Last week I booked a 90-minute massage here with a Groupon special. I get nervous when using Groupon and other daily deals - like the company looks down on you for using a coupon and they hold back either in the service or the product quality. I can honestly say I did not have that experience here. I checked in 15 minutes early, signed standard-order disclosures, did the checklists for wants/needs/current medical problems, and my therapist was ready as soon as I finished the paperwork. I was a little nervous because they were almost too professional - nobody even mentioned the "voucher" until it was time to check out - and I worried that I had booked the appointment incorrectly and might be charged full-price and have a problem using the voucher. This was not the case - the receptionist very discretely asked for the voucher when I checked out. Another quirk I have about money - tipping - I have experienced at certain massage chains they will have envelopes at the desk for tipping. Here, the receptionist said they did not do this - I gave the tip directly to her and trust that she gave it to the therapist.
But enough about the financial anxiety... you're here to find out how I would rate the massage therapy, aren't you?
To start - it's not the most conveniently located suite in the office park, but the parking is reasonable and there are sidewalks all around. I poked my head in nervously, not quite sure I had found the right door, and the friendly receptionist looked up and said "Jennifer?" I had a 1:00 (1:30? I don't know...) appointment for a deep-tissue massage with Zada, who is actually the owner (their website lists the company name alternately as Massage Therapy by Zada). Like I said, I sat down in the small but comfy reception area (a little bit of shopping to be had here - they were so quick I didn't really get much browsing time), I filled out the paperwork and there was my therapist ready to greet me. She offered me a chance to visit the restroom; I always want/need to go so it was nice not to have to ask. (pro tip - always at least try to use the restroom right before your massage... nothing is worse than the call of nature painfully distracting you from your relaxation time). The bathroom was clean and attractive; there was some sort of nice-smelling air-freshener... good stuff.
I then followed Zada to the therapy room - clean and neat, nice linens. There was a desk with a hutch filled with various books on anatomy, massage, homeopathy, etc. There were posters full of information about the chakras and some very nice hangings of that ilk. She quickly asked about the areas where I needed her to concentrate (neck, shoulders, back, feet - not so much with the legs/arms), then she gave me the standard instructions (disrobe as much as comfortable, lay on the table under the sheet) but surprised me by asking me to first lie on my back.
Because I rarely do nice things for myself - I have only had just a handful of professional massages; this is the first time I've heard that instruction. I have to say, though, that it is definitely a good idea for neck/shoulder work - I am a very big girl with super-tense muscles; I think this gave her a chance to let gravity help (remember I went with deep-tissue here).
So... female massage therapists... you always put the men to shame in the deep-pressure department. I won't name names (my last therapist was male) but... really, this was so much better. I had immediate relief of some of my back discomfort (consistent with any good massage) and could feel it the next day (I don't want to scare anyone - remember I asked for it and I actually like it) a sensation similar to bruising in some of the larger muscle groups in my back, but with zero visible skin discoloration. That sensation went away after a day or two.
So you know, this isn't just your local massage parlor - it really is a full-out holistic wellness center. They have chakra balancing, life coaches, ear candling, reiki, aromatherapy (okay, aromatherapy is pretty mainstream, but you get the idea). If you aren't into that kind of thing, this might not be your place. I got some good feedback about my energy, chakras, life choices, hydration, etc. I felt that she was respectful and not pushy about it (she even said once "you can tell me to shut up if you want"). I laughed and said I never want people to shut up - I love advice.
The short version: good place for massage (and probably advice on your lifestyle choices). Only ask for deep pressure from Zada if you really mean it - she can really deliver (though I'm sure that she'd be happy to ease up if you find you can't take it). The price is a teensy bit higher than what you might pay if you signed a contract, but then you wouldn't be supporting an awesome local business.
One last thing: that lotion Zada uses? I need a ton of that - my hair soaked up the scent and smelled happy all day. Excellent job. read more
