Michelle is amazing -- this was a VERY intense massage -- but it lowkey changed my life

Just had a 2 hour deep tissue massage with Michelle, the owner of Tong Thai Massage, and it was nothing short of a revelation. This wasn't a relaxing spa massage -- it was deep, intense, and surprising. I had no idea how much tension I was holding I mean I stretch daily and am rather flexible. But she just went systemically over every muscle tendon ligament idk all of it and pounced on tension with everything she had including her elbows, feet (walking on me) and this wooden gua sha type tool. It honestly was torture but only because I've been neglecting myself, apparently. I'm def going back on a regular basis until every inch of lingering resistance is released. I left feeling sore, grateful, and a little emotional -- like my body was finally given what it truly needs. Highly recommend Michelle if you want real, healing bodywork. I was able to get a same day appt I texted (310) 994-4123. Prices are reasonable. It's not fancy, but it's exactly what my body and maybe even my soul needed. read more

Tong Thai Massage - Massage services and prices. - Massage Near Me - Encino, California

Was that the most painful massage of my life? Yes. Was that the best massage of my life? Also yes. Michelle is truly great at what she does! I went in because for the past 2 weeks my upper back and neck have been sore. She started working through my knots and oh my god there were so many. I swear it was like she was reading braille on my shoulder blades She really focused on loosening everything up. More pressure than I'm used to but I clearly needed that. At the end she stood on my back and used her heels and cracked my upper back. It was glorious. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fantastic massage! 10/10 I will be back! read more

Michelle is more than just a masseuse. She is a therapist. My wife found her on yelp and I was super skeptical after our first visit. I was sore all over my body after it. However, after about 3 days, the soreness went away and I was light as a feather. Soon after, I had a job in DC and had to wear a suit with dress shoes. Being that I have no sense of fashion, my shoes were a too tight. I was having a hard time walking once I got back to LA. After two weeks of hoping the pain will go away, it just got worst. I decided to go back to Michelle and after one session, I was able to walk again. The pain completely went away and never came back. Recently, my hand was bothering. It felt like it was carpal tunnel. I think it was from playing too much video games on my phone. There are times when I couldn't grab anything. After 3 sessions with Michelle, my hand is back to normal. The pain is gone and I am able to use it normally again. A session with Michelle is not like any normal sessions with other masseuses. It might hurt like hell, but it's all worth it. I also like that she uses Asian balm. That really helps with the pain. I have recommended Michelle to all of my friends, family and co-workers. I believe she no longer takes walk-ins. I always set up an appointment and this is the number I use (310) 994-4123. I just text her to set up my appointments. It's super fast and easy. read more

Tong Thai Massage - Massage Near Me - Encino, California

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I have an athletic background, including playing intercollegiate basketball, cycling, weightlifting, yoga, etc. My body has experienced a lot of wear and tear, so I sought out a deep tissue masseuse and happened to meet Michelle. No exaggeration when I say she is by far the best deep tissue masseuse that I have come across. I'm very happy with all the progress and to experience relief specially in the areas (neck, back, shoulders) that we have targeted our focus on. She has been very flexible, accommodating and attentive with her practice. As others have mentioned she responds best to texts at 310) 994-4123 read more

Just had my first massage with Michelle, she was knowledgable and targeted my most needed areas! I was in so much pain and really lucky she was avail to work her magic. look forward to coming back! read more

Don't go here for a nice, relaxing massage. Go here to get your muscles tenderized like a tough piece of steak. You'll possibly get DOMs after, especially if you don't regularly get very deep massages or if you decide to get worked on for over an hour. Michelle is a one-woman army. As such, call or text in advance, especially given the current COVID climate. Prices are approximately $50/hour or $150/hour for a house call. Even during the before times, getting an appointment is ideal since she works as a sole proprietor and sometimes takes a vacation for a couple weeks. I believe she can call a friend if you want a 4-hand or couple's massage. The chiropractic in the name refers to (at least as of early 2019) a chiropractor friend she can call if you need. The massage is Thai-based with back walking, Thai balm, and stretching. Let her know where the problem areas are and she'll get to work, often using lots of elbow work, but will do extra foot work if you want something slightly more gentle. The massage isn't something you go to to relax. It's all very deep and you'll be in a moderate amount of pain for a good portion of the session. It's not exactly excruciating, but you'll probably be squirming a lot and will likely be sore after and possibly even the day(s) after. As a side note, she apparently uses particularly nice (natural, etc.) cleaning product. She has lotion, Thai balm (my recommendation), and oil. The balm is aromatic and doesn't leave a tacky or slick feeling like some oils. Michelle will crack your joints on request too. She's a great massage therapist for the price and beyond her price point. The only downside is that she can be a bit difficult to schedule an appointment. I've had pretty good success calling a couple hours ahead of time to even a couple days ahead, but plan on being flexible. She's very client friendly so sometimes she'll ask that you come a half hour later, for instance, if the client before you is running late. read more

Michelle is very good whit deep tissues massage I was in pain in my lower back for 30 years and going twice a week for 3 months now I have about a 6 months no pain I will recommend Michelle any time read more

I've been coming here for years now and I've NEVER gotten a massage that wasn't excellent! I always get a deep tissue massage and their prices are very reasonable! It seems like each of the masseuses have a different style. Some of them incorporate stretching, others more time on body (vs back), some walking on the back... so definitely feel free to give it a few visits to find the person who is the best for you! But everyone is EXCELLENT! read more

I'm so glad I made the time dor a combination Thai and deep tissue massage. Great service, unbeatable massage! Thanks! read more

Michelle is a miracle worker. I've been dealing with knee pain for about 20 years & it's been painful to live with it so now I'm healing it with the help of Michelle's hands. She goes in deep in the muscles & it hurts but I feel much better afterwards. I can bend my knee now. She genuinely cares about healing the client's aches & pains. Michelle is not the traditional feel-good type Thai masseuse. If you're ready to fix your body aches, go to her. She's so worth it. Text her to schedule an appt (310) 994-4123. She's often busy so texting works best to communicate with her. read more

What an amazing experience. I have had chronic back pain and needed an epidural. I decided to wait and see if getting regular massages would help. Michelle knows exactly where it hurts without asking. She know how a real Deep tissue massage should be. After every massage you can feel that your body is lighter and less tense. I would recommend Michelle to anyone who has back pain, stress or tension headaches. She is truly incredible. read more

LEO LEO LEO !!!!! is the absolute best masseuse I've ever had! He is a professional of a different level. I've started getting massage every week because of Leo, and my back feels better every time. I highly recommend seeing Leo, and I'm sure you will come back again and again! read more

I known Michelle for two yrs now . She is the only one I see for massage. She does deep tissue on me she really goes her way out to help my back feel better. Before I meet her I tried several places but there no one like her . She is unique and really gets all the nods out . Her massages are 100 legit and she really does try to help people out. She is simply the best . You can text her to make an appointment and she will get back to you . I highly recommend her . Text her at 310- 994-4123. As her main number is getting discounted. read more

She is a healer. I highly recommend for someone that is looking to heal and release the tension from your body. For me it it's like physical therapy. read more

I started experiencing a lot of lower back pain late last year and I couldn't shake it despite stretching and taking pain-relieving pills. I was extremely alarmed... What could I have done to myself to warrant such agonizing pain?! I bend my knees when I lift things, after all... After oodles of Yelp searching, I found Michelle at Chiropractic Tong Thai Massage. I was aware that Thai massages hurt, but I figured my pain tolerance was high enough. Besides, I wanted the knots kneaded out -- soft touches weren't going to cut it. I called for an appointment and ended up texting with Michelle back and forth. Personal, convenient. Michelle works late, by appointment only, and I was really happy that she was so accommodating. I can't get in the area until 6pm or later, so she worked with my schedule. Well, I left that initial appointment feeling quite refreshed. Her massage got increasingly deeper as time went on, and I was writhing in agony by the end of the hour. She walked up and down my back, dug her elbows into my roughest places, and got deep into my problem areas. The medicine she rubbed into my back felt amazing and smelled great. I had four knots in my back -- she got them out in 60 minutes. The price was so affordable, too. I went back a couple months later, and opted for the 1.5 hour massage. Same process, same agonizing pain. But now, again, I'm healed! I have Michelle to thank for that and I will continue to go back to her any time I have issues. Not quite ready to make this a weekly appointment, but maybe if my pain tolerance will work itself out... :) read more

If you are looking for true relief of pain, come here. It is not your average Swedish massage that's gentle and feels good at the time, Michelle listens to where you pain is and knows the correct ligaments/muscles to work on and really get to the root of your issue. I had really bad pain and issues with my hip, I would limp at the end of a day of a lot of walking, she worked on the muscles and I am essentially pain free! I also had plantar fasciitis which is almost gone after seeing her two times. It hurts in some areas that she massages, but you will be SO thankful after you leave. I feel like I've aged backwards after seeing her! I can move so much more and without pain. Michelle is a miracle worker! read more

A REAL THAI MASSAGE EXPERIENCE. NO BS. YOU GO IN FEELING LIKE SHIT, AND COME OUT FEELING LIKE A BANANA SPLIT. 10/10 5 STARS WELL DESERVED! I've been going to Michelle for 5 years. All my friends go to Michelle. All my family members go to Michelle. IF YOU ARE IN l PAIN, MICHELLE WILL FIX IT. She is the best at finding the root of the pain and she TAKES CARE OF IT. I didn't know it was possible for such a small lady to be that strong. It blows my mind every time. I will never go anywhere else. Michelle, you definitely have me as a client for life. read more

Michelle is the BEST deep tissue masseuse there is. I have been to massage therapists all over the world (literally) and have never found anyone as incredible as her. I have chronic pain pretty much everywhere in my body, and carry all my stress in my shoulders and neck, to the point where my hands will go numb from the tension in my shoulders and arms. Michelle will ask directly where it hurts, and have you specifically show her what areas you want worked on, unlike any masseuse I've seen she genuinely wants to help and will directly work on the spots you want her to fix! It's not just a routine she has, it is very very specific to each person. This is not for the faint of heart...aka..It HURTS, it's very very deep tissue remedial massage and she's working the deepest muscle fibers, but if you stick it out she will completely get rid of your pain, it gets easier every time! You can scream, she's used to it I promise, but those knots will be GONE and you will feel so much better. IF YOU WANT AN APPOINTMENT YOU HAVE TO TEXT HER- +1 (310) 994-4123 she's constantly booked and can't answer the phone! Also don't go asking for a happy ending, this is NOT that kinda place!!!! To all the weird men who go in and ask for that...Knock it off. read more

I have tried a lot of different massage places over the years and none have satisfied me. They were all ok but they were all very standard, that's why I keep looking for new massage places. So when I found Michelle on yelp after reading all the great reviews, I tell you, my life changed for the better. She does deep tissue massage that really goes into what problem you have. For the longest time my back, legs and neck would hurt after a long day and I would ice it to feel a little relief. After I went to Michelle we worked on it week by week I don't have that pain anymore. She's really great, she listens and really want to help you get better. She does deep tissue so at first you would be screaming cause it will hurt because just like me everything will be tight. I do get massage regularly but they don't take the knots out so I was still very tight everywhere. After a couple of sessions you will feel a huge difference and you will thank God you've met Michelle. She best responds to text because she's always fully booked and limits the people she massages, so if you want to set an appointment text her on (310) 994-4123 it'll be the best decision you will ever make! read more

The best to ever do it best I've ever had do it to me deep tissue massage that is. Hurt like heck but I can lift my arm completely above my head after dealing with frozen shoulder, disc and all that jazz shes great. Go see her now if you're in crazy extreme pain or not, just go! read more

The best massage I've ever had! This is not just a gentle rub down, this is serious deep tissue Thai massage that heals you! Both my hips were in sever pain to the point I couldn't sit or sleep. Michelle got in there and got it out! I slept like a rock afterwards! God bless her and the work she does!!! read more

I was in SOOO much lower back pain. I thought "well, no one can make it worse...so I am going to keep looking for a solution for the pain." And then I found Michelle on Yelp. I have been experiencing back pain for more than 10 years. I have tried prolo therapy, regular chiropractors, acupuncture, etc. Michelle is the ONLY person who has been able to relieve the pain I experience on a daily basis. I am so grateful to have found her. She is so sweet and really wants to help her clients. The hype is true (like mentioned in a previous comment). It does hurt....but it is such a good hurt. If you gave chronic pain or in need of waking up certain parts of your body...make an appointment with Michelle. Thank you, Michelle!!!! xoxo read more

Let me start off by saying, I've tried most of the massage places in encino. Michelle is the BEST! She listens to your concerns and genuinely cares about making you feel better. If you like deep tissue, she is your gal. She gave me permission to post her phone number +1 310-994-4123, so you can text her directly for an appointment. She is amazingly strong! You will not regret it. read more

Do not plan your night around this place. 5 minutes before my reservation, they asked me to reschedule 1.5 hours past my reservation (see photo of text message). I had an appt tonight, Friday April 5th at 9pm and they asked me right before if I can move it to 10:30p. I reserved a couples massage the day before and planned my night around this time - leaving work early, driving through traffic from very far, etc. I walked to the store door and the lady was smiling and said, "I'm sorry, but I have a client running late from very far." I said that's the clients fault, not mine. The lady then said, "this is a client for 6 years." I told her we traveled very far and this is very in professional. I cancelled the appt and she didn't even try to offer anything. Now I'm stuck looking for a massage place to take 2 people last minute at 9pm. read more

Tong Thai Massage - Text message from Tong Thai asking me to reschedule my 9pm appt. 1.5 hours after my reservation to 10:30pm. - Massage Near Me - Encino, California

What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? I absolutely loved coming here. When I first got here I thought it was closed due to the locked door. But soon after Michelle came out and told me it would be about 20 minutes because she was with another patron. She advised she was usually booked but she had a free space and was happy to assist me. She was very professional and I was happy to wait. I've never had a massage before and my girlfriend wanted me to go. I've had some shoulder and lower back issues that really needed some work. And let me tell you I didn't know how bad it was until Michelle started to work on me. When the massage started I was in so much pain. I didn't know how bad it was until Michelle started to really work on my shoulder. I almost cried more than a few times. I know that pain is not a good thing to say when writing a review. But it was the type of pain that I knew was repairing me. Michelle knew what I needed and I couldn't be happier. She knew exactly where I needed help in. I was sore for a few days after but was definitely worth it. I'll definitely be back soon. read more

Aom gave me a very deep & healing Thai massage. It hurt (a lot) but in the best possible way. Exactly what I needed.

Michelle are the best in The Business ... They don't come better then here... Get 2hr. so she can take care of you body from head to toes!!! Highly Highly Highly Recommended..!! Thanks Michelle you are the read more

Tong Thai Massage - Massage Near Me - Encino, California

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I started going to Michelle last year on a weekly basis bc I had lower back and neck pain. In her words, "if you're not screaming, I'm not doing it right." Her massages are not for the person who expects to just lay there and feel relaxed. Michelle's massages are intended to tire your muscles and get to the root of your pain. For the first 30 minutes, she stretches you, after that, she will knead your body while you writhe in pain. Sounds awful right? WRONG. You'll walk out of her shop feeling so much better than when you came in! She insists that if you have an issue, you should come weekly, and at her low prices, you can totally afford to! Have you ever heard of ANYONE giving a 3-4 hour massage? Well, Michelle will! She's so incredible that she was actually able to pinpoint the issues I was having in my facet joint and fix them without ever needing an injection. I can't recommend Tong Thai Massage enough! If you're committed to getting better, call or text her today! read more

I have had many deep tissue massages over the years, and Michelle is by far the best there is. Know that if you can handle even an extremely deep and firm massage, that this still may not the place for you. She digs deep into your muscles, and it can be very painful to the point where you can't take another minute, but you do, and the rewards are really worth it. Michelle is a hardworking, true professional and really knows her stuff. She is also a wonderful, caring person who truly wants the best for anyone that goes to see her. I am so grateful to have found her! read more

michelle is incredible. shes extremely kind and is also super strong. i agree with all of the reviews below - this is not just a massage to relax, it's going to hurt - but it's going to help!!! michelle is a true healer, so if that's what you're seeking she is the person to s word read more

Amazing person and great Thai massage. The authenticity of Thai Massage is what heals the body, this place nailed it entirely! Many thanks

To preface this, I have been doing chiropractic and physical therapy for a rear end car accident since October with some massage but felt like I had incredible knots in my neck and shoulder area that were not being helped. Out of desperation I went on to yelp and chose Michelle by her great reviews, knowing that this was not going to be a feel good but more like a get better massage approach which is what I needed. She keeps her place immaculately clean and comfortable. But what's truly amazing are her massage skills coupled with the hot Thai herbs she uses. I'm not going to sugarcoat it but the words "no pain no gain" certainly apply here. The first two visits were incredibly intense, but miraculously effective. I now have muscle movement and I am continuing once a week since I'm getting real positive results. By the way she is also incredibly kind and caring, giving you her all! read more

Went back today for another two hour massage. These ladies are freaking miracle workers!!! Everytime the massage is awesome. Best ever massages, I am forever ruined for getting a massage anywhere else now! read more

I checked out Michelle's practice as a result of reading the other reviews. This is not Swedish massage. It's not "baby touch" massage, as Michelle says. This is hardcore deep tissue stuff...probably more akin to Rolfing. She'll go softer if you want...but I gotta tell ya: I'm 6 feet tall and 230 pounds. I'm a former Army Ranger / Special Ops paratrooper. I train with Mr. Universe at my gym. I like to think I'm relatively antifragile. Even so: Michelle is tiny but she knows absolutely what she's doing... Nonetheless: it will hurt. It'll hurt _good_. I had the option of laughing or crying. I chose to laugh--but that was only to mask the tears in my eyes. Five or six years ago, I had to move a six foot table at an event and, for whatever reason, hoisting up the table effed up my back...felt it when it went...somewhere near the center of the spine just below the shoulder blades...at the nexus of insertions for the traps, the rhomboids, the erector muscles and more. A lot of stuff goin' on there...an area really difficult to crack via regular chiro. It was sooo bad, I woke up the next day after moving the table and couldn't lift my left arm over my head for two months. I went to my regular chiro, who is _excellent-, and he rehabed my back to a functional level. Still...the middle of my back was always nagging. I figured I had blown a disk...tore somethin' maybe. Done something relatively permanent to the bone or connective tissue of my spine... So: I resigned myself to regular adjustments and sports massage to mitigate the pinching pain I always felt. Yesterday: Michelle not only located the source of the pain _precisely_, but she also applied significant enough force and pressure...and over a _long_ enough duration (about half an hour to an area the length of a matchstick)...to begin breaking down spasmodic muscle very close to the spine. She found the epicenter of all my pain...said it was "tight". Deep deep deep. My back's muscles were so tight, she believed the adjacent vertebrae were doing funky things to the spine...the muscle pulling against the bone and misaligning it. The bones were fine, she said...so that was a relief. The muscle was just totally seized up (and I guess that frozen / spastic condition had just become the standard way of being for me). She worked it till it loosened up a bit--as mentioned, focused on this area for at least half of the hour I had booked. She then moved on to adjoining and related areas that were tense. After I left, I immediately felt the difference. Increasingly, I felt my back open up as the day wore on... I could _see_ in the mirror that my spine looked straighter. It's been just over 24 hours. Still tender...but can't wait to go back. She seems to think it'll take about two or three visits to really break things down...and that seems right. All to say: I had thought I had a permanent injury to the vertebrae itself--and had lived that way so long, I couldn't have conceived that muscles would be responsible for such a deep-seated discomfort in my bod. She's shown me what I've been suffering with for years now was just a knot of tension buried _next_ to my spine. I was most amazed that she was sensitive enough to palpate and find the injury...with virtually no Marco Polo like "higher" / "no, lower" conversation. She was more than strong enough and persistent enough to smooth it out..something that I know most women, and many men much much bigger and stronger would have a much harder time doing. In my opinion, Michelle is a total miracle worker...and nothing less than athletic in her strength and endurance. She greatly alleviated pain I'd been suffering with for many years. All to say: this is not a massage therapist for sweet li'l ladies who want to drink cucumber water and wear a fluffy bathrobe at the spa. This is legit therapy. Kickboxers, wrestlers, footballers, bodybuilders, professional dancers and musicians...Michelle is your gal. Brace yourself. Bear with it. You will be healed. read more

IYES YES YES YES ; all the Hype is true. Michelle is very very good at what she does. She's actually great. She can get in there and work out the kinks. She was able to identify the knots and apply extreme pressure to release them. When she walked on my back; legs; etc. it was with purpose not just to take a break from using elbows. Maybe I'm getting more sensitive in my later years; so, I must admit; she had me cringing at times when she found my sore areas in my hamstrings. I like it though. I'm just saying if you ask for deep tissue. YOU'RE GONNA GET DEEP TISSUE!!! Me 6'2" 207 ponds; Yeah she made me buckle. I almost cried out "Uncle" in a good way. Be Patient with her as she is in high demand. read more

Geez this place is good. I usually go to Vara's for my massages. I've been there 10+ times and love it but never had any place to compare it to....so I decided to go on a drive down Ventura and look for the $40 massage signs. This place is in the same empty strip mall as Octopus. Front room is tidy.. wood floors. The rooms are really tiny and dark.. I had to use my phone as a flashlight to figure out where things were until my eyes adjusted. They gave me a white tshirt and tiny boxers to wear. They have beds instead of mats on the floor and there are rooms instead of curtains. Above the bed is two wooden sticks for the masseuses to hold on to. I got my back walked on for the first time today. It was awesome! She then climbed on and sat on me with her knees, then walked around the bed massaging, then climbed back on. It was more about putting pressure than kneading. Try Odett.. She got my knots out and I'm pretty damn happy. She even cracked my back more than anyone else ever has. Four stars because I couldn't get my mind off my exposed underwear in the tiny boxers they gave me to wear. I wish they gave us pants instead. Also, it was pretty quiet except when new clients came in.. thing is, the clients spoke with their indoor voices and employees didn't.. only happened twice so not too bad. $40 for Thai massage $50 Thai/Swedish read more

Probably the best therapeutic massage I've ever experienced! A facility is only as good as the people who run it and the lead masseuse here, Nina, is sensational. She has an affinity for the right degree of pressure and associated bending, stretching, twisting and movement. The place is very clean, very friendly and the staff are there to accommodate your therapeutic needs (I've gone as an adjunct to physical therapy many times). They seem to cater to couples, women, seniors and athletes a lot, based on clients I've seen there. Nice choice of background music, convenient parking and easy to set advance appointments. read more

Tong Thai Massage - Massage Near Me - Encino, California

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Tong Thai -Michelle (owner) & Ploy are absolutely amazing therapists!! Trained to get to the root of your muscle/skeletal issues until resolved! Salon is clean, warm and welcoming! Do yourself a favor and make an appointment now! My husband and I are weekly customers for many years and look forward to each and every appointment!! read more

I went to this place and it's a damn good I'm not saying damn relaxing .. it's a damn good for who is in pain or has issues on there body .. this place is not something you just wanna relax .. I have been dealing for my sciatic nerve on my left hip tru my leg and mechelle went to the rescue .. it's crazy It's painful but she knows what she's doing and she knows what heals me and I trust her with that than dealing everyday of my sciatic nerve and paying expensive chiropractic doctor.. this is one of the reason why chiropractic tong Thai massage got me interested cause she's doing the same what a chiropractor does with a cheaper price .. would coming up again for another appt. read more