Actually, worse than not good. I was told to come 20 min. early, waited 10 min. to be tended to, waited another 10 min. for therapist to come, taken to room, left to undress, and waited nearly 15 min. for her to return. that is just for starters. She appeared to be a little zoned out on something, eyes at half-mast. Her communications confusing and unclear. I have had MANY massages in my life, swedish, Esalen, energy, etc. ( Ihave also practiced as a massage therapist. ) This was none of those. It was unbalanced, incoherent, superficial, and cursory. She ran out of time and gave my left leg a couple of swipes, and that was it. I seriously wonder how she could be certified. She later apologized to me, saying she had made a mistake and I got the wrong massage from the wrong person ????? Overall, place is dingy, dark, smells musty, is not at all inviting, does not come across at all as a professional or well-run place. I would never go back there, nor suggest anyone else go there. read more

Not enough therapists to schedule a massage, out months to make an appointment. My work is very demanding and I don't have access to a phone, so a missed appointment resulted in a rude phone call and me crying because they should be more kind to paying costumers since they don't know what's going on in their life. I want to cancel membership but I have so many saved up massages I'm trying to use them before closing it...which will be years based on the rate you can schedule an appointment. read more

The massage I got here was really terrible. My therapist stank of cigarette smoke and as he was touching me I could feel how exhausted and sick of things he was. It's amazing how you can communicate how much you hate your job through touch alone. As it turns out they really give their employees the runaround here, with very high turnover rates due to dissatisfaction with working environment. It's a massage mill, located in a dingy and creepy strip mall. It made me nervous being there at night. Also they try to trap you by making you buy "packages" and all but forcing you to become a "member" (read: pay a lot more in the long run). The very low price per massage is basically a scam. The employee loses by cutting into his/her tips with supposedly bargain basement prices that mean they work for very little in the end, the customer loses because they get a crappy massage, and the company wins because they pocket the cash from each terrible experience. Their repeat clientele are doubtless those who simply don't know any better or who have never had a massage from someone who is really caring and enjoys their work. For me, it's worth it to pay more for a single massage I know I'll enjoy than it is to pay a little bit for a poor one. There is something about being touched by an angry employee that makes you want to go anyplace but Massage Envy to relax. read more

I normally go to individually run Massage Therapists, but I thought I would try out Massage Envy. When I got there it took a couple of minutes for the receptionist to notice me. I was also told over and over to be on time and even 15 minutes early to do paperwork. Yet, I was not taken into my room in a timely fashion. I was told I would receive a heated blanket. My therapist forgot to put it on until I said something. I asked for low to medium pressure and felt like I received nothing. Light pressure is not "No pressure." It is light pressure. I do not feel like this massage was even in the top 5 of massages. I kept asking for more pressure. I understand they have to offer future massages but the formerly inattentive receptionist would not stop trying to sell us. I just wanted to pay for my massage and leave. I doubt I will go back. read more

This was my first experience with a massage, and I was really pleased with the experience! I booked a Couples' Massage for 60 mins with my boyfriend, which by the way, isn't as weird as it may seem. It was really casual and relaxing, and once you get over the initial awkwardness that you THINK will happen, it's honestly a great feeling to walk out feeling "on a cloud"! Be sure to arrive early so you don't ever feel rushed at any point. Then you can explain the problem areas for your therapist and they'll leave while you undress to your comfort. I really loved sinking into the table and just breathing deeply, not thinking for a while, and getting all of those knots and pressure points worked on. The oils smelled nice and the therapist was really great at hitting the pressure points while also being responsive to anything that pinched or made me wince a bit. My only weird critique is with the music, which was all chimes or ambient white noise, and I have found that I relax better with ocean noises or sounds of nature. Maybe if we could pick a sound? Anyway, if I were less broke (this time I used a gift certificate!) I would totally become a member for a monthly massage. If you can swing it, it's really a life changer! read more

Not very big, or fancy place. The pricing is totally designed for their membership program. It's set up like this: $49 intro rate, then $59 a month for one massage, and a discounted rate if you get another one. If you don't join and go back, its $98. This place is not a $98 massage place, the location, design or staff. Now, there could be some good therapists on staff who only want to massage part time, which is why they work there, but most are not worth $98 an hour. The most I have ever paid for a massage was $80 and included a spa treatment, and was a heck of a lot nicer than Massage Envy! It's very weird to have a front desk person so involved in the experience, but it's because they are there to sell you the membership, and some can be really persistent. I guess if you travel a lot and always want a place for a massage, Massage Envy could work for you. They have evening and weekend hours which is great, but . . . that's about it. My own massage here wasn't that great, and it wasn't even a full hour, it was 50 minutes. I asked for a full body and she didn't even touch most of the front of my body. I tipped---the signs about it everywhere are tacky---but I wish I hadn't. I also wish I had spoken up and said it was a terrible massage, but I just wanted to be out of there. Insider info says they only care about getting membership; they hope you'll sign up, pay, and not come in, because either way, they get your money. I won't be going back to Massage Envy, there are far better spas in Madison and surrounding areas. The lower price is part of their selling point, but when it's your body and you want to relax, trust me its worth spending more and investing in a good/better/best massage experience. read more

I had some horrible spasms in my back on a Friday and really needed relief before going back to work on Monday. I was able to get a Sunday morning appointment. The online appointment scheduler helped match me with a massage therapist who really understood my needs and the whole experience was very positive. Front desk staff were helpful and friendly and the massage therapist was also helpful and professional. I went from feeling miserable to feeling even better than before the back spasms. read more

I didn't do my homework: I went to Massage Envy on East Washington Ave., Madison, WI, because it was conveniently located. I trusted them to be Respectful, Responsible and Professional. The staff acted Friendly at my first visit. As a novice, I sought their advice. First massage, things did not go well, but I remained Polite and kept a smile on my face. Second visit, I did some research and then called to book my appointment; specifying my needs. I did not get what I asked for, but I remained Polite, with a smile on my face. Before the 3rd visit, I searched for the Manager and had a Very candid conversation about my concerns. She seemed responsive so I agreed to try again. While booking my 3rd appointment, they acted like I was at Fault for wanting to specify my needs. Total attitude change from Receptionist and Assistant Manager. They were rude and unwieldy on the telephone. Then the bells went off for me. I thought, Why? Should I, The Customer, blindly accept this half-ass service they are offering me. Note: I tipped after each session. *This is my hard earned money. So I told them I was canceling. The form, they asked me to sign said among other things, that I would not sue them. I crossed all that out! Bottom line is: According to Google, there are 42-other Massage places located near Massage Envy, I am sure that 1-of them offers Better Customer Care and Service. read more

Friendly staff, super clean, and Krista is AMAZING!!! Wish I could have brought her back to NC with me! By far the best massage I have ever had. read more

The best place to go if you are trying out for the first time. The first visit is only $39 plus tip. If you like after first try, they will ask you to join their 6 month membership for $49 plus tip. They weren't so busy when I first started going there but now they had gotten busy so you need at least 2-3 days to book an appointment. The nice thing is they even open late 10pm. read more

My first massage that I had there I thought was pretty good, I decided to become a member therefore was locked in with them for 12 months. The next couple of massages were not enjoyable at all. They were late for my appointment, therefore my massage time was cut short. I finally found a therapist that I liked, but then she quit after a few months I was there. My last massage was awful, the therapist was rough and she reeked like cigarette smoke. My membership was done on November 2013, I was in there for a massage and notified the person at the front desk that I would like to cancel my membership (must give a 30 day notice). She told me that I would receive some kind of e-mail from the manager and to look out for it (never received anything). I was told my last bill would be the beginning of December. I found that I was billed in January. I contacted the office and was told they had "no record" of me giving notice. I was NEVER told that I had to give them something in writing, nor did the lady at the front desk ask for this when I told her I wanted to cancel - I would have done it, I was right there. The manager calls me and tells me that I need to provide something in writing, I immediately e-mailed her with the request. She responded stating that she would e-mail me back some paperwork to sign, promised me it that day. NEVER received it. Not only am I not getting my money back for being charged in January, I can't even get the paperwork to cancel. WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. Would NEVER recommend this business to anyone. read more

Massage Envy is a scam. I have paid my monthly fees for over 3 years. in the last year it has become harder and harder to book appointments...they NEVER have openings unless you schedule way in advance which is almost impossible for me to do with work schedule. I have so many massages paid for with my membership now I could never use them all. They want to continue billing me the monthly fee in order to be able to have the massages. I have offered to take them as gift cards to give to family or friends and the answer Is no. I have called several times in the last two weeks to have a manager call me and that has not happened. Save your money and stay away! read more

If you like to hear, "We are booked" in an unpleasant and dismissive tone, then Massage Envy is for you. It has been months since I have been able to get an appointment within the same day or the following day with any therapist. I agree with the other reviewers that some of the massage therapists are horrible and reek of cigarette smoke. I had three therapists who would not shut the hell up during the massage even though I politely just answered their questions and didn't try to engage in conversation. I get a massage to relax and escape from my job, not to discuss it or worse, their job! There are two positive aspects of this company. There is an excellent massage therapist (Charles) who doesn't apparently smoke, gives a great massage, and is very nice. If you are stuck in a contract with Massage Envy, work with him. The other positive is that there was a very friendly front desk person that I believe may have been promoted to manager. Unfortunately, his friendliness has not extended to who is at the front desk most days. The employees who answer the phone or greet you seem to have had the life sucked out of them. Are the customers so bad that you are THIS miserable? I doubt it. I wish someone could tell them that a smile goes a long way. In any event, if you can look pass the front desk people and are willing to schedule enough days in advance with Charles, then I can recommend it, but absent those two considerations, you would do much better to save your money or spend it on a more professional establishment. Incidentally, Massage Envy has recently been purchased by new owners (about September of 2014), but there has been no noticeable difference. I know that they have been bought out because my massage therapist wouldn't shut up about it during my massage. read more

Ok its not a fancy palm springs scottsdale santa monica spa, but hell it does the trick. They always take same day appointments and they do the trick.. The staff is nice and dont make you uncomfortable ... Its ashame it has a negative review .. It's not your total spa experience but still, its not dingy or dark .. and its not in a creepy strip mall, its right next to the chipotle, the property is still new and good shape... Anyhow I was relaxed after my massage. I love that they are open late, and they are 49 bucks plus tip.... read more

Charles gave a fantastic tailored massage. He put in tremendous physical effort in getting my knots to release. His work on my pressure points made getting out of bed this morning an easy pleasure. read more

This location, I came in with terrible muscle spasms and each massage I got, from 3 different masseuses. It's relaxing and wonderful.

I have found that Angela, and Robin ,are the only ones I have found to do an Excellent treatment More Medical Massage. I book appts weekly, as I have a terminal illness, and with out the deep tissue and good work from these gals--I would of been in a Nursing home by now!! $39.00 each massage with a $49.00 1 time massage fee as a member--Is WAY FAR better then paying $85.00 for a Swanky--Afraid to walk across the room Place that has the same environment --Well as previously put--. I LOVE MAssage ENVY--I am not there for Politics aspect, Just for RELIEF!! ENJOY .--Oh and CHIPOLTE' Rocks as well--Along with the Vitamin Shoppe--Again the strip mall is all around Perfectly set back off of East washington--yet easy to get to--& Is less then 3 years OLD!! read more

The ONLY reason why I am giving this location of Massage Envy 1 star is because of the therapists - and 9/10 of them deserve 5 stars. They are, for the most part, exceptional at what they do. They are there for the client and always do whatever is within their scope of practice to help the client heal. That being said, the Clinic Administrator (manager) and the Assistant Clinic Administrator (asst. manager) are NOT there for the client OR their employees. They are there to make money and hit their sales numbers. Management does not listen to any feedback from their employees that falls outside of "this clinic is PERFECT!" category. Actually, the opposite is true - if a legitimate complaint is brought up, the employee risks getting written up. The therapists are overworked, underpaid, and their well-being is on the back-burner. Management does not care if a therapist is overbooked, even though that could mean injury for the therapist, and injuries could be career-ending. The front desk associates as a whole (as always, there ARE exceptions) slack at their job, and are the main reason that the therapists get overbooked. But that is not their fault - they are trained poorly and the manager is too concerned with things that concern her to take the time to teach them how to book an appointment to help protect the therapist. And a properly booked appointment means that the client would leave happy too, but again, clients happiness and satisfactions are secondary to meeting sales goals. But the front desk slacking can't really be blamed on them because their only incentive to keep their job is to sell. Based on a former FDA, you can lie, steal, and sit around all day and keep your job so long as you sell memberships. All of this to say, the practice of massage is to make people feel better and to heal them. Walking into this clinic, you can feel tension and negativity. Once you get into the massage room, and have your actual appointment, the massages are great. Everything else sucks. I have been to other Massage Envy clinics and had better experiences. It boils down to the people who run the clinic, and the people who run this clinic need a serious wake-up call. read more

Do not sign up for a membership! After it ends, they do month-to-month charges. This wasn't verbally discussed, but was written in fine print on the "contract". I also have fibromyalgia, which didn't help with their scheduling policy; I lost $180 to this place. The massages for 60 min are actually 40 mins, and 90 mins are actually 70 min. read more

I requested my appointment online after hours, I received a call early the next morning to finalize. They even called later in the day to confirm. When I arrived the following day I found out I had booked at a different location. I am not from the area, no excuse. The owner happened to be sitting up front and was amazingly gracious and understanding. I wanted to compensate the therapist someway since she was losing out on an appointment but the owner said not to worry she was still going to get paid & didn't even charge me! I still wanted to try and schedule a massage as we were leaving the area the next day. The owner rescheduled me for the next day at noon but would call if had a cancellation sooner. Sure enough not more than 15 minutes later he called and had an opening an hour later. Nicole did a wonderful job on my very knotted shoulders. To top it all off when I checked out they still only charged me at the Intro rate! Thank you, thank you Tim. It was wonderful to receive exceptional customer service and if I am ever in the area again would definitely return. read more

I usually don't take time to 'review' any establishment...unless I have a horrible experience. I have to say, though, since I noticed a couple negative comments, that I think Massage Envy is awesome! I was a member for over a year and ONLY left because I currently can't afford it. I had only good, great and amazing therapists there. (This is East side Madison I'm talking about) There was never a bad smell (and let me tell you, I'm VERY sensitive to bad smells), everyone was completely courteous and had my best interest in mind. I have serious back issues myself and the staff listens and understands my issues and works around them or works to help them. If I could afford massages, I would stay there indefinitely. And, frankly, if you think its not swanky enough, go down the street and pay $120 instead of $50 here. It is WELL worth the price! read more

Do not sign up for their monthly massages. My husband had back issues and could not have messages anymore and they would not let anyone else use his credit. We lost over $700.00. They don't compromise for medical reasons. He tried to get other services but they were too rough in giving the massages with his bad back. read more

was not impressed at all! I have had many massages and this one was by far the worst I almost felt like I had walked in to a clinic, Heres your paperwork fill it out and we will be with you shortly, In fact its even set up like a clinic all together. My massage was not great it was very basic like someone just learning in school. I didnt even feel relaxed not to mention the ladys hands were ice cold and she stopped every minute to pump more lotion out of her fanny pack that also was rubbing against my head at certain point. why they dont use massage oils kind of boggles my mind. I gave her the benefit of the doubt though thinking maybe she has just got done with school but her license said 2007! its 2013! I also dont like they have what is expectede to tip posted everywhere. I work for tips for a living myself tips are based on customer service and your experience. Very unproffesional to me. Then when I went to pay I get this long sales speech ....I really dont want to hear it then they throw it out there if you ever try to go to any massage envy it will be $98 you will not recieve any discounts. Well dont worry I will never be returning or tell anyone to go here. I was looking for somewhere closer to my house than I usually drive but you guys have me convinced the 20 minute drive is worth it! read more