Therapeutic massage rate

[Mark_fl]

Im a little confused on this. A "legitimate" massage at a Hand and Stone, for example is between 80 and 130 for an hour.  But I see rentmasseur often at 180+ and then adding on for extras. 

Am I missing something? Why would I pay extra for a potentially unlicensed massage if HE+ isn't part of the deal?

The math isn't matching for me. Or is it assumed that the therapist will be nude or something,  but I've seen people say they charge extra for that as well. Is a puzzlement.

[whatsinaname]

Well for one, a lot of the employees at H&S (and other chain spas) are probably fresh out of massage school and the people you find online typically have more experience to justify a price increase. Next, people in those chains rely on tips more than independent workers do (which makes it appear to be cheaper at first). Lastly, you're right, you shouldn't pay extra for an unlicensed/inexperienced massage, but some of these pages are just really hot guys trying to get money from being that and I guess people go in for it. You could argue that assuming the risk of doing less than legal things is worthy of a premium but I'm not too knowledgeable on that side of things. 

[MRK]

The overwhelming majority of people on rentmasseur did not go to massage school, are not licensed and have no training. You are paying for something other than a massage (what they'll do, how they look). If you want a real massage go to a legitimate massage therapist. 

 

[jeezifonly]

There is Therapeutic Massage and there is therapeutic bodywork. The former is what is mostly discussed here.

You might find talented, trained, experienced hands attending to your needs going by either title. (The latter never involves the client nude and undraped, nor any touching of the worker) Once you've had really good bodywork done, you know the difference. Spas have more overhead, like wet areas, licenses, insurance to maintain - other massage places have changing/shower, maybe sauna.

Individuals w/tables have less overhead  but may hike prices solely because they look good, and offer upgraded one-stop shopping if client wants climax. So prices for legit bodywork are all over the map depending on local demand. 

Don't assume every massage to be the same for the rate/duration quoted. If you're clear about no sensual elements in the session, and ask about training and experience you can find good therapeutic on MF and RM. No explanation for wide variance in pricing, other than provider's confidence in getting clients in the market. 

[LookingAround]

2 hours ago, jeezifonly said:

There is Therapeutic Massage and there is therapeutic bodywork. The former is what is mostly discussed here.

You might find talented, trained, experienced hands attending to your needs going by either title. (The latter never involves the client nude and undraped, nor any touching of the worker) Once you've had really good bodywork done, you know the difference. Spas have more overhead, like wet areas, licenses, insurance to maintain - other massage places have changing/shower, maybe sauna.

Individuals w/tables have less overhead  but may hike prices solely because they look good, and offer upgraded one-stop shopping if client wants climax. So prices for legit bodywork are all over the map depending on local demand. 

Don't assume every massage to be the same for the rate/duration quoted. If you're clear about no sensual elements in the session, and ask about training and experience you can find good therapeutic on MF and RM. No explanation for wide variance in pricing, other than provider's confidence in getting clients in the market. 

I think you have it backwards. Massage is usually from a licensed masseur. Bodywork is not protected as a legal term and anyone can offer it. 

[jeezifonly]

2 hours ago, LookingAround said:

I think you have it backwards. Massage is usually from a licensed masseur. Bodywork is not protected as a legal term and anyone can offer it. 

Anyone can also offer massage - the difference legally speaking does not come into play unless a cause of action is filed, either against an establishment or person. How many of us ask to see training certificates or state licensing paperwork before we get undressed in some hot guy's apartment?

I have had amazing legit massage/bodywork done by women. On this site, bodywork/bodyworker is rarely mentioned, because the gender (Masseur v Masseuse) is primary to our common pursuit, whereas knowledge, talent and commitment  of the provider take the back seat. On the upside, at least, sometimes we get exactly what we pay for.  

 

[viewing ownly]

Rather simple - at a "legitimate" professional massage in a chain like spa finder, you'll be draped the entire time, and depending on the state your massage is in, your covered butt may not by law be touched whatsoever. IMO, a complete waste of my money. 

Seeing a guy who advertises on a gay massage site is likely seeing you in their home, and a good one is taking effort with ambiance to make your experience a delightful one, hence the higher price. A clinic just tears the sheet you were laying on & does a quick wipe-down to get ready for the next appointment, likely forgetting you were even there. If he ONLY lists therapeutic, believe it and don't push it. However, he can if he wants - wink. 

[+ JamesB]

14 hours ago, LookingAround said:

Massage is usually from a licensed masseur. Bodywork is not protected as a legal term and anyone can offer it. 

 

This statement is mostly true but there are some important legal nuances depending on where you live. In some states the law defines "Massage and Bodywork" as the same thing. In states like Delaware or North Carolina, you cannot use the word "bodywork" in your advertising unless you are a licensed massage therapist. There is also the "Scope of Practice" trap. Even if a state doesn't protect the word "bodywork," it usually protects the action of manipulating soft tissue. If an unlicensed "bodyworker" starts kneading muscles like a massage therapist, they can be prosecuted for practicing massage without a license, regardless of what they call it.