Val seems to have closed down his massage business during the pandemic. But I still want to weigh in, to address some of these negative reviews. My husband gave me a Val Massage Bug massage with a Groupon. When I went the building was pretty so-so, but Val's massage was great. He's got that mix of knowledgeable, intuitive, and strong that makes for a stand-out massage. I went back to Val for massages for years, following him to his Broad location, which was pretty rinky-dink, but worked for me. Now, I will not say that Val has the typical calm and gentle massage therapist persona. He's funny and gritty, and yes does have a life and viewpoints that occasionally interfered with the serenity of the massages. Which was funny and a little annoying, but still, I am a fan. So no, I am not just a friend giving him a fake review. I think he had a gift, and I hope he's able to utilize it going forward. Thanks Val! read more

I'm sorry but Blake's review was very honest. I can't believe I gave him the benefit of doubt as well. IF you want an accurate picture of this place read the negative Yelp, Google, and Groupon reviews. They are the most accurate. To summarize: 1. Dirty carpet and bathroom 2. Unwelcoming, masseuse. No introduction 3. Stranger finger nail digging technique and bad breath?? 4. You just don't feel comfortable. It is 1 man working there in a shady location. Groupon description is a complete LIE!! "Staff members welcome clients into the lobby with complimentary bottled water and tea" Straight up lying to get customers through the door is NOT good business my dude. It's a one man circus. I hate sounding mean but I don't appreciate unprofessionalism. I saw a review from 2013 with the same sentiments, and you still haven't changed. The good reviews MIGHT BE FAKE or Friends 1. Cut your nails dude. Your technique is not relaxing. Digging your nails into knots is not relaxing. 2. The bathroom was very dirty. Like omg how do I know you are washing sheets between clients 3. Old massage table. Face rest hurts 4. Learn some customer service demeanor and don't show how stressed you are in front of clients. Dude interrupted me and wasn't really hearing me out. XU wellness is the place to go. $55 for a REAL deep tissue massage hour, not $80/hr like this place seems to think is justified . It felt like I was in someone's dirty home. This was not professional by any means. Save your money and don't trust the shill reviews Read his lying description of the place from Groupon: Soft candlelight illuminates Massage Bug's array of private treatment rooms, where licensed massage therapists use structured touch to ease muscle tension and pain. Some treatment spaces include a miniature fireplace filling the room with warmth, while others allow clients to relax as tiny fountains grant catches to tiny fishermen. Staff members welcome clients into the lobby with complimentary bottled water and tea, although the therapists can also travel beyond the spa's walls to give chair massages at parties and health fairs. So inaccurate the place is run down and filthy, and Val is the only one working there. AVOID YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. And Val if your reading this I'm sorry but consumers deserve to know the truth. And yes my skin burned after, lemon oil really? read more

While my first visit was great, the second time was not. Dude actually kept dozing off while giving me my massage!! LOL, how do you do that??? I tried to book the second one of the package of 3 I purchased, but he was a no show and I never was able to use the other 2. He's moved out of the location and I don't think I would ever go back anyway! Rip off!!!! Really sad too, he has the talent, just no professionalism. read more

I went to Massage Bug after purchasing a Groupon. I set an appointment and showed up early. The building is older and somewhat run down - the elevator is creaky and some of the floor lights don't work, steel doors into the offices, etc. The office suite is decent enough, though small and crowded. After filling out the forms as requested, Val had me go back to the room and get ready. I told him that it was my first professional massage and we discussed what I was there for (upper back). When came in, he turned the lights down and put some aromatic stuff in the air. The massage was deep - painful at points - and being a new massage recipient I don't really have much to compare it with. Val did comment when I said something about it getting painful that some of my muscles were very tight. I do know I woke up the next day with some really sore muscles in my lower half. I drank a lot of water as instructed (and always do anyway) but one of my glutes was so tight the next morning that it was hard to walk. It seemed to get a little better for a day or so after exercising, but the problem has persisted since. Having talked to my doctor, it seems my sciatic nerve was pinched or irritated and now I'm trying to figure out how to get that fixed. I had no pain from it prior to the massage. The whole thing was awkward to me, but I'm not sure if that's because I'm new to it all or if something more could've been done. With the sciatic issues I've had since I can't say I'd recommend the massage either. Maybe it's something that could be fixed with more massage, but I don't have the confidence in this place to try it again. Note: Edited from original because I've seen a doctor since my first review. read more

I bought a 90 minute deep tissue massage for my mother at Massage Bug, yet she only received 30 minutes because Val fell asleep 3 times while giving the massage. Ill just let that marinate on your mind....That the person giving the massage fell asleep and all he offered was that he had a long night. He offered to reschedule, but of course my mom turned it down and we got a refund instead. Be warned..... read more

I went in for a deep tissue massage. First TRUE deep tissue massage I've ever had. Val was extremely professional & knowledgeable. I will be purchasing a set of massages through the website. The downfall, I was not worth a darn the rest of the day. I was so relaxed when I left. I can't wait to go back. Please remember, this is a one man show. Best way to get in contact is through the website. DEFINITELY HIGHLY recommend. read more

I went to Massage Bug yesterday... 1. the outside looked sketchy but I didn't judge the book by its cover. But in retrospect... 2. The bathroom and rug were very dirty. 3. Val's fingernails were disgustingly long and cut me. 4. I've had more than a few massages from legitimate people and Val is a fraud. It brings me no joy to cut someone down like this but it's true. If you're in pain, need realigned, etc. don't go near him. He is wholly incompetent and has me feeling worse than when I came in. 5. He called his technique pressure point work, which consisted of him digging his fingernail into knots in my back. 6. I was in a car accident and have been paying $150 for 90 minute massages. This professional had me feeling pain free and did amazing work but I found Val on Groupon for $60 because I am having a hard time affording the treatment I need. Again, if you are in any need of healing, avoid this grossly incompetent man. 7. A few times during the massage, I said 'Ouch' 'STOP' and made clearly made agonizing groans, then Val repeated the thing that caused me pain. 8. I'm generally very agreeable and give people the benefit of the doubt but now I feel violated and wish I would have walked out. I decided to file a police report for assault after reading other reviews, where people were injured here! I have a hard time understanding where his good reviews are coming from. Are they his friends? Are they people who have no idea what a good massage is? Listen to someone who knows what he's talking about and avoid this place. read more

Bought 2 Groupon Dec of 2016. Called the number listed - several times to no avail. Eventually drove to the address listed in a run down Bldg. , walked upstairs and found the place empty with no "new address" posted. Other people on that floor of the building had no idea where Massage Bug had moved. Tried calling and leaving my number many more times to no avail. Contacted Groupon and got no response. read more

I hate it because he relaxes me so I go to sleep and miss the enjoyment of the massage. He has helped allievate some of my health problems. I highly recommend taking the time to see this therapist. I initial massage was with a Groupon, but I come back because he is the best and I have been to 10-12. No one compares with his knowledge or ability. read more

I will agree that since this is a single person business who is the therapist and the receptionist it is very hard to get in touch with. You make you appointment online. I too purchases with a groupon and it was hands down the best massage of my life. He is so knowledgeable of how the muscles work together to give you the perfect massage to alleviate your pain. I would pay full price. read more

Hey, This place is nice and clean. The therapist was prompt and courteous! read more

I purchased my initial massage through Groupon. It was so good and thorough, I purchased a deal including three more. I was thoroughly impressed because I went in for my first session with a migraine, and I left feeling energized and pain free. This is something strong prescription medication cannot accomplish. I will continue to patronize Val and I appreciate his services. read more

This business was extremely unprofessional. After purchasing a group on for Massage Bug, I booked an appointment online. (The website is just a bit cheap looking and not at all user-friendly.) I called the day of, to confirm what time I should arrive, only to find out they had scheduled over me. The man who answered the phone offered no apology, and would not take a reservation over the phone. He suggested I go back to the website to re-book. When I did arrive for my "re-scheduled" massage (this time I received a confirmation via email), no one was there. Plus no one would even answer the phone. I am just now seeing the review posted on 2/22/13 and am glad I did not go. read more

The location is not as nice as other places, but with a Groupon or Amazon deal, it is much less expensive. The suite is not fancy and the front office is a little messy. If this doesn't bother you, you are in for a great massage! I had some upper back tightness and Val (the LMT) found every point that needed work. He used the appropriate amount of pressure and did a fantastic job! If you don't need a fancy place, but you do need a great massage, this is the place to go! read more

Val does a fantastic job and gives you a REAL massage -- it's not the high school back rub style that you might get elsewhere. I had my first massage with him a couple of years ago, after suffering from a neck/shoulder strain for several months. Two days after the massage, I literally felt like I was never hurt. I sent my wife there afterwards and she agreed that he is the best she has ever visited. I have sung his praises to several friends and I continue to visit him to this day. His massages make me feel like a brand new person, and the effects typically linger long after the session has ended. If you're sick of paying good money for other massages that don't actually fix anything, you need to give Massage Bug your business. read more

The massage therapist, male with dreads, took long pauses during the massage and made creepy grunts and breathing sounds while he let the "air flow" through the muscles. I do not recommend any lady go here alone or without a spotter in the room with you. The office is in a remote location in the building and there was no other staff present when I went. Do not give personal info like home address, email or phone #. read more

Val gave a great deep tissue! He was very nice and knowledgeable. Will definitely return!

I honestly have nothing positive to say about Massage Bug. I purchased a Groupon and lets just say you get what you pay for. To start, this place does not adhere to professional courtesy. I Called 72 hours in advance instead of 24 as the groupon suggested. Left a message with all my contact information and appointment date and time as the owner's message suggested but no one ever called me back to confirm my appointment. After several attempts to call the business to confirm my appointment, I decided to go on up to the business and would you believe the business practices did not let me down because THEY WERE NOT THERE. NO ONE EVER SHOWED AND THERE WAS NOT SO MUCH AS A NOTE WITH DIRECTIONS AS TO WHAT CLIENTS NEEDED TO DO! I contacted groupon customer service and is awaiting a response. TAKE HEED & SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE! read more

Difficult to schedule an appointment. The location is not ideal but I was willing to give it a try anyways, the location is not always everything. Val was a few minutes late. That was okay too. Once he arrived the office was very disorganized, but once again I thought who know it could be a diamond in the rough. It was not. I have frankly not a single positive thing to say. I hope nobody else goes there again. I should have just booked it then, but I didn't and wish that I had. I have never gotten a massage so I don't know what to compare it to exactly, I just know it was a terrible experience for me. So much so that the thought of ever getting a massage again is really unpleasant for me to think about. When he massaged my neck and jaw it was really rough and I immediately knew that something was wrong. Anyway, the point is that ever since then (which was months ago) I have had terrible jaw pain (TMJ). Which I have never suffered from before. Please do not put yourself through this, please do not make the same mistake I did. read more