AMP Massage VS Legit (LMT) Spa Massage

[rshackleford]

I have yet to visit a proper spa for a massage, and was wondering if the the massage itself warrants the price premium. A typical AMP massage is about $60/ hour, but a typical non AMP spa massage can start at $100/hour which sometimes includes a sauna or some other amenities. Anyone whose done both, can you say that the proper spa massage is worth the premium or is the AMP massage about same quality of massage?

 

[BobLaublaw11]

With just a very few special exceptions, I find that the therapeutic-only spas offer vastly superior actual massages.

 

[rshackleford]

With just a very few special exceptions, I find that the therapeutic-only spas offer vastly superior actual massages.

Thanks this is what I was thinking. Will look in to treating my self to a proper massage one of these days

 

[Ampzen]

I find TM places well worth it once in a while. Sometimes a great TM is needed more than any extras that might be available at an amp. In fact, the base price/HF has been roughly the same.

 

[rshackleford]

I find TM places well worth it once in a while. Sometimes a great TM is needed more than any extras that might be available at an amp. In fact, the base price/HF has been roughly the same.

Maybe where you're at, around me the going rate for a nicer strictly therapeutic spa massage runs about $100/hour vs the standard $60 HF at an AMP

 

[sxpm]

I’ve wasted many dollars on legit massages. Yes, the training is superior with regards to technique and anatomy, feels good and clearly they know what they are doing, but at $120-$160-$220, I second-guess it. I often receive more therapeutic results the day after (pain-relief) from a well-seasoned Chinese masseuse for $50 + tip, no extras.

 

[BobLaublaw11]

In my Pennsylvania area, therapeutic massages are priced similarly to AMPs, almost always $60 per hour. Standard tip is $20.

 

[rshackleford]

In my Pennsylvania area, therapeutic massages are priced similarly to AMPs, almost always $60 per hour. Standard tip is $20.

I’m in Philly and the usual therapeutic massages only places are about $100+. I think it’ll be a worthwhile venture though from what i’ve been reading

 

[East Lake II]

“I often receive more therapeutic results the day after (pain-relief) from a well-seasoned Chinese masseuse for $50 + tip, no extras.”

Some of them have been well trained and perfected their massage skills over the years. One I know, has many different techniques and varies her technique based on what needs treated. Don’t discount the legit Chinese spas offering TM only too soon. I’ve asked Chinese where they go and have received some excellent referrals for TM.

 

[Fallshard]

IMO the Amps give just as good if not better massages. I go to several strictly legit spots and pay 60.00 for 90 minute massages...there are some real hiddden jems around.. you just have to find them. I've spent 140.00/hour on professional masseuse and felt it wasn't worth it.

 

[248Lancer]

I usually have a 3-4 times during the year where I am working on my feet for 14-18 hours straight. I find a legit LMT visit the following day is the only thing that helps loosen the stiffness and ease the soreness. For all other times, the AMP does the trick.

 

[charliebrown]

“I often receive more therapeutic results the day after (pain-relief) from a well-seasoned Chinese masseuse for $50 + tip, no extras.”

Some of them have been well trained and perfected their massage skills over the years. One I know, has many different techniques and varies her technique based on what needs treated. Don’t discount the legit Chinese spas offering TM only too soon. I’ve asked Chinese where they go and have received some excellent referrals for TM.

I second this comment. I know three experienced Chinese LMT out of 50+ AMPS that give an amazing TM where you will float out of the 90 minute session at (.80 to 1.0) HF. I absolutely tip these providers very well because they are working for that money.

There are a lot of good R&T placed around and once you find them you can really enjoy yourself if you extend the massage to a 90 minute session. The 90 minute session gives them a complete hour to focus on the massage and they spend much more time on all areas which is really needed sometimes.

I find it hard to believe you can not find a good TM in Philadelphia.

 

[Bit]

I suggest trying a back to back comparison.

Find your regular low cost massage therapist that gives a great massage. Ideally this will be a person with training (e.g. Cindy the backwalker in Flushing). Then, go to a higher end spa (e.g., spa at a top hotel like the Mandarin Oriental, or a private practice in a large city like Philadelphia, etc). Be sure to request a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT).

You will pay 3x to 5x more for the high end environment. Some places include private pool time in advance of a massage, and you can include a partner which is nice (thinking of a few places in the Hamptons, but it is common). If you have a specific ailment, inform the CMT, and they can offer relief based on their knowledge of skeletal and muscular structure.

More times than not, you will get more frequent massages with the lower cost skilled therapist that is more available and will get to know your body with regular visits. I find this to be more practical because they are more available than a CMT on average.

I personally enjoy both.

 

[BIGBOB62]

I do both. I’ve found some R&T girls who can approach a TM girl, and those I visit over and over. They are mostly older women who’ve been doing this 20 years or more. If I go looking for new TM options, I avoid the big chains and focus on Asian shops or indies. The girls I see are the best for recommending good massage options. First thing they all do when they get back to flushing is get a good massage.

 

[briancalled]

Definitely agree that in the hobby, you can easily find many providers capable of doing a therapeutic quality session. Then of course, the game we play is to have that with a great HE or more. I will say that when funds and time permit, if I want FS I simply go to a legit place /LMT first for the therapeutic part, then FS establishment.

 

[balboa]

Some AMP massages have been very close to LMT massages that I have had.

 

[rshackleford]

I'll have to shell out for a fancy spa LMT massage in order to be able to properly compare. Once I do I will report back with my findings vs an AMP massage