On average I work out 7+ times per week doing different exercise modalities. That type of activity…read moreon your body takes its toll. I used to get massages on a regular basis but fell off the massage wagon. A friend of mine highlighted that she has gotten massages once a month for the last 14 years. I was definitely behind the 8 ball on massages. My friend's long-term revelation was eye-opening, so I decided to get a massage today with Green Care Massage, which is located on W. Parmer, next door to Tomo Sushi. My massage choice was a deep tissue massage. Those polls are not for curtains!!! When my massage therapist asked me could she work on my back, I thought, I said yes. What she actually said was can I "walk" on your back. In my head, I was thinking why do her hands feel like feet...because they were feet! Snappity, snap, snap...I was getting a full on Ashiatsu massage (also known as back walking massage or barefoot massage). If you are not aware, Ashiatusu is a technique where the massage therapist uses their feet to apply deep pressure while holding onto overhead bars for balance and control. The word "Ashiatsu" is a Japanese word meaning (ashi=foot and atsu= pressure.) Apparently, my back was so tight I needed Ashiatsu first. My massage beginning to end was incredibly effective and rejuvenating experience. From the moment the session began, it was clear the massage therapist was highly skilled and knew her craft. The deep, slow strokes and focused techniques worked through my knots and tight muscles, especially in my back and legs. While there were moments of intensity that you would expect with deep tissue work, it was never painful (pressure...no pain). Afterward my body felt like it had exhaled and breathing fresh air.... well worth the time and money. I could feel the tension evaporating with each targeted movement. It is important note, I felt soreness in my neck and back during the massage that I did know existed previously. After the massage session, I noticed a significant improvement in my mobility and range of motion. My usual stiffness had disappeared. I do not know if I will get a massage once a month, but I certainly will not wait too long before another one.

I'm a regular! Can't quit this place, great massage for a very reasonable price. They were able…read moreto squeeze in a 90 min couple massage very last minute on Valentine's Day. They open at 9:30 for those early birds like myself. I've had massages by Angie several times now and she is wonderful. Next time I swear I'm going for the 120 min massage...and there will be a next time!

Went here for a deep tissue massage, and it was VERY deep tissue, extremely rough, nothing relaxing…read moreabout it. They make you pay up front and they WILL OFFER YOU A HAPPY ENDING, or at least my lady did. Made me very uncomfortable and then afterwards when they bring in the payment device again to tip, I tried tipping $15 as a whatever, she made me tip $20 instead. I said f*ck it and I left because I wanted to get out of there so badly. Very much backroom vibes as well. Surprised I didn't get trafficked. DO NOT GO HERE!!

Awesome massage. Been here 3 times so far. Very reasonable prices and clean rooms. Super…read morefriendly staff.

Sadly, I need to decrease my rating on this place. I've tried going back a couple times with no…read moresuccess. This last time, they were in the back eating when I came in. I asked if they could do a got massage. She told me no but they could do a body massage. That's not what I wanted. Obviously they would prefer to do the full body because it's twice the price. I'd like to think they just didn't have a table open but there was noone else there. If they don't want to do foot massages, then take it off the menu. I won't be going back.

They don't like giving foot massages (since they're cheaper) and they'll constantly recommend the…read morefull body massage and tell you "it's better." They've told me on three occasions that they could only do an hour long body massage, but couldn't do a foot massage. Don't offer foot massages if you don't want to do them. Especially if you try to harass your clients into getting a full body massage instead.

Booked a summer special body scrub that was fantastic!!!!! It's been a while since I've visited…read moreviva day spa but I need to visit it more. My body is relaxed, refreshed and smell incredible!!!!

Amazing experience from start to finish. My mom and I had massages from Kate and Scarlett this…read moreevening and we were both wow'd. They both did an incredible job! I think it was the best massage I've ever had. Also the space is so warm, welcoming, and decorated so nicely. Highly recommend for a gift or to treat yourself.

Never again. First off, the massage itself was pretty good…read more The masseuse had strong hands and appeared to be pretty well trained. What I didn't enjoy, was the constant interruptions. Two phone calls, which she happily took, and five visits to the front door as other people arrived. Obviously very understaffed. Also, this place should've spent a little bit of money on soundproofing. I could hear all sorts of jibber, jabber conversations, which was very offputting. My massage started at 11:15 and even though I paid for an hour, with five interruptions plus the two phone calls. I was out the door by 12:35. That's not an hour. Save your money, find a better place. I know I'm going to.

My fiancé and I had am amazing experience today! They were so kind and courteous from start to…read morefinish. My masseuse asked me what my focus areas were. She first took her time with a traditional Thai Massage (feet on back) then proceeded to work my focus areas. I some point I zoned out into zen state while she needed every knot out in my back! This was by far one of the best experiences I've had at a masseuse in a very long time! We will definitely be coming back very soon!

Setup a time with Roe, she was ready early. Good conversation before, during, and after massage…read more She asked where my issues were and then concentrated on those areas as well as giving a great overall massage. Made me feel comfortable throughout our time together. I've been to see her several times and will keep going back.

I had a couple of messages from Roe. She is very thorough and strong hands and techniques. Very…read morecalm session.

Susanna was my "regular" masseuse when I was stationed up in Killeen and would visit Austin. She…read morealways made me feel comfortable and at ease and took the time to chat about me and my needs. It had actually been almost 5 years since I had last seen her and after a recent apartment move, I needed her services for my aching body! It was like visiting an old friend and I remembered just how awesome of a person she is and that I should not have let so much time go by without visiting her. A mistake I will try to not repeat even though I have to leave Austin temporarily. She is able to provide the most gentle touch, as well as deep therapeutic pressure for those stubborn knots that don't work with anything else. I have always felt that her skills make me feel relaxed even though I need her stronger touch throughout the session at some points. Her massage room is super cozy and will help you feel completely at ease. Oh, and one final note for those that are more self conscious or don't like to bare all of their goodies! Susanna let's you undress to your level of comfort and always provides a blanket to keep you covered regardless of how bare you go! Don't worry about leaving all oily either. She uses only the best and always wipes any excess allowing anyone to leave like a smooth zombie needing a ride home or at least a few minutes in the parking lot to gather the senses! Try her out. You can thank me later!

Diving full swing into the whole massage therapy thing in 2012, so far I have met lot of very good…read moremassage therapists that do great work of which I would definitely recommend and go back. However, I can honestly say that Susanna at Escape Massage & Spa is the most thorough and hard-working massage therapist that I have experienced to date, hands down. I've been here twice now, the sessions are so extensive that I find my usual 15-20% tip range just isn't worthy, she deserves more, and I happily oblige. Here's why: - Her sessions are like a continuous methodical flow of kneading and massaging out the kinks with minimal stops and pauses. She has a great work ethic, I told her she's like the Energizer Bunny version of the wooden smiley-face massage roller - - keeps going and going.... - The Right Tools: She utilizes her hands, palms, fingertips, knuckles, and forearms to ensure you're getting the full blown arsenal. Her massage oil has no scent, doesn't stain your clothes, there's none of that excess greasy effect you feel at the end. She uses just enough to glide but not too slippery. - She always spends ample time on the trouble spots, in my case the lower left back and up along the spine, and yet she still makes the time to massage out the rest of your body. She doesn't cut you short. - Awesome foot massage. What an awesome job on the feet! I find most therapists skim it or do a half-ass job, but not Susanna - who's very thorough and consistent. She said she practices a lot on her mother , who formally requests it. - Overdelivers. In my two sessions (maybe it's luck or scheduling) she's gone well over our scheduled time and didn't make me feel rushed. I totally lost track of time and she genuinely wanted to make sure I felt like I got real therapy and was happy. - One of her customers nicknamed her the "spine-crusher", as her deep pressure is very effective yet she balances it out w/ the delicate to medium pressure which I generally prefer. - Great personality. Very positive, talkative, and makes you feel comfortable. She works on trying to establish a rapport and r-ship with her clients. - Toxin Avenger. I feel the full effect of the toxins being released after her massages. I'm usually in a trance-like state, I need a gallon of water to recuperate. If I had my date w/ me that would be the optimal time to take advantage and ask for my credit card to go shopping. Too eeeeasy. One caveat to know is the location and set-up, which is a room in the Day's Inn that's been converted into a massage studio. My first appointment I was thinking they had an actual spa and the works, but when I got there I was confused because I got directed to an actual room. Turns out she works at the Day's Inn full time in administration, got her LMT certification and worked w/ the hotel to convert a room into her 2nd job. It's well done, there's a quality massage table w/ warmer, bathroom w/ shower, a futon, music, humidifier. No dance floor or strobe-lights (sorry). It may not be the posh high-end-day-spa-look that some may appeal to, but I could care less. I'm there for a quality massage, not for interior design and decor, and it meets all of my requirements: clean, quiet, private, and comfortable. Her appointments are limited as she explained she paces herself to avoid potential for burn out, so she balances it w/ her other job. I can't say enough about Susanna's quality massage skills and customer service, she always goes above and beyond and that's more than worthy of a 5-star experience.

I had an incredible massage for Mother's Day. Let's Relax is a small massage place with a plenty of…read moreparking. As you walk in, you're welcomed with tranquil music, a comfy couch and some cookies. I made a reservation for 4:15p the day of. They called me quickly to change the appt at 4:45p. The room was ready quickly. The room smelled nice, with low lighting and very calm. I got a deep tissue massage with a focus on the upper body for 60min. WOOOW. The massage was pretty incredible. They were able to relive some knots, plus some. Overall a pretty amazing massage at an affordable price.

I've been to this massage place twice before without issue, which made my experience yesterday…read moreincredibly uncomfortable and bizarre. When I arrived, staff seemed confused by my appointment and the vibe immediately felt awkward. I requested a male masseuse which was accommodated at first. During the massage, the owner interrupted the session to have me redo paperwork while I was face down and topless on the table because I forgot to write the date instead of asking me afterwards. Later, the door was opened multiple times while I was actively being massaged face down so staff could casually talk to the therapist for almost an entire minute. At one point they apparently switched massage therapists entirely without informing me or asking for consent -- suddenly a woman, instead of the man I began with, was talking to me and I had no idea someone else was touching me. One therapist was coughing throughout the session, and another handled my body very aggressively, moving my legs without warning and forcing my hypermobile knees into uncomfortable positions. My neck hurts today afterward. The worst moment was when I was flipping over and the door opened AGAIN while I was completely exposed on top. No explanations or apologies. Overall the entire experience felt chaotic, invasive, unprofessional, and deeply uncomfortable. Honestly I feel violated. I've never had a massage where multiple people worked on me without explanation, the room was repeatedly interrupted, and my privacy felt so disregarded.

I think I finally found my favorite place. Thank you Sam my back my killing me all day at work.read more

Bought a gift card for my mom on Mother's Day and she went in with my Fiancé the day after to get…read moreher massage. The woman there was rude at the start demanding an explanation for everything who my mother was to me (the buyer of the gift card) and who my fiancé was to my mother. She also demanded a tip after the massage and my mom doesn't speak very much English. So she just kept getting frustrated with my mom and kept repeating she wanted a tip until my fiancé came out of the restroom and the employee repeated herself. Had she asked kindly if they would've liked to tip or had even asked me beforehand when I purchased if I would like to leave a complimentary tip I would've done it no questions asked. I didn't know my mom would be harassed like that. I bought it with the intention of it being a GIFT. Meaning she's going to go get the service as a GIFT, and not have to worry about anything. My fiancé still left a 10$ dollar tip because she was flustered and also just didn't know how much I had already spent on the service. Sad to say my mom liked the service that was given to her but we're never coming back. You could've had new repeating customers had you been kinder.