see if there is one that is a good fit for you.
The Paseo Club is a social and fitness club in the Santa Clarita Valley. We offer indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, tennis and pickleball courts, and a junior-Olympic pool.
When members aren’t busy training hard at their favorite activity, you can find them enjoying a meal at the cafe or getting a massage or facial with our massage therapists or esthetician.
To book an appointment for your treatment contact massage therapists Haruko Hayashi or Tarra Dunbar. Esthetician Angie George provides expert skin care including, microdermabrasion, glycolic peels, hydrafacials, and more.
To see the spa and the rest of the facilities, schedule a Paseo Club tour.
If you would like to learn about spa services, check out these three articles.
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