Photo: James P. Wells
So you need a massage in Manhattan (not a big surprise)…where to begin?
First, the basics: New York law requires that anyone practicing massage therapy be certified and licensed by the state. This law means the therapist must have studied for a minimum of 1,000 hours in an approved curriculum and passed a written exam. These requirements are among the highest in the U.S., shared only by Nebraska. Other states require between 300 to 750 hours, with the majority at 500.
As a result, therapists who have trained at one of the many schools in New York (The Swedish Institute here in Manhattan or The Finger Lakes School of Massage in Ithaca, for example) are among the savviest in the country. Each therapist is trained in Swedish, deep tissue, and Shiatsu. Additional modalities vary by school and student.
Now decide, what are your price and atmosphere preferences? Suppose you want a spa experience with robes, lockers, and possibly a steam room. Expect to pay anywhere from $110 (Oasis Day Spa) to $215 (Mandarin Oriental) for a 60-minute massage. For a great therapist in a bare bones setting, head to Graceful Spa on 14th street for an $80 massage in a room full of tables separated by sheets.
If you’re looking for a private practitioner, expect to pay $100-120/hour and visit them at an office space or their apartment. To have someone come to you, you’re looking at $150-300 for an “outcall”. To find these practitioners, ask a friend, a healthcare provider (your doctor or chiropractor), or go to a school’s website and search on their alums for someone near you. To verify a practitioner’s license, you can go to the Education Department and search by name.
Some therapists may also be nationally certified (NCBTMB) in addition to their NY licensure or are members of a professional association (ABMP or AMTA) which provide liability insurance. These organizations have directories to find practitioners in your area as well.
Now get out and get some bodywork! Next installment: 5 frequently asked questions.
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