Choosing the right location for your massage business is a big decision. From massage licensing requirements to how much room you’ll need and how you can maximize the client experience, there’s a lot to consider. Here are key questions to ask yourself to streamline your search for the perfect massage business space. 

Do You Need a Massage Establishment License?

It depends. States like Texas require a separate massage establishment license for the physical location, in addition to your individual license. When a massage establishment license is required, there will be detailed regulations you will need to bear in mind when selecting a space.

Even if your state does not require this license, local city or county governments may have their own licensing requirements for a massage premises. You must also always comply with any local business permit rules or zoning laws, so do your homework on this before deciding on a location. 

Do Massage Businesses Have Open Office Spaces?

Privacy is a key consideration for clients seeking massage therapy, so an open office would likely deter your client base. Massage establishment licenses may stipulate that treatment rooms require doors or screens. Even without such a licensing requirement, choosing an open-plan office for your massage venture could negatively impact client experience.

What Types of Space Should You Consider for Your Massage Business?

Depending on your budget, client base and preferences, consider renting space in:

• Medical facilities: These facilities offer access to referrals from professionals, but typically charge higher rent and involve a clinical atmosphere.
• Wellness centers: This location provides ready-made clientele and good opportunities to partner with complementary services, but fewer opportunities to develop your own brand. 
• Office buildings: Spaces in an office building are typically quiet and secure environments, but your practice will be less visible to passing clientele.
• Specialty stores: A room in a complementary health boutique, fitness center or sports store puts you close to potential clients, but you may have limited room.
• Single rooms: If you are starting out, a single room in an established multi-therapist practice can be a cost-effective option. 

How Can You Choose an Ideal Location?

Start by understanding your client base. Where are they? What places do they frequent? If your core clientele is fitness enthusiasts who have tried at-home solutions for sore muscles but need your professional intervention, then you might want to be close to gyms and fitness centers. If most of your clients are seniors, then a location near a retirement complex would be ideal. If you target working professionals, think about a location near a corporate hub.

Look at the competition and potential neighbors. Other massage venues nearby might indicate good demand, but competition would be fierce. Having complementary businesses nearby instead is an advantage, as you may be able to partner with them for mutual benefit. 

When you view a specific space, look at it through your client’s eyes. How long will it take them to get there? Where will they park? Does the exterior of the building give the right impression? Could you have signage making your business highly visible and easy to spot? All states require compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, so consider the accessibility of the building’s entrance and if any adaptations would be required. 

What Interior Elements Make for a Good Massage Therapy Space?

You can make specific design and decor choices later, but during the selection process, some key factors are essential in creating a healing vibe for your clients.  

• Space configuration: Whether you only want one therapy room or several, do you have enough room for your requirements? What about a waiting room and bathrooms?
• Noise: Is there distracting external noise from a busy highway or a nearby building project? Will that be permanent? If the location is otherwise ideal, can you mitigate the noise?
• Natural light: Do windows or skylights provide enough natural light for a relaxing ambience? 
• Shared spaces: If you share spaces with other businesses, are those areas calm, well-organized and professional?

How Much Space Do You Need for Each Room?

Check your local licensing regulations to see if minimum room sizes are specified. The most important factor is that you have room to work on your client comfortably without either of you feeling cramped. The generally accepted industry standard is a minimum of 120 square feet per massage room, which allows you to move three to four feet on each side of the massage table. 

What Do You Need for a Waiting Room or Reception Area?

Your reception or waiting room will be the first impression clients get. Harsh lighting can be a trigger for anxiety, so choose ambient lighting to create a calming, relaxing, chilled-out area with comfortable seating. If your waiting area is in a shared space or next to a noisier business, use design features to help reduce the noise. Juniper and other evergreen shrubs absorb noise through dense vegetation, especially if placed along a wall or partition. 

Strategically placed plush furniture will also help absorb sound and add an air of comfort and luxury to your waiting zone. 

What Extra Amenities Do Health Enthusiasts Value in a Massage Premises?

To make your massage business stand out, consider maximizing the space to provide extra amenities that clients will love. Offering shower facilities is a good choice. After a deep tissue or sports massage, clients will appreciate being able to rinse off oils. They may even want to take a shower before the massage if they’ve come straight from a workout.

Lockers are another good way to use any extra space on your premises. Secure storage for your clients’ valuables will help them relax and give them somewhere safe to put a gym bag or work items. Water stations are another great amenity to offer. Hydration is crucial after a massage to help with muscle recovery and toxin release, so offering water dispensers shows your attention to client well-being. 

Not all extra amenities require additional room, however. You can also impress your clientele and keep them coming back by investing in advanced massage equipment that they may not have experienced elsewhere. Percussive massagers cause muscle tissue to contract 30 times more powerfully, leading to improved muscle strength and better muscle recovery. Audio-sonic massage tools or specialist massage chairs are also good options for advanced equipment to wow your clients. 

You could also provide hot and cold packs in your waiting area or offer clean, high-quality foam rollers for clients to use in a private cool-down area following their treatment. Foam rolling can reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, so this is a valuable add-on that clients — especially fitness enthusiasts — will appreciate. 

Giving Your Massage Business the Edge

Myobuddy understands how important client experience is in your massage business. Its advanced massage tools can give your new massage venture a game-changing edge. To find out more about evolving massage technology, contact the Myobuddy team and learn how the company’s advanced tools can help make your business more successful.