Massage therapy: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What massage therapy is

A massage therapist uses hands-on techniques to ease muscle tension, improve comfort and support relaxation. Sessions are usually booked for stress, tight muscles or general wellness, and they are adjusted to the pressure and areas you want.

Signs you need it

  • Your neck, shoulders or back feel tight after long hours at a desk or on your feet
  • You want a calm session to relax after a stressful period
  • You have muscle soreness that makes everyday movement uncomfortable
  • You want a regular session as part of your wellness routine
  • You want a therapist who can adjust the pressure and work around an injury you have

What the pro does

  • Asks about your health history, injuries, medications and what you want from the session
  • Explains the session plan, the pressure options and the areas to be worked on
  • Sets up the room, the table and the draping so you stay covered and comfortable
  • Uses oil or lotion and works through the muscles with the techniques you agreed on
  • Checks your comfort during the session and adjusts pressure as needed
  • Gives you a few minutes to rise slowly and offers simple aftercare tips

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The length of the session, such as a short session or a longer full-body session
  • The type of massage, such as Swedish, deep tissue or a targeted session
  • Whether a specific area or problem needs extra time
  • The therapist's training, licensing and experience
  • Whether the session is at a clinic, a spa, a home or a mobile visit
  • Whether add-ons such as hot stones, aromatherapy or extra work are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The session length, the type of massage and the areas to be worked on
  • Whether a consultation is included before the session
  • Whether travel to your home or workplace is included, and where it begins
  • Whether oils, lotions or add-ons are part of the service
  • The cancellation and late arrival terms

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Are you licensed to practice massage where you work, and how can I check?
  • What type of massage do you recommend for my goals, and why?
  • How do you adjust the pressure, and will you check with me during the session?
  • Do you ask about medical conditions, blood clots, injuries or recent surgery before the session?
  • What training do you have for the technique you plan to use?
  • Do you work with pillows, bolsters or other supports for comfort?
  • What should I do if I feel sore after the session?

Red flags

  • Does not ask about your health history, injuries or medications before starting
  • Makes medical claims, such as curing a disease or replacing care from a doctor
  • Pressures you into sexual contact or any service that is not a massage
  • Will not show a license or training when one is required in your state
  • Works in a way that leaves you uncovered or uncomfortable and does not respond when you ask them to stop

What you can do yourself

You can ease minor tightness at home with gentle stretching, a warm shower, a foam roller on the calves or a tennis ball on the back. Stop any self-massage that causes sharp pain or numbness. Hire a licensed therapist for deep tissue work, an injury, a regular session plan, or any area you cannot reach or relax on your own, and see a doctor for pain that is severe, lasting or new.

Licenses and permits

Massage therapy is commonly state licensed, and most states require a massage therapy license for paid sessions. Check with your state's massage therapy licensing board before you book, and ask the therapist for their license number and where it can be checked.

Massage therapy questions

How do I know a massage therapist is qualified?

Check that the therapist holds the license your state requires, and ask about their training for the technique you want. Your state licensing board can confirm the license status.

Should I tell the therapist about an injury?

Yes. Tell the therapist about any injury, surgery, medical condition or medication before the session. They can adjust the pressure and avoid certain areas based on what you tell them.

Will I be sore after a massage?

Some people feel mild soreness after deeper work, which usually fades in a day or two. Drink water and rest. Tell your therapist if the soreness is sharp, lasting or getting worse.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

How it works

  1. 1. Describe the job

    Pick the service, add your ZIP and a sentence about what is going on.

  2. 2. Pick the pros you want

    See screened pros who serve your ZIP and choose who you want to hear from.

  3. 3. They reach out

    They contact you the way you chose: phone, email or in-app messages.

More beauty and styling guides

Find a pro near you

Find a pro

About this guide

Request massage therapy