Massage Therapy in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Tradewinds Chiropractic & Wellness offers massage therapy inside our clinic in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Most of it is therapeutic work. The goal is to loosen the muscles and fascia holding a joint stiff or a nerve irritated, so the adjustment holds longer and the rehab exercises work better. Massage can be booked on its own or as part of a chiropractic care plan built by Dr. Bradley Keys, and it is used for the same problems that bring most people through our door: tight backs, stiff necks, locked-up shoulders, and the soreness that follows an injury or a hard week of physical work.
Who does the massage, and what she offers
Massage is with Michelle, our licensed massage therapist, who has more than 25 years of experience in therapeutic bodywork. She is the clinic's only massage therapist, so you see the same person every time, working on the specific tissue that is part of your problem.
The massage menu at Tradewinds:
Therapeutic and deep tissue massage on the muscles guarding a painful joint (upper traps and levator scapulae in the neck, the rotator cuff and pec minor around the shoulder, the glutes and piriformis behind the hip, the erectors and quadratus lumborum along the low back).
Sports massage for crew, lifters, runners and paddlers, which includes cupping, gua sha and stretching.
Swedish massage, and hot and cold stone massage, for general tension and stiffness.
Prenatal and postnatal massage.
When massage is part of a care plan, Michelle works from the plan Dr. Keys sets out. If something on the table does not add up (a lump, severe tenderness over bone, numbness that spreads), she stops and brings it to him.
What it helps with
Most patients we send to the massage table have one of these:
Neck pain and tension headaches from desk work, phone posture or sleeping badly on a boat. See neck pain.
Shoulder pain, especially the kind that makes reaching overhead or behind the back stiff and sore. See shoulder pain.
Low back pain where the muscles have locked down around a sore joint or disc. See lower back pain.
Soreness after a fall, a lift gone wrong, a car accident or a hard day hauling lines and provisions.
Stiffness that keeps coming back between adjustments, which usually means the soft tissue needs direct work.
How massage fits with adjustment and rehab
An adjustment restores motion to a joint. Massage releases the muscle that was holding that joint stuck, so the motion stays. Rehabilitation exercise then builds the strength and control that keep it from happening again. At Tradewinds all three happen under one roof and one chart.
A visit that includes massage might be soft tissue work first to loosen the area, then the adjustment, then a few minutes of exercise before you go. Other times the massage is its own appointment between adjustments. Dr. Keys decides the order based on what you need that day. Our other services are listed at all services.
Dr. Keys is the Chair of the Virgin Islands Board of Chiropractic Examiners, a member of the Virgin Islands Chiropractic Society, and the International Chiropractors Association representative for the U.S. Virgin Islands. He has run the clinic since it opened in April 2018.
What a massage costs
Massage can be booked on its own or as part of a chiropractic care plan. Prices:
Swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, prenatal and postnatal, and hot and cold stone massage: $140 for 60 minutes, $210 for 90 minutes, $280 for 120 minutes.
Sports massage (includes cupping, gua sha and stretching): $160 for 60 minutes.
If you want to know whether your insurance covers massage, ask when you book.
When massage is not the right first step
Massage is safe for most people, but there are times we will not put you on the table until something else is checked:
Numbness, tingling or weakness that is spreading or getting worse, or any loss of bowel or bladder control. That needs an exam and possibly imaging first, not massage.
Pain after a serious fall, crash or blow, where a fracture has not been ruled out.
Fever with back or neck pain, a hot swollen joint, or a calf that is red, swollen and tender (possible blood clot).
Recent surgery, an open wound, a skin infection or a rash over the area.
A known bleeding disorder or blood thinners, unless your physician has cleared deep work.
If you come in with any of these, Dr. Keys examines you first and, where needed, sends you to the right place: an orthopedist, a neurologist, an MRI or the emergency room. Massage can usually follow once the cause is clear.
Visitors, crew and cruise passengers
A good share of our massage patients are not from here. Charter crew come in on turnaround days with shoulders and backs wrecked from hauling, hoisting and provisioning. Cruise passengers come up from Havensight with a neck that seized up on the flight down. We keep visits practical: the problem area, the work that helps, and a few things you can do on the boat or in the hotel room.
Getting seen
Call (340) 690-4994 to book. We take walk-ins and same-day appointments. We are at the VI Medical Foundation Building, Suite 202, 9150 Estate Thomas, St. Thomas, USVI 00802, just east of Charlotte Amalie and a short drive from the Havensight cruise port and Yacht Haven Grande. Hours are Mon, Wed, Thu: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Tue, Fri: 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Closed Sat and Sun. New patient forms are at forms. Tradewinds Chiropractic has more than 180 five-star Google reviews.
Questions patients ask
Do you offer massage therapy in St. Thomas USVI?
Yes. Tradewinds Chiropractic & Wellness in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas offers massage therapy inside the chiropractic clinic. Massage is with Michelle, our licensed massage therapist, who has more than 25 years of experience in therapeutic bodywork. Call (340) 690-4994 to book.
Is this a spa massage?
Most sessions here are therapeutic work aimed at a specific problem, such as a stiff neck, a locked shoulder or a tight low back. When massage is part of a care plan, Michelle works from the plan Dr. Keys sets out. Swedish, prenatal and postnatal, and hot and cold stone massage are also on the menu.
Can I book a massage without seeing the chiropractor?
Yes. Massage can be booked on its own or as part of a chiropractic care plan. Call (340) 690-4994 and tell us what is hurting so we can book the right appointment.
How long is a session and how much does it cost?
Swedish, therapeutic, deep tissue, prenatal and postnatal, and hot and cold stone massage are $140 for 60 minutes, $210 for 90 minutes and $280 for 120 minutes. Sports massage, which includes cupping, gua sha and stretching, is $160 for 60 minutes. If you want to know whether your insurance covers massage, ask when you book.
Do you do deep tissue massage for back pain?
Yes. Deep tissue work on the low back, glutes and hips is one of the most common reasons patients see Michelle. It is usually paired with an adjustment and home exercises so the relief lasts.
Pricing
Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Pre/Post Natal, Hot/Cold Stone
60-minute $140
90-minute $210
120 minutes $280
Sports Massage*
60-minute $160
(*Cupping, Gu Sha, Stretching)
Massage Therapy Policies
Cancellations and Rescheduling Policy:
We require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged 50% of the scheduled service fee.
No-shows (missed appointments without notice) will be charged the full service fee (100%).
Late Arrivals:
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened to ensure the next patient’s appointment begins on time. The full session fee will still apply.
Tipping Policy:
Gratuities are neither expected nor required.
Our massage therapists are healthcare professionals who work in coordination with the chiropractic and wellness team to support your treatment goals.
While expressions of appreciation are always valued, any gratuity offered by a patient is entirely voluntary and will be accepted at the therapist’s discretion in accordance with clinic policy
If you wish to express appreciation for exceptional service, you are welcome to provide a verbal thank-you, positive feedback, or a referral, which are always appreciated.
