TLDR: My first massage with one therapist was the opposite of what I asked for and was painful and…read moreunhelpful. My second massage, the Ashiatsu massage with Ashley was wonderful. This is why I gave five stars.
Tale of two massages:
I've had two massages at this place. The first was a 90 minute Swedish massage. I asked specifically for a gentle, relaxing massage and specified nothing deep and "no elbows." Must be something about all of my trigger points that therapists take as a challenge because my whole massage was intense and full of elbows. I gave some feedback that the pressure was too much, but should have been more specific in saying, "I really don't want any of this, just a nice, easy massage," but the masseuse seemed so intent on what she was doing. I understand that massage therapy has many facets, but I asked for a particular thing and didn't get it. Like another person said, I am still very sore, but not in a good way or a way that has loosened my muscles. In fact I think my neck, which is where I wanted the focus, but didn't get it, is worse than it was because I spent the whole time tightened up by pain. The 10 dollar scalp enhancement add on is not worth it either, as it was just a small bit of essential oil followed by a minute amount of time with one of those wire head scratcher/massage things. I thought it would be delivered by the masseuse.
My second massage was the two hour long Ashiatsu massage, where the therapist suspends themselves with straps and bars to perform massage with their feet. I had this service with Ashley, who was wonderful from the beginning. The room was comfortable, the table was warm, and she explained how everything would work. She was very mindful of my pressure points and checked in with me from time to time to make sure her technique was not painful. For anyone looking for deep tissue that's not filled with sharp elbows, I can't recommend the Ashiatsu massage enough. Use of the feet may seem weird in the beginning, but it actually allows deep massage spread out over a larger area, with long, broad strokes that feel relaxing. The treatment was two hours and I couldn't believe it was over as fast as it was. I felt great after.
The environment is clean and you can smell the salt. Everyone is professional, despite my initial poor encounter. I would go again, but ensure Ashley was my therapist.