Sal Anthony's Movement Salon.   (Photo: Courtesy of Sal Anthony's Movement Salon)

Graceful Spa
205 W. 14th St., second fl., at Seventh Ave.; 212-675-5145
An offshoot of Uptown's Graceful Services, Graceful Spa offers massages in a setting that will be familiar to fans of the parent location: Eight tables are arranged side by side in one narrow room, separated by white cloth curtains. Get a vigorous "recession special," a one-hour deep-tissue treatment, for just $60.

Salon de Tokyo
200 W. 57th St., at Seventh Ave.; 212-757-2187
This tiny spot tucked into a midtown office building does brisk business in comprehensive—therapists walk all over you, literally—Shiatsu, Swedish, and deep-tissue massages. Single and double rooms are available, and an hour here is $70.

Supple Spa
55 W. 19th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-929-5948
Affordable rubdowns at this Chelsea mainstay come in two varieties: Swedish and deep tissue. Both are $65 for an hour, and use long, gliding movements to alleviate deep muscle tension.

Keisy Oriental Nature Center
229 E. 9th St., nr. Second Ave; 212-253-6171
This East Village spot offers a great 60-minute Shiatsu and acupressure massage for $45. You won’t get the cucumber water and spa treatment of fancier body-rub emporiums, but Keisy is more upscale than most bargain spas, and the exposed brick in the private rooms has a comfy vibe.

Sal Anthony's Movement Salon
190 Third Ave., at 17th St.; 212-420-7242
This fitness center also offers affordable one-hour Swedish, Thai, or Shiatsu massages for $65. The rooms are private, low-lit, and clean, and the skilled kneading is administered by licensed massage therapists who specialize in loosening up tight muscles after a workout.