Massage Envy

I think out of the ME chain this is the one with the worst reviews…
Let’s start… Tall black masseuse, nice woman, very friendly, however, sucked on a mint the whole time and all I got was minty breezes, couldn’t enjoy anything…
Another masseuse, short, maybe hispanic, kept sniffling, hence three days later I had a cold.
Another husky woman, felt like she was trained by Mr Miyagi and kept doing the «Wax on-​Wax off» motions on my backside. I’ve experienced better…
The male masseuse always looks like he just woke up and very sloppy.
Not going back here… They need to be like Trump and fire the staff and re-​hire…
I’m not noting this to be prejudice, I am noting to make others aware that this was the second time I’ve experienced these same issues — Also, if I’m paying good money for a massage, you want the person giving it to you to be well kept and knowledgable as a massage therapist.
Thanks for letting me vent, won’t be back here anytime soon!

I’ve been a member here for a few years now. I never have had a problem with this place but recently I’ve noticed it’s hard to get an appointment. I only see a certain person for massage. I am a member — I thought members had priority. I had to cancel an appointment and was told that I couldnt get in for 2 months. Um… ok, I guess. You mean to tell me that someone is THAT booked up. I think not. I’ve never had trouble cancelling and getting in soon after. 2 months is a bit long, and then they’re like «you shouldn’t wait that long» yeah well not my fault.

This massage envy does not reflect the corporation as a whole. Greedy management and unfriendly customer service representatives made my experience at this location extremely poor. My experience at other locations of massage envy has been fabulous, however this location failed to outline all the contingencies of the membership upon signing up for a membership, made any attempt to cancel or switch locations cumbersome involving phone call upon phone call for any sort of action to be taken, and were extremely unprofessional over the phone. They do not honor the policies of the larger corporation as a whole and to quote another Unilocal review «This location/​company is totally unprofessional and slimy with their billing practices. Get your massages. DO NOT BUY A PACKAGE.» They will do anything to get you to become a member at this location HOWEVER once you are a member or would like to cancel they are your worst nightmare.

Had one massage here several years back and it was terrible. Took my business to Elements and became a member there. I won a gift card for a free introductory massage through a contest at the YMCA in Woburn. Terrible prize, the studio WOULD NOT HONOR the gift card since I was not considered to be getting an introductory massage because I had been there ONCE before 5 years ago. Who does that with a charity gift? She said I would have to pay the $ 60 dollars difference to use my «free introductory massage» prize donation from the the YMCA. Way to write off a donation and then try to make some money on top of it. Will tell everyone to avoid this place.

After having a booking error that was not fixed by a different location, I spoke to the desk at the Burlington location. The woman was so professional and so happy to accommodate appointments for my friends and me. The Burlington location is a Bit of a drive for us, but it’s so worth it to have the professionalism and courtesy of the front desk.
I’m happy I found this location and I will be a regular here!

I use the ME location by Berkeley — I only see Sasha. I go 2 – 3 month for 90min. Sessions. He is simply the best. He combines many different techniques and at the end you are completely stress free, your body is aligned and your mind is clear. I will follow Sasha anywhere he goes.

Used web request to get an appointment, request sent on a Monday for a Friday request and never got a call from them. I guess they don’t need any new business. I would never spend my money there if they cant make a simple phone call.

This particular massage envy is good but not great. Both of my massage therapists that I’ve had here wanted to create their own experiences instead of listening to my requests. I had a young girl a few weeks back who insisted on giving me a deep tissue massage because I needed it (I have super tight muscles because I’m a yoga teacher). I told her I was fine without it and she pressured me into it. I finally relented and told her she could and it hurt so much I asked her to stop. She told me «it was good to feel the pain» and the next morning I woke up with three small bruises.
I know this isn’t a typical experience as the other massage therapist was good, but again not great.

I am updating a previous review to say that I got a massage from Chrissy K and it was really good. I have tried a bunch of other people but she really works for me. From the moment I met her, I liked her personality and I was very relieved that she was able to work out all my troubled spots and knots. Thanks Chrissy.

I don’t know about other locations, but the Burlington location is definitely a waste of your time/​money. The manager is rude and condescending and the prices are through the roof. First impression aside, I continued on with my appointment because I had planned my day around it, and the massage was great. On my way out I dealt with a huge sales pitch about how i NEEDED to become a monthly member for my health, and somehow they talked me into it, a move which I immediately regretted.
I called two months later to try to cancel, stating that I regretted my mistake that was causing me anxiety, but I had just moved and was struggling with my bills, and that I really couldn’t afford the high monthly fee. The manager used a sickly sweet fake voice and fought me over the phone and wouldn’t do a thing to help, so I asked my doctor to write a note saying I had to cancel, which she did.
I canceled, but had already booked an appointment for a week and a half later, and as I understood from my «contract» I had 30 days from cancellation to use any accrued massages. I had the one booked that I had paid for already as well as some elusive free one that I got as a perk for signing up for a membership. I received a confirmation call two days ago and a confirmation email yesterday, but when I went in for my appointment today the manager said that because I had canceled my membership any appointments I had and any services I had in my «bank» were voided, and because I was no longer a member I also could not transfer them to a friend. No one could have called me to tell me the appointment THAT I PAID FOR and that I received 2 confirmations for was off? And they wouldn’t refund me. So I left, lesson learned, and chalked it up to a glitch that no one had called me to let me know I actually didn’t have an appointment today.
I called my boyfriend to fill him in and come to find out he called last night to try to upgrade my service for today as a surprise, and the SAME MANAGER told him that I had cancelled, but that I did in fact have an appointment for today. He disputed the price of the upgrade with her over the phone, and turns out she was going to charge me the non member rate for my service without informing me ahead of time. I would have gotten out of the massage thinking I was covered and I would have owed $ 80 when in reality I had already paid the monthly fee of $ 55 for it.
To sum up, I am furious, as is my boyfriend, and I urge you to go to a different place for a massage. The only good thing massage envy has is the quality of the actual massage (and that isn’t even THAT great). Also, you’ll pay for a 60 minute massage but they only give you about 45 mins because they factor in time for you to undress and redress as well as time for their lengthy sales pitch. Such a waste of my time, money, and energy. If you get duped into a contract like I did you will NEVER escape.

Before I even start this review, I will say that 98% of your massage experience is dependent on your Massage Therapist. There are good ones and bad ones out there. I have a couple at this particular Massage Envy location that I adore! You sometimes have to try a MT or two before you find someone that really works for you. I will say I have never had a BAD massage at a Massage Envy, but I have had a few that fall into a «mediocre» rating. Because of this, my review will focus on Massage Envy itself.
If you are looking to get regular massages, I very highly recommend Massage Envy! It is only $ 59 a month for a 1 hour massage. That is a good deal! But it is true that you get what you pay for. I used to go to a very highly priced day spa, which offered plush robes, slippers, locker rooms, showers, etc. Massage Envy does NOT do this. It is very bare bones in that regard. But for $ 59, I’ll just go home and shower, thanks. (And while we are on that point, I don’t know what kind of massage lotion they use, but I have never left here with that greasy, massage oil feeling all over me anyway. So, waiting to shower is a non-​issue.)
I have found the front-​desk staff at Massage envy to be very nice. Not at all rude, as some others have mentioned. When you arrive, they check you in, and offer tea or water. Your Massage Therapist comes to get you and bring you to the massage room. You chat for a bit and he leaves you to disrobe. Yes, it is true what is advertised as a 1-​hour massage ends up only being 50 minutes. But I have found that to be the case everywhere I have had a massage. Again, since MTs vary so greatly, I’ll skip to the end. When you are done, he leaves you again to redress and meets you in the hallway with some cool, refreshing water. You are escorted to the front desk to settle up. If you have a «credit» on your account, check-​out is a breeze. You can opt to leave a tip either in cash, or use the credit card they have on file for you. (I always tip in cash, as I’m sure this is easier for the MT. And I always tip more than the recommended 15−20%. $ 10 is NOT a big enough tip, in my opinion.) If you enjoyed your MT, I recommend making your next appointment now. The good ones get booked up fast!
The really cool thing about Massage Envy is that your monthly fee gets you one 60-​minute massage a month. But I can’t always make it each month, as I would like. So, sometimes I get a backlog of massages on my account. They will let you «split» them! So, if you want to get a 90-​minute massage, you can use 1.5 of your «credits», if that all makes sense. I love it for «catching up» on my massages!
This location is always super clean! The massage rooms are small, but well appointed. The tables are very comfortable and heated to perfection. There is a restroom if you need it, and I have always found it in tip-​top condition.

If you are getting a 60 minute massage you’re actually only getting 50. They account 5 minutes for dress and undress as part of it, which I think is pitiful. It takes me 2 – 3 minutes to undress. If your therapist meets you late (which was the case with me), they don’t make up for that time. My result was a 45 minute mediocre massage. Why go here again when there are so many other private places who care about their customers. This is a chain, they have their rules and regulations and that’s that. They don’t care about you as a customer. It’s also a bit like buying a used car — you better be ready for a sales speech and pressure to «become a member» after your massage. So much for relaxation. NOT recommended.

Massage therapy is all about who you like as a massage therapist. The woman I adore who works here is named Krystel. I’ve had massages from other LMT’s at this location that I did not enjoy and would rate only one star. But Krystel is the reason I’m rating this location 5 stars.
YOU have to keep trying different LMT’s until you find your pot of gold! If Krystel ever left, I would follow her to wherever she goes next.
But also, the Massage Envy franchise deserves 4 – 5 stars for it’s clean and professional appearance and the well-​trained staff. The training and service is consistent among the other locations I’ve been to — Arlington, Waltham, and Saugus.
I signed up for the year long schedule and I get massage every month.

I had a wonderful massage from Taesha at this massage envy location! I was visiting from out of town, and went it his location not knowing any of the therapists. I wish she was at my home location. My massage was easily the best I have ever gotten. I had huge knots in my neck and shoulders and she worked them out without too much pain for me.

I go and call on a Sunday 2pm and I know it was a long shot but they had an opening at 5pm. All the front desk did was asked my last name — didnt have time to tell them it was for my husband. When my husband showed up they gave him a lot of lip. WHATEVER…
Few days later they send me a survey. So, I answer it honestly and gave my feedback to them. There reply is below
—–
Hello, we hope all is well. We are contacting you regarding the survey that we recently received from you regarding our location. We attempted calling the two numbers that you had on file and we were unable to reach out to you.
Therefore, we are emailing you to let you know that we feel that due to your consistent dissatisfaction with our organization, that the relationship that you have with us is no longer working for either party. With that being said, we have cancelled your membership effective immediately and refunded your last two payments. This may take about 5 – 10 business days to surface on your credit card bill.
Best,
The Staff of
Massage Envy Spa — Burlington
What happen to calling up the customer and speaking with them and solving the issue… just to let everyone know… THEY NEVER CALLED HOW DO I KNOW I CHECKED ALL INCOMING CALLS… WOW!!!

I have been to Massage Envy once, and am hesitant to return, but am still investigating the competition and whether or not a membership at a spa may be a good investment.
They have reasonable facilities, and the masseuse who worked on me did a decent job. You can hear talking through the walls, the music is a bit loud and not greatly relaxing. This was not the best massage I’ve had, but far from the worst. The masseuse seemed competent, and was strong and skilled enough to do deep tissue work.
The larger downside of this experience comes when you learn more about their business. They have some med — high pressure sales tactics when you go to pay, and the masseuse’s job seems to be preparing you for the big sale rather than treating your pain. The first time customer gets something like a $ 39/​hr massage, but that is only the introductory offer. After that you either pay MUCH more than you typically would to return (~$ 100/​hr), or you buy their 1 year service plan that gives you a massage each month at that cut rate price. Not a lot of options…
So, either I never come back OR I buy into a long term plan for (hopefully) OK massages.
I’d much rather buy into a plan for great massage, but I don’t think this franchise treats their employees greatly, from the Glassdoor reviews I’ve seen on the business, so they probably have trouble retaining the best or attracting experienced folks.
I’ll have to check out Elements spas as well — another franchise that looks to have more flexible membership benefits for their clients, since you are not BOUND to them for a year.
In conclusion, if you need regular monthly massage, and do not have high expectations this may be the place to go.

My massage was ok, but I have had better. Also my hour-​long massage was about 40 minutes to allow them enough time to try to sell me a package. I said no, and she kept trying to sweeten the pot. Ultimately I was not interested.
The purpose of a massage is to be relaxing, and I left feeling kind of stressed out by their aggressive practices. I would not recommend this place.

This particular Massage Engvy has the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. Thank god for their massage therapists otherwise this operation would go under.
Their sales people are way too pushy and really rude, they make you never want to go back even if you had a good massage. If you are stupid enough like I was to sign up for a monthyly membership get copies of everything, as they tell you one thing and do another.
I signed up for a 6 month plan as I didn’t want a year and somehow I got locked in to a year with them charging each month saying I never filled out the cancellation form. Which strategically they never told me about as I asked if I needed to do anything to cancel for the next month. They are crooks here. DON’T GO. Go to Elements where the staff at the front desk is much nicer!

I’ve been going to Massage Envy in Burlington for over a year now and usually go 1 – 2 times a month. I like doing one 60 minute and one 90 minute every month. There is a wide variety in the large staff, so it’s important to tell them what kind of massage you want when you book and ask them about the different therapists and their specialties.
A few things to know: It’s $ 39 for your first massage. Then they try to get you to sign up for a monthly membership which is pretty flexible and totally worth it. I look at massage as part of the way a maintain a healthy mind/​body, not as a luxury, so biweekly or monthly massages on a regular schedule seem very sensible to me but they may not to you.
USE YOUR HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT! If you get a note from your doctor saying that you benefit from massage therapy, you can send that letter to your flexible spending account, which will reimburse you for your massages! Just ask for an insurance receipt at massage envy when you check out and they’ll print one out for you.
Here are some of the therapists I have had who I would recommend:
Jen, Beth, Sophie
Also, you should tip on the full VALUE of the massage… there are helpful signs up front and in the rooms to help you figure out how much to tip. I can only imagine how little these therapists get paid compared to therapists who work for themselves or at nicer spas. They have to keep the price low somehow, right?

At first I was dubious. The place seems to shout «massage parlor for lonely housewives!» This is definitely not a spa, but not a grungy rub and tug parlor either. It’s sort of like a doctor’s office– but with a lot of touching.
The introductory $ 39 massage was awesome. They have memberships– and I signed up for one, but it’s probably not the best road for everyone.
I have a favorite massage therapist here– but if I give you the name it will make it harder for me to get an appointment… so I’m gonna have to keep that secret for now. =)
3 stars for great massage and value. Could have more stars if the ambiance and front-​desk professionalism were stepped up a notch.