Massage Is Expensive: Here’s One Good Reason Why Supporting a Private Practice Is A Better Value
Massage is expensive. Period.
I have heard countless clients tell me that they wished massage was covered by their insurance, because, well, massage is more than a service — it’s direct care. I actually agree on this, as I believe that massage is very much of therapeutic value in caring for our health.
Massage is beneficial to use in conjunction to regular care (like a routine doctor or dentist visit). This is why it is common for chiropractic offices to include massage as part of their service.
And by direct care, I mean that massage works on what hurts, or the source of the problem (concerning muscles), and it’s not always possible for a regular medical doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist to provide the kind of direct care that massage therapy offers.
However, there are some health insurance providers that do cover or reimburse massage services, but many massage locations or practitioners do not accept them because of processing reasons.
All in all, for most regular clients, massage is a “leisure expense,” and pay out of pocket. The cost of massage services can vary depending on location, technique used, or level of experience/expertise/specialties of the therapist, and on average, services cost about $50 to $150 per hour (massagebook.com). Hence, the benefits of signing up for a membership, purchasing packages, or sale opportunities in gift cards.
As a therapist who has experience in franchise environments, taking advantage of any sale or money-saving opportunity is a good idea ONLY if you are a regular client and able to continue booking regularly.
Yet, here’s the thing about booking with a private practice vs. franchise, spa, etc.:
Services at a private practice may be more costly, but you are not only investing in your health; you are also investing in someone else’s dream, or passion.
Not all franchises are owned by someone who is passionate or has a background in massage therapy (just like many other kinds of franchises), whereas, someone who has decided to branch out and open a private practice (and/or ultimately hire on employees) truly care about the work they do and the people in their community.
Additionally, most licensed massage therapists are underpaid and overworked for their labor in the massage industry.
Hence, the burn-out and work-related injury rate being high at 3 to 5 years after graduating (mentalfloss.com) and high turn-overs. Pay percentages can vary — typically less than 40-50% in franchises, spas, and equal to or more in chiropractic offices or wellness centers (usually as independent contractors, sometimes hourly employee). Long-term, a private practice pays the therapist their time and value.
Higher pay also means having to do less physical work, which increases time for rest and care between clients, and decreases potential work-related injuries, so that they are able to continue their career at a healthy pace.
The key word here is: longevity! And because of the facts listed above, the massage industry is failing their therapists!
Massage therapy is a physically demanding field, not to mention, it does eventually take a toll on the therapist’s health without proper rest, nutrition, turn-around time, trade (receiving bodywork themselves), body mechanics, tools/training, work conditions/scheduling, etc.
Remember that a massage therapist (especially a skilled and gifted one!) not only uses their physical energy and time to care for you; there is also a level of compassion, knowledge, and pride in their work — and that is also demanding.
Most therapists are on the spectrum of being empathic; let’s also have empathy for our hardworking therapists who are investing in YOU and YOUR HEALTH!
