i'm sure..never had one..probably missing something good

If you go to a qualified Massage Therapist you will be charged a minimum of $35. per half hour session. So, no I wouldn't tip. My understanding is that a masseuse is not as well trained and does not have the certifications of a massage therapist so I don't know if you would tip them or not. A good massage therapist worked wonders for muscle spasms I had using deep muscle massage. She was exceptionally good. Be aware that it usually takes more than one session but it you feel so much better you won't mind.

Those of you who might know more about a massueses' qualifications please let us know.

Many massage therapists and deep tissue body workers have a room set up in a chiropractor's office. They often work in coordination with the chiropractor. Here in southern California the charges are $70 to $120 for an hour. A deep tissue body work session can be up to $150 and last 90 minutes being one of 11 sessions in a set series of treatments. This can be discounted if the commitment and payment for the full series is handled in advance.

I have had clients occasionally tip me when I worked in the chiropractors office which was much appreciated but not expected. The office gets half of the fee and the therapist gets the other half. The is common in many types of health organizations as the owner of the business has the expenses and employees that bring in the work.

You will often find groups that include acupuncture, different types of body work, chiropractors and doctors. I was trained in the Hellerwork technique. There are numerous type of massage therapy and body work. If you are interested I can give you more info, just send me an email through GW. Here is a list at the link.

Here is a link that might be useful: list

Dons answer is pretty much what I experienced. I was referred to a massage therapist by a chiropractor who could not get the muscles to relax. They were so tight my spine was pulled toward my right shoulder. The only difference was that the MT had her own office and got referrals from the town doctors and chiropractor. Bear in mind it's a small town. Therefore her fees weren't split with anyone and the fee was typical for this size town in this area.

Don gave a good description of what to expect from a massage therapist. What you will be getting is a therapy that will allow your muscles to relax and reset themselves to the proper length. Theraputic massage is very different from a spa relaxation massage. You will probably need several sessions, and you might be given stretches to do at home.

Masseuse is an old fashioned word for one who massages. In the early history of massage a masseuse often was required by the boss to 'keep her client happy' by offering 'other' services. 'That' is not in the job description of a licensed massage therapist of today. That is why massage therapist is the title rather than masseuse.

I hope you get some relief. Constant headache is not fun.

Jan

Massage by someone qualified is often a miracle. They find the knots and the places you didn't know hurt until...wow, ahh, yeah...right there, and then it feels like your whole skeleton just got released. There's a point between your thumb and your index finger, in the meat of your hand. Press hard with your other hand until you find the most painful point, and PRESS. Keep it up. When the pain gets less sharp, hold a bit and then search for the next point in the same area of your hand. Do this for about 15 min. and you'll discover that your headache is much relieved. The massage person can also find these painful points right where your skull meets the muscles in the back of your neck that keep your head on. Holy moly it hurts to press but it helps a bunch, esp. if you can get someone else to hold your head with one arm for support and gent;y-not-so-gently press the nasty points with the other hand. You can even sometimes feel it behind your eyes. Slowly do it for a few minutes every day and you'll find the headache lessens, and when it gets bad you can go right to the point of pain and convince it to relax.
Ok, ask me how I know.......Batya

Here are charts to help with the reflexology. You can do the hands yourself and Leone can do your feet if you wash them ;^). If this is not enough then a therapist may be in order.

Reflexology

Foot Reflexology Chart

Hand Reflexology Chart

A massage is a treat for me a couple of times a year. The place to which I go is fully licensed and accredited, but I've not gone for 'theraputic massage', only stress reduction and relaxation. The rate in this area begins at $70 for an hour massage, and yes, a tip is expected. However, it's one I don't mind, b/c I feel so good when I leave! :>)

It sounds as though you might get your massage via a prescription for physical therapy, in which case you won't go this route, but I get my massages at a massage school. The students have to do a certain number of massages (28, I think) before graduation, and they have a massage clinic set up like a day spa.

After each massage, the client fills out a brief evaluation. The cost is less than half what I'd pay at a salon or spa, and I haven't gotten a bad massage yet. Oh, and yes, I tip.

If your massage is through a physical therapist/chiropratic then you may be covered by Medicare. If you use one through a spa or salon, then a tip is more than appropriate. Tip as you would a hairdresser or for a manicure.

I will tell you that it may hurt a bit at first as they work out the tight muscle spasms but in an odd way, it is a good pain.

Relax and enjoy the treat.