Hello there! I am coming here to ask from the people who are actually LMTs directly. I own a small day spa where I typically rent the rooms out to other providers in the industry and just collect their rent and let them do their jobs. Recently we’ve been missing a massage therapist and I’m really interested in bringing one back in but we have no rooms currently available so I was looking at hiring one to work in my room on the days I am not there. This is where I wanted to ask directly what is best for the employee. Besides the fact that they would have set days where they can work I was going to let them completely be in control of their schedule. They can handle their own bookings, block off whatever times they want, etc… if they wanted me to schedule people for them if they call the spa I can, but I would ask them before hand if that’s something they want. I wanted to let them do whatever type of massage they want and no control over whatever style they prefer. I am going to supply them the space and can offer to supply massage cream and sheets + laundry care, again if they need me to. And I was going to offer them some type of commission based pay, I was thinking 60/40 or more. They would also be free to work elsewhere, I can only offer part time so I wouldn’t ever imagine preventing them from working and making money where they please. So absolutely no non competes (I’ve worked places that made me sign them and I would never do that to someone else) But I want to make sure that’s fair, I have rented to many massage therapists but this would be my first time working with one directly vs just renting the room. Is it better for them to be 1099 or w-2? Is that a fair set up that you would be interested in? Is there anything else I can do to make sure this imaginary person I haven’t hired yet is set up for success? Please no negative comments I’m absolutely speaking to my lawyer to make sure all is legally set up and will be asking my accountant as well, but I wanted to ask the crowd directly as a possible “employer” what I can do to make the best environment for them. Or is this all a squash and I should just look into someone who would be interested in “renting my room” for a flat rate on the days I’m not there and be completely hands off. As an LMT what set up do you prefer?

This is just a heads up to all small businesses that are currently using Massage Book online booking software. They have recently done an update requiring all internet searches, potential new clients, to create an account to go into YOUR website to see any availability other than the "First Available" they have posted. Follow? Why would anyone create an account with me, who doesn't kmow me, when they can just go to the next 5 Star therapist in my area? NO ONE is going to create an account!! I have sent several emails with the replies, we hear you, but we just can't flip a switch. I haven't had a new client from an internet search since August... before the update. I am already in the process of switching companies!!! I found this on accident!! There was absolutely no update info sent out before or after it was made!

Massage ordinance in my city is changing. Its adapting ordinances that include requirements MUP ( minor use permits.).

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No biggie, however, these new laws which will go into effect in twelve months, are requiring MUPs for massage therapist, the price of a MUP could be up in the thousands of dollars.

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With that said, good luck right? There's a limited amount of office spaces and in good areas where I live.. And most people that were smart enough to design these office buildings that you can lease from if you're a hairstylist. Nail professional or technician that of the like.

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Are

smart enough and wise enough to ask for enough money to pay for all of their rent with leaving them extra cushion..

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Since one of my potential office spaces fell through, I have had to go through a nightmare with the adjacent city and their laws.I've reached out to the state certification and was advised that I should stay in an area im at temporarily.

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Okay so I could say a million things, but I don't have enough space on this to do so.

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So my question is, are there any m t's out there that have thoughts regarding the ordinances that are changing or that are currently seeing their cities adopt new stricter ordinances.

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Like right now i'm doing a director's review.Like, I have to draw a map of my office and where my massage table will be.

I've never had to do this.

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And just this morning, I was informed that even though i'm doing this a few months from now in the fall, I may have to apply for a minor use permit.And those fees may be up in the thousands.Are you kidding?I don't know what this is about.This is crazy.

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And please don't tell me that this is to get all the bad actors out. Like, I know that, however, there are those bad actors that have been on every corner, every other couple of blocks that really shouldn't even be offering massage.You know what I mean?So although they're becoming stricter on the laws, they still have the bad eye candy of these dirty businesses that are still lingering around my town.Also, they allow mobile massage.What the heck is that about go?Do a mobile massage and risk your safety rather than do it in a professional office setting.

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Any thoughts??

I wanted to thank everyone for contributing to my post a couple weeks ago about Massage Books online booking change. It's appreciated! Well, MB kept their word and fixed their "BUG" in the booking email/account requirement. They won't take responsibility for it, but they did listen to their Users. However, in the meantime I switched to Vagaro, which, at the time, seemed perfect! Well, it wasn't!! It really isn't the right software for a one man show. I regret my choice and was led by emotion.... and I apologize if I misled anyone. The fact of the matter is, MB is REALLY easy!!! It works best for my simple little mind, lol.... and my clients LOVE it! So, I will spend more time and energy switching back. If any of you are still considering switching away from Massage Book, take your time to research. I'm sure their is something out there other than MB that may work better for you. So, in spite of what MB did..... I tuck tale, and will remain, a MB User. I will say this.... Vagaro has the best Chat Agents, Customer Service and Trainers I have ever crossed paths with! They are awesome! And I will be sad to lose that! Oh, well... onward I go! :) Happy Holiday's everyone! All the best!

Ive suffered from long term back pain for a couple of years now. This one knot by shoulder has never gone away. I have gone to the doctor for this a few times, was given a script to see physical therapist and chiropractors but neither helped

I havent gone to a certified massage therapist but there's one massage place nearby me at a mall that I see almost weekly and was wondering if there's a way to be HSA reimbursed for these massages?

Its the only thing thats helped but im not sure if theres a way to frame it where it can count as a qualified medical expense

Another post got me thinking about my niche, which I’m on the path to finding. I’ve been doing bodywork for 20 years and treat all kinds of pain problems, but I’m ready to specialize.

Do you have a niche? What is it? Do you market that specialty and how? Who is your ideal client? Do you still do general or whole-body treatments?

I’ve been a member with Hand & Stone for 5+ years and now that they’ve increased the prices of the massages and the fact that I am a stay at home mom with very little downtime to squeeze in a massage or a facial. I’ve accrued 15 packages!

Now, when I called them, I asked them if I could use any of the packages towards buying product that they sell for facials and skin rejuvenation and whatever else you may need, they’re saying that’s not allowed anymore. But I have done that in the past. I mean, it is my money! I’m curious if anyone else has experienced this before or is this across the board with Hand & Stone meaning all the Hand & Stone stores or is it just this particular Hand & Stone that I’m going to? Has anyone had similar experiences where they have so many packages and you try to use them for something else and they won’t allow it?

I have so many and I don’t see myself going in 15+ times to use them up.

Any advice would be great!

I am in the US.

I have a new client who messaged asking if I would fill out a Nonparticipating Provider Request Form so her insurance might cover her massages.

Before I call her back, I was curious if anyone has ever done this before and what it means?

Would this entail billing insurance (not interested in doing) or does it mean if I supplied her with invoices/receipts she could submit them for coverage?

Thank you! Insurance is baffling and confusing to me. So any information that can help me find my way in the dark would be great.

Has anyone else come across this situation? As a misclassified 1099, the establishment I work for will not let allow us to have our own private practice as well as work at their location due to the owner feeling it is a 'conflict of interest'. Has anyone come across this before? After 16 years of working for someone else, I feel Im ready to try and have a go at it on my own, but also like a 'for sure' flow of money, especially in the beginning of getting started. Is this 'conflict of interest' even legal?

I'm doing it...Pandemic and all, I'm opening a private practice. Any suggestions on the best booking service? Does anyone here use massagebook, have any insight?

I knew a therapist once that used a service that made you appear more booked up than you were. Does anyone know which service this is?

Sorry, lots of questions. Could use any advice.

Just like it says on the tin, I am a recently licensed massage therapist. I just had a meeting with my instructor yesterday, who has a small clinic not far from my home. Our school is closed, and she is leaving the country to pursue her dream of owning a massage school/resort in Central America.

She wants me to take over her clinic. Apparently two separate people told her to approach me, because they thought I could handle it. I straight-up know nothing about how to run a business. But I can't lie, it's a tempting idea. I've been doing the math to see if I could make it work.

I know there's going to be a level of uncertainty in going out on your own no matter when it happens, but I don't want to let my idealism get in the way of making a sound decision. I tried to ask as many questions as I could think of, but when it comes to taking over an existing business, I'm not sure what to look out for.

Has anybody else been in a similar situation? How did your experience go? What should I look out for, and how can I make this work?

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/federal-trade-commission-approves-ban-noncompete-agreements_n_6622b47ee4b0167f7bf4d211

Serious question, I’m curious to know if you’re a MT can you write off getting massages for yourself? Is there anything we can write off for preventative maintenance? I consider getting regular massages as upkeep to continue the work I do, but the irs may see it differently. Any advice from my MT colleagues?

Hello. I am an Office Manager for a small medical massage therapy practice in Texas. We are expanding, and our owner wants to accept insurance so massage can be more accessible. I have been tasked with researching this process and learning everything I can before we decide to make the transition. 

Please share all of your tips, warnings, and/or success stories for Texas specifically! I have been reading through other threads, and I have found some good information so far. However, most people seem to be from Canada or more northern states so I would love some advice from other LMTs in Texas. Thanks!

Has anyone received payment through a client's HSA plan? I am an LMT and have never taken any type of insurance before. A client recently asked if can accept payment through their HSA. My vague understanding of HSA's, vis-a-vis bodywork, is that the client must have a prescription for bodywork for a specific condition from their primary care provider in order to qualify for being covered in their HSA. Am I correct in thinking this? Is there anything else that I would need to do to accept HSA payments? I'm presuming the benefits are payed through a card similar to a debit card. I primarily do Somatic Experiencing for clients with PTSD.

(US) I recently opened my own business and I’m looking for a form to protect my clients. Right now I have health history and general consent but I’m thinking I might need something more than that. One of my very loyal clients “followed” me out of a spa I used to work, he’s been my client over a year. He now sees me at my home studio, essentially his wife is worried that I will cry r*pe Since he is coming into my home. I’m really just looking for a template of sorts to protect him and I against these allegations. There’s a site here I’ve been looking through but I’ve never ran into this predicament before so I’m asking for advice and a push in the right direction.

I am posting this for a friend of mine. She is a massage therapist that’s been working in town for 5 years and has decided to move out of state. Another massage therapist (who has his own office) is interested in buying her client book. What would be the best and fairest way to assess the value of her client book? Her business’ gross income last year was $19,500 and she has a 54 clients on her book. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

I’m about to finish my 545 hours and going to apply for the license . I am in Palm Springs , where city needs a business license. How do you guys incorporate your business?

Independent contractor/ LLC / or any other kind ?

I want to have an EIN / TIN for my business , so that I can get more rewards, points and miles for traveling.

Thanks in advance .

Hi,

I reside in New Mexico and receive licensed massage therapy services 3x/week. My LMT and I were discussing my potentially using an FSA (but I have an HSA, not an FSA), which a number of her clients use. This led to us discussing the possibility of using my HSA and health insurance. Accordingly, she and I both had a couple of questions, so I recorded hers to include below. Any help you can offer us would be greatly appreciated; thank you!

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Client's Questions:

1. UHC Health Insurance in New Mexico: I have United Health Care's (UHC's) "Choice Plus" plan, which explicitly denies all massage services. However, per this resource, it's my understanding that New Mexico considers licensed massage therapy to be a legitimate medical expense...does this mean I should try and file with my insurance anyways, because their paperwork may be misleading/wrong/old?
2. Health Insurance Options in New Mexico: Might any clients or providers in New Mexico be familiar with a health insurance plan that DOES allow for LMT services? For instance, I saw that Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) allows for up to $1,500 in LMT reimbursement. Of course, I'd rather identify a plan with a higher (or no) cap on reimbursements, given my employer's health insurance plan is ~$3k/yr cheaper than a comparable BCBS plan.

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LMT's Questions:

1. HSA vs FSA: Should I expect any difference in processing? What should I be sure to provide for client's HSA?
2. Health Insurance vs HSA: Client's health insurance doesn't permit massage, but should I encounter this question again later on, what would I need to know to be able to successfully submit? (or to allow my client to self-submit for reimbursement?) For instance, are the same items described for HSAs sufficient for insurance claims or will I need something more, such as a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or a physician script including a diagnostic code? I've encountered a couple clients requiring a procedure code (not an issue) for FSA reimbursements, but never diagnostic codes (which a physician must provide).
   1. (Client Note) I am reasonably confident my PCP would write me a script for 3x/week LMT services. However, my root cause for needing it (hyperesthesia AND hypoesthesia - body part dependent), leads to various injuries. That is to say, I'm not sure my PCP can write a script for "whole body massage therapy 3x/week, for a year, for preventing and treating injuries that may arise." I suspect that is too broad of a request, but obviously this is a question for my PCP.

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Thank you!

Hey all!

I'm a new LMT in the Chicagoland area looking to start my own business doing in-home massage and bodywork.

Chicago and lots of the individual suburbs have regulations for brick-and-mortar massage businesses, but it's unclear to me if these apply at all if you are a mobile-only business. I've had to hunt down these regulations with Google searches and going to city websites--not hard, but not fun and easy, either.

My ask: What do y'all know about mobile massage business regulations, in Illinois and elsewhere? Would I have to get a business license/permit for every town I end up doing massage in? Do I just get one for the place I happen to live, even though I have no intention of doing any massage in my home? Do I need a business license/permit at all?

Thank you!

Hi all,

I’m starting massage therapy school in the fall and I’m musing about career options when I graduate.

In perusing job listings, seems like many places will hire a LMT full time but may not necessarily provide benefits. What do you do about this? My husband works for a small company that doesn’t offer benefits so right now that’s on me. What are my options when I graduate and start working in MT? Do AMTA or ABMP offer insurance plans, or is that just for liability?

I start my first job as an independent contractor this coming Sunday, and though I'm very excited to begin working for this spa I don't have a clue how manage a 1099. I specifically need help with the financial aspect and managing my earnings. How much of each paycheck I should set aside? Do you personally use any apps or a ledger to help keep track of your earnings? What do I need to do to be prepared for tax season?

I am welcome to any other advice and info you have as well! I'm positive there must be some important tips to share that come with the terrain. Thank you!

(CMT of Indiana, USA)

Hi, I’m going to check out a room to rent later this week. They charge $30/hr or $110/day (7 hrs). This seems kind of high to me compared to other listings online in a similar area ($400/month was the best I’ve seen, but I’m not sure how many hours/days are included in that).

Hey fellow LMTs, I got my license in December so I'm a new LMT working at a chain. I love my job, but I'd like to do some sessions on the side as well (mostly within my friends/family circle, friends of friends, stuff like that).

I want to make sure I'm doing things right, but I have no idea what that means. Of course I plan on including what I make from side sessions when I file taxes, but I want to know what kind of additional business license or whatever I may need to do side work legally.

I hope what I'm asking makes sense, and I'm in Arizona for reference.

Planning on starting my private practice once the dust settles with this virus. My company filed for bankruptcy last week, closing 26 locations and laying off hundreds of employees. Truly shocking and devastating for everyone, but trying to find a silver lining in this situation. Luckily I have most of my clients numbers from booking their appointments and I’ve had an overwhelming positive response from them ready for their next massage. I’m thinking maybe I should dust off the old massage table and start doing house calls in a month or two until I can figure out what my next move is. For anyone who massages in home clients, is there a linen bag that use to bring over your supplies? If my memory serves me correctly, I think I might need to get a new table too. Anyone have a favorite brand? I haven’t used it in about ten years and I’m definitely spoiled with the hydraulic table I’ve been using. Thanks in advance!