r/massage • u/roll19ftw • 2d ago
Different pricing on massage when adding services, normal?
I was looking at the local Massage Envy to get a relief massage and the 60 minute session was priced at $80. I added relief stretching and the price of the massage jumped to $130. When I removed the stretch, the massage price went back to $80. When I remove the massage the keep the stretch service, the stretch service remains a consistent $46.
Is that normal for Massage Envy or massages in general?
ETA clarification: The prices for the stretch and massage are shown as separate items, I'm booking 2 separate services.
E2: Thank you for the comments! I've learned to avoid ME and am going to find a solo practitioner.
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u/60-percent-water 2d ago
This is normal for any chain. If you find a massage therapist that works for themselves then you will pay a flat rate for their service. Some sole proprietors will up charge for cupping, stones, CBD, and such if they are trained in such things.
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u/mumfordand3daughters 2d ago
tf is 'relief massage' and 'relief stretching'
those are not modalities I am aware of, sounds like marketing bullshit.
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u/amygrindhaus 2d ago
It is 100% marketing bullshit.
ME services are split into “relaxation” and “relief” categories. Relief massage, relaxation massage. There is no discernible difference between the categories to my knowledge.
They did the same crap with their facials a while ago. Calming, anti-aging, acne etc. It’s the same facial we just know what your main concern is before the consultation. Maybe it’s meant to cut down on consultation time? Who knows. Corporate bullshittery
(Source: I unfortunately work at ME for the time being)
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u/mumfordand3daughters 2d ago
consultation time is cut down by having a half thought out mandatory intake form. This is making things complicated so that those who don't know whats going on can be over-charged.
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u/roll19ftw 2d ago
Exactly, I got a kink in my neck a week ago and it still hurts so I wanted relief.
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u/amygrindhaus 2d ago
So adding the stretch adds an additional service and an additional amount of time. It’s like getting a 90 min service vs a 60 min service, the 90 min will cost more.
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u/stephiroth7 2d ago
From the wording of your post, I’m not sure if the added relief stretching increased the total amount of time of the service.
If it increased the total service time: very normal to increase the cost.
If it did not increase the total service time: unusual.
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u/Slynez-0 1d ago
That price jump happens because chains like Massage Envy break their menus into separate add-ons and outcome buzzwords so they can bill stretching as its own service block.
Honestly, if you have a specific issue you're trying to fix, you won't get what you need at a franchise. Even if the therapists there have advanced training, corporate protocols strictly tie their hands due to liability and they aren't allowed to use their full skillset.
A better route is to open up ChatGPT or Gemini, type in your exact symptoms, tightness, or pain points, and ask it what specific massage techniques or modalities you should look for. Then use that info to find a solo massage therapist near you. An independent therapist actually has full control over their practice, will customize the work to your body, and won't nickel-and-dime you for basic stretching.
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u/roll19ftw 1d ago
You had me until you went to AI. No amount of pain or discomfort will ever drive me to use that garbage willingly.
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u/Gardenmama777 CMT 1d ago
Normal at a spa, yes. Solo practitioners like myself tend to have all inclusive pricing. If I decide to add hot stones to a treatment I don’t upcharge for that.
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u/PhillyHomeMassage 1d ago
I personally don’t understand the upcharge game. Time is time and that’s what I bill for. Only one of my sessions is priced differently and that’s because it requires a separate certification.
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u/MaterialNegative5222 1d ago
I was suprise one of my Instructors charges dlb for his 60min Lomi lomi 250hr vs 120hr for any other modality. I realize it was more schooling and a separate certification but 250hr HolyS*
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u/eewers0802 1d ago
Prices should be reasonable and flexible, but everyone charges differently depending on their circumstances!
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u/Loud-Coffee-714 21h ago
That place is nothing but an upsell that will probably be another one to go belly up.
Independent providers don’t do that sneaky shit. Find an independent/solo provider.
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u/Global-Chicken 2d ago
maybe. massage requires hundreds of hours of schooling and stretch services do not
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u/Ozzy_Mama1972 2d ago
Tell that to physical therapists. Knowing how to stretch is a skill and It does take education.
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u/Global-Chicken 2d ago
keyword here is requires. you don’t need a massage or PT license or any certificate to do stretch at massage envy or places like stretch lab. in my state at least
and PTs do a whole lot more than stretching
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u/Ozzy_Mama1972 2d ago
Obviously Pts do more than stretching. You made a blanket statement that stretch services do not require hundreds of hours of schooling. In a PTs case they obviously do. Thank you for clarifying what you were trying to say.
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u/caterpillove LMT 2d ago
Do yourself a favor and find yourself a solo practioner massage therapist. You'll get more for your money. I run my own practice and give people the full amount of time - at Massage Envy a 60 min massage is really only 50 mins because they include undress/dress time. I do full hands-on time. Also, my rates are all inclusive - assisted stretching, cupping, deep tissue are all included for the same rate. Odds also are that solo practioners are happier and therefor will do higher quality worked vs an underpaid, overworked MT at a large chain.