05/24/2026
Lately more and more people who are trying to book with other massage therapists are reaching out to ask, "what should I book?"
They are finding service menus with multiple wonderful sounding experiences, and sometimes add- ons, and all different prices. And though everything sounds lovely, they don't really know what any of those things are, and they don't know what their body might need in 2 weeks when the next appointment is available. And I get it. I have probably missed out on some fantastic therapists because I was overwhelmed by the menu and booked somewhere else with inclusive pricing.
Though inclusive pricing is my preference and what works for me in my practice, there are reasons a therapist may choose a more extensive service menu. Neither route is right or wrong. My intention in this post is to share information that may help navigating scheduling.
I'll start with the scheduling tips and provide more information after. If you have chosen a place to book a massage, and you don't know what to select, I recommend deciding how long of a session you want, what is your desired outcome, (pain, relaxation, both), and what kind of massage experience you seek. If you see something close, book it. If you just don't know, pick one and book it. Many booking systems have a place you can enter a note, or if not look for an email address and say something like this "I wasn't sure what to book. I want to book ~and then list off those three things I encouraged you to decide. Most therapists will respond. There may also be a phone number listed. Be prepared to leave a voicemail. And always mention somehow that you are pregnant, or have other physical complications.
There are many reasons that therapist may have an extensive service menu. They may have limited space and need to know to move equipment into the treatment room. They may not have the space or ability to keep tools like hot stones, bamboo, etc ready at all times, so they need to know that they are needed in advance as they take time to heat up. Pregnancy bolster systems are expensive, so many therapists share this equipment between offices. Some therapists like/need to mentally prepare for their day and what type of sessions they will be doing. They may work for someone that created the menu. There is also a bit of excitement for therapists to create different offerings, especially as they learn new skills.
As for the difference in pricing and add- ons, I often think this is just a difference in perspective and personal experience. I choose to price my sessions by time, and not by how that time is spent. I do not charge any more if your session includes cupping, bamboo, tuning forks, or just my two hands. Just as I do not charge less if no tools are used. The tools may stay on the shelf, but my knowledge of if they are appropriate and beneficial does not. I view all of my tools as just that- tools to accomplish the goal we set when you walk in. I would not want to not utilize a tool because it may raise the cost to you, and I will not use one that is not appropriate just because you checked a box, and I certainly don't want to keep a tab running in my head. Anything I do is included in the session time that you book. This is what works for me.
A therapist may charge differently for different services and tools for simply business reasons. The cost of classes, equipment, and time spent cleaning and prepping tools are considered in pricing.
As I said before, neither way is right or wrong. Every therapist is different, just as is every client.
I know that was long, but hopefully it will help someone find their way to a massage table. We have a lot of great ones around.
