Tipping is a very ambiguous issue across massage therapy. Massage therapists work in various capacities such as spas, chiropractic offices and freelance work (by the way freelance work is not really legal in Fairfax county and therefore my insurance does not cover me if you choose to sue me). Small business owners are stuck between a rock and a hard place in over regulated society.
Unlike restaurants, tipping is neither expected or communicated in massage settings. Prices are steep and usually an establishment takes 50% of a therapists income. Doesn't sound too bad unless you realize that massage therapists do not work 8 hours a day and many of us to not receive benefits and are often taken advantage of by establishments.
I work in a chiropractic office, therefore I only get about 10-50% of my clients who tip and I give a stellar massage. Clients assume that I work under a "medical" profession that I'm somehow compensated more so. This is not the case. If a client doesn't show up, I do not get paid---this happens at least once per week and the most I can do in a day is 5 hours. How would you like to go to work and someone says...thanks for showing up but you don't get paid today. It would be national news.
However, spa massage therapists rack in the money. They do less work and earn more....hmmm why would someone ever choose to work in a chiro office then? Good question. Many do not and if you call around you'll see medial offices either do not have a therapist or they go through them like Vogue goes through changing styles.
Massage therapists in medical settings work MUCH harder than the spa therapists, risk more and get paid less. Why would I do this? One, spa work is boring. Two, I want to help people. Do I ever get an easy case? No. Maybe once a month someone wants a light massage. We work back breaking hours to help people elevate their quality of life and it all stems from our altruistic drive to help others. The monetary payoff is not a motivating factor.
The point is--show up for your appointment on time. Second, no one can tell you to tip. However, I get a massage once a month and I ALWAYS tip generously and I'm willing to bet I make a lot less than most. You can choose to spend it on food, drinks, internet shopping or whatever. That fancy handbag will last how long and cost you what shoulder pain? This is truly insanity. If I can afford it then by all means realize your therapist is breaking down their body to help yours. We work the hardest and get paid the least. We can feel things that PT specialists, doctors, and other professionals cannot. Unfortunately, society has not caught up with the value. But when you receive a life altering massage then pay it forward. The average massage therapist lasts three years in the business and they are left with arthritis and chronic pain. So, yes tipping is not expected, but if you have the resources then please do. If you argue that massage is not covered by insurance then thank God because insurance will dictate the massage itself! You pay one way or the other. $10,000-$100,000 for surgery or quality of life?
If you are still not convinced...I suggest doing the research over a year in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics and make an informed decision about where you would like to invest your money.
I want to also mention that if you do not tip me, it will not effect the quality of massage, availability or resources spent. I would never want someone to not book a massage because they can't budget a tip. Just be consistent about tipping no matter what establishment you visit :) .
