I'd been having stiffness and soreness in my lower back for several days that was making me miserable. Initially I'd gone to a neighborhood massage place I've been visiting for years. But after waiting in their entry way for almost 20 minutes, I found they'd changed to a totally non-English speaking staff. Worse yet, I was told (through phone translation) I'd have to return several hours later!
Giving up on the idea, I went to get some food nearby. As I was leaving the restaurant I happened to see Park Oaks Massage located in this same center. So, I decided to give them a shot and see if they could take me as a walk-in. Upon entering I received a friendly greeting from the manager who was able to accommodate me (no language barrier there). As I walked down the hallway to a private room I was able to see the place was immaculately kept. The room itself was exactly the same way, lowly lit with calming music playing and a very nice vibe overall. When the masseuse came in she asked me what level of pressure I wanted and I was able to explain the issues I was having with my back. She began with series of strokes that relaxed my entire body....working from my neck to my lower back. From there she continued onto my legs, and for moment I thought she'd not understood what I told her about my lower back. But soon enough, she zeroed in on it and devoted a lot of time to that area. It was wonderful. She then moved to my glutes and upper legs, really digging in. I was surprised with how sore I was there...she knew exactly what she was doing. Obviously my muscles were in spasm there too and I didn't know it. After 90 minutes I walked out of there pain-free and feeling terrific. Needless to say, I have a new place to go for massage.
One last thing, while I'm loathed to comment on someone else's review, the one star review seemed mean-spirited and vindictive to me. She says that the manager was "very kind, listened to my complaint with care & did work out the tension & knots in my neck & shoulders", but then flips on the establishment as the worst experience ever? Surely they deserved 2 or 3 stars for the measure of stress relief she admits she received and for running a clean store? Again, great massage, full recommendation. read more