Eh....A solid C+ to B- for sure
The good: I was greeted by a friendly person and checked in quickly. There were clear COVID precautions being taken. The locker room attendant gave me a nice tour and then left me to change for my massage.
Everything was clean.
The massage was a solid B- to C+. The massage itself was pretty solid. I work in the industry and have had many highly skilled massage therapists work on me. Could have been worse, could have been better. Overall for what it was worth and what I was looking to get (general nonspecific deep tissue work)--it was good.
Afterward it was easy to check out and I appreciate that they took care of tipping included in the charge. I always find that to be awkward when someone asks me what I'd like to tip -- I always feel obligated to do it or tip extra even when I don't want to.
Hand washing was encouraged per signage.
The less good: no social distancing or masks required. The staff wore them but other patrons did not.
I don't think this was totally in their control -- but there was a huge logjam in the locker room changing area. Two women came in to begin their experience and were receiving a tour / getting set up with their lockers as I was returning from my massage. The changing area is very small -- and I could not get to my locker. There was really no where for me to go while I waited awkwardly for them to finish their tour, stand around and chit chat with each other, change their clothes, and finally leave. In the grand scheme this did not take forever but it was again -- just awkward. Poor design.
The massage therapist commented on "problem" spots throughout my massage. I didn't come for an evaluation and to become a carnival exhibit -- but that is what I got. He oohed and aaahed as he would run across areas that were tight as if he's never seen anything like it. Given that I have a complex medical and Orthopaedic history this came as no surprise to me of course, but it was rather unprofessional and in an unsuspecting client -- they might walk away feeling broken or catastrophized. This is exactly what we teach other medical and wellness providers not to do -- not to make a spectacle about the client. To keep your thoughts to yourself, stay in your lane, and simply do what the client needs. I imagine some people actually "like" being told about all their stick spots -- but I identified myself as a medical provider (Physical therapist) up front, identified that I have a complex history and already get plenty of care for it back home -- and this guy continued to double down on sizing me up even as I politely attempted to change the subject as he worked on me. I guess I should have been more direct and ask him to please be quiet -- but I didn't for fear it would make an already awkward situation more awkward and ruin the experience completely.
I probably won't return unless there are clear ground rules up front -- which I thought I had made clear -- but next time I would be more clear -- I'm here for a massage, please don't keep running your mouth, and keep your gawking to yourself. read more