10 Best Seattle Massage Therapists

  • 619 Broadway E, Seattle • Capitol Hill
    Deep Tissue Hot Stone Prenatal Reflexology Reiki
    Michele Mehl - Above and beyond a massage...it's an experience in wellness.
    Rich Tong - What a wonderful place. Sponsored a session for a group of us. This is a really friendly spot on capital hill.

    Michael did a great job and they were super great about scheduling. Really relaxing and friendly. This is a small spot and that makes it feel super personal. For instance one of us had some real issues with shoulder tightness and he

    The two hour massage is a great option and very reasonably priced. When making reservations u can use the website but it isn't completely up to date so it makes sense to call as well as u can
    Maria Karaivanova - My favorite massage place in Seattle, only downside, it books up very fast, so plan ahead.
  • 2713 E Madison St 2, Seattle • Madison Valley
    Deep Tissue Hot Stone Prenatal Swedish Thai
    Lindsay Pedersen - Kate and Heather are both extraordinarily skilled massage therapists who I've seen for 10 years. Feels less like a polished day spa than like a friend's living room, but the massages are as good as they get. You can also get a steam bath before or after your massage, which is dreamy
    JoAnne Jaspan - Both Kate and Heather have a magic touch... If you're looking for Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone this cute little spa in Madison Valley with free parking really hit the spot. They have a really nice private steam room - even if you're not getting a service, $20 for an hour is a great way to warm up and fight the winter blues.
    Jeff Dossett - Based upon existing Fresh Chalk recommendations, I booked my first 90 minute massage at Kate's Day Spa last weekend. Thank you recommenders! I was very pleased with my overall experience from start to finish. I have happily booked my next 4 sessions!
    recommended by Cynthia Tee, Becky Voboril
  • 705 Broadway E, Seattle • Capitol Hill
    Chair Cupping Deep Tissue Hot Stone Myofascial Release
    Laura - Nothing gets the kinks out of my beat up back like these guys.
    Matthew Berk - Been going here for years. Ask for Clare, Leo, Brian, or Francisco.
    Madeline Yan - This is the best run massage location I've been to. Easy to book on line, with plenty of staff and availability. Very talented, friendly workers who tailor their work to your specific needs to a degree I haven't found at other massage joints.
  • 2915 E Madison St 204, Seattle • Madison Valley
    Chair Deep Tissue Myofascial Release Prenatal Sports
    Omar Shahine - Leah is a miracle worker.
    Mike Torres - I've been working with Leah for several years on an "as needed" basis. She is a runner and trains with kettlebells and does heavy Olympic lifts - so she gets the kind of minor strains and aches/pains that athletes can sometimes run into. If I'm feeling a little "out of whack", Leah can usually put me back together in just one or two 75m sessions.
    recommended by Lora Shahine
  • 4700 42nd Ave SW 200, Seattle • West Seattle
    Aromatherapy Chair Cupping Deep Tissue Hot Stone
    Tony Wright - I don't care much about the zen/fancy massage stuff-- I just want someone who asks "is that enough pressure or not enough?" and a reasonable price. This place is great for that. They are a little salesy with the upsells, but it doesn't feel like too much.
    recommended by Michael Mattmiller
  • 110 Lakeside Ave, Seattle • Leschi
  • 1138 NW Market St, Seattle • Ballard
    Cupping Deep Tissue Hot Stone Myofascial Release Prenatal
    Henok Belay - All of my experiences at Ballard Health have been nothing less than positive and genuine. All the way from check-in with reception to massage therapists. If you are in the Ballard Area or are wanting a great massage experience overall, I give them a big thumbs up!
  • 4464 Fremont Ave N 102, Seattle • Fremont
    Cupping Deep Tissue Sports Swedish Thai
    Yaprak DeCarmine - Had a great massage here. My deep tissue massage didn't turn out to be what I expected but it was still pretty good. Communication is key, still trying to learn all the lingo.
    recommended by ERICA JORGENSEN
  • 401 Broadway E, Seattle • Capitol Hill
    Deep Tissue Prenatal Reflexology Sports Swedish
    Stephen Nash - Just had my first massage with Seann and it was truly one of the best I've ever had (and I've had many)! The pressure that he used was absolutely perfect. Very firm and deep enough but stopped short of causing any pain. I left feeling amazing and felt the same the day after. I'll definitely be going back!
    Johnny Tomas - Pretty good for the price
    recommended by Vishak G
  • 1200 NE 65th St, Seattle • Greenlake
    Aromatherapy Couples Cupping Deep Tissue Prenatal
    Mary Haggard - Elements Massage on 65th near greenlake great service, flexible hours, high quality therapists. Great experience. Membership program.
    Kaysi Kelly - Online scheduling is easy and there are plenty of massage therapists to pick from. I once booked a 3+ (massage level) and the receptionist called me to make sure that was what I intended since I usually book a 2 or 3 level. Great customer service!

Massage Therapy

If you need to unwind and the app you purchased to help you relax isn’t cutting it, the next action you may consider is to book a massage. Massages can be an absolutely heavenly experience where you fall asleep and wake up 59 minutes later with a little drool on your face—they can also feel like a low intensity partner workout. No matter what kind of massage you prefer, there are many options when it comes to an hour (more or less) of muscle relaxation and pampering.

Massages are typically purchased in 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute sessions. If improved self care is on your list of things to do this year, massage packages and monthly memberships are also available at a discounted or reduced rate at many places. Depending on your neighborhood, rent, and wages, prices for a single massage in the Seattle area range from:

  • 30 minutes $40-50
  • 60 minutes $79-105
  • 90 minutes $135-$155
  • 120 minutes $180-$205

Here are your most pressing questions answered when booking a massage.

Which type of massage is right for me?

Most massage studios will offer a menu of massage modalities and add-on services such as aromatherapy, hand/foot treatments, face masks, scalp massages, and more. Here we have included the most popular types of massages offered.

Swedish massage: one of the most popular massage types that includes kneading, rubbing, and stroking your muscles. You’ll find Swedish massages relaxing and available worldwide on most spa menus.

Shiatsu massage: another popular massage, Shiatsu massage focuses on circular finger pressure on a specific location. If you’re at a spa, your therapist will likely use a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques.

Couple’s massage: not just for couples—this side-by-side massage features you and your +1 in the same room with two massage therapists.

Deep tissue: this massage modality works the top layers of muscle, fascia, and connective tissue to release tension and relax the body.

Sports massage: similar to a deep tissue massage, a sports massage focuses on muscle recovery, mobility, and circulation.

Pregnancy massage: performed on your side or with bolsters and pillows, pre & post natal massages focus on a gentler touch to warm and stretch muscles. Confirm the massage therapist you are seeing is trained in pregnancy massage prior to booking.

Hot stone massage: polished stones are warmed to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit and placed directly on the body. Muscles receive a direct transfer of heat, which soothes muscles to relax during the massage.

Thai massage: while wearing loose fitting clothing and laying on a floor mat, your massage therapist assists you through a series of full body stretches.

Cupping: special cups are placed on or moved on your skin to create a suction. Cupping can increase blood flow and relive pain—it may also leave circular marks on your skin, which can last few days.

What should I do to prepare before a massage?
  • Take a shower.
  • Eat a snack and stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Go to the bathroom.
  • Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork, chat with your massage therapist, and depending on your place—enjoy a cup of tea.
  • Turn off your phone.
What should I expect for my first massage?

Unless you’re in a physical therapy office, which may have brighter lights and a more medical appearance, most massage rooms are dimly lit and tranquil places. Quiet background music and aromatherapy are usually part of the experience. At the very least you’ll find a massage table with a sheet and blanket and a place to hang your belongings. Before you begin, your massage therapist will go over any areas you would like to focus on or avoid, and any current or past injuries. They will also ask you what kind of pressure you prefer—firm, medium, or soft. Once you’ve established a game plan, the therapist will leave the room, you’ll undress to your comfort level, and lie down on the table (usually face down) under the sheet. Massage therapists use either massage oil or lotion during the massage. After your massage starts, the massage therapist will check in if the pressure is ok and if you’re comfortable. If you want them to change something (e.g. pressure, music, temperature, volume), speak up.

What should I wear during a massage?

If it is your first massage, or the first time meeting with a particular massage therapist, they will tell you to dress to your comfort level. That may mean going down to your underwear, or fully nude. Whatever you decide, you’ll be fully covered underneath a sheet that gets tucked and draped over your body to keep you covered. Note: If you’re receiving a Thai massage, you will wear loose fitting clothing.

Do not worry or apologize for your body, scars, or unshaved legs. Massage therapists are focused on your muscles and fascia—not your skin and hair.

What’s the proper etiquette when getting a massage? (e.g. talking, and tipping)

Talking and small talk are certainly fine during your massage, especially if it is to let the massage therapist know if you’re uncomfortable or the pressure isn’t right. If there is an area of your body that you don’t like being touched or is particularly ticklish, let them know before the massage. Keep conversation professional and focused. In many cases, your massage therapist is a stranger and while they may listen, they do not need to know the intimate details of your life.

Tipping is appreciated in most spas and massage therapy studios. The amounts may vary, but 15-20% is standard.

Will my health insurance pay for massage therapy?

It depends. Take a close look at your health insurance policy. If it does cover massage therapy, contact your doctor for a prescription for massage therapy and a referral.

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