Brokamps article mentions how much you should tip various professionals for services; Brokamp doesn’t address tipping your massage therapist. I can’t imagine why not. The first thing I want to mention is that I understand that therapists range in their rates from Gratuitous (free) to $300, so let’s work in percentages. I suggest a tip of 20% – 25% of your total, as that seems to be a standard.

Well, I’m here to tell you that in addition to the great advice given by Brokamp, here are some other guidelines you might want to consider when it’s time for you to take care of your massage therapist:

1) Punctuality is worthy of appreciation. If you are a regular and your therapist has been consistently on time for the start and end of your session, then you might consider showing it through a tip.

2) Does your body-worker listen to you? Before each session, no matter how many sessions or how well you think you know one another, your body-worker should assess your current physical and mental health. After your session is completed, do you feel that your needs were addressed? I can’t tell you how many times clients have complained that there “last therapist” would ask questions but never alter the routine. How much do you value getting the service you requested?

3) Does your therapist seem to work harder, smarter and have lasting results? To me, this is very important; especially to clients with acute pain and more so those with chronic pain.

4) Professionalism — Is your therapist neatly groomed, fit and clean (including fresh breath), leaves you feeling confidently cared for and well worthy of your trust? There’s nothing worse than a therapist that does not focus on self care or makes you worry about “What’s next?” or “When will the pain come (again)?” But, if your therapist is worthy a gold star in this department, I think it’s worthy of nice tip.

5) Believe it or not, and some of you surely believe it, I most enjoy a meal as a tip. In my opinion the best tip is FOOD! Whether it be a hot home cooked meal, gift card to a nice restaurant, or something frozen I can heat up later to cookies and cakes, the message is clear.

Tipping aside; the best tip is scheduling ahead and to keep scheduling regularly. I know many of my colleagues place the importance of a future appointment above the immediate gratification of a tip right now. All said, remember, take care of your therapist and your therapist will take care of you!

http://www.fool.com/personal-finance/general/2006/12/16/holiday-tipping-in-a-nutshell.aspx