What to know before booking a massage (so you actually relax)

Swedish / Relaxation: stress, poor sleep, first-time clients. Light-to-medium pressure, long strokes.

Deep tissue: chronic tension, knots, postural issues. Slow, targeted pressure — it can be intense, and that's the point.

Sports / Therapeutic: injury recovery, athletes, specific range-of-motion issues. Often includes stretching and assisted movement.

Prenatal: pregnancy-specific positioning and contraindication training.

Lymphatic drainage: post-surgery recovery or swelling. Very light pressure, specific training required.

If you're not sure, describe the problem, not the technique, when you reach out — a good therapist will recommend the modality.

Three things, every time: recent injuries or surgeries (even years old), medications you're on (especially blood thinners), and your goal for the session ('I want to feel relaxed' vs 'my right shoulder has been killing me since Tuesday'). This is the entire difference between a generic rubdown and a session that helps.

Don't be shy about pressure. 'Too much' doesn't make you tougher; it makes you tense. A therapist can't read your muscles — they need you to say 'lighter' or 'you can push harder there.'

60 minutes: $100–$160 in most US metros. 90 minutes: $140–$220. 120 minutes: $180–$280. In-home and mobile sessions typically add $20–$40 over the studio rate. Tipping is 15–20% on the pre-tax total if not already included.

Below-market rates ($50–70 for 60 min) often indicate a newer therapist, a spa with heavy chain pricing pressure, or a service that isn't what you think it is.

In the US, massage therapy is licensed state by state. Every legitimate therapist has a license number and can share it on request. In most states you can look it up on the state department of health website. Credentials to look for: LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist), LMBT, or state-specific equivalents. CEUs in specific modalities (prenatal, sports, oncology) indicate ongoing training.