Massages heal your body and soothe your mind through various approaches. Whether you suffer from chronic pain or just want to beat a whole day’s fatigue, a massage can fix anything.
Deep tissue massage is not only good for relaxation and muscle recovery, it also brings long-lasting relief from temporary pain or ongoing chronic pain.
However, as good as a massage can make your body feel, it can be heavy on the pocket. How much should massages cost you? What are the alternatives? Let’s dig deeper to find out.
How Much Does a Massage Cost?
Massage price lies anywhere between US$40 to US$80 per hour. The average cost of a massage is US$75 an hour. However, the total cost will also depend on the place, travel costs, type of massage, duration, and any add-on services.
A percussion massage usually costs higher, from US$90 to US$110 per session. If you opt for an expensive spa or a professional who has years of experience, it can cost you $150 per hour or more.
Cost Per Massage Type
Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular massages and their cost per hour.
|
MASSAGE TYPE |
AVERAGE COST PER HOUR |
|
Full Body Massage |
$50-$90 |
|
Couples Massages |
$120-$220 |
|
Deep Tissue Massage |
$80-$120 |
|
Swedish Massage |
$50-$90 |
|
Head Massage |
$50-$80 |
|
Foot Massage |
$40-$50 |
|
Back Massage |
$40-$50 |
|
Sports Massage |
$55-$130 |
|
Prenatal Massage |
$70-$120 |
Source: https://thervo.com/costs/massage-prices
-
Full Body Massage
One of the most common massages, a full-body massage is intended to work out your whole body to relieve stress and sore muscles.
The massage usually starts from the back and shoulders towards the feet, legs, upper and lower back, hands, arms, and ends at the head. You can easily find massage salons that offer full body massage everywhere.
You can usually get a full-body massage by hand. However, you can also use modern massage tools such as ExoGun if you want to do it on your own.
Price: A full-body massage costs between $50 to $90 an hour.
Couple’s Massage
A couple’s massage is when you and your partner, friend, or a close one get massaged in the same room. Your massage tables are placed side by side while you both get separate massage therapists.
The couple can choose the same or different types of massages. The Swedish massage is a popular choice amongst couples.
For a couples massage, the spa usually offers access to the sauna and other services to have a relaxing time with your close one.
Price: A couple’s massage costs anywhere between $120 to $220 for one hour.
Deep Tissue Massage
A deep-tissue massage can work great if you want to get rid of tension from the deepest layers of your muscles. It can help relieve temporary or chronic pains, muscle knots, stress, and anxiety.
The massage can be done by an expert or by using a percussion massager with slow, repetitive strokes that penetrate deep into the muscles.
It applies more pressure than a Swedish massage, thus more impactful.
Price: A deep-tissue massage can cost you $90 to $110 per hour.
Swedish Massage
A Swedish massage is ideal for people who are new to massages or sensitive to touch. The massage drastically improves flexibility while helping with muscle knots and minor pains.
The masseuse incorporates several techniques, including circular motions, long strokes, and joint movements for relaxation. The massage can include the use of an oil or cream.
The longer the massage lasts, the better its impact. Hence, longer duration means more relaxation.
Price: Swedish massages cost anywhere between $50 to $90 per hour.
Head Massage
A head massage relaxes your mind and body by enhancing blood circulation. It relaxes tightness in the head, neck, and temple areas.
A gentle head massage using warm oil can feel amazing and reduce stress, headaches, and migraines. It also strengthens the hair follicles so your hair can grow healthier.
Price: Head massages cost from $50 to $80 for an hour.
Foot Massage
A foot massage is all about the feet. In Chinese tradition, the massage is believed to identify and cure illnesses. It is ideal for relaxation of the whole body, especially sore soles and heels.
Price: The average rates for a foot massage fall between $40 to $50 per hour.
Back Massage
Quite simply, a back massage does wonders for your back. A back massage is any massage performed on the back of your torso. It starts from below the neck till above your hips.
Your back goes through a lot more than you presume. A back massage can relieve stress, pain, and tension from your body while making up for a bad sitting posture.
Price: A back massage usually costs between $40 to $50 an hour.
Sports Massage
Sports massages cure injuries caused by playing a sport and reduce the impact of future injuries. The massage stimulates the muscles to release muscle tension and chronic pains to improve flexibility and performance.
A sports massage effectively flushes out toxins from the body to improve overall health. The masseuse may give a full-body massage or focus on specific parts of the body that need healing.
Price: A sports massage ranges from $55 to $130 per hour.
Prenatal Massage
A prenatal massage is sensitive in nature, so it is carried out by trained and certified massage therapists. Prenatal massage effectively eases tension, improves blood circulation, and reduces overall soreness from the body.
The massage can be done any time during pregnancy as it is mild and mainly focuses on lower back, hips, and legs.
Price: A prenatal massage lies between $70 to $120 for an hour.
What Are The Cost Factors For Massages?
Here are the cost factors that will affect your total massage bill.
-
Massage Types
As seen previously, all massages don’t require the same techniques and skills, in consequence, they don’t all cost the same.
A deep-tissue massager, that requires a lot of techniques, is one of the most expensive one. Some smart massage tools, like Exogun percussion massager, are available on the market to allow you to massage yourself safely from home.
-
Specialized Massage
Specialized massages for medical conditions require special therapy training, thus affecting the cost. If you are an older adult or if you need a prenatal massage, the massager will have to put extra effort and care into the session.
Massages for muscle rehabilitation also cost extra due to their sensitive nature.
-
Duration
A typical massage usually lasts for an hour or 90 minutes. A more extended session will cost you more as they mean more work for the therapist.
As a deep tissue massage aims to heal muscle scarring and relieve tension, longer sessions give the masseuse more time to reach deeper into the muscles.
The rates increase gradually on a 15 or 30-minute basis.
-
Location
The location of the massage parlor can be a significant cost factor. A spa or massage studio will charge you more for a regular massage than a massage therapist at his space or your place. Your geographical location will also determine the massage prices in your area.
A spa charges more as it requires extra money to run the business. A massage at your own place can significantly cut-down your travel costs and save you time.
-
Travel Costs
Perhaps unsurprisingly, travel costs add to your total bill and are calculated by overall factors throughout your way to the massage place. When the masseuse gives massage services in the comfort of your home, they might charge extra hourly charges or higher rates.
-
Packages
If you frequently require massage services for overall health improvement, you can opt for a massage package. When you need a series of percussion massage sessions, you can inquire about a package that will save you some money.
You might find a package with reduced hourly rates or free add-ons that will be good for you both physically and mentally.
If you want repeated massages, it is better to go to the same therapist if you are satisfied with them in the first sessions. The therapist is likely to understand your needs better after each passing session, thus serving you better.
-
Additional Services
Many spas offer add-ons such as aromatherapy and sugar scrubs. If you want to treat yourself with an additional service, they will add to your total bill.
Here are some add-ons you might want to consider:
Neuromuscular Therapy Massage: $65 for 30 minutes
The specialized massage triggers pressure points to help with chronic pains and movement dysfunctions caused by bad posture or trauma. The massage can reduce low back pain, headaches, and joint pains.
Cupping Therapy: $25
The treatment is a form of alternative therapy that increases blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and promotes cell repair.
Chemical Peel: $100+
It is a well-known treatment that improves skin appearance for smoother, wrinkle-free skin. The different peels target specific skin issues such as youthful-skin peel and anti-acne peel.
Affordable Percussion Massage Alternatives
You can think of percussion massage therapy as a preventive medicine that promotes your overall health. However, even a standard massage can cost you a good amount if an experienced masseuse or therapist does it.
Sadly, a percussion massage can put a dent in your wallet that might take away your peace of mind. You certainly wouldn’t want to keep thinking about the price to be paid while relaxing.
If you want to start healing but can’t afford to visit a spa every few days, we have a more affordable percussion massage alternative for you.
An affordable percussion massager can be revolutionary in your fitness journey. Using your own tool at home means you only have to pay the initial cost of purchasing the device.
Massage guns are usually easy to maintain with washable attachments and a rechargeable battery. They are compact and lightweight, so you can easily carry them with you in your backpack, gym bag, or briefcase.
A percussion massage gun can help your muscles recover faster after a workout or a tiring day. The machine delivers slow, repetitive strokes that penetrate deeper into the tissues for pain relief and increased muscle functions.
An effective percussion massager such as ExoGun has adjustable frequencies that can be adjusted according to your pressure needs. It is an all-in-one massager that can give more powerful massages than a hand massage.
The massage heads interchangeable attachments with the gun can work on the most sensitive areas and the toughest of muscles to relieve tension and pain. For instance, you can use ExoGun on full power for a high-intensity massage, or slow it down for lesser impact.
Do Percussion Massagers Actually Work?
A 2014 study shows percussion therapy to be effective against muscle soreness. There’s also plenty of anecdotal evidence that supports percussion massage guns.
Although personal massage guns seem to be a more affordable alternative to spa massages, are they equally effective?
Frankly, if you know how to hit the right spots, you can get the same benefits from a massage gun. Tapotement is a Swedish massage technique, similar to percussion massage, which has proved beneficial for athletes.
Moreover, the creator of the massage gun, Theragun, is a chiropractor who created the device for self-recovery from an injury. He has testified in favor of percussive therapy that changed his life.
Nonetheless, a self-massage experience will significantly differ from the one done by another person. After all, going to a spa is entirely different from a massage experience at home.
However, for everyday people who are looking for a quick massage in an office break or before a workout, a massage gun can come in handy.
You can smoothly perform a self-massage on yourself at the ease of your free time and private space.
Are Percussion Massagers Worth the Cost?
Now that you know a massage gun can be an affordable percussion massage alternative, you might be wondering if it is wise to invest in a massage gun.
Even if you get a cheaper personal massager, you will have to do the massage yourself (if there’s no one around to help).
Let us help you weigh the pros of a massager gun against its cons.
Pros
Here are some major pros of using percussion massage guns.
-
Convenient
First of all, massage guns can be pretty handy when it comes to convenience. If you want a massage, just power on your massager and get massaging.
You can also take your device with you wherever you go. It can be used at home before sleeping, or at the gym before a workout. You can even use it in your office or sport breaks without any trouble.
Nowadays, cordless massage guns save you the trouble of handling wires. You just have to charge the battery, and the device will work for hours.
-
Lightweight
Basically, massager guns offer a full massage in a small device. They are super easy to manage as they are wireless and lightweight.
An excellent example of a lightweight massager is ExoGun that weighs as little as 2.5lbs. You can carry it with you without noticing extra weight.
-
Efficient
Massage guns have various speed settings and attachment options that make them efficient.
Percussion massage guns are more efficient than ordinary massagers as they apply more pressure to your body than hand massages, providing a deeper impact. They are also more convenient to use due to their shape and size. The interchangeable attachments and adjustable speed settings can smoothly cater to different massaging needs.
-
Affordable
Quite simply, some of the best affordable massage guns will cost you more or less equal to a single massage session. The price of a percussion massager can vary from $150 to $600 for a premium one. We recommend using a brand like Exogun, which offers affordable percussion massagers that are durable, easy to use and cheap! It is a one-time investment for people who want massages to be a quicker or more personal experience.
A handy device will also save you the travel cost and trouble of going to a spa or inviting a therapist at your place.
-
Easily Operated
For the most part, a massager gun has a straightforward operation. You just have to choose the right attachment for the area you want to treat and turn on the massager to start massaging.
You can gradually try out different speed settings for a more customized experience. For example, ExoGun uses ShockSmart Sensitivity to ensure accurate pressure on each muscle. The Brushless 24V torque motor makes the device ultra-quiet, adding to the ease of use.
Cons
Here are some major cons of using massager guns.
-
Wrong Usage
Since at-home percussion therapy is not supervised by a professional, you might be doing it wrong. If you aren’t trained to carry out a specific type of massage, you might end up misusing the tool. Or, you might be targeting the wrong muscle, which might not have any effect on your recovery.
If a massage gun is used the wrong way over sensitive areas, it might have adverse effects causing further issues. Hence, it is crucial to do your research and read the safety instruction that comes with the device for safe usage.
If you are experiencing increased pain in a specific area after using a massage gun, we advise you to see a licensed physician or massage therapist.
-
Caution with Chronic Conditions and Injuries
If you suffer from any chronic pains or injuries, you will have to be extra cautious while using a massage gun. Percussion massage guns should not be used on damaged body parts as they can make the injury worse.
You will also have to be careful if you suffer from a chronic condition such as hypertension, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle disorders, etc.
If you want to try out percussion massage in a unique condition, consult a health specialist for detailed instructions.
-
Bulky Design
Although the latest massage guns are lightweight and portable, there can be a few exceptions. Some massage guns are bulky or heavy due to a heavy battery. If you go for an extremely cheap device, it might not be easy to carry and control.
-
Battery-Powered
The new massage guns are usually wireless, but they have a battery that needs to be charged. A massager gun will not work without a power source, so you will have to consider the battery life of the massager before choosing one.
Conclusion
To sum up, massages make you feel good and improve your overall health as well. In today’s time, affordable percussion massages should be reachable and affordable with increasing health problems and everyday fatigue.
However, many factors will add to your bill when you go out to get a massage. But, why pay for a one-time massage when you can buy a massager at the same price?
A percussion massager gun such as ExoGun can turn out to be pretty useful in your day to day life, especially if you don’t have access to a nearby spa or a massage therapist. It can be an affordable solution to all your massaging needs.