Dollars+Sense: Here's the rub

After his third back surgery, Harvey Dicks of Eagan noticed tension in his back that wasn't going away. Rather than seeking physical therapy, Dicks heard about a Rasmussen College massage clinic that charges $20 an hour, half the price of his co-pay for a session with a physical therapist. "I've gotten major relief," he said. "It's so relaxing I fall asleep most of the time."

With plenty of accredited massage schools throughout the Twin Cities, relief isn't far away. Two clinics even offer free services. You'll wait the longest to nab those appointments, but even the most expensive student massages top out at $45 an hour, a $20 to $50 savings over most massages.

If you feel a bit vulnerable about being nearly naked in the hands of a student, the newbie generally has nine to 18 months of instruction before working on paying clients. School clinics offer a wide range of massages from Swedish to reflexology, said Terry Clements, program coordinator and instructor at Rasmussen College in Eden Prairie.

The ease of getting an appointment depends on the school's calendar and the number of students near graduation. Clients are asked to fill out a health questionnaire before the first massage. If you're fantasizing about unlimited free massages, dream on. Schools that don't charge a fee limit the number of visits per quarter. When making an appointment, specify a student massage to get the discounted rate.

400 Central Av. SE., Minneapolis, 612-331-1400, www.avedainstitutemn.com

Hours: 12:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Mon., 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Tue.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.

Services: $45 for Elemental Nature massage, Chakra Balancing massage, body wraps ($50), Caribbean Therapy Foot Reflexology (60 minutes each) or $55 for 80 minutes. The school also offers hydrotherapy treatments with a Vichy shower ($50 for 60 minutes), which few schools offer.

1313 5th St. SE., Suite 209A, Minneapolis, 612-617-9090; www.centerpointmn.com, click on "for student clinic."

Hours: 5:15-8:15 p.m. Fri. and 9:45 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. Sat.

Services: $40 an hour for relaxation, deep tissue and Shiatsu massages. Spa clinic services such as salt glow exfoliation, clay wraps, stones and foot reflexology treatments will be offered in January for $45 to $55 for up to 75 minutes.

Specials: Coupons online for $5 to $10 off under "for student clinic."

Blaine, 763-225-8028; Brooklyn Center, 763-398-5265; Plymouth, 763-398-5980; Shakopee, 612-436-7550 ext. 5; Woodbury, 651-714-7327. Elk River and Lakeville locations open later this year.

Services: Free 60- to 90-minute massages, including deep tissue, Swedish, myofascial release, Thai, sports and energy work. Clients are limited to three free massages per quarter.

5100 Gamble Dr., St. Louis Park, 952-417-2245.

Hours: 2-6 p.m. Mon., Tues, Thurs. and Fri. All massages begin on the hour.

Services: $25 for 50 minutes for sports, Swedish, deep pressure, pregnancy and Eastern therapies. The appointment schedule is full until Oct. 1 except for cancellations. Ask to be put on a cancellation list.

1550 W. Hwy. 36, Roseville, 651-855-6300.

Services: Free one-hour massages. It's a Swedish-based program with more advanced techniques, including trigger point therapy, myofascial release and injury work. Clients are limited to two free massages per quarter.

12445 River Ridge Blvd., Burnsville, 952-894-7620.

Hours: 2:30-6:30 p.m. Mon., noon-4 p.m. Wed., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Fri.-Sat. through October. Varies by term.

Services: $40 per hour or $60 for 90 minutes for Swedish, trigger point therapy and cross fiber friction.

Specials: Buy nine massages for $360 and get one free.

Hours: Tues. evenings and some Sat. mornings in Brooklyn Park. Some Thurs. evenings in Eagan. Wed. evenings in Eden Prairie. Limited openings through December.

Services: $20 for 1 hour of deep tissue or Swedish.

149 E. Thompson Av., Suite 150, West St. Paul, 651-554-3010, www.sister rosalind.org.

Hours: 10:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fri., 9:30 a.m.-noon Sat. Appointments accepted year-round.

Services: $36 per hour for relaxation, sports, geriatric, pregnancy, reflexology and deep-tissue massage. Specify student rate.

Hours: Noon-9 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fri. from Jan. 11-May 14 and June 1-July 23, 2010.

Services: $10 for 30 minutes, $20 for an hour, $30 for 90 minutes; includes deep tissue, myofascial, lymphatic drainage, reflexology, stone, light touch or trigger point therapy.