Diving full swing into the whole massage therapy thing in 2012, so far I have met lot of very good…read moremassage therapists that do great work of which I would definitely recommend and go back. However, I can honestly say that Susanna at Escape Massage & Spa is the most thorough and hard-working massage therapist that I have experienced to date, hands down. I've been here twice now, the sessions are so extensive that I find my usual 15-20% tip range just isn't worthy, she deserves more, and I happily oblige. Here's why:
- Her sessions are like a continuous methodical flow of kneading and massaging out the kinks with minimal stops and pauses. She has a great work ethic, I told her she's like the Energizer Bunny version of the wooden smiley-face massage roller - - keeps going and going....
- The Right Tools: She utilizes her hands, palms, fingertips, knuckles, and forearms to ensure you're getting the full blown arsenal. Her massage oil has no scent, doesn't stain your clothes, there's none of that excess greasy effect you feel at the end. She uses just enough to glide but not too slippery.
- She always spends ample time on the trouble spots, in my case the lower left back and up along the spine, and yet she still makes the time to massage out the rest of your body. She doesn't cut you short.
- Awesome foot massage. What an awesome job on the feet! I find most therapists skim it or do a half-ass job, but not Susanna - who's very thorough and consistent. She said she practices a lot on her mother , who formally requests it.
- Overdelivers. In my two sessions (maybe it's luck or scheduling) she's gone well over our scheduled time and didn't make me feel rushed. I totally lost track of time and she genuinely wanted to make sure I felt like I got real therapy and was happy.
- One of her customers nicknamed her the "spine-crusher", as her deep pressure is very effective yet she balances it out w/ the delicate to medium pressure which I generally prefer.
- Great personality. Very positive, talkative, and makes you feel comfortable. She works on trying to establish a rapport and r-ship with her clients.
- Toxin Avenger. I feel the full effect of the toxins being released after her massages. I'm usually in a trance-like state, I need a gallon of water to recuperate. If I had my date w/ me that would be the optimal time to take advantage and ask for my credit card to go shopping. Too eeeeasy.
One caveat to know is the location and set-up, which is a room in the Day's Inn that's been converted into a massage studio. My first appointment I was thinking they had an actual spa and the works, but when I got there I was confused because I got directed to an actual room. Turns out she works at the Day's Inn full time in administration, got her LMT certification and worked w/ the hotel to convert a room into her 2nd job. It's well done, there's a quality massage table w/ warmer, bathroom w/ shower, a futon, music, humidifier. No dance floor or strobe-lights (sorry). It may not be the posh high-end-day-spa-look that some may appeal to, but I could care less. I'm there for a quality massage, not for interior design and decor, and it meets all of my requirements: clean, quiet, private, and comfortable.
Her appointments are limited as she explained she paces herself to avoid potential for burn out, so she balances it w/ her other job. I can't say enough about Susanna's quality massage skills and customer service, she always goes above and beyond and that's more than worthy of a 5-star experience.
