Went there for a combo massage tonight since I developed a tight knot in my neck/shoulder that prevented me from turning my head. Had an AMAZING experience!
MASSEUSE: Nancy, who checked in periodically to make sure she was applying the desired amount of pressure (medium, hard). Due to the language barrier, I pointed to where I was hurting, said "HARD" and she got it - she found all the knots in my neck/shoulders & even ones in my lower back that needed to be released and got 'em all out!
PRICES: Options & prices are posted in a huge sign right inside the door and reflect what's on their website: https://newlinead.wixsite.com/footmassage (website shows final cash prices that include the $5 discount you'll see on the in-store sign; credit cards payments are $5 extra, consistent with how competitors price services.
PAYMENT: Payment is made up front BEFORE the massage here. You'll tip your masseuse directly after your massage as she serves you some water.
TIPPING: For a 90min massage, I usually tip $15-$20 directly to my masseuse bc I assume they're getting minimum wage, if that. For comparison, @Massage Envy, a nonmember pays $149 for a 90min massage ($99 for 60min). As long as I leave feeling good with no knots/kinks, I'm happy to tip and I still walk away getting a great deal. Once I get an excellent masseuse, I request that person for return visits.
MASSAGE: 90min combo (30min foot+60min body) -- $60 cash price
Phase 1 - Foot massage (30 min)
I love that this place doesn't have a communal foot-massage-only area with tons of recliners close together. I was directed to one of the rooms (the walls are basically partitions and each room has 2 tables separated by a curtain for privacy). I sat at the edge of a comfortable, well-padded table and soaked my feet in a warm tub and reclined while she massaged each arm from shoulder to fingertips. Although I love a good head/face massage, I was relieved not to have someone hovering over me so close during these COVID times. The arm+hand massage was a welcome replacement and felt amazing. After she went to empty the water, she returned and massaged my feet & lower legs for the duration of the foot massage.
Phase 2 - Back massage (60 min)
After phase 1 was over, I sat up while Nancy prepared the breathing hole and I disrobed. I laid back down, face in the hole & she covered me up with a sheet & heavy bathtowel.
Phase 2.1 - She started off using her hands & base of palms over the towel, massaging in sweeping motions from neck, shoulders, and down the entire back. She then peeled back the covers to apply the oil and started targeting the knots, applying good focal pressure with her forearm & elbow to release the spasms. Then she alternated between focal pressure & massaging with her hands/palms to continue working them out.
Phase 2.2 - She applied hot stones and kept them constantly moving from neck to lower back in circular motions with slight pressure-unbelievably amazing! The glorious hot stone phase lasted a while with her good supply of fresh hot stones to trade out as they started to cool. At the end, she brought a warm moist towel and rubbed down my back to remove oil residue before covering me back up with the sheet+towel.
Phase 2.3 - She rolled up my shorts and applied oil to the backs of my legs. She massaged my hamstrings, calves, and Achilles. It was nice to get some dedicated attention to these areas! You don't realize you need it or how good it feels until you receive a massage here.
Phase 2.4 - Over the heavy towel, she came back to my neck+shoulders, massaging with her hands, then sweeping motions down my back, and finally ending with percussive tapping from my neck down to my legs.
PROS:
*Great location in an industrial-looking mini mall near PIH
*Very easy to find with great signage, multiple entrance/exits on Washington Blvd
*Parking is easy in this huge lot with no competition for spots (mini-mall doesn't have many storefronts)
*No communal foot massage recliner area - you go right to a room (see details above)
CONS:
*Noise - someone was working on a lil construction project, periodically drilling the wall - sounded like they were installing shelves
*Due to the nature of the partition "walls", you can hear the phone ringing along with chatter and the host/receptionist talking in Chinese
*The place is carpeted, though there is little walking to do since you don't have to transfer from a foot massage room to a back massage room. There's a basket for your clothes & belongings at the foot of the table--slip off your flip flops, take 1 step to sit down and start soaking your feet. read more