Every Question Answered

Massage FAQ for
Salt Lake City.

Everything you need to know before, during, and after your session at J Massage SLC. From pricing and services to preparation and aftercare — answered honestly and completely.

General Questions

Where is J Massage SLC located?
J Massage SLC is located at 677 S 200 W Suite #C, Salt Lake City, UT 84101 — in downtown Salt Lake City, easily accessible from I-15 and I-80. Free street parking is available nearby.
What are your hours?
We're open every single day — Monday through Sunday — from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Yes, including holidays. Because sometimes the holidays are exactly when you need it most.
Are your therapists licensed?
Yes — all therapists at J Massage SLC hold current Utah state massage therapy licenses. Utah requires 600+ hours of accredited training to earn licensure, plus ongoing continuing education to maintain it.
Do you accept walk-ins?
We welcome walk-ins based on availability. For guaranteed same-day service, booking online at jmassageslc.com is the fastest option. Walk-in availability is highest weekday mornings and early afternoons.
Do I need to tip my therapist?
Tips are appreciated and never required. Industry standard is 15–20% of the service price. Our therapists invest real skill and genuine care into every session — gratuity is a meaningful acknowledgment of that.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Cash is preferred — a $5 processing fee applies to card payments. Gift cards purchased on our website are also redeemable for any service.

Our Services

What types of massage do you offer?
Six modalities: Swedish massage, deep tissue, sports massage, Ashiatsu (barefoot massage), couples massage, and 4-hand massage. Enhance any session with hot stones (+$20), cupping therapy (+$30), or infrared sauna (+$30).
What is the difference between Swedish and deep tissue massage?
Swedish uses long, flowing strokes at light-to-medium pressure — it targets surface muscles and the nervous system. Ideal for relaxation, stress relief, and first-timers. Deep tissue applies slow, deliberate pressure to the deeper layers of muscle and fascia — ideal for chronic pain, knots, and structural tension. Not sure which to book? Call us at (801) 288-1118 and we'll help you choose.
What is Ashiatsu massage and how does it work?
Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique. The therapist uses overhead bars for balance and applies pressure with the soles of their feet rather than their hands. The foot's broader surface area allows for deeper, more evenly distributed pressure — without the sharp-point feeling of elbow or knuckle techniques. It's extraordinarily effective for chronic lower back pain and people who need more depth than any hand technique can provide.
What happens during a 4-hand massage?
Two licensed therapists work on your body simultaneously in synchronized rhythm. Because your brain can't consciously track four points of contact at once, it stops analyzing and surrenders — triggering a depth of relaxation that simply cannot be achieved in a standard session. It's the most extraordinary massage experience we offer, and most clients say it needs to be felt to be understood.
Can my partner and I choose different massage types for our couples session?
Yes. In our couples massage suite, each person works with their own licensed therapist. You can choose completely different modalities — one partner gets Swedish while the other gets deep tissue. Each therapist tailors the session independently to each client's needs and preferences.
What add-ons can I include with my massage?
Hot Stone Therapy (+$20): heated basalt stones placed on key tension points and incorporated into massage strokes for deeper penetration and enhanced relaxation. Cupping Therapy (+$30): silicone cups create suction to lift and decompress connective tissue — highly effective for chronic tightness and fascial restrictions. Infrared Sauna (+$30): deep-penetrating infrared heat that increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and amplifies recovery before or after your session.

Pricing

How much does a massage cost at J Massage SLC?
Swedish, deep tissue, sports massage, and Ashiatsu start at $55 for 30 minutes. Couples massage starts at $160 for 60 minutes. 4-hand massage starts at $165 for 60 minutes. Add-ons: hot stones +$20, cupping +$30, infrared sauna +$30. A $5 processing fee applies to card payments — cash has no fee.
Why is there a $5 card processing fee?
Credit and debit card networks charge us a processing fee on every transaction. Rather than bake this into our prices for everyone, we pass it only to clients who pay by card — so cash clients aren't subsidizing card fees. Cash is always $5 less.
Do you offer discounts, packages, or memberships?
Call us at (801) 288-1118 to ask about current promotions. The best ongoing value is booking consistently — regular clients often receive priority scheduling and are the first to hear about seasonal specials.
Can I use a gift card to pay for any service?
Yes. Gift cards purchased at jmassageslc.com/gift-cards are valid for any service or add-on, with no minimum purchase amount. There's no expiration date — they can be used anytime.

Booking & Availability

How do I book an appointment?
Book online 24/7 at jmassageslc.com — click "Book Now," choose your service, select your preferred time, and confirm. You can also call us at (801) 288-1118 daily from 10am–10pm.
Can I book same-day?
Frequently, yes. Same-day availability is one of the things our clients appreciate most. Book online to see current openings, or call us directly — we'll always do our best to accommodate you.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 24 hours' notice for cancellations when possible. This allows us to offer your slot to another client. Life happens — contact us as soon as you know and we'll work with you.
How far in advance should I book?
For evening and weekend slots — especially couples massage and 4-hand massage — booking 3–7 days ahead is recommended. Weekday daytime slots are often available same-day. Holidays fill up fast; book early.

How to Prepare

What should I wear to my appointment?
You undress to your comfort level in a private room before your session. Most clients undress completely — this allows the therapist to work most effectively. If you prefer to keep underwear on, that's completely fine. You'll be professionally draped with sheets at all times; only the area being worked on is uncovered.
Should I eat before a massage?
Avoid a heavy meal within 90 minutes of your session. A full stomach is uncomfortable when lying face-down during lower back and abdominal work. A light snack is fine. Staying well-hydrated in the hours before your session enhances the experience.
Should I shower before my massage?
It's thoughtful but not required. Avoid heavy perfumes or colognes before your session — many therapists and clients are sensitive to fragrances, and strong scents can interfere with the calm environment.
Are there any health conditions that prevent me from getting a massage?
Contraindications include active fever, acute infection, deep vein thrombosis (blood clots), open wounds, and recent surgery. Certain conditions like pregnancy, cancer, or autoimmune disorders require modified technique — please disclose everything during intake. When in doubt, ask your doctor before booking.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive 5–10 minutes early to complete intake paperwork and begin decompressing before your session starts. Arriving late doesn't extend your session — your therapist's next appointment can't be delayed.

During & After

Should I talk during my massage?
Only if you want to. Talk about what's working, what isn't, or ask your therapist to adjust pressure at any point. But silence is equally welcome — most clients find they drift into a deeply relaxed state best left undisturbed. Your therapist will follow your lead.
What if the pressure is too hard or too soft?
Tell your therapist immediately. There's no polite reason to endure discomfort in silence — your feedback is exactly how we dial in the perfect session. Good therapists are not offended by adjustments; they appreciate them.
Is it normal to feel sore after a deep tissue massage?
Yes. Mild soreness for 24–48 hours after deep tissue or sports massage is completely normal — similar to how you feel after a productive workout. It indicates that the tissue was genuinely worked. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours. The soreness resolves quickly, and you'll feel significantly better once it does.
What should I do after my massage?
Drink extra water for the rest of the day — massage releases metabolic waste from muscle tissue and hydration helps flush it. Avoid intense exercise for 24 hours. Take a warm bath or use a heating pad on any sore areas. Schedule your follow-up appointment before you leave — the benefits of massage are cumulative.
How often should I get a massage?
For general wellness and stress management: once or twice a month. For chronic pain or injury recovery: weekly sessions produce the most consistent results. For athletic performance maintenance: every 2 weeks. Your therapist will make a personalized recommendation based on your goals at your first session.

Gift Cards

Where can I buy a J Massage SLC gift card?
Purchase gift cards online at jmassageslc.com/gift-cards — choose any amount from $25 to $500. Delivery is instant by email.
Do gift cards expire?
Never. Our gift cards have no expiration date and can be used at any time for any service or add-on.
Can I get a gift card for a specific service?
Gift cards are monetary value, not service-specific — so the recipient can apply their card toward any service they choose. This gives them the flexibility to select exactly what they want when they're ready to book.

Still Have a Question?
Just Ask.

Call us at (801) 288-1118 — open daily 10am–10pm. Or just book and ask your therapist in person.