I'm bit of a prude and a bit of a tightwad, so the whole thing of getting my gear off and paying lots of money for a stranger to massage me is something I've always felt vaguely - umm, challenged by! But I've a collection of very tight muscles that no amount of physio or yoga seems to sort, so I've been glad to discover the Chi chain of massage centres. An hour long remedial massage is just $60 - less, if you can claim on your private health - and you get to keep you gear on. Win! I've been seeing a physiotherapist for various exercise induced issues for a while, and the masseurs at Chi seem to get into the same tight spots. They aren't afraid to use lots of pressure - nothing like an elbow right near your spine to remind yourself that your nerve endings all work perfectly well, thanks! The masseurs always check that the pressure is OK, but I think I might be ever so slightly masochistic - my more it hurts, the more value I feel like I'm getting! I'm not planning to break up with my physio, but a massage in between helps me space out my visits to him.
If you are expecting the full beauty salon massage experience you will be disappointed - if you want that level of ambiance, you need to pay for it. The facilities are fine, but the cubicles are separated by curtains, so you do hear the distant thrum of the shopping centre and any pummelling happening to the person next to you. If you want perfect silence, you'll need to take earplugs or go somewhere else. Relaxing music is played, sometimes a little muzak-y, but mostly pretty nice to listen to.
I've never had to book, and the most I've waited is 5 minutes. I've no idea how they manage to do that, but it's really convenient to simply decide to have a massage and for someone to be available. The masseurs I've seen there have always been pleasant, professional and polite.
I'm taking off a point for the fact that I have to enter and exist Westfield Marion in order to get there - I have a deep aversion to those uber big shopping centres. But the zen from the massage stays with me as I head out the automatic doors, and for an affordable treat I recommend you give Chi a try. read more