Phoenix - Massage Therapy Finder

If you are looking for a massage therapist in Phoenix, this directory can get you started. The links below contain listings of massage therapists in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

The American Massage Therapy Association - Phoenix Massage Therapists
The American Massage Therapy Association, the largest national massage therapy association, is a good place to start. You can search their directory of member massage therapists in Phoenix and click on the massage therapist's name to find out hours and areas of specialization.
Go to the American Massage Therapy Association massage listings for Phoenix.

Massage Network - Phoenix Massage Therapists
The Massage Network was created in 1998 to help professional massage therapists share and learn how to build a successful practice.
Go to the Massage Network's listings for Arizona.

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals - Phoenix Massage Therapists
This organization was established in 1987 and is comprised of more than 40,000 practitioners across the United States and Canada. Verifies that practitioners have graduated from a recognized training program and/or obtained any state licensure required. Go to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

Massage Register - Phoenix Massage Therapists
Search Massage Register to find massage therapists in Arizona. Organized alphabetically.

I Want a Massage - Arizona Massage Therapists
I Want a Massage is an online directory of massage therapists. Member massage therapists pay to be included in this listing.

Seattle - Massage Therapy Finder

If you are looking for a massage therapist in Seattle, this directory can get you started. The links below contain listings of massage therapists in the Seattle area.

The American Massage Therapy Association -- Seattle, Washington Massage Therapists
The American Massage Therapy Association, the largest national massage therapy association, is a good place to start. You can search their directory of member massage therapists in Seattle, Washington, and click on the massage therapist's name to find out hours and areas of specialization.
Go to the
Massage Network -- Seattle, Washington Massage Therapists
The Massage Network was created in 1998 to help professional massage therapists share and learn how to build a successful practice.
Go to the
Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals -- Seattle, Washington Massage Therapists
This organization was established in 1987 and is comprised of more than 40,000 practitioners across the United States and Canada. Verifies that practitioners have graduated from a recognized training program and obtained any state licensure required. Go to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals Massage and Bodywork Search Engine

Massage Register -- Seattle, Washington Massage Therapists
Search Massage Register to find massage therapists in Seattle, Washington. Organized alphabetically.
Go to Massage Register's listings of massage therapists in Seattle, Washington.

I Want a Massage -- Seattle, Washington Massage Therapists
I Want a Massage is an online directory of massage therapists. Member massage therapists pay to be included in this listing.
Go to I Want a Massage's listing of massage therapists in Seattle, Washington.

Washington State Department of Health
The Washington State Department of Health has a listing of state-licensed massage therapists in Washington. Go to the Washington State Department of Health massage therapist license verification database.

Male vs. Female Massage Therapists

Deciding whether you want a male or female massage therapist is one of the first questions you're faced when you get a massage.

When you make an appointment, the receptionist generally asks if you have a preference for male or female massage therapists. There are more female massage therapists in the business, and both men AND women tend to prefer women. Some of the reasons people prefer female massage therapists include:

• People feel vulnerable when they're nude, and want to feel safe.
• Women believe male massage therapists will be judging their bodies.
• People are worried the massage will be sexualized with male massage therapists. Men are afraid male massage therapists are gay....and women are worried they aren't!
• Many hetereosexual men find a woman's touch pleasant -- even when it's not sexual -- and find it easier to relax.

Massage therapists are trained to respect boundaries and use proper draping techniques, so these issues shouldn't be a problem. But since male massage therapists aren't as popular, anyone who doesn't state a preference will likely get booked with a male.

More experienced spa-goers often don't care whether massage therapists are male or female. They're comfortable with the routine, and know the most important factor is skill, not gender.

Some experienced spa-goers actually prefer male massage therapists. Male massage therapists often have more strength, which can be helpful with deep tissue massage And gay men, who are big spa-goers, tend to prefer male massage therapists.

Whether you prefer male or female massage therapists, feel free to state it up front. It's your massage, and you should enjoy it.

Tips For Enjoying Your Massage

A massage is supposed to be a soothing, relaxing experience. So why do so many people arrive at 1:30 for a 1:30 massage? You should be in your robe already! And if you arrive late, in a frenzied state, you might as well have not come. Get there early is the most important tip for enjoying your massage. But there are plenty more. (Hint -- don't eat a big sausage sub right before you get there, and be sure to speak up if you don't like the pressure.

Here are some tips adapted from the American Massage Therapy Association to help you enjoy your massage.

* Be receptive. Don't eat just before a massage session.

* Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to relax.

* If you don't want to remove all your clothing, discuss it with the therapist. Wear what you will be comfortable in that will allow the therapist to work on the areas of your body that need it.

* Good communication is very important. Before the session, give accurate health information and let the massage therapist know what you want from the massage. During the massage session, Speak up if you have any feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, room temperature, music volume, or lighting.

* Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent. In general you should do whatever you feel like, and the massage therapist will follow your lead.

* Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize this is happening, remind yourself to breath.

* Try not to tighten up during the massage. Let your massage therapist know if this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.

* If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more "body-centered" and to quiet the mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

* If anything happens during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

* If you are dizzy or light headed after the massage, do not get off the table too fast.

* Drink extra water after a massage.

* Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session if possible. Sometimes one needs a little time to integrate or absorb the results of the massage session or needs some "re-entry" time.

Remember, massage has its greatest benefits over time. The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often a person gets a massage, the better he or she will feel and the more quickly one’s body will respond. If you are getting massage to address chronic muscular tension or recovery from a soft tissue injury, more than one session is usually needed, so be prepared to schedule several sessions.

How Much Does A Swedish Massage Cost?

How Much Does A Swedish Massage Cost?

The cost of a Swedish massage varies, depending on whether you're getting it at a day spa, resort spa, destination spa, a chain like Massage Envy or from a private practitioner. The cost of a basic Swedish massage will also depend on what part of the country you live and how luxurious the spa is.

Swedish Massage Costs Start At $50 for 50 Minutes

The cost of a Swedish massage starts at $49-$59 for a 50-minute massage at chains like Massage Envy, but after your first introductory massage you have to join a club and commit to a massage a month for a year to get that low rate. You also have to live near a Massage Envy.

Massage therapists who have a private practice generally charge $70-$90 for a sixty-minute Swedish massage, depending on where you live. The cost will be higher if they travel to your home.

Swedish massage at day spas generally range from around $75-$125, depending on where you live and how luxurious the spa is. The cost is higher in larger cities, generally starting around $90 for a one-hour Swedish massage.

Swedish Massage Costs More At Overnight Spas

A massage costs more at destination, resort and hotel spas, generally starting at $125 for a fifty-minute Swedish massage and going higher at luxury hotel spas. Part of what you are paying for is access to facilities like steam, sauna and whirlpools, so take your time and enjoy them!

Tax is usually added on top of the price at most spas, and it's accepted practice to tip 15% to 20%. Tipping is optional for private massage therapists.

What Does A Massage Cost?

The cost of a massage will vary, depending on several factors: where you live; whether it's a day spa , resort spa or destination spa and how luxurious the spa is; and the type of massage you're getting.

Massage Costs Start At $75 an Hour

The cost of a Swedish massage generally starts at $50 for a half-hour and $75 for an hour at a day spa in small cities. The cost is higher in larger cities, generally starting around $90 for a one-hour Swedish massage.

It may be slightly less if you see a massage therapist in their home, or you're in a very small market.

Massage Costs More At Overnight Spas

A massage costs more at destination and resort spas. Lake Austin Spa Resort in Austin Texas, for instance, charges $105 for a fifty-minute Swedish massage.

Prices are highest at a luxury hotel spa like The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in New York City, where a Swedish massage lasts eighty minutes and costs $305 plus tax and tip. Remember, however, that part of what you are paying for is access to their luxurious facilities. Take your time and enjoy them!

Specialty Massage Costs More

Specialty massages like aromatherapy or hot stone are generally more expensive than a Swedish massage. Aromatherapy massage generally starts at $90 in a small city and $130 in a large city.

A hot stone massage starts at $115 in a smaller city and can run to $160 or higher at a luxury spa in a major city or at an overnight spa. It usually takes longer, and the therapist has to prepare and sanitize all the stones she uses.

Tax is usually added on top of the price, and it's accepted practice to tip 15 to 20%. You sometimes can save a little money by going to a massage therapist at their home, where you aren't expected to tip. But you won't get to enjoy the spa experience, with robe, slippers, and steam rooms.

Inada's CUBE:massage

Inada's CUBE:

The recently debuted CUBE is a multifunctional piece which doubles as furniture and foot massager. The compact unit folds up to become an ottoman, or a surface that can be used as a small table, and takes up very little space.

As a massager, it has four pre-programmed massage sessions with high and low adjustments which can deliver air-driven kneading and compression. It can deliver acupressure massage to the soles of the feet, a full foot massage, calf massage, and seat massage too.