Is Massage Therapy a Medical Expense?

Massage therapy can feel like a luxury, but if you’ve ever left a session feeling like a new person, you know it’s much more than that. Both massage therapists and clients recognize the real health benefits—whether it’s easing chronic pain, managing stress, or recovering from injuries. But here’s the million-dollar question (or, at least, a tax-deductible one): Can you claim massage therapy as a legitimate medical expense? As always, the answer is... it depends. Let’s break it down.

Can You Use FSA/HSA Funds for Massage Therapy?

If you have a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you might be able to cover massage therapy with pre-tax dollars. But (and it’s a big but), there are a few key things to consider:

• Medical Necessity: The IRS says medical expenses must be for alleviating or preventing a physical or mental condition. In other words, your massage therapy needs to be medically necessary—a term your doctor will have to agree on.

  
  

Eligible Conditions Might Include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Chronic pain (arthritis, back pain, etc.)

• Anxiety or depression

• Fibromyalgia

• Diabetes-related neuropathy

  
  

Our Office Accepts HSA/FSA Cards

Good news: You can use your HSA or FSA card here just like any regular payment. However, that doesn’t guarantee your provider will agree it’s a qualified expense. Always check with your plan first—it’s worth the peace of mind.

Check with Your Provider:

Some plans may only need a doctor’s note saying massage is "medically necessary." Others might ask for a full prescription or more detailed documentation. Some may be fine with a simple receipt. Save yourself the headache later and confirm everything with your provider before you book that relaxation session.

Note: We’re not here to make claims about what qualifies—definitely check with your provider and healthcare team first.

What Happens if You Don’t Use Your FSA Funds?

If you don’t use your FSA funds by the end of the year, you could lose them faster than you lose track of time during a good massage. Some plans allow a grace period or a carryover of up to $610, but always check with your provider to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Can I Deduct Massage Therapy on My Taxes?

If your massage is medically necessary and part of a formal diagnosis, you may be able to deduct it as a medical expense. However, keep in mind that your total medical expenses need to exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for it to count.

Documentation Is Key:

Hang on to those receipts and detailed invoices, and definitely consult with your CPA to see if your massages qualify for a tax deduction.

Disclaimer: We’re not tax experts. Talk to a CPA or tax professional before making claims on your taxes. For more details, check out IRS Publication 502.

Does Health Insurance Cover Massage Therapy?

In Alabama, most health insurance plans don’t cover massage therapy—but there are some exceptions, especially for injury recovery or managing chronic pain.

• Auto Insurance & Workers’ Compensation: If you’ve been injured in a car accident, auto insurance may cover massage therapy if it’s prescribed as part of your recovery. Workers' compensation might cover it too, but only for work-related injuries.

• Health Insurance: Some policies will cover massage, but you’ll likely need pre-authorization and a prescription from your healthcare provider.

  
  

Unfortunately, We Can’t Bill Insurance Directly

While we aren’t able to file insurance claims on your behalf, we’ll make sure you have everything needed to submit for reimbursement. Payment is required at the time of service, and we’ll provide you with:

• Detailed invoices

• Session notes that focus on medically necessary treatments

Although we can’t guarantee coverage or reimbursement, we’ll ensure you have the proper documentation to submit to your insurance or HSA/FSA provider.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple

Before scheduling, it’s a good idea to double-check with your HSA/FSA or insurance provider to confirm if massage therapy is covered. And if you’re considering claiming it as a medical expense on your taxes, your CPA will be the best resource.

We’re happy to provide the documentation, but the rest is up to you. Just a few quick steps on your end, and you’ll be all set for the most relaxing part of your week!