The 10 Best Massage Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA (2024) (2024)

Massage therapy costs $50 to $90 per hour on average. A shorter, half-hour session costs $30 to $65, while an extended, 90-minute session ranges from $90 to $175. Prices vary by location, therapist experience, and the type of massage. Prices are typically higher for therapy that requires specialized training, such as prenatal or sports massage, or in-home sessions where the therapist comes to you.

Below are the average rates for common massage types:

• Swedish massage costs $50 to $90 per hour.
• Deep tissue massage costs $80 to $120 per hour.
• Prenatal massage costs $70 to $120 per hour.
• Sports massage costs $55 to $130 per hour.
• Couples massage costs $120 to $220 per hour.
• Hot stone massage costs $85 to $150 per hour.
• Chair massage costs $1 per minute.
• In-home massage therapy costs $100 to $130 per hour.

Tipping a massage therapist 15% to 20% is common in most areas. Tipping is not expected at medical offices or hospitals where massage is often covered by insurance. If your therapist works for a spa or non-medical office, a significant portion of your fee goes to the facility, not the therapist. While tipping is not necessarily required, it can make a huge difference in a massage therapist's income.

• Most therapists prefer cash tips since it's immediate and they don't have to wait for it in their paycheck.
• If you are using a coupon or gift certificate, tip based on the regular price of the service.
• Consider tipping more during the holidays if you see the same massage therapist regularly.

A wide array of massage therapy techniques exists today, from slow soothing strokes of traditional Swedish massage to Ashiatsu massage, where a therapist uses their bare feet as the primary massage tool. Common types of massage therapy include:

• Swedish massage – Long, slow, kneading strokes with light to deep pressure, focused on relaxing muscle tension
• Deep-tissue massage – Similar to Swedish, but using deeper pressure to reduce pain by releasing built-up muscle tightness, knots, and trigger points
• Aromatherapy massage – Swedish relaxation massage incorporating essential oils and specific fragrances aimed at helping your mood
• Hot stone massage – Swedish-like massage using heated stones, instead of just the therapist's hands, to enhance circulation and reduce pain
• Shiatsu – Japanese massage technique using fingertip pressure on specific points on the body to improve energy flow, or Qi
• Sports massage – Deep pressure and targeted techniques to reduce muscle pain and improve mobility of a specific area of the body; not just for athletes
• Prenatal massage – Light-pressure Swedish massage aimed at relaxing muscle tension and stress during pregnancy

Swedish massage is the most recommended massage technique during pregnancy because it focuses on relaxing muscle tension and improving circulation using gentle pressure applied to the muscles.

Prenatal massage can help lower stress, decrease leg and back pain, and improve sleep and mood. However, be sure to clear any type of massage with your doctor first, as massage therapy is a contraindication to some medical conditions.

Avoid these types of massage during all stages of pregnancy:

• Deep-tissue massage
• Shiatsu
• Hot stone massage
• Deep acupressure
• Percussive tapping techniques
• Cross-fiber friction
• Pressure on the abdomen

Insurance may cover massage therapy costs if you have a prescription or referral from a medical doctor. Coverage and requirement details vary greatly by insurance carrier and plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your policy in relation to massage therapy coverage.

Medicare does not typically cover the cost of massage therapy unless it is determined to be medically necessary to alleviate symptoms—like swelling or impaired joint function—from a medical procedure performed on the same day.

When searching for a massage therapy service near you, be sure to:

• Choose a therapist or company that is licensed, insured, and has been in business 5+ years.
• Check their credentials and licensure information. Most states have an online database where you can search for a therapist's license and status.
• If your state does not require a massage therapy license, look for a therapist who has at least 500 hours of training from a reputable massage therapy program.
• Look for members of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP).
• Check out their profile and reviews on Thervo and Google.
• Ask for references.

Asking the right questions can help you choose the massage therapy service that best fits your needs:

• Are you licensed and insured?
• How long have you been a massage therapist?
• What training and certifications do you have?
• Where else have you worked?
• What types of massage do you specialize in?
• Do you have experience with my specific problem?
• Do you offer any add-on services?
• Do you require a health questionnaire?
• Do you offer package deals?