Relocation

[VelouriaPDX]

Originally Posted by Minervah

I think whatever trendy health exercise methods in vogue today have replaced it.

True. Open a kettlebell studio or a bone broth cart instead.

[patches403]

Originally Posted by Minervah

At one time massage therapy was a pretty good business to get into in Portland. But that was a couple of decades ago. I had a couple of neighbors in Portland who had their own successful businesses through the 90's but about mid 2000 it began to wain. They had a few remaining loyal clients but it was getting really difficult for them to keep up with the COL as their customers also began to have to cut corners for the same reason. Extras like massage therapy are some of the first things people will cut back on.

One neighborhood moved away so I don't know what happened to her. The other was still living next door when I moved and was still struggling trying to keep up with extra work as an office temp working through a temp agency.

For those people who can afford it, it's just not the thing to do these days. I think whatever trendy health exercise methods in vogue today have replaced it.

I know two massage therapists locally. One of them got started 20+ years ago, rents a cheap space and shares it with several other therapists. Her costs besides the rent would have been pretty minimal. I haven't seen her in awhile, but when I knew her she got a big chunk of her business from insurance referrals for people recovering from injuries and insurance covered most or all of her fees. Easier to get business when an insurance company is footing the bills.

The therapist I use now operates out of her home so her costs would be pretty minimal. She built up a clientele working at a local massage business and took that with her when she left and now operates on that plus referrals. Her husband makes an extremely healthy income in IT, which more than covers their lifestyle. I would say what she makes is probably more in the category of "fun money". They certainly don't need any of her income to pay the bills - I think she just does it for something to do now that the kids are older.

Massages are definitely one of those things that are easy to cut out when the budget is tight. I used to go monthly, but now I don't go until I'm in a lot of pain and even then I put it off as long as I can. I can certainly afford to go; I would rather just spend the money on something else.

[Minervah]

Originally Posted by patches403

I know two massage therapists locally. One of them got started 20+ years ago, rents a cheap space and shares it with several other therapists. Her costs besides the rent would have been pretty minimal. I haven't seen her in awhile, but when I knew her she got a big chunk of her business from insurance referrals for people recovering from injuries and insurance covered most or all of her fees. Easier to get business when an insurance company is footing the bills.

The therapist I use now operates out of her home so her costs would be pretty minimal. She built up a clientele working at a local massage business and took that with her when she left and now operates on that plus referrals. Her husband makes an extremely healthy income in IT, which more than covers their lifestyle. I would say what she makes is probably more in the category of "fun money". They certainly don't need any of her income to pay the bills - I think she just does it for something to do now that the kids are older.

Massages are definitely one of those things that are easy to cut out when the budget is tight. I used to go monthly, but now I don't go until I'm in a lot of pain and even then I put it off as long as I can. I can certainly afford to go; I would rather just spend the money on something else.

That's where the massage therapist must tread carefully. Having worked as an insurance health claims examiner for years, I know that there are different levels of licenses for massage therapists. Insurance will pay for some and not others and that will depend upon the policies as to whether or not this kind of treatment is covered at all. But yes, if the therapist can get referrals for policies that will cover the proper license, that's a good way to go.

The trick is to be able to get the referrals. Maybe it's something the OP can look into.

[FSF]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

I think people all over the country have this idea about Portland based on its image. People here brag about New Seasons but never shop there and people brag about Stumptown but go to Starbucks every single day. People say they care about local stores but shop at H&M, which is the most throw away crap you can buy IMO. People talk about the "amazing" public transportation but never take it. People say they hate anything or anyone from CA but shop at Trader's( that's Trader Joe's) every day. Look in their pantries...they do. People say they care about "self care" but they drink way too much wine and beer. So all the people that say they believe in massage therapy... I know no one in Portland who regularly gets massage therapy... and they HAVE the time and money. Don't believe the hype, OP.

This is completely spot on IMO. Let's not forget a very important addition to that which may impact new residents the most. And that is, all of the hypocrites who vociferously claim to be "progressives" but are clearly social and economical segregationists at the end of the day.

[NWGirl74]

Originally Posted by Yankeemama

I know no one in Portland who regularly gets massage therapy... and they HAVE the time and money.

It's one luxury I allow myself. However, the therapist I go to is insanely inexpensive - I'm sure I spend less to see him once a month than I was when I allowed myself to go to Starbucks!

I found him through Groupon. I tested out quite a few using Groupon deals before I found him.

[Minervah]

When I worked at Standard Insurance at one time they paid a massage therapist go through the various departments with her special chair giving people who sat at computers all day neck and back messages. I don't think they do that any longer but it is something that could be looked into. I would doubt though, that it would pay enough to live on. I know she had other clients as well.

Also I remember that the insurance companies that paid claims for massage therapy only paid for Licensed Massage Therapists LMTs as opposed to those with just massage therapist certification. So it will depend upon what kind of degree and licensing the person has as to whether or not they can file a claim with insurance to be paid for their service.

[Yankeemama]

Originally Posted by NWGirl74

It's one luxury I allow myself. However, the therapist I go to is insanely inexpensive - I'm sure I spend less to see him once a month than I was when I allowed myself to go to Starbucks!

I found him through Groupon. I tested out quite a few using Groupon deals before I found him.

That's awesome. I would get a recommendation but I am weirded out my a male massage therapist. Maybe for my husband. Would you mind sending me a PM?

[MountainHi]

Are you moving to Portland because your husband's taking a job there? I couldn't recommend moving there without him having a job that pays enough to support all of you, if your only source of income will be massage. Your new vocation is subject to the vagaries of the economy and the market. I hope you two have a more solid plan than just that.