Yes, we offer massage gift cards in Charlottesville, and each one is custom made for the person you are giving it to. You create one by calling us at 434-465-2905 or stopping by the clinic, since we do not sell gift cards online.
I know that sounds a little old-fashioned. We do it this way on purpose, because a short conversation helps you choose a session that actually fits the person you have in mind. Below I explain how our gift cards work and how to pick the right massage to give.
How do Transcending Health gift cards work?
Our gift cards are custom, which means we build each one around what you want to give. You can choose a specific service and length, or a dollar amount the recipient can put toward the session of their choice.
There are two ways to set one up:
- By phone: call 434-465-2905 and we will walk you through the options and take care of the details.
- In person: visit us at 1445 Rio Road East, Suite 201 F, Charlottesville. Free parking is on site.
Our hours are Monday through Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm. If you are shopping on a weekend errand run along Rio Road, it is an easy stop. Directions are on our Charlottesville location page.
Why don't you sell gift cards online?
Massage is personal. A gift that sounds lovely on paper, like a 90-minute deep tissue session, can be the wrong fit for someone who prefers gentle work or who has a health condition to consider.
When you call or come in, we can ask a few simple questions and point you toward a service the recipient is likely to enjoy. That small step tends to mean fewer awkward exchanges later and a better experience for the person receiving the gift.
If you prefer, we can also make the gift card flexible, with a dollar value the recipient can apply to whatever service they choose once they talk with us.
How do I choose which massage to gift?
Start with the person, not the menu. Think about why they would want a massage in the first place. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself:
- Do they mainly want to relax and unwind, or are they dealing with pain or stiffness?
- Do they like firm pressure, or do they tend to prefer a lighter touch?
- Are they active, training for something, or recovering from a strain?
- Are they pregnant, or do they have a health condition a therapist should know about?
- Have they had a massage before, or would this be their first?
You do not need perfect answers. Even a rough idea helps us suggest a good starting point. Our massage in Charlottesville overview shows every style we offer if you want to browse first.
Which massage options make good gifts?
Here is how I would think about our most common options and their current prices.
For someone new to massage or with a specific concern: our therapeutic massage with evaluation, $130 for 60 minutes, is what we recommend for a first visit. The therapist takes time to understand what the person needs and tailors the session from there.
For someone who wants to relax and recover: restorative massage with Keanen Lehtma is $120 for 60 minutes. It is a calm, attentive session for people who want to feel better without intense pressure. We also offer relaxation and hot stone massage.
For someone who loves firm pressure: deep tissue massage with Carlee "Bee" Beaston is $150 for 60 minutes. It suits people who know they like strong, focused work.
For someone who finds pressure uncomfortable: fascial counterstrain with Yeda Vaccari is $180 for 75 minutes. It uses gentle positioning rather than deep pressure, which can be a thoughtful gift for someone whose body is sensitive.
For someone curious about posture and movement: structural integration (Rolfing) with me, Drew Edmondson, is $220 for 60 minutes. Shorter sessions are $110 for 30 minutes and $55 for 15 minutes, which can be a nice introduction.
We also offer Thai, sports, prenatal, trigger point, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and medical massage. Any 90-minute session adds half the hourly rate, so a 90-minute restorative massage, for example, would be $180.
What if I am buying for someone who is pregnant or has a health condition?
A massage gift can be a kind choice here, and it is worth a little extra care. We offer prenatal massage with positioning and techniques suited to pregnancy.
For anyone with a medical condition, a flexible dollar-value gift card is often the best option. It lets the recipient talk with us and, when needed, check with their own physician before choosing a service. The Mayo Clinic notes that massage is generally safe but that some people, such as those with bleeding disorders, blood clots, or certain other conditions, should talk with a doctor first.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health makes a similar point in its overview of massage therapy, and recommends telling your health care providers about any complementary approaches you use.
What should I know before giving a gift card?
A few practical tips make any gift card easier to enjoy:
- Ask us about the terms when you set it up, so you can pass them along.
- Let the recipient know they will book with us directly, online or by phone.
- Encourage them to mention any injuries, pain, or health conditions when they book.
- Keep your receipt or confirmation in case there is ever a question.
The Federal Trade Commission has general guidance on gift cards, including how to read the terms and protect yourself from gift card scams. One simple rule from that guidance is worth repeating: a legitimate business will never ask you to pay a bill or a fee with a gift card.
Our booking policies, including how cancellations work, are on our policies page. It is helpful to share those with the recipient too.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a Transcending Health gift card online?
No. Our gift cards are custom made, so we create them over the phone at 434-465-2905 or in person at the clinic on Rio Road East. That lets us help you choose the right session.
Can the recipient choose a different massage than the one I picked?
If you are unsure what they would like, ask us for a dollar-value gift card instead of a specific service. That gives the recipient the flexibility to choose once they talk with us.
How does the recipient use the gift card?
They book a session online or by phone, then mention the gift card when they schedule. We will apply it at their visit.
Ready to give someone a little time to feel better? Call us at 434-465-2905 or stop by to create a custom gift card, and if you would like a session for yourself while you are at it, you can book your massage online.
