I don't even know where to begin to sing the praises of this hidden gem of a massage place in Hulen Mall. I have been coming to Relaxation Station for at least 6 years, and it is always my GO TO place when I need a moment to unwind, or need someone who has hands strong enough and skilled enough to work on my aching back.
I was diagnosed with a several back issues a number of years ago, and after a long day, or if I am having a busy day running errands, the longer I am on my feet, the more my back can really start to be a painful problem. The muscles along my spine get knotted up, and I desperately need someone to massage the knots out.
I first found this place by accident while shopping at Hulen Mall, and I had been at the gym the previous day and pulled a muscle in my back that medicine and muscle relaxers weren't doing the trick. I knew I needed a professional massage, but I was unfamiliar with any "walk in" places in Fort Worth, as any masseuse I had gone to in the past, you had to make an appointment, and often by the time I was able to see them, either the problem had corrected itself, or the appointment times available were so far in the future, I saw no point. So as I was shopping that day, actually searching on my phone for places that gave same day massage appointments, I discovered Relaxation Station. Within 10 minutes of finding the place on my phone, I was walking through the front door and immediately escorted to a 30 minute chair massage. Half way through the massage, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
I am an expert when it comes to massages. Spending most of my adult life on the West Coast in San Francisco and Seattle, massages are a way of life. People get massages on the West Coast as often as one goes to the grocery story. In fact, in most places in SF and Seattle, you can walk in a grocery story and there will be people doing chair massages. Massages are abundant and everywhere at every price point. When I moved back to Texas, it was MUCH more difficult to find a decent massage, and it seems the most available option is Massage Envy, which I joined as soon as I moved here, but quickly realized what a scam it was. It's basically "time-share" massages, you have to buy in bulk, it can be pricey: bottom line it's not worth it both in price and the quality of massages you get.
SO I was elated when I found a walk in massage place. I go in at least once every two weeks, if not more often and have tried most all of the services they offer. Their table massages are exquisite, and the Chinese folks who work their, or own the place are incredible. In fact, the place reminds me exactly of the spa's and massage places I've gone to in Hong Kong (where I've gone frequently for work). In Hong Kong, as on the West Coast, massages are a way of life.
I can't recommend this place highly enough if you are seeking immediate relief for any bodily issue that can benefit from a massage. For me it's my back so I tend to always go for the table or chair massage. My favorite has become the chair massage, because it fast, affordable, and you don't need an appointment. For $35 dollars, I always leave my 30 minute chair massage feeling no pain, relaxed and recharged. If you want a more intense, full-body massage, do the table. Next time I am in, I am going to try the foot massage they offer, which looks amazing.
The only thing to be aware of as I've said, this is a very Asian/West Coast experience. This is not your typical chi-chi spa, but a place that takes massages down to an art form, and they don't fool around with cucumber water, expensive massage oils etc. This is the real deal. I would say it is a basic spa, but each massage therapist there is trained in the Chinese-way of doing massages - THEY GET DOWN TO BUSINESS. Please note, that many of the staff are Chinese and English is NOT their first language. There is always some there who speaks English well-enough to communicate what you need and want, but don't expect any small talk. There is none of that. As with the art of Asian massage, being quiet and relaxing is paramount. They traditionally do basic massage, which in the US is traditionally very light pressure and touch. Asian massage techniques tend, not always, but TEND to be a bit more intense. They will always ask you if the pressure is OK, but be forewarned, if you ask for DEEP TISSUE, you are gone get a deep tissue like you've never had before. It is intense. Personally, I LOVE IT because to work on my back or shoulders and the amount of tension I carry, I NEED SOME ONE who can do intense pressure - and BOY do they ever. It can be painful, but the results are phenomenal. SO just be aware to communicate you pressure preference.
If you are looking for a West Coast/Asian (not the jack-handy kind of massage, but a real Asian massage) spa - THIS IS THE PLACE HANDS DOWN.
Avoid the pretense and expense of a full-blown spa, and head to the wonderful little gem of a place in Hulen Mall. read more
