North Shore Massage Pricing



Musings on price-setting in the massage therapy industry

Some of you may recall that in the year 2017, I decided to experiment with different price points and turn-around times in massage therapy sessions. I have always enjoyed offering a range of services that caters to different demographics. Not everyone can afford top-tier services, and I want to make sure that I offer a variety of options for different budgets. 

What constitutes higher priced massages?

There are many factors that affect the cost of therapy. This can range from business operating expenses, such as commercial rent, cost of products, and merchant account fees- to the training and degree of specialization of the therapist.

The current insurance reimbursement model

The current medical reimbursement model employs what I consider to be extreme cost-management. Some companies seek to limit the contracted reimbursement rates, therefore, forcing therapists to turn around their appointments quickly in order to make a net profit. There is also limited coverage for consultation and assessment before massage treatment. In the year 2017, I decided to experiment with offering a low-cost massage therapy session based on this practice model to all clientele, regardless of medical coverage. I also continued to offer my premium custom massage treatments alongside this new wellness program.

Why does this more cost-effective model fail?

In order to offer the lower priced wellness services, turn-around time became limited. I found many clients in a rush to get on and off the massage table in order to maximize their massage time. Unfortunately- without proper consultation and assessment, the massage may have felt amazing, but results were limited. Instruction on self-care was sacrificed, and details that would have improved the effectiveness of the massage never had time to surface. Although I was happy to offer a lower-cost alternative, it came at the expense of the quality of my service. 

New practice model for 2018

Moving forward in the new year, all custom massage treatments will come with a full consultation and assessment. The $50 wellness massage will be reduced to 40 minutes in order to allow for the highest quality of treatment. It is my opinion that the small reduction in massage time will be made up for by the improved quality of the experience and the focused lasting effects that a full assessment allows for. 


Mahalo for your understanding. My $75 custom 60 minute massage continues to be the most popular option at our Waialua massage clinic near Haleiwa. I am happy to continue offering a $50 option to those of you who are on a budget or wish to come more often. 

Call me with any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Sonia Beauchamp
"The Haleiwa Massage Muse"
808-285-3009
Offering massage near the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. 
Located inside the Ka'ala Healing Arts building.