Thanks so much to Kate Sorensen of Coupon Cravings for guest-posting and helping us all find our way to a well-deserved massage without breaking the bank. I, for one, will certainly be heeding her advice. Enjoy!

Getting a massage is a good way to de-stress.  Sometimes you  just need a moment to yourself to relax and recuperate.  But looking  at the prices of  most  massages can put the stress right back into the process.  It  has  long seemed  that professional massages are a luxury reserved for the affluent.  But this doesn’t have to be the case.  There are ways to find professional massages at discounted prices that won’t raise your blood pressure.  Here are three ideas for how to get a good massage for fairly cheap.

1. Look online at  Groupon for discounts.  Groupon.com offers discounts of up to 80 percent on all different kinds of massages.  Whether you’re looking for Swedish, shiatsu, or deep tissue massages, there’s a good chance you’ll find one on Groupon.  On their website they explain that all their discount massages are from carefully-chosen, reputable businesses, so you can be sure your massage will take place in a clean and comfortable environment.
2. Check out massage schools in your area.  Students at most  massage therapy schools are  required  to have a certain number of hours of hands-on experience.  They usually  have a student clinic where  this takes place.  They aren’t free, but the cost is much less expensive than your average massage.  Check online at the school’s website for information about student massages, or, if you can’t  find  the  information online, call the school and ask.
3. Try one of the increasing number of no-frills massage boutiques.  Because of its popularity, massage parlors are popping up all over the place.  Arthritis Today explains that now there are a number of new franchises that cater to those of more modest means.  They offer 60 minute massages for around $40.  This is an exceptional bargain for a good massage.  The savings is due to the fact that these boutiques don’t spend as much time or money on the atmosphere and extras you’ll get at a spa.  But the massage itself can be just as good, and that’s what you really want to spend your money on.  Here are a few of these massage boutiques: Massage Envy, Massage Heights,  LaVida Massage, and Zen Massage.

If you find yourself dealing with a lot of tension and stress, a massage might be just what you need to unwind.  You  may have always felt that this is a luxury you simply can’t afford.  However, if  you’re willing  to  look for deals, or get a massage in a no-frills environment, you can find  your  way to a soothing,  relaxing  and  inexpensive  massage.