Ballston Therapeutic Massage

Very friendly folks and an amazing massage! Certainly recommend this place! –Caleb Laieski

If you’re someone who values communication with your massage therapist about body issues using appropriate technical terms such as «tight myofascia» and «deep tissue work», «go gently on this spot» then this establishment might NOT work for you. On the other hand if all you really want is a good rub down, preferably by a lovely Asian woman with strong fingers, then this spot might work for you.
My therapist gave non-​comprehending responses when I told her I had tight myofascia in my legs (the skin-​like covering over muscles that can get rigid and cause stiffness and muscle injuries/​sprains). She proceeded to giggle when I asked her to go gently. This non-​comprehending response to basic communication on body issues is NOT ACCEPTABLE when you are naked and getting treated for said body issues! The therapist also put an enormous amount of pressure on kneading a tight spot on my upper back, which is an aggravating, not a trained, nuanced way of dealing with knots.
My problem with this establishment was that due to the communication hurdles, I honestly didn’t feel like I was dealing with licensed therapists who offer physiological understanding of body issues and have background in therapeutic techniques.
In addition, the coverings, while you are on the table, were not professionally done… seemed more loose.
In contrast I felt like this place would work for someone who just wants a thorough rub down.
No for me.

I lucked-​up and got the membership for free, because I was one of their first customers after their grand opening. Yay, me! That makes the price super reasonable for me. I walk out of there feeling like I’m floating on air almost every time, and that’s just what I’m looking for. My only complaint is that they sometimes continue to apply too firm of pressure after I’ve told them not to, and I experience some soreness as a result. That may just be a personal thing though; I need my pressure pretty light.

Had a 60 mins massage with Mary this evening. She did a wonderful job! The establishment was clean and even though I arrived early, I had minimal wait time. Mary applied plenty of pressure and massaged from head to toe. The massage was excellent, and once finished, she took a warm towel and wiped the oil off of my arms, back, and legs. I really appreciated that! No residue from the oil. I’ll be back for sure, thanks again!

My back was hurt, so I searched up on Unilocal and I found this place this place is clean and service is really helpfully everyone there were really nice and professional I really do love this place and it actually help my back feel much comfortable, will come back next time

Below average. I’ve been 4 times in the last 2 years. It’s consistent, but not in a good way…
The pros
*Clean
*Metro accessible
Cons
*Massage therapists have no rhythm. They bounce from body part to body part,
Often skipping general areas (I.e. Legs, arms, feet)
*seemingly lost every 5 minutes without knowing what to do.
*weak pressure (deep tissue request every time)
*english comprehension… Not a major thing, but still a barrier when you request what tou want in a massage before hand.
Arlingtonians, don’t waste your time. Check out Teal, and don’t be afraid to spend an extra 20 dollars for a legitimate massage at other places.

Shocked to see so many good reviews! This place is just ok, and frankly only good if you are in a pinch (in pain and can’t find another place to go).
The one plus is its $ 65 and clean.
The therapists are clearly not trained; the woman I had was all over the place– couldn’t focus on my two problem areas, used stretching techniques that were pointless and couldn’t maintain any pressure. Used way to much oil– no way I could go back to work with how greasy I was. Felt she was just going through the gestures at what could make a good massage. My husband has been more helpful. She also never introduced herself and struggled with communication. To say she gave a good back rub is a stretch.
The special seems to be the basic rate. When I asked for the 20% off advertised they stated $ 65 was 20% off… Yet the brochure stats the basic massages start at $ 65.
Seriously this place has to be a front for something else… No way people would ever go back.
Save your money. Wished I would have saved by time and used a foam roller.

I like to go here about once a month — at least — Amy and Sofia have both been great. They really dig in and get the knots out. Plus, it’s really affordable. If you’re after the therapeutic part and not so much the fancy spa part, give it a whirl!

So I’m really not a fan of uppity spas (though I guess I’ll never turn down a good back rub). Enter Ballston Therapeutic. This no frills massage salon is going to work out all your kinks (including ones you never knew you had). Don’t expect the lavender pillows and harps playing by your table. Just expect a great massage and you’ll be entirely satisfied.

I went with my wife for a 60 min massage each.
Clean and nice environment. That’s the pro.
Less than average massage, three strokes here, three there, quick head rub and off you go…
Maybe I am too picky, but chewing chewing gums (therapist) during s massage is a bit odd.
I enjoy a good massage, where the therapist discovers certain knots and works on them, if you just want to get a standard average massage as usual, here you go…
Also a bit sad is that there is almost no communication, my massage therapist ended the massage with the word: «ok». Where I thought, yep thx for asking I feel great:-)

Very happy with the massage here. This is not relaxation, although I suppose you could ask for light pressure and snooze. I asked for heavy pressure and got the knots in my shoulders worked out.

My wife and I went here for deep tissue massages. We were able to schedule our appointments online through their website and had no issues when we arrived at the establishment. We were promptly taken to our rooms, asked our preference for the gender of our masseuse, where the massage should focus, and how much pressure we like. The rooms were clean and kept at a comfortable temperature.
My wife and I both agree that we received one of the best deep tissue massages of our life. We had Amy and Jessica and they were great. They asked if the pressure was ok and definitely focused on the areas we requested.
Our massage time started when the masseuse entered the room so we each received a full 60 minutes of massage.
We will definitely be back!

I took my mom here for Mother’s Day and she loved it. Her response was «I feel so much better». Great staff as well. Be prepared to receive a tip envelope when paying for your massage lol

I went in today for the first time after A stressful week and needed a massage. My masseuse was Elaine and she was great. I enjoy really hard massages she was able to get to my shoulders and my back and was extremely professional. parking was easy for me with the pay by phone meters and I was in and out within a reasonable time to get home drink a bottle of wine and relax. I will definitely be returning as a regular.

I received a 1 hour massage here and went through a LivingSocial voucher.
When you first walk into the place, it’s quiet and dark. Nice lady at the front desk but her English is hard to understand.
I left the massage feeling worse and was in pain during most if not all of the hour that I was in the massage room. Truly wish I did not pay for the voucher or even tipped. If you can book a massage elsewhere, I’d do so.

This was my fourth massage here and definitely will not be my last. This place isn’t a ritzy spa, but has great therapists, a friendly atmosphere, and clean.
Pros:
–on time appointments that, for the most part, are easily obtainable
–lotion and oil doesn’t leave you greasy
–therapists are attentive and listen to feedback
–tables are comfortable and for the most part warm
Cons:
–the outside street noise is somewhat audible, though turning up the sound on the in-​room music helps
–there’s a couple’s massage room, though it can be turned into a single’s room and the wall is thin enough to hear right through
–it can get a bit cold in the rooms, an extra blanket or heated tables would make it all better

Came across their deal on Groupon and after reading the Unilocal reviews, I was a little hesitant, but decided to give it a try anyways. My husband and I got a «couple’s massage». I had Amy as my masseuse and my husband had a male masseuse. They both were very good and definitely got all the knots out. I didn’t even know I had so many knots until I felt Amy massaging them out. It’s a little hard to understand her but I was able to guess what she was trying to say.
We would go back here again when we’re in need of a good massage.

WORST MOST DISGUSTING EXPERIENCE EVER.
Quick Summary: Wish I could get my money and tip back and truly truly wish the «massage therapist» kept his personal tip to himself. This experience truly gave me NIGHTMARES
My massage therapist, who I even question is even license to perform massage, never told me his name, spent a least half the time concentrating on my buttock and thighs despite me explaining to him that it was my neck that was in pain. When I finally asked him to stop, he tapped my butt and said okay, we won’t work here anymore. I was fuming and uncomfortable but making a scene would have required me to get up topless under a thin sheet.
The whole time i was thinking to myself, maybe he knows what he’s doing, maybe he knows something I don’t know, though I’ve had frequent massages before, but the last straw was when his nether regions rubbed against my elbow. I almost cried/​gagged when it happened. I truly wanted to believe that it couldn’t be his member, unless he was exceptionally short. Wanting the whole experience to end, I kept my eyes closed in an attempt to see the face of my violator. Unfortunately, after I got dressed and walked out he handed me a cup of water and I saw that he was truly the exact height to explain the disgusting rub against my elbow.
To make matters worse, on my way out, the receptionist asked me to leave a tip. I about lost it but not wanting to make a seen, I tipped $ 10. Without any censorship, she blurted back … just $ 10?
This was by far the worst worst worst massage experience EVER. This place needs to be shut down for their very obviously shady dealings. Wish I could get my money and tip back and truly truly wish the «massage therapist» kept his tip to himself.
Hate this place and even had nightmares afterward!

It was the most awkward massage I’ve ever received. I don’t mind having a male masseu, but it was the most awkward with this particular masseu. He did not dim the lights and left them on bright after I asked him to turn it down a little. He mainly focused on my legs and arms after I told him that my back was hurting. I will not be returning to this establishment.

So, after a bunch of consistently bad experiences (10 – 12 in a row? yeah, I’m slow), I had begun searching for a new massage place. All my favorite ladies left (Cherry, CiCi, etc), and the new ones didn’t understand «more pressure,» even when I said it ten times. As another reviewer mentioned, Mark left. He really was fantastic, and his massages were a steal.
I whined to the owner. She gave me the scoop on the new ladies that can use firm pressure. I’m back to being happy here. I won’t try anyone new here anymore — it isn’t worth my time or my $ 60.