Las Vegas - Advice from a Licensed Massage Therapist from Las Vegas

I know lots of you like to get massages on your vegas vacations so I thought this would be a great opportunity to offer some advice and if anyone has any further questions please feel free to ask away!

I work for a 5 star resort and I'm also independent with my own business license etc.

I would like to go through the differences in services that may help you decide where and who does your next relaxing massage.

Hotels offer many benefits like an opportunity to use amenities included with your massage (i.e. the gym, hot and dry sauna, jacuzzi, roman tub, mineral baths, snow rooms, etc.) Believe me I've been to them all and they are a great way to spend a day if you have nothing else planned. As a female, if I have things like sightseeing to do later on, I suggest a massage close to when you wake up or before bed, massage oil/lotion can get in your hair (esp if you want a scalp massage like I do). Then I have enough time to use the shower and get ready for my day.
If I have NOTHING to do all day but relax, the hotel is the way to go merely because of all the extra perks.
Downfall: when you think you're getting an hour, it's really 50 minutes, because they schedule people so tightly, they need 5 min to pick you up from the lounge and walk you to the room, then 5 min at the end to kick you out so they can change the sheets and clean the room for the next person.
Sometimes the spa is so busy you are waiting in the lounge with 30 other women or men in their robes, and it feels like a cattle call.

Independent Massage Therapists give you the luxury of coming to you. It is not lawful for you to go to them (i.e. their home) unless they rent commercial space. Legally they cannot be open past 9pm unless it is a chair massage only, which requires you to keep your clothing on. ***Any massage place that's open 24 hours is not legit massage, and is shady, mostly employing illegal immigrants from asia. Someone's paying off someone and it's a sad corrupt piece of vegas that should be changed but is overlooked (on purpose).***
They (LMT's) can come to your house, business, hotel room etc. You can also negotiate time and price (although it is a bit insulting to negotiate price), if you pay for the hour, you usually get the full hour, not the 45-50 minute thing that hotel spas stick you with.
When you look for one, I highly suggest looking on the www.AMTA.com website for independent therapists in the area. AMTA is the american massage therapy association and if they are members, this means they are insured and completely professional. If you look on craigslist or backpage for example, if you do not see the word "licensed" in the title, it's probably not a legit therapist.
PLEASE NOTE it is unlawful and rude to ask a therapist for a "happy ending"/"release" or however you want to call it. This can land you in jail OR better yet, when I am asked for this I leave right away, with the money, and my things. If I feel too unsafe, I leave without my things and come back with the police to get my things.
If you are at a hotel or timeshare spa, please also do not go in with the intention of any sexual behavior, management will call security, who will call the police, who will fill out reports against you for sexual something or other and it'll be on your record and you get to pay fines. fun fun. Plus it kind of ruins the rest of the day, it's not fun being asked to do something disgusting when you are a professional.

All in all, the better bang for your buck if you're looking for a great legit massage is to find a LMT LICENSED massage therapist. You get a longer massage for around $80 for an hour and sometimes $90-$100 for 90 minutes (hotels are normally $149 for 50 minutes and up).

P.S. Hotels can hire people right out of school, so they don't need to have their National Certification to start working for them right away since they work under the hotel's license, but and Independent LMT is required by law to have that, plus FBI background check, plus fingerprints, plus apply for a business license, plus be insured. You can be assured the person is legit and professional, and probably more knowledgeable about the field.

***Make sure you always tip at least $10 no matter if you decide on the hotel or an independent therapist. I know lots of hotels say gratuity is included, but it's not. ***


SPECIAL NOTE TO EUROPEANS:::::::
I know you guys don't tip in Europe, but when you come to the states you must. Minimum wage is $6 in nevada and these people rely on tips to pay their bills and feed their kids. Nevada does not have the amazing government programs to help hardworking people get food or any other help like Europe does.... and liberal states like California. The reason for the low wage is because it's a tipping town.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I'll be happy to answer anything or clarify anything.


My next post will be about using Las Vegas Valet's (since I was one as well)

SPECIAL NOTE TO EUROPEANS:::::::
I know you guys don't tip in Europe, but when you come to the states you must. Minimum wage is $6 in nevada and these people rely on tips to pay their bills and feed their kids. Nevada does not have the amazing government programs to help hardworking people get food or any other help like Europe does.... and liberal states like California. The reason for the low wage is because it's a tipping town.

According to the NV website, NV minimum wage is $6.55 if you have health benefits, or $7.55 if you do not.

While it may be customary to tip in the US, it's ultimately up to the customer. In most cases when you have the "you must tip" pushed down your throat, it's less likely to happen.

Please continue to follow this thread in the Las Vegas Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

Interesting info. The prices of massages has always put me off...but if I could have one in my room for half price that would be lovely.
Do you travel with your own table too?

According to the NV website, NV minimum wage is $6.55 if you have health benefits, or $7.55 if you do not.

While it may be customary to tip in the US, it's ultimately up to the customer. In most cases when you have the "you must tip" pushed down your throat, it's less likely to happen.

We never tell you to your FACE because it it RUDE, but I'm telling you ahead of time. It is equally if not MORE rude to not tip. I am not DEMANDING it by any means, but this is our culture. If you want to use a convenience service, you tip. If you cannot afford a tip don't use the service (i.e. bellhop/baggage handler, valet, etc.) Carry your own bags, and park your own car.
If you are looking for services as a customer, and you are known for not tipping (say you get room service a few times and don't tip), or your valet your car a few times and don't tip, or tip a dollar or two, the speed and quality of your service will reduce. That is the reality of the situation, no malice intended. You might as well self park in that case, you will get your car faster.
If you tip FIRST (in the valet case) you get to skip ahead by a few customers. The bigger the tip, the better the service. Tip a $20 to valet depending on how busy it is, sometimes they can leave the car in front, if for some reason they can't (like the hotel manager comes out and thinks it looks too crowded so move everything away) you are still on a priority and parked as close as possible to have hardly a wait time to get your vehicle. So that's always pretty nice. You show that you have not stiffed the valets.
Minimum was JUST raised not even a year ago, It was 5.15 for the longest time. Still really low for Las Vegas.

Interesting info. The prices of massages has always put me off...but if I could have one in my room for half price that would be lovely.
Do you travel with your own table too?

If you can find a legit therapist that would travel to you in their own car and waste their gas and their time/labor for half of $80, then man, you found a goldmine. lol


I do travel with a table and all the awesome spa stuff, but I do not live in Vegas anymore, I have my business there still but I cannot work outside of it.
Out of my territory. =) I can find an amazing therapist for you. We all know each other basically and refer people all the time.

Interesting info. The prices of massages has always put me off...but if I could have one in my room for half price that would be lovely.
Do you travel with your own table too?

You expect quality at that price?!?!

You expect quality at that price?!?!

My reaction exactly.
Keep this in mind always....
When you are buying something, or a service, there are three entities:

Time
Price
Quality

You cannot have all three, one must be compromised.
You can have the time for your price, but you will not have your quality.
You can have the quality and the time, but not at the price you're seeking.
You can have quality and price, but it's going to cost you some time.

You expect quality at that price?!?!I think it depends on what you're looking for.

If you're really into the other services provided by the spa, or the whole "ambiance" of the spa itself, then you probably wouldn't enjoy this experience as much. But if you just want the massage, it sounds like a better option.

I've been to Canyon Ranch Spa in The Venetian several times. I get a massage and don't take advantage of any other services (well, besides the robe and the shower). I think the quality of services provided in my hotel room could be just as good as those provided in the spa.

I haven't tried this yet, because the thought of inviting a strange woman to my hotel room to rub on me gives me the creeps. :D

I think it depends on what you're looking for.

If you're really into the other services provided by the spa, or the whole "ambiance" of the spa itself, then you probably wouldn't enjoy this experience as much. But if you just want the massage, it sounds like a better option.

I've been to Canyon Ranch Spa in The Venetian several times. I get a massage and don't take advantage of any other services (well, besides the robe and the shower). I think the quality of services provided in my hotel room could be just as good as those provided in the spa.

I haven't tried this yet, because the thought of inviting a strange woman to my hotel room to rub on me gives me the creeps. :D




HAHA, well I can understand that aspect, but if you ever get over it, it's not a bad deal.
Canyon Ranch Spa can offer you in-room service as well (much pricier). I have many personal friends at almost every spa in vegas including CRS.
It's unfortunate you have this .... issue.
BTW we do not "rub on you". We use therapeutic massage techniques to address any issues you may have (maybe an overly concaved lumbar spine or trigger points in your traps).

Actually, you know what, get over it and don't be a sissy.
lol

BTW we do not "rub on you". We use therapeutic massage techniques to address any issues you may have (maybe an overly concaved lumbar spine or trigger points in your traps).

Actually, you know what, get over it and don't be a sissy.
lolYes, I'm fully aware that this is my problem :p I had the same problem when I first went to CR for a massage.

Actually given the hard core attitude of the OP, I don't think I'd ever partake in Vegas. I've had hundreds of massages at reputable places in the states over the years. Usually at independent places, but some chains like Massage Envy and the like. While the massage may be acceptable, the 45 or 50 minutes you get, as well as the transitory nature of many therapists means you may not get a decent massage the next time.

I find most of the massages that I get outside the US are far superior. From a blind massage in Chaing Mai, Thailand, to hot rock massages in Saigon, great foot massages in Jakarta and China, there just isn't much in the way of comparison.

I've gotten in room massages at 4 or 5 star hotels for $30 for 90 minutes. Small agencies for $8 an hour, and as low as $3 an hour for very nice foot massages. I have gotten a few mediocre massages in Asia, but a far lower percentage than the US.

If you want to use a convenience service, you tip. If you cannot afford a tip don't use the service (i.e. bellhop/baggage handler, valet, etc.) Carry your own bags, and park your own car.
If you are looking for services as a customer, and you are known for not tipping (say you get room service a few times and don't tip), or your valet your car a few times and don't tip, or tip a dollar or two, the speed and quality of your service will reduce. That is the reality of the situation, no malice intended. You might as well self park in that case, you will get your car faster.
If you tip FIRST (in the valet case) you get to skip ahead by a few customers. The bigger the tip, the better the service. Tip a $20 to valet depending on how busy it is, sometimes they can leave the car in front, if for some reason they can't (like the hotel manager comes out and thinks it looks too crowded so move everything away) you are still on a priority and parked as close as possible to have hardly a wait time to get your vehicle. So that's always pretty nice. You show that you have not stiffed the valets.
Minimum was JUST raised not even a year ago, It was 5.15 for the longest time. Still really low for Las Vegas.

FWIW, I'm a Vegas resident as well & I've got to disagree with some of the things you're saying here...

I agree with Jaimito Cartero when he says While it may be customary to tip in the US, it's ultimately up to the customer.

And as far as Valets, etc, in my experience, it's never the same person twice & tipping in advance still means that the other person is going to want a tip when drop your car off. I've tied the "tipping well in advance" to have my car sitting there or waiting nearby (and informing the valet that I'll be back in about 5-10 minutes) when I've had to run in to a casino for 5-10 minutes to just pick up show tickets or something & sure enough, it seems to take just as long as it would otherwise.

I'm not anti-tipping (and I usually do tip the masseuse when I get a good massage), but if it's not warranted, it's not warranted. I've had a terrible massage before & if it's still bad after speaking up about it, I'm not going to tip. Same thing goes for waitstaff - I was a waiter when I was in college & I know that they get paid poorly - but if the service is that bad, sometimes a tip isn't warranted.

My reaction exactly.
Keep this in mind always....
When you are buying something, or a service, there are three entities:

Time
Price
Quality

You cannot have all three, one must be compromised.
You can have the time for your price, but you will not have your quality.
You can have the quality and the time, but not at the price you're seeking.
You can have quality and price, but it's going to cost you some time.

I'm not sure of the latter. Is any good outcall person going to do any amount for $40? Remember that they have the fixed overhead of travel.

Indeed. I'll tip where appropriate but have no desire to be a chump where I'm not receiving value in return.

A tip is often an unspoken component of price, and I'm ok with that. But because it's not explicit up front there's flexibility in what to offer, if anything.

I'll tip extra for extraordinary service. I'll tip modestly for average service. And I don't have a problem in many situations tipping little or not at all. It really is circumstance-depedent.

I've had success tipping in Vegas at checkin for better rooms (nice 5-bathroom Penthouse Suite at the Bellagio for instance).

And I'll tip up front at a valet if it's a one or two person operation. But have to agree with bhatnasx that in large operations where you aren't going to see the same people over and over, the tip doesn't buy you much unless it's over-the-top in amount and even then because it isn't an explicit fee for service it can still be hit or miss.

I don't tip extra above and beyond room service service charge usually, unless the person deliveirng the food is extra helpful.

I'll add a tip for a good massage, but I don't feel obligated to pile on the cash if they haven't provided a superior massage. Period.

I have also gotten massages outside of the US.
Thailand for instance: $8 for an hour. Sounds great. The massage was.. well, sub par, my boyfriend can do a much better job and he knows nothing about massage. I could have saved my $8 but well, I'm not gonna complain over $8.... and who would?
I'm sorry you got "ok" massages in vegas. Like I said, you should look up who is LICENSED because that makes a huge difference. There is a significant difference in education. And because it's at a spa doesn't mean the quality of the massage goes up.
Also, going to chains like Massage Envy, where they pay their therapists $5 out of that $50 they charge you, you're obviously not going to get amazing service either (all of this is a pattern relating back to doing your homework!)
The reason why Vegas is kind of expensive as far as massage (but nowhere near as expensive as New York mind you) we need to carry usually more than one license every 6 months. The fees are outrageous, we carry malpractice insurance which is costly, we have to renew ECU's every year.... this ads up to THOUSANDS and up per year. Asian workers in the field work for peanuts because they aren't charged to touch people. It's a huge liability especially in vegas, they do hardcore screenings, FBI background etc (as I wrote before), that stuff is NOT FREE and it comes out of OUR pockets. Not to mention Massage school is anywhere from $12k to $30k depending on the school and what they certify you for.
By the fact that you said your massages weren't that great tells me you did not do your research before coming to visit, like most people, which is OK but that's why I started this thread for you guys. It's ok to be skeptical of things, and have questions.
I am not promoting myself by writing this, plus I'm no longer in Vegas, but I know the ins and outs and the deals and the rip offs and the scams and the whole nine yards. I hate to see people go there and wonder why something wasn't how it was supposed to be.
About my "hardcore attitude"... You kinda develop one when you deal with people trying to rip you off all the time (trying to get a massage for $20) or try to get you to do things out of your scope of practice (happy ending), similar to YOUR OWN hardcore attitude. =) Takes one to know one.
IF you ever go back, I know the best place to get hot stone done.
Hope you have a better day.


Actually given the hard core attitude of the OP, I don't think I'd ever partake in Vegas. I've had hundreds of massages at reputable places in the states over the years. Usually at independent places, but some chains like Massage Envy and the like. While the massage may be acceptable, the 45 or 50 minutes you get, as well as the transitory nature of many therapists means you may not get a decent massage the next time.

I find most of the massages that I get outside the US are far superior. From a blind massage in Chaing Mai, Thailand, to hot rock massages in Saigon, great foot massages in Jakarta and China, there just isn't much in the way of comparison.

I've gotten in room massages at 4 or 5 star hotels for $30 for 90 minutes. Small agencies for $8 an hour, and as low as $3 an hour for very nice foot massages. I have gotten a few mediocre massages in Asia, but a far lower percentage than the US.

Ok one, tickets NEVER take 5-10 minutes from running in and coming out. It takes at least 5 minutes for them to enter in the info that you are who you say you are and you are picking up the tickets etc.
Also, It depends on how much you tip the valet and how busy it is. If some dude ahead of you tipped $20 and you tipped $5, well, sorry but you get parked, and most people tip $5 when they arrive anyway (we still make that extra effort to pull you up faster though).
I agree, if the service is THAT BAD then don't tip, I have never had service that was THAT BAD that I didn't tip at all, EVER. In the case of Valet, that is a service that you can completely do yourself so if you don't feel like tipping, park yourself.
Also, the person writing you a ticket for your car, the car parker, the expediter, and the person pulling your car up for you, don't all expect a tip. We know it is customary to tip ONCE YOU GET YOUR CAR, but the tipping ahead thing does help, we write on the ticket that you tipped, sometimes how much you tip, we have little codes so the person in the valet booth can expedite the tickets properly, if there's someone that tipped $20 and we had to park it for some reason then they hand it to the next available runner and are told to haul a$$. If you don't tip when we pull your car up, we don't care, we see on the ticket that you've already given $20.
Also, most valet's split the tips, you should always ask though, if they don't split, then divi up your tips into $1 per person. If they share, $5 when you leave is normal.
Informing us how long you will be only matters if it's SLOW, which is like after midnight or before 8am.
I know it sounds dumb but that's how it is. There are many many many exceptions depending on the mood of the valet management, and the mood of the executives when they roll into work (since they valet too)



FWIW, I'm a Vegas resident as well & I've got to disagree with some of the things you're saying here...

I agree with Jaimito Cartero when he says

And as far as Valets, etc, in my experience, it's never the same person twice & tipping in advance still means that the other person is going to want a tip when drop your car off. I've tied the "tipping well in advance" to have my car sitting there or waiting nearby (and informing the valet that I'll be back in about 5-10 minutes) when I've had to run in to a casino for 5-10 minutes to just pick up show tickets or something & sure enough, it seems to take just as long as it would otherwise.

I'm not anti-tipping (and I usually do tip the masseuse when I get a good massage), but if it's not warranted, it's not warranted. I've had a terrible massage before & if it's still bad after speaking up about it, I'm not going to tip. Same thing goes for waitstaff - I was a waiter when I was in college & I know that they get paid poorly - but if the service is that bad, sometimes a tip isn't warranted.

Depends, usually not.
Some exceptions I've seen are

1. if the therapist knows you really well
2. if you paid upfront at least 4 massages totaling $160 at $40 a pop.
3. if you ask for just 30 min
4. if you are a member of a chain massage place (massage envy for instance) and they offer a promo (which by the way comes out of the therapist's cut so I don't recommend this place).
5. if they are your neighbor and they don't have to drive (i.e. same apartment complex)
6. if they are not licensed
7. if they only went to the first 2 weeks of massage school
8. if they are here illegally

listed from best to worst reasons why you'd get a decent massage for $40

I'm not sure of the latter. Is any good outcall person going to do any amount for $40? Remember that they have the fixed overhead of travel.

About my "hardcore attitude"... You kinda develop one when you deal with people trying to rip you off all the time (trying to get a massage for $20) or try to get you to do things out of your scope of practice (happy ending), similar to YOUR OWN hardcore attitude.

Some people get so mad about stuff in their profession that they don't realize how much it turns off potential clients by .....ing and moaning about it.

I never said I had gotten a massage in Vegas. I simply said that given your take on the industry, I would never do so in the future.

And I do do research when I go to a new location. Most of the places I mentioned in my original message I found through recommendations on FT or through friends.

There are crappy massages everywhere. At least in Bangkok if you wasted $8 on a massage, you'd feel somewhat less pissed off than if you had spent $100 in the US. I go to a place that charges 250B for a two hour Thai massage. I've never had a bad massage at that location.

Quality and price are in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps you don't understand that many FT members travel quite widely, and can compare service, style and pricing around the world.

If I had the same job as I did 20 years ago, I'm sure I would get weekly massages here. Luckily, I don't, and can pick and choose where I spend my time and money. For that money that I would spend for a weekly massage over a year, I can fly, stay at a nice hotel, and get a massage every day for a month in Asia.

I agree fully.
But having a "superior massage" is objective.
If you are not enjoying your massage, it's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to communicate that. We are supposed to ask you during the massage things like "how's the pressure" "are you doing ok" "are you warm/cool enough" etc etc.
And pre-massage we are supposed to ask about any medical conditions, anything to avoid, anything that needs special attention, are you pregnant, etc etc.
If we don't, it's on us. I like to cover my bases and I am very anal retentive about making sure the person gets the massage they need. But all LMT's aren't like that and I understand.
I've had at least 500 massages in my life and I know what I want, I know how I like it, I tend to gravitate towards having ONLY my "fav" LMT's work on me. You always risk having a new person completely ruin your expectations for you, but that's everything in life. Same with hairdressers/barbers for example.



Indeed. I'll tip where appropriate but have no desire to be a chump where I'm not receiving value in return.

A tip is often an unspoken component of price, and I'm ok with that. But because it's not explicit up front there's flexibility in what to offer, if anything.

I'll tip extra for extraordinary service. I'll tip modestly for average service. And I don't have a problem in many situations tipping little or not at all. It really is circumstance-depedent.

I've had success tipping in Vegas at checkin for better rooms (nice 5-bathroom Penthouse Suite at the Bellagio for instance).

And I'll tip up front at a valet if it's a one or two person operation. But have to agree with bhatnasx that in large operations where you aren't going to see the same people over and over, the tip doesn't buy you much unless it's over-the-top in amount and even then because it isn't an explicit fee for service it can still be hit or miss.

I don't tip extra above and beyond room service service charge usually, unless the person deliveirng the food is extra helpful.

I'll add a tip for a good massage, but I don't feel obligated to pile on the cash if they haven't provided a superior massage. Period.

I also would like to tell you guys another problem that seems to come up now and again, usually a cultural issue I've noticed but sometimes not.

It is NOT LEGAL to be nude AND completely uncovered.
Sorry guys, but to ask for it (and believe me you will be told NO) and be told no, and argue about why you hate the sheet and blah blah blah, doesn't matter. Answer is NO and the massage will not happen. We do not break the LAW.

Actually, Vegas law, you can only be uncovered a section at a time.
It IS ok to be completely nude under the sheet. We actually prefer it since it's kind of annoying and harder to work around underoos when we're using oil/lotion. We have to make extra special effort to not get oil on them, plus if you have a lower back issue we need to address your glutes, sure we can do compression over the sheets for you but that solves a fraction of your issue.
It boils down to your level of comfort ultimately, but it's always much easier if we don't have to work around clothes.
I promise you, since the sheet is on you 100% of the time (required by law), you will not be exposed, we are sensitive about your comfort level.
In school we are taught to not use our eyes (we are blindfolded a lot) because massage is the art of touch, so when we are massaging you, more than half of the time our eyes are closed anyway. Our hands "see" for us.

Some people get so mad about stuff in their profession that they don't realize how much it turns off potential clients by .....ing and moaning about it.

I never said I had gotten a massage in Vegas. I simply said that given your take on the industry, I would never do so in the future.

And I do do research when I go to a new location. Most of the places I mentioned in my original message I found through recommendations on FT or through friends.

There are crappy massages everywhere. At least in Bangkok if you wasted $8 on a massage, you'd feel somewhat less pissed off than if you had spent $100 in the US. I go to a place that charges 250B for a two hour Thai massage. I've never had a bad massage at that location.

Quality and price are in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps you don't understand that many FT members travel quite widely, and can compare service, style and pricing around the world.

If I had the same job as I did 20 years ago, I'm sure I would get weekly massages here. Luckily, I don't, and can pick and choose where I spend my time and money. For that money that I would spend for a weekly massage over a year, I can fly, stay at a nice hotel, and get a massage every day for a month in Asia.

I understand that FT members travel a lot. As do I. That's why I'm here.
Also, my thread is about Vegas, not Asia. I've had massages both places. I'm
merely writing this for those of you traveling to VEGAS who are wondering if they should go the independent therapist rout or the spa route and if you need a referral/recommendation I can help with that. That town operates very differently from the rest of the cities in the US, and greatly differs from other cities worldwide. People don't know this and find out the hard way.
There's no B****ing and Moaning about anything, I'm simply just telling it like it is. I'm bringing to light the common complaints I get from the people who serve you, and common complaints and requests of the people who use these services and would appreciate some insight on how things work. If you don't like information that's ok, I'm just here to INFORM. I would like for this to help you decide what route to go and any obstacle you may run into.
If you have questions pertaining to my subject I'd be happy to address.

The reason why Vegas is kind of expensive as far as massage (but nowhere near as expensive as New York mind you) we need to carry usually more than one license every 6 months. The fees are outrageous, we carry malpractice insurance which is costly, we have to renew ECU's every year.... this ads up to THOUSANDS and up per year.

It's a huge liability especially in vegas, they do hardcore screenings, FBI background etc (as I wrote before), that stuff is NOT FREE and it comes out of OUR pockets.

All this adds costs and doesn't make a better massage. Why only 6 month licenses? 2 years is fine. Malpractice? Are you going to break someone's back? FBI check? If someone has a criminal record, they can still give a good massage.

All this adds costs and doesn't make a better massage. Why only 6 month licenses? 2 years is fine. Malpractice? Are you going to break someone's back? FBI check? If someone has a criminal record, they can still give a good massage.

I don't think you guys are really understanding me.
It's VEGAS, the land of hookers, con artists, and criminals of all levels.
The State of Nevada want to make sure that you are a licensed health professional in the field, and not some virus infected criminal who is going to go through your wallet while you're naked on the table, or do something like push on areas of your body that can make you really sick).
Sure a person with a criminal history can give a good massage, but this is your health we are dealing with. You cannot be a doctor (among many other occupations) with a criminal history (some lie, most are caught, the system isn't air-tight).
Malpractice because there are a number of things that can happen. From minor to major. There are contraindications for massage, and we have to be educated enough to know when not to perform a massage on someone (certain forms on cancer, certain techniques on pregnant women, etc) and when it's ok (skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis). Damage can be done, the licenses upon licenses prove you are who you say you are, the ECUs required for license renewals prove your educated beyond school requirements and overly-competent to do the job.
While there are no instances that I know of a LMT breaking someone's back, osteoporosis can make one's bones so brittle that with certain pressures used in massage, yes we can break bones, easily.
Licenses vary by areas/territories/jurisdictions. Vegas isn't just Vegas. It is The City of Las Vegas and Clark County, also there's The City of North Las Vegas, and The City of Henderson. Henderson is also in Clark county but you still need a separate license to practice in Henderson even if you have a Clark County for las vegas license.
Some are 6 month licenses, some are 1 year. You can't pick and choose how long you want your license for, if it states it expires a certain date, renew it before it expires, but you cannot renew for years in advance, it doesn't work that way.
They vary because whatever $ you make in that area you must log, and at the end of 6 months you turn in documents showing how much you made (to that specific license issuer) and your next license cost is dependent upon that income. For instance Clark County is every 6 month renewal, if you had no massages in clark county you owe about $50 bucks. If you made 6k, it goes up by percentages and brackets. Kind of like US taxes at the end of the year, only you pay the taxes multiple times a year at at the end of the year you are taxed again for the cumulative $ you made for the prior fiscal year.
OK well that should be more than enough information on that issue.
Hope that helps....
Like I said before, Vegas isn't like any other state in the US. It operates very differently, it's a place where people come thinking it's ok to act on immoral impulses. SO business ethics are more strict than you would find in say Colorado.

Depends, usually not.
Some exceptions I've seen are

1. if the therapist knows you really well
2. if you paid upfront at least 4 massages totaling $160 at $40 a pop.
3. if you ask for just 30 min
4. if you are a member of a chain massage place (massage envy for instance) and they offer a promo (which by the way comes out of the therapist's cut so I don't recommend this place).
5. if they are your neighbor and they don't have to drive (i.e. same apartment complex)
6. if they are not licensed
7. if they only went to the first 2 weeks of massage school
8. if they are here illegally

listed from best to worst reasons why you'd get a decent massage for $40

I was saying about getting a good massage, not about getting an outcall massage for $40.

Note that #6 and #8 could drive down the price without a corresponding drop in quality. #6 if their license was suspended for reasons unrelated to performance (most likely, child support issues.) and #8 doesn't mean they don't have training from elsewhere.

For instance Clark County is every 6 month renewal, if you had no massages in clark county you owe about $50 bucks. If you made 6k, it goes up by percentages and brackets. Kind of like US taxes at the end of the year, only you pay the taxes multiple times a year at at the end of the year you are taxed again for the cumulative $ you made for the prior fiscal year.
OK well that should be more than enough information on that issue.
Hope that helps....
Like I said before, Vegas isn't like any other state in the US. It operates very differently, it's a place where people come thinking it's ok to act on immoral impulses. SO business ethics are more strict than you would find in say Colorado.

To enlighten the others on here: What she's referring to is an attempt to work around the state prohibition on an income tax--we have a "Business Activity Tax". The result is that it shows up as part of license fees rather than as income tax as it would elsewhere. As far as I'm concerned it waddles and quacks.

Think I'll stick with a reliable Asian babe. One that does a great massage, happy ending and no stinkin attitide. And ties my shoes after a $$ tip.

Do we really need another lesson on how to tip when in Las Vegas?

And congratulations for finally getting out.

IPLEASE NOTE it is unlawful and rude to ask a therapist for a "happy ending"/"release" or however you want to call it. This can land you in jail OR better yet, when I am asked for this I leave right away, with the money, and my things. If I feel too unsafe, I leave without my things and come back with the police to get my things.


This is too bad. I can see how it should be unlawful for the therapist to remove his/her clothes, give oral or penetrative sex, but massaging the back, legs, and other areas should be permitted. The happy area is just another part of the body.

I was saying about getting a good massage, not about getting an outcall massage for $40.

Note that #6 and #8 could drive down the price without a corresponding drop in quality. #6 if their license was suspended for reasons unrelated to performance (most likely, child support issues.) and #8 doesn't mean they don't have training from elsewhere.

To put your hands on someone in the state of nevada, you must be licensed in that state. Doesn't matter where you got your education.
If something goes wrong and you get hurt or robbed, you're not protected and you're SOL.
I never endorse getting a massage from someone unlicensed and someone that doesn't work within the law. end of story.
Some businesses operate without a license, that is an illegal business. Why would I tell people to use them when the legit businesses and independent therapists are out there obeying the law?
No comment on the child support issue, not my realm.

This is too bad. I can see how it should be unlawful for the therapist to remove his/her clothes, give oral or penetrative sex, but massaging the back, legs, and other areas should be permitted. The happy area is just another part of the body.

We can do your back, legs, even glutes! But to be FULLY uncovered is against the law.
If it's your back we're working on, the sheet is folded down to the base of your sacrum/above your gluteal cleft (bumcrack).
When we work on your legs, obviously we do one at a time, and your whole leg is uncovered up to the base of your sacrum so we can make one smooth motion from your feet all the way up and over the hip bone.
SOMETIMES half of your body will be uncovered (this is in the case of 30 min full body massages) so we can just effleurage from your feet upwards over the hip bone and up your back to your shoulder and down your arm to your fingers. Getting the most surface area of your body in a short amt of time.
The sheet also keeps people warm as sometimes the spa rooms vary in temperature depending on the floor plan... but I've noticed it's usually a little cool in the rooms...

This is too bad. I can see how it should be unlawful for the therapist to remove his/her clothes, give oral or penetrative sex, but massaging the back, legs, and other areas should be permitted. The happy area is just another part of the body.

Yeah, I've always felt it's a pretty stupid rule.

To put your hands on someone in the state of nevada, you must be licensed in that state. Doesn't matter where you got your education.
If something goes wrong and you get hurt or robbed, you're not protected and you're SOL.
I never endorse getting a massage from someone unlicensed and someone that doesn't work within the law. end of story.
Some businesses operate without a license, that is an illegal business. Why would I tell people to use them when the legit businesses and independent therapists are out there obeying the law?
No comment on the child support issue, not my realm.



We can do your back, legs, even glutes! But to be FULLY uncovered is against the law.
If it's your back we're working on, the sheet is folded down to the base of your sacrum/above your gluteal cleft (bumcrack).
When we work on your legs, obviously we do one at a time, and your whole leg is uncovered up to the base of your sacrum so we can make one smooth motion from your feet all the way up and over the hip bone.
SOMETIMES half of your body will be uncovered (this is in the case of 30 min full body massages) so we can just effleurage from your feet upwards over the hip bone and up your back to your shoulder and down your arm to your fingers. Getting the most surface area of your body in a short amt of time.
The sheet also keeps people warm as sometimes the spa rooms vary in temperature depending on the floor plan... but I've noticed it's usually a little cool in the rooms...

I agree there are safety issues with an unlicensed person that doesn't come with recommendations but I was simply saying that it's not an automatic sign of low quality.

As for sheets--it seems to me they serve a very practical purpose beyond modesty. Consider:

There are two people in the room. One is standing up, wearing clothes and engaging in a fair amount of effort. The other is laying down, no clothes, no effort. Is there an air temperature that's going to be good for both? It certainly doesn't seem like it to me!

I know you guys don't tip in Europe, but when you come to the states you must.

Really??!!??

I happily tip between 20 and 25% of the bill in a restaurant, in cash, not added on to my card payment when I've had a good time. I only ever leave without tipping when it has been blatantly poor service or someone has demanded a tip.

Your post was informative (although irrelevant for my needs) but demanding a tip and slating Europeans to boot? You need to wind your neck in somewhat.

I had a classic example of this on my last morning in NYC a number of years ago. The Bellhop moved my bags from his desk through a door behind as we were leaving to get breakfast and we would pick the bags up later. Even though he literally turned around and took two steps to get into the room he looked round, put his hand out and coughed. I told him that I only had a $50 which was the truth and would pop back in after breakfast to give him a few dollars. He acted like a spoilt child who didn't get his way and started mouthing off at me. Needless to say I told him where he could put my bags if he needed to move them and didn't go back.

People cannot deliver poor service and still expect a gratuity regardless of their basic pay. It also p155es me off when people pre-judge me on my ability to tip based on my accent.

Think I'll stick with a reliable Asian babe. One that does a great massage, happy ending and no stinkin attitide. And ties my shoes after a $$ tip.

Do we really need another lesson on how to tip when in Las Vegas?

And congratulations for finally getting out.

HAHA
Hey man to each his own.
I'm here for people who want a legit professional experience. I'm not here to recommend anything other than my legal bounds as a professional massage therapist that operates within the scope of practice.
Yeah vegas is..... well, you gotta be there to really know, but once you live there you find out fast it's not a place to be living.

Yeah, I've always felt it's a pretty stupid rule.



I agree there are safety issues with an unlicensed person that doesn't come with recommendations but I was simply saying that it's not an automatic sign of low quality.

As for sheets--it seems to me they serve a very practical purpose beyond modesty. Consider:

There are two people in the room. One is standing up, wearing clothes and engaging in a fair amount of effort. The other is laying down, no clothes, no effort. Is there an air temperature that's going to be good for both? It certainly doesn't seem like it to me!


It's definitely not a sign of "low quality" but someone that does not operate within the law shows low quality of character and intentions. Sorry but true. That is stuff therapist get 6 months in jail for (massage without a license and that's WITHOUT sexual involvement). To make things more absurd and strict, we can't even massage someone we're dating unless we met them BEFORE massage school. It's on the books, check it out.


Sheets:
Totally there's a difference, some rooms are too warm for both, being that las vegas gets really gosh dang sweltering hot and sometimes the AC systems are out for a day or two. Or this is more typical of vegas: since it's so hot outside let's crank the AC to winter temperatures!!!! lol So yeah there's never a happy medium with that.
SOMETIMES it even SNOWS!
THE MAJOR PRACTICAL REASONS FOR SHEETS:
1. We use the sheets for traction. We're stretching you and getting ROM (range of motion) out of your joints for an assessment on what your body can handle stretch-wise. It's really hard to pull your leg (literally) for a good stretch when the oil just keeps making our hands slip over your foot etc.
2. After massaging an area, blood circulation increases, when you move on to the next area, body heat is lost being that more blood is closer to the surface of you're skin. So you kind of end up being glad it's there.

SO we're trying to keep you comfy, warm, all the while we're trying to avoid looking at someone's privates.... which should remain private.
<3

Although I think I might benefit from an occasional massage, I pass up opportunities because I (a hefty guy) am invariably given much too rough a massage - to the point where it takes my back a day or so to return to "normal".

Is it common that a massage technician just assumes that a big person needs to have harsh kneading performed (to get through the layers of padding, as it were)?

Really??!!??

I happily tip between 20 and 25% of the bill in a restaurant, in cash, not added on to my card payment when I've had a good time. I only ever leave without tipping when it has been blatantly poor service or someone has demanded a tip.

Your post was informative (although irrelevant for my needs) but demanding a tip and slating Europeans to boot? You need to wind your neck in somewhat.

I had a classic example of this on my last morning in NYC a number of years ago. The Bellhop moved my bags from his desk through a door behind as we were leaving to get breakfast and we would pick the bags up later. Even though he literally turned around and took two steps to get into the room he looked round, put his hand out and coughed. I told him that I only had a $50 which was the truth and would pop back in after breakfast to give him a few dollars. He acted like a spoilt child who didn't get his way and started mouthing off at me. Needless to say I told him where he could put my bags if he needed to move them and didn't go back.

People cannot deliver poor service and still expect a gratuity regardless of their basic pay. It also p155es me off when people pre-judge me on my ability to tip based on my accent.


My whole family is from Europe (spread out to 3 western countries and one eastern European country, plus Eurasia ) so I know first hand exactly how it goes with them, what they think about it, also having experienced first hand for many years being stiffed for running my bum off to pull their cars up (again and again over the course of a week) and getting no tips kind of strikes a nerve.
When I don't get tipped from a massage I don't mind really, I love love love my job. But it's always a nice gesture. BTW we're not allowed to hold our hands out and go "ahem" or whatever (the valet's). I never DEMAND a tip from anyone ever. But if I'm giving advice to someone that's going to visit a tipping town, they need to know what they're getting into. (I tip even when the service is bad btw).
I've gone to other countries and tried my best to conform to their way of doing things, it's just polite, I'm sure Asians have the same kind of complaints about Americans too. All I'm saying is that's just how it is HERE. If you visit a place don't ignore a thing that's important to the society and claim "because you the service worker expected it, you don't deserve it".
Also, my relatives (like most travelers I get to eyewitness daily) come here and expect everyone to adjust to them. And when Americans visit Europe, they are treated poorly, scrutinized for just being American, and they complain we don't know their cultural differences.
THE POINT OF THE POST IS TO OFFER YOU ADVICE ON HOW IT IS IN VEGAS SINCE MOST PEOPLE AREN'T DOING THEIR RESEARCH BEFORE THEY VISIT.
IT IS A PATTERN THAT THE SERVICE WORKERS NOTICE, IF IT IS ONCE OR TWICE TYPE OF OCCURRENCE IT WOULD NOT BE A TOPIC BROUGHT UP AT ALL. I HOPE THIS IS CLEAR TO YOU, AND I KNOW A LOT OF YOU LIKE TO ARGUE AND NAMECALL (FIRST SIGN OF A BAD ARGUMENT). I'M HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, THERE IS NO MALICE OR ATTITUDE BEHIND MY POSTS, JUST FACTUAL SITUATIONS AND REALITY. I AM NOT HERE TO HURT YOUR FEELINGS, I'M HERE FOR YOU TO LEARN SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN.


If you use a convenience service that you could do yourself and don't want to tip, don't use the service, there's no attitude behind it, it's just fact.
BTW most of you aren't understanding that VALET is NO CHARGE in Vegas unless it's at a timeshare or a private residence building. SO yes we are running our bums off for your car and you're not tipping (and valet's don't make as much as they are rumored to). You cannot argue with me that that's not rude.
Our mayor is too nice to have anything changed about the "free valet" issue... If any of those hotels on the strip were mine I'd totally charge $10 a day MINIMUM (half of what California charges for valet). So be glad it's not me.

Although I think I might benefit from an occasional massage, I pass up opportunities because I (a hefty guy) am invariably given much too rough a massage - to the point where it takes my back a day or so to return to "normal".

Is it common that a massage technician just assumes that a big person needs to have harsh kneading performed (to get through the layers of padding, as it were)?

I know how you feel because I have padding too.

Sometimes yes... if you are there for a short period of time, they cannot address any issues in your posture or whatever the case if you have layers of padding covering your muscles and tendons.
There is a solution to this:

1. Make sure you communicate that you just want a relaxation massage, don't work on trigger points or adhesions. If there's a tender spot they hit, let them know "oh wow that's a tender area" believe me they will lighten up.
Sometimes LMT's get in a "zone" and just get so into seeing with their hands, that they don't realize you're on the table about to cry. It's good for you in the longrun but no fun if it's painful. Keep communication lines open, back and forth, it's ok to tell us that stuff, we need to know it. It doesn't hurt our feelings to speak up about something especially when it deals with pain.

2. Get massages regularly: because if you haven't had a massage in a while (no matter what size you are) and the person has more than a light touch, you are going to be sore and can even experience flu-like symptoms. Over time any accumulation of anything not circulated very well out of your system will be gone, and the soreness would be a distant memory.
I've had hundreds of massages and I notice that when I go for a period of time without a massage, I'm more sensitive so I have to tell the therapist no deep work. When it's more regular you find that you end up complaining it's not deep enough lol.

3. Schedule a minimum of 90 min for the massage. It allows time for us to properly warm up the tissues most superficial so we can work on the more deeper levels.
Imagine taffy, it's hard until it is warm, then it is stretchy and pliable. This is a similar concept with your tissues, you can't just start off by digging in... and the main issue here is time, the more time there is, the more time the therapist has to work with the tissues without causing pain or damage.
Same concept as stretching and exercise, if you don't stretch you are more likely to hurt yourself. Stretching adds time to the exercise.


I know people's budgets aren't huge or anything, but if you can even get a chair massage once a month or once every two months at your local mall or beauty salon for a minimum of 15 minutes on the areas you find most sore after a massage. 15 minutes can cost anywhere from $10 to $30, but the normal amt I've seen is $25.

If you don't have the budget to keep chair massages consistent to 6-12 times a year, I recommend getting a couple chair massages one month prior then 2 weeks prior to the table massage you're planning for. You will see a huge reduction in post massage pains.

Lastly, I cannot stress this enough for you and for many others:
Please please please drink a BUNCH of water after your massage. This helps flush out any stagnant "yuckie bad things" (to be technical lol) that were hanging around your system. Massage stirs them up and circulates them back into your system making you feel like you caught the flu, or some kind of cold, or like you just ran a marathon without stretching first. Water water water then void void void (urinate)!!! If you are not voiding 3-4 times an hour after your water consumption, you need more water. The bigger you are the more water you need. Don't get all crazy and drink a gallon or anything, but finish a litre within the first hour if you can.
Adding fresh sliced fruit on top of the water consumption is even better. The natural fructose helps metabolize more "yuckie bad things" out of your system. Plus fiber is always a good thing =)
Hope this helps.

It's definitely not a sign of "low quality" but someone that does not operate within the law shows low quality of character and intentions. Sorry but true. That is stuff therapist get 6 months in jail for (massage without a license and that's WITHOUT sexual involvement). To make things more absurd and strict, we can't even massage someone we're dating unless we met them BEFORE massage school. It's on the books, check it out.

Someone who *CHOOSES* to operate outside the law I agree--but some people have no way to operate within the law and it doesn't automatically make them bad.

It sounds like they have gone nuts with the laws. My wife did it for a little while long ago, things were probably too liberal back then but what you describe is an overreaction.

SOMETIMES it even SNOWS!

I live here.

THE POINT OF THE POST IS TO OFFER YOU ADVICE ON HOW IT IS IN VEGAS... I HOPE THIS IS CLEAR TO YOU, AND I KNOW A LOT OF YOU LIKE TO ARGUE AND NAMECALL (FIRST SIGN OF A BAD ARGUMENT). I'M HERE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS, THERE IS NO MALICE OR ATTITUDE BEHIND MY POSTS, JUST FACTUAL SITUATIONS AND REALITY. I AM NOT HERE TO HURT YOUR FEELINGS, I'M HERE FOR YOU TO LEARN SOMETHING YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN.

I quite happily glean my information from guidebooks and I'm intelligent enough to realise that tips are important, I don't need you to offer any advice (more accurately replace offer with ram down my throat). Also don't classify me in with your family - their lack of tipping is their problem, not mine. I tip regularly and enjoy the smile it often brings.

Any respect I had for you was totally lost with your "I know a lot of you like to argue and namecall (first sign of a bad argument)". Really? Who are "you" exactly? FTers, Europeans, British people? The first sign of a bad argument is the whole paragraph of shouting you typed above. Poor form, especially for continuing to make sweeping statements about groups of people. As I said before, kindly wind your neck in and maybe just hold off putting all your thoughts down on the board - I'm sure the last thing you'd want to come across as is offensive.

I think we're probably done here.

cblaisd
Senior Moderator