If you are a woman DO NOT GO HERE. The massage started out really well but then he moved to my butt and spent like 15 minutes "massaging". I thought it was weird but I've had a lot of massages and each one is different so I let it go. Then he started on my legs and worked his way my inner thighs, getting as close to touching my crotch as he could while I was not properly covered by the drape. At that point I told him to stay lower on my legs. Then he had me flip over and asked if I wanted my STOMACH MASSAGED. Never in my life have I ever heard of that being part of a massage. Obviously I said no so he did a half-hearted job on my arms and then BACK to my thighs. At that point I wrapped the sheet around me, jumped up and said we're done here and told him to get out of the room so I could get dressed. I'm not the only woman who has experienced this with him. read more

Completely unprofessional. Had a massage with him- had asked for my upper legs to be massaged given I was sore in that particular area- something I have asked for from other masseuses as I needed without issue. When I asked for another massage I was rebuffed and told "It is a Swedish massage and I am not gonna massage your butt for an hour." Given he is a massage therapist I asked for clarification and objected to his statement, he then had the gall to call me a pervert. Quite bizarre considering others have commented that he has spent too much time on their upper legs when not asked. I am male if that makes a difference. Please avoid. read more

Massage by Chand - Massage Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've been coming here for the better part of half a year, and I am very pleased with my massage. I'd say, DON'T come here if you're expecting to be pampered/ spa. DO COME here for a really good deep tissue, good pressure massage. I leave every time feeling much looser and much more relaxed, and just a bit of background on myself I've had insane knots in my upper back/shoulder for about 10 years now. Chand will adjust his pressure to your liking, he's very good about asking about pressure. And for those of you that want a lot of pressure, I think his pressure is VERY firm and I'm sure he could go deeper if you wanted him to. For the record, I like very deep pressure , most masseuses I've gone to in the past have not been able to apply the pressure I prefer. He's also very good at finding and grinding out those knots and uses different techniques including some elbow action. He will also sometimes use one hand to isolate the muscle/knot and the other hand to firmly rub it out. If you like a very good, firm pressure massage with someone that will work with your schedule, go no further. I highly recommend Chand. read more

Chand is no longer at the location listed here but the phone number is current. I visited the listed location pre pandemic times and always experienced an excellent deep tissue massage. I did not receive a massage since then but did call recently and found out that Chand offers in home massages. I will be a regular client again as it seems safer in home with this pandemic situation and Chand gives an incredible therapeutic massage. Convenient and excellent..5 stars. read more

Chand is awesome. One of the best massages I've ever had. He has very strong hands and is very skilled at what he does. A note for newbies: this place is totally bare bones. His massage studio is basically a supply closet. But it's clean and quiet. No complaints. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed my 60 minute massage by Chand today. Was my first massage here and It was obvious to me that Chand is a very experienced masseuse. Frequently asked if the pressure was good and adjusted if necessary. He worked out many kinks in my lower back. He didn't waste time and i felt my massage time was maximized. Have purchased 2 more massages. Very satisfied and relaxed customer. read more

I was hesitant about my appointment after reading some low reviews but Chand's small massage room is perfectly comfortable and cozy. Keep in mind, he is an independent massage therapist, not a spa. While quiet, Chand is very professional and made me feel very comfortable about asking to adjust the pressure during the massage. Like many other Yelp reviews, I ordered 2 Swedish massages for my boyfriend and I on Groupon. I would consider what we got to be more of a deep tissue because of the level of pressure Chand applied when trying to get knots out. We were both very sore the next day and my boyfriend did have some bruising, not sure if that's normal for deep tissue. Just make sure you drink a lot of water after you go (this helps flush the lactic acid) and expect the soreness to be followed by ZERO KNOTS! Overall if you are looking for a spa experience and to feel "refreshed" afterwards, I'd look somewhere else. However if you are looking to really get some knots worked out I'd definitely go to Chand. read more

One of the best massages I have had. Told Chand my problems (back pain, shoulder pain, lower back pain, computer + bad posture issues being a busy professional and grad student) and he addressed all of them. Loosened up knots and hit all the spots that were literally pain points for over a year. Also had a great conversation. He just ran a half marathon in the morning and I wouldn't even know he did given the right pressure and attention he gave. Overall very pleasant experience and would highly recommend. read more

********************************************* Review from someone who likes a serious deep tissue massage. ********************************************* Chand would probably give a great light and soft massage since he clearly understands the human body...but I wouldn't know. I like a massage so deep and intense that I have to breathe through it. For those like me, it can be difficult to find a massage therapist with strong enough hands to accommodate. Look no further, Chand is your guy! Chand found every single knot in my back, shoulders and neck and removed them from my body with the sort of precision you have to feel to believe. I was less than 10 minutes into the massage before declaring that Chand would be the only massage therapist I'd ever go to from now on. I strongly recommend Chand if you like a great deep tissue massage. Though I'm sure his lighter touch is excellent as well, I can't personally verify that. read more

This whole experience was awful. I bought a massage on Groupon, which I have done many times before. Chand's was a different experience though. The salon is located in an alley, which is creepy as it begins. I had no direction of how to get into the locked building so I stood in the rain until someone was leaving. I arrived and Chand's office was closed, and pitch black. I called a few times and no one had answered. As I was ready to leave, I get a call back from Chand saying he "forgot" our appointment and asked if I would wait 15 minutes. I waited, and he arrived and put a sheet on his table and put on a space heater. The room was a literal closet, and there are just shelves of towels and stuff all over. Chand directed me to get undressed and lay on the oldest, makeshift massage table. I was terrified and looked around for a hidden spy camera- that's how concerned I was. The massage was okay, I left with so much oil all over my body which got a little uncomfortable. read more

Chand works out of a closet with things stacked up all over, which could be excused for a great massage, but is a little off putting in the evening hours when it did not appear anyone else was in the building. Unfortunately, I was then made very uncomfortable when he spent an inordinate amount of time on my butt, after I only asked for my neck, shoulders and back to be worked on. My neck and back were also unbelievably sore the following day. Overall this is the worst massage experience I've ever had, not relaxing at all. read more

I found Massage by Chand on Groupon and decided to buy a Groupon for a massage based on the amazing reviews. I texted the number that was listed on the Groupon to schedule an appointment and he replied a few hours later with a time, so I confirmed and he said "See you then." I showed up to the appointment about 10 minutes early and he was there cleaning up his room. Once he was done, he told me to come in and lay face down on the table under the blanket. I went in and he closed the door to give me some privacy. I kept my sports bra on (because I'm not entirely sure how massages work as this was only my second one ever), and laid down on the table as he had instructed me to do. A couple minutes later he knocked and then opened the door and said "can you find another massage therapist and get a refund from Groupon?" I was so shocked that all I said was "okay" and he closed the door again. I was so confused that it took me a while to get ready and put my shirt back on and grab my stuff. He knocked again and asked "are you leaving?" I was still very bewildered so I just said "yes" and opened the door and walked out to the lobby. I sat in the lobby for a few minutes trying to figure out how to get my Groupon refund, and in that time he walked out the door after glancing at me and making awkward eye contact. He never told me why he had to cancel the appointment and I was left wondering if I had done something wrong. However, just today I was telling a friend what had happened and before I even said the name, she asked if I was talking about Massage by Chand, because she had had a poor experience trying to schedule an appointment with him too, as had other people she knew. I'm still not sure what happened on my day, perhaps he had an emergency and had to leave, but he never apologized for canceling the appointment so suddenly, nor did he offer me any kind of excuse or explanation. Thankfully, I was able to get a refund from Groupon, who offered really good customer service, but I am still just left in shock by what happened and the time and money that I wasted going down to his place. And in the end, I still did not ever get my much-needed massage! Please be aware that he may never schedule you for an appointment and you could lose money when your Groupon expires, as happened to my friend, or you could be laying on the table ready for your massage and he might suddenly just ask you to leave for no apparent reason, as happened to me. read more

This massage was unbelievable. Chand was welcoming, took note of my specific problem areas, made sure to ask my comfortability with massaging various areas of my body, and continually checked in (an appropriate amount) to ensure the pressure was ok. He is incredibly skilled and made sure to cater the massage to my needs. The only reason I give this 4 stars is because the room is a bit messy/stuffy, but I was not expecting a luxurious spa experience. For the price and the service, this is absolutely an excellent deal. Thank you so much Chand! I will definitely be back. read more

Chand is a fantastic masseuse. I went in with pain all over and left feeling relaxed and eased. He knew how to find my tension areas and work out the pain and stress. He was also super flexible about my appointment time. I plan on making massages by Chand apart of my regular routine. read more

I was on a business trip to Philly and my back and calves were really hurting. I had been to a chiropractor for the back and tried stretching and rolling but all to no avail. I decided to treat myself to a massage. I found Chand by doing a Living Social search for massage offerings near where I was staying. I saw he had good reviews and he was able to slot me in on a Saturday morning so I went for it and I'm so glad I did. I had probably the best massage of my life. I wanted firm pressure and that's what he provided; I could literally feel all the knots and kinks leaving my muscles. Wish I could return on a regular basis! read more

I'm very particular about massage, so once I find someone amazing, I stick with them. Chand has been one of my two go-tos for YEARS, the other being Danielle English at Awakening Touch. I am a massage therapist myself, next year will being a decade of my practice, so I might have more of a scrutinous perspective than usual when receiving massages. Chand is very thorough, uses the perfect amount of pressure for me (I like it deeper, but he will ease up if you need him to), very generous with his time (1 hour session tends to be closer to an hour and 15 minutes), and incredibly reasonably priced to the point that I feel like I am short-changing him his true worth. On top of his regular rates already being low, he offers student rates at a discount. He also allows you to contact him and book via text message, which is a huge plus for phone awkwards, like myself. I am currently 7 months pregnant and just had an AMAZING prenatal massage from him today. I will definitely be back again before baby is done cooking. read more

After letting months of tension turn my shoulders into the equivalent of that ball of Christmas lights in the box under your stairs, I needed a massage, and I needed one NOW. Massage by Chand is near my college in Center City, it had good reviews and, most importantly, he was willing to make a same-day evening appointment. I admit I was a little nervous going to what is obviously a low tech operation (no website, empahtically non-businessy voicemail greeting, etc.). Until now, the few massages I've gotten were all under the safe little umbrella of this or that spa. I'm sure glad I took a chance on being bareheaded in the rain this time! Massage by Chand is indeed a no-frills operation. It's located, as another reviewer notes, on the first floor of a nondescript and rather maze-like business office on Camac and Chancellor, and it comprises one room with just enough space for the table, Chand and a few mood decorations. What it lacks in wood panels, track lighting and coiffured receptionists, though, Massage by Chand makes up for many times over in the quality of its signature product. Chand himself seems a little socially awkward (or maybe it was just two introverts passing in the night), and, because of this, it was a bit difficult at first for a relative massage newbie like myself to figure out what to do. Do the underwear stay on? Am I supposed to lift that sheet or lay on it? There's not going to be one of those awful gowns with the breezy back door, is there? He seemed okay with my fumbling questions though, and what more can you ask for? Oh, wait, I know... you can ask for someone who's knowledgeable as golly-heck, which he obviously is. Other reviewers have waxed poetic about Chand's technique, so I won't get all gooey and repetitive here. No, wait, I will, because it bears repeating. Chand has exceptionally strong hands as well as great patience and endurance. Seriously. He worked (and I mean WORKED... I would have gotten my heart rate to cardio levels in his place) on those pesky Chrismas light shoulder knots for at least 40 minutes before moving on to another 40 minutes on my other sore muscles. For those of you doing the math, that's 120 minutes of body melting, mood-altering massage magic all for the price of 50. I would declare my love, but a professional like Chand would never accept it. Oh well... I'll have to settle for becoming a regular. Just don't go taking up all his appointments so I can't get in! read more

Brought a Groupon for "Massage by Chand" and he rarely replied to my requests for an appointment, and never had availability. I see his Groupons often and I would beware - it is unlikely you will get what you pay for. read more

Chand is great! Found him on a Groupon and I've been back 3 times. Knows exactly how to work on problem areas and a super nice guy. Not a spa environment and doesn't charge like one either. Definitely going back. read more

This was by far one of the BEST massages I've ever had. (And I've had A LOT of massages). I am so glad that I found Chand because: 1.) He is extremely strong. I have a lot of tension in my upper back, and he spent a lot of time working on my back and getting rid of the knots that most masseuses can't get rid of. Incredible deep tissue work. 2.) He takes his time with his massages, doesn't rush the massage, and even goes over time. 3.) The massage is very cheap compared to most massage places, especially for the quality. Overall, I would highly recommend Chand. He really cares for his clients and genuinely wants them to walk out feeling better. Note: He only accepts cash. read more

Really good massage, I found Chand from groupon and i'm use to super deep-tissue massages and that's exactly what he did. I would definitely go back. read more

Chand was very responsive since I contacted him about buying a Groupon as a bday gift. However today when we arrived he was not very personable when we arrived. I explained it was the person's first massage. No questions were asked during massage as to pressure or where to do the massage. The room was cold as it is located on the first floor by the exit doors. The room looked a bit off with water bottles and toilet paper stacked it. All this could have been overlooked however it has been 7 hours and the birthday person has been complaining of intense pain from the hard pressure that was used on his neck/back and drinking pain killers...... If you're driving I definitely do not recommend the location. We were traveling from out of state and street parking was impossible and after half an hour of looking around we ended up paying $25 for 1.5 hours a block away. read more

Saw a Groupon for Chand so I gave him a shot! I never write reviews but wanted to do this since I've seen others have had poor experiences so I wanted to share my experience. Like the other reviews have mentioned, this is definitely a "no frills" massage. He operates out of a single room and there is no fancy spa feeling. So if that's what you're looking for, keep looking. However, scheduling was easy, he worked out all the knots in my back, and I felt super comfortable! read more

The absolute best! If you are looking for a serious massage then Chand will be your new massage therapist! He is extremely knowledgeable and attentive and utilizes many European techniques that are not typically done in an American spa. That makes this experience absolutely incredible where you can have your lymph nodes drained your stomach massaged, great for your digestive area, or you can opt for an excellent standard Swedish massage. He has always responded to my texts in a very timely matter. He is a one-man operation who rents small space on Camac Street. So, if you're looking for a big spa day then this is not it. If you are looking for the best massage in the city with essentially a no-frills room, but very clean, then you will absolutely love Chand! Very therapeutic! read more

I'm not the kind of girl who shells out for regular beauty maintenence regimens. Hair, nails, makeup...I do them all myself, save for two to three times a year when I need a complete overhaul. Because A: I am capable of doing it myself, and B: I really can't spend the money. But taking care of my body is necessary for my work, and massage has become a maintenence regimen that I can rationalize. Chand is a massage therapist with a private practice in the business area in the back of 12th Street Gym, called the Camac Center. Before I became his client, he worked on me for free once after I asked him how to get the crink out of my neck. He was so good and so goodhearted to work on me, I was sold. His rates are negotiable and include student rates, and he's so reasonable I am able to keep up a monthly massage regimen. I love Chand. He's not a big guy, but he is so strong and thorough that sometimes I have to ask for LESS pressure...which is much better than a pansy masseuse. This man knows his stuff and is always respectful, personable and attentive. Feel free to bring your own music if you have an ideal soundttrack for your experience - I made a couple mixes for him and he always plays them for me when I come in. It's important to trust your bodywork practitioner...it's not easy to surrender your body to a stranger, which is why it's best to have an ongoing relationship with a masseuse, so you can condition yourself to let go. I couldn't go to someone else. I tried a couple of times. But when you've found the best, you stick with the best. read more

No frills massage located behind 12th street gym. If you are looking for an excellent massage at a reasonable price - this is your place. The room is small and there is no "fluff" of a fancy spa, but Chand is an excellent massage therapist and he clearly has years of experience. read more

If I can give 0 star i would. This place is pretty creepy which located in the basement. This guy Chand isn't friendly at all. Rushing you like crazy. I wouldn't recommend this guys at all. My body is all bruise from him doing the massage. read more

One of the best massages I've had! Chand does a very good job at targeting all the muscle groups, identifying and working on the knots and giving good pressure massage. This isn't the place if you're looking for a spa with scented candles and fancy Champagne, but a place if you're looking to get a GREAT massage, get your knots out, and have all muscle groups strategically targeted. he's flexible with scheduling too. would def recommend it. read more

I feel that I've carefully been taken apart and then put together in the best renewed version of myself! Thanks, Chand!

Amazing, just amazing; perfect. I'm dismayed to read a couple critical reviews and will address some complaints here. I've been in smaller rooms; his certainly isn't a closet, and not a makeshift massage table. It's a professional one like others I've been on. The small street isn't an alley and isn't creepy at all (just a few feet off Locust). I couldn't find it at first, so I texted and he stood outside the door to wave to me. Chand had excellent communication throughout, including texting prior. The deep pressure left me deeply relaxed. I found him on a discount website during a business trip, and paid him directly because I know what a huge commission they charge. The room was clean, warm, comfortable and he gave me dark chocolates afterward plus a bottle of water. The music was exactly to my taste. He was personable and very enjoyable to talk to. It's my first time to Philly, and I plan to make an appointment with Chand the next time I come here! There's still oil on my body but I'd rather have too much than too little (use the sheet to wipe if off if you feel like it's too much). HIGHLY recommend coming here. read more

I originally purchased a Groupon for a massage with Chand. I was very excited considering the rave reviews and encouraged by what people said about his prompt scheduling. I attempted to get a hold of him via email, text, voicemail, and even through yelp. In the three weeks time between the purchase of my Groupon, and today when I asked Groupon for a refund, he only responded once (in the second week) to say that he wasn't available. He did not offer me an alternative scheduling time and did not respond to any of my subsequent messages. I've never written a bad review in my life but if you would like a massage within a reasonable time-frame, look elsewhere. read more

I went to him in June, and he's AMAZING! Best massage I've ever gotten. I have crazy knots and his massage did wonders. He was good at giving firm pressure. He asked me a lot how the pressure was changed if needed. He had a great sense of when to go deeper and when to go a little softer. read more

Chand was a pleasure! Great massage and great energy, he worked on all my problem areas, will definitely return!

He refused my clientele after requesting multiple times for an appoint. I believe it was something racial because he kept urging me to get a refund through my groupon saying he'd much rather and prefer it. read more

Massage from hell is what I call this! I'm a nurse. 1st, The location & access to parking was horrible. He was rude to me. He spent way too much time on one location of my back. The next morning I felt as if I were run over by a truck! I had to medicate, utilize my PT/OT dept & heating pads at work to get relief which didn't happen for 2 Days!! The room you are in smells and isn't clean, thus you have very dark lighting!! Take my word for it, pass on this one. I'm not a paid commentator. You'll thank me for this one! read more

A REVIEW FROM SOMEONE WHO HATES MASSAGES: chand really just changed my perception on what massages can be! I usually am too ticklish to handle a massage, and most masseuses are a little too gentle for me to really feel any effects after I leave. I went in with some really bad shoulder pain that was making it hard for me to work. i usually dont get massages and generally just hate how i feel during and after, but chand uses a very intense pressure that took the knots out of my shoulders and neck. i literally just got this massage, and i'll admit im a little sore still from how much pressure he applies, but i can already tell the tension is removed from my back and that is a HUGE deal. I've been to other specialists and what theyve failed to accomplish in multiple appointments, chand solved in a single hour. i generally trust anyone licensed in their field, so i trusted chand to apply whatever pressure he felt appropriate despite any mild discomfort it caused me. I won't say my massage was the ultimate relaxation experience, but the relief of tension and pain is so significant that it was worth an hour of moderate muscular/skeletal pressure. If you have pain or discomfort and want it removed, I really think chand is the person to see. I've had massages in the past that, despite working closely to find the tension and relieve it, offered nothing. I definitely recommend trusting his technique completely. deep tissue massage can be painful and leave you a little tender, as i'm realizing now, but it's well worth it! read more

Space is too small.. I did not like his cover method. Massage fair.. he ask too many questions Focus on the client read more

I had a great experience and plan to visit him for another back massage in the future! My back already feels better. Highly recommended.

I've been here twice and I will not go anywhere else for a massage. Chan's knows what he's doing. I don't care about the small space, it's clean and he produces great results. read more

I had a great experience at the Massage by Chand! It is not the spa-like kind of place, as the place is quite simple but super-clean and it is a sport massage so deep tissue. But Chand is very good!!! He is very thorough in getting all the knots you have (even the ones you are not aware of) and he adjusts the pressure based on your needs. I felt great afterwards! as we are both runners, he also gave me advice on how to improve and how to stretch. I have been there twice and I plan to go back as soon as I can! read more