1 Star -- Very Disappointing Experience and Lack of Accountability
I normally don't write negative reviews, but I feel it's important to share my experience so others can make an informed decision before visiting this establishment.
I went to Crystal Palace Massage on Wednesday Sep 30th hoping to relax and enjoy a massage. When the male massage therapist came in, I specifically asked if a female therapist was available. I was told there wasn't one and that I should have requested a female therapist when booking my appointment. Although I was uncomfortable with the situation, I decided to proceed.
My preference for a female therapist has nothing to do with embarrassment. It's because I've experienced significant muscle soreness after massages performed by male therapists in the past, and I wanted to avoid that happening again.
Unfortunately, after this massage, I developed severe pain in my left arm and shoulder. The pain became so intense that it woke me from my sleep. I could barely move my arm without experiencing significant discomfort. This was not ordinary post-massage soreness.
I contacted the business to explain what I was experiencing, hoping for some understanding and genuine concern.
Instead, I received a lengthy message explaining how experienced and licensed their male therapist was and suggesting that massage-related injuries typically happen immediately during or after a session. They also reassured me that because I had received a relaxation massage rather than a Thai massage, there was no reason to worry about an injury from the session.
What bothered me most was how quickly they appeared to dismiss my concerns without knowing what was medically causing my pain.
They offered me pain-relief patches and even a complimentary massage. While I acknowledge those gestures, I wasn't looking for free products or another massage. I wanted my concerns to be taken seriously.
On October 8, 2026, I ended up going to Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care because of the pain. I was evaluated for left shoulder joint pain and prescribed two anti-inflammatory medications, including oral medication and a topical gel.
I understand that not every symptom following a massage is necessarily caused by the massage itself. However, I know how I felt before my appointment and what I experienced afterward.
What disappointed me most was the way my concerns were handled. Rather than simply acknowledging my experience and encouraging me to seek medical attention, the initial response focused heavily on defending the therapist and reassuring me that the massage couldn't have caused an injury.
Customer service isn't just about how you treat people when everything goes well. It's also about how you respond when a customer tells you something went wrong.
I will be attaching screenshots of our communication so others can read the business's response and form their own opinions.
I sincerely hope the business takes this feedback seriously and handles similar situations with greater empathy and professionalism in the future.
Unfortunately, after this experience, I will not be returning. read more