You have two options for the type of masseuse you want: Professional or Student. Both massages are 60 minutes long and are performed in the same room.
Professional Massages: $40
You can request special types of massages such as deep tissue or energy. Professional massages can be schedule all hours of the day and night as well as on weekends. I have had 2 professional massages here and both were decent, but not great. I requested deep tissue both times when making the appointment, but neither masseuse was able to accommodate me. The first masseuse did an energy massage with breathing technique, and the second did a relaxation massage. They were last minute appointments so I think I just got whoever was free.
Student massages: $25
You can try to request a specific type of massage, but most students are still learning techniques and their knowledge and skill varies greatly. Student massages usually go on for about 3 months and you can tell the difference between the first month and the second and third - They get better! I have received about 12 student massages and counting. I always request deep tissue and 3 of the 5 masseuses have done amazing jobs! When you go in for your student massage, they will introduce you to the instructor on duty who will tell you they might check in on you. This has only happened to me once and it was only for about 3 minutes.
What to expect:
If it's your first time (which is why you're probably reading this section), arrive 10-15 minutes early. Parking can be tricky because there isn't a dedicated parking lot and you will have paperwork to complete. Check-in on Yelp and then leave your phone in the car (or turn it off). When you walk in, take your shoes off and place them on or near the shoe rack on the right of the room and then check-in with the attendant. Pay for your massage - cash or check only.
You will wait in the waiting room until your masseuse comes out to take you back. They will call you up by name. You will go into the massage room which is a giant, dimly lit room playing ambient music. The room is warm, but not hot. The room is sectioned off by thick cotton sheets that make private massage areas. Inside the massage areas are a massage table, wicker basket, stool, clock, and sometimes a table for massage supplies. Sit on the bed and face you masseuse.
Your masseuse will always check-in with you and ask about problem areas or injuries. Tell them what you like at this point, because once the massage starts - it's polite not to talk because there are no walls and someone may be only 8 feet away getting a massage. Once you are both comfortable with what's going to happen then they will go wash their hands - which is code for "take your clothes off".
Massages, student or professional are best done fully nude - but it's your preference. Once you decide, place your clothes in the basket and then hop onto the table, usually face down, and cover yourself with the sheet and blanket. I get hot easily so I fold the blanket and lay it under the bed and just use the sheet.
The masseuse will come back and ask you by name if you're ready. Don't do what I do and mumble, "uh huh..." It's hard for them to hear. Lift your head out of the head rest and clearly say, "Yes! Come on in and get some work done!"
From there they work their magic! When your time is up they will make sure you're awake and then leave the room for you to get dressed. They will wait outside of your room for you to ask you about your massage and to walk you out. You can either leave your tip in the room (on the bed or stool) or in the waiting room they have little boxes with the masseuse's names on them. I have heard of people tipping as little as $5, but for how cheap the student massages are and the quality you get, I always tip $10 for trying and $20 for a job well done. read more
