There is a growing appreciation for massage therapy across the healthcare industry, as doctors and medical professionals are now recommending it to their patients! It’s an encouraging sign that shows just how far we’ve come in recognizing the many benefits of this powerful treatment. Unfortunately, most insurance programs (public and private) have yet to extend coverage for massage therapy, leaving many people concerned about the cost- especially when multiple sessions are needed. I’ve put together some practical strategies that could help you get the treatment you need without breaking the bank – let’s dive in!
1. Health Insurance: Some insurance plans are starting to extend coverage for wellness therapies. If you have any source of health insurance, reach out and ask whether they cover massage, including “therapeutic” or “remedial” massage prescribed by a doctor.
2. Employee Benefits: Employers often offer FSA and HSA plans that let you use pre-tax dollars to pay for “qualified” medical expenses. Massage therapy may qualify, but you’ll need to confirm this with your Plan Administrator, and also learn what medical information you’ll need to get from your doctor.
3. Discounts: Ask your massage therapist if they offer discounts or special pricing. For instance, our clients save up to 15% when they commit to a group of prepaid sessions. Some clinics use a sliding scale, where clients can choose how much to pay within a specific range. Others offer monthly memberships or discounts to specific groups, such as veterans, teachers, or first responders. Most businesses offer at least one cost-saving option, so it’s worth asking.
4. Auto Accident Insurance: If you sustained musculoskeletal injuries in an auto accident, the automobile insurance company often covers your therapeutic massage bills. Usually this means you don’t have to pay anything, as long as the policy benefits haven’t been exhausted. If this is your situation, feel free to reach out to me and I can explain how it works.
5. DIY: Whether you’re on a tight budget or not it pays to develop self-treatment skills that can empower you and extend the time between massage appointments. Used correctly, tennis, lacrosse, and golf balls work wonders on tight muscles and knots. Other popular devices include foam rollers, massage guns, and many other handheld tools. A word of caution: even the simplest of tools can cause harm, so it’s a good idea to check in with a trusted professional about any do’s and don’ts.
6. Capitalize on your Session: First, choose a massage therapist who lines up with your treatment needs and goals, then collaborate on a plan for the session and beyond. Ask for self-care recommendations that could help extend the time between appointments. If you have a smartphone, use it to jot notes or even take pictures or video of the suggested self-care techniques. By getting the most out of your appointment you might not need to reschedule as often–another way to save.
No matter which route you choose to start lowering your costs, remember that therapeutic massage can be an excellent, natural tool for managing stress, pain, anxiety, and more. If you’re looking for ways to make self-care a priority without breaking the bank, these strategies should help get you started. Do you have any other tips for saving on massage therapy? Please share them in the comments below!