FAQ
“One treatment totally relieved year-long chronic pain.
Need I say more? Very skilled therapists.” – Emily D., Ann Arbor, MI
We’re very pleased that you are considering us for your massage or skin care treatment. Here’s some information about the Center that may be helpful, particularly if this is your first massage or facial:
Why would I get a facial at a place that's famous for massage?
Will a single massage help me feel better?
Will a single facial help improve my skin?
I've seen ads for places charging $39-49 for massage, why are you more expensive?
I've seen massages and facials at other locations for upwards of $150 an hour. Why are they so much more expensive?
How Do Your Prices Compare With the Higher End Local Spas?
What are the contraindications to massage?
Why do most spas offer 50 minute and 80 minute sessions while you offer 60 or 90 minutes?
What massage treatment style would be best for me?
What is your facility like?
Where Do I Park?
What do I do before my massage?
What do I wear?
What do I do once I have changed?
What if I’m uncomfortable during my massage?
A peaceful environment:
What if I need to cancel?
What about tipping?
Your Experience:
Why would I get a facial at a place that's famous for massage?
The Massage Therapy Center is famous for massage because of the extremely high level of quality and service the therapists who practice at the Center bring to the clients who visit us. For 20 years people have trusted their bodies to the professionals who work with us. But we have recently become "famous" for skin care as well; taking top honors in the Citysearch awards for Best Facials in Los Angeles.
The clients who visit the Center place so much faith in the job we do to find amazing massage therapists that they asked us for years to add skin care to the menu of services offered. After an exhaustive search we finally found a team of skin care professionals that were worthy of the Massage Therapy Center name.
You'll find that whether you come in for a massage or a facial you'll be in the hands of an experienced professional who has met rigorous screening and qualification.
Will a single massage help me feel better?
Yes and no. For a number of physical and stress related problems, massage can have an immediate impact. Every day we have clients who come in stressed out, with a sore neck, tight back, etc. and leave feeling a lot better than when they came in. But if you have ever had the experience of getting a massage and not noticing an immediate difference in your body after, you are not alone.
Sometimes the effects of the session take time to manifest. You may walk out feeling that you still have the issue you came in with but when you wake up the next day it's resolved.
But sometimes you won't notice a significant difference, even after a day or more. That happens because some of the positive effects of massage are cumulative. In other words, the more massage you get, the more benefit it generally has.
While many studies studies have been done showing the benefits of massage to treat a wide range of ailments, the problem with this research is that the studies follow participants over a course of many massages, usually during a period of eight weeks or more. Unfortunately, most people can't or won't commit to a series of eight or more treatments.
Instead, they come in for a single session and expect to get the same results as if they had been coming regularly. While you can definitely get results from a single session, you will only get the maximum benefit from massage if you come regularly. That doesn't mean you have to come in weekly. Even a monthly or every six week treatment can be effective in turning massage into a regular part of your life.
We realize that not everyone has the time or inclination to make massage more than an occasional event. We are just as happy to welcome clients who come in once a year, as those who visit more frequently. We just want you to have realistic expectations as to the benefits, if you chose to visit less often.
If you do decide to become a regular client please take advantage of our discounted series packages. They are a great way to make your sessions more affordable per treatment.
Will a single facial help improve my skin?
Again, yes and no. A single facial at many day spas with an inexperienced esthetician, may actually harm your skin. Many places hire students right out of school, teach them just enough to sell the "product of the week,” and let them get their hands-on training at your expense. The estheticians at the Center have a different philosophy-and an average of over 12 years experience.
Skin care at the Center starts with respect for your time and your intelligence. You'll have a chance to ask questions about your current skin condition, discuss your goals, and learn which treatments may, or may not, be helpful for you.
You may be using or doing something that is causing skin problems and your skin could improve if you do nothing but stop using a certain product that's currently harming your skin.
The estheticians at the Center have chosen to use Hylunia, an all natural product line, with very real results. You should see immediate benefits, whether you have time for just a 25 minute treatment or you treat your skin to a 60 minute session, with a custom masque or peel.
So why do we answer the question "yes and no"? A significant part of skin care results comes from following a regular program. Whenever you see "before and after" pictures for specific products or regimens they are always based on several months of use.
We hate the hard sell of skin care products as much as anyone. Your esthetician will recommend (but never push) a range of products and repeat visits based on your skin's specific needs. Whether you follow those recommendations is entirely up to you. You may choose to follow some suggestions but not others-or maybe none at all. More so than with massage, the results you get with skin care are largely dependant on what you do between treatments. So while you will see and feel an immediate impact after your facial, the lasting benefits are really up to you.
I've seen ads for places charging $39-49 for massage, why are you more expensive?
While you don't always get what you pay for, this is one case where you generally do. First, a number of places lure people in with a "first time client" offer of $39, and then charge more, once you become a regular. So if you see an offer for a low priced session, make sure it's good for as long as you are a client.
Second, because they pay their therapists less, the massage places charging $39-49 often hire students just out of massage school or therapists who we would turn away. While some therapists have an amazing gift of touch right out of school, this is the exception rather than the rule.
Because the "massage mills" tend to have a high turn-over rate and need to constantly hire a lot of people, they generally have a much lower standard when it comes to adding new therapists to their staff. Many also charge extra for deep tissue or advanced work, if it is even available, so that enticing $39 massage may turn out to be considerably more once you are on the table.
Most of the lower priced centers have one common shower, no locker facilities, cramped massage rooms, and spartan decor. As a Citysearch editor wrote about one of these companies, "It's the fast food of massage.” While none of the "extras" are necessary in order to get a good massage, many people prefer to get a massage in a place that cares about their entire experience, from the lobby to the locker rooms. Building, leasing and maintaining nice facilities, providing high quality robes, towels and amenities, and most importantly, attracting and keeping the highest quality therapists all adds up.
By way of comparison though, our rates are considerably less than most spas in the Los Angeles/Beverly Hills/Santa Monica area. With our discount packages, our rates are nearly half what you'd be charged at a high end location. While those places offer larger facilities and additional spa treatments, if you are looking to get the best possible massage in a warm and inviting atmosphere, we think you'll find us the best value.
I've seen massages and facials at other locations for upwards of $150 an hour. Why are they so much more expensive?
In the case of the larger spas in Los Angeles, what you are almost always paying for is their facilities. Spas have become extremely expensive to build and maintain and competition has made it a game of who can "one-up" who in over-the-top decor. We love great spa environments ourselves, and they can be wonderful places to spend a day. But you are generally not going to get your money's worth in the quality of the massage or skin care there.
In order to support their operation costs, large spas must offer a full range of services and then try to recoup costs by selling the products that go with their services. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, except that many good massage therapists don't want to do wraps and scrubs, nor do they want to be forced to sell products. The massage therapists at the Center don't sell anything.
Many large spas are also focused on the short term bottom line and pay less than market wages. Because of that, ironically, many large, beautifully decorated spas have a high turn-over rate and tend to attract therapists who are new to the industry.
How Do Your Prices Compare With the Higher End Local Spas?
(Click to see a complete comparison with the three largest spas closest to us)
What are the contraindications to massage?
A massage will make you feel worse if you are suffering from any contagious or infectious disease no matter how mild it may seem. If you have a cold, flu or fever DO NOT BOOK a session. We will be very happy to see you once you are feeling 100% better.
If you have certain other medical conditions, for your health and well-being, massage should not be performed or may be restricted. These are not all obvious, so before booking, please review all of the contraindications to massage to make certain that none apply to you.
Why do most spas offer 50 minute and 80 minute sessions while you offer 60 or 90 minutes?
Nearly every spa in the city originally offered 60 and 90 minute sessions. Most massage and esthetic training is based on the timeframe of a 60 minute session at a minimum. Therapists at most spas were typically given 10 minute breaks between sessions.
Then, one unfortunate day, someone came up with the not so brilliant idea of cutting 10 minutes out of the session and building the break time into the 60 minutes that used to be dedicated to the client. The spas figured that most clients wouldn't notice or if they did notice, they wouldn't have much choice.
The problem is that everyone (except the spa owners) suffers. Clients lose a total of one full treatment every six sessions (10 minutes times 6 sessions is an hour). Therapists and estheticians don't get any longer break than they did before, and they are pressured to try to fit a full massage or facial into 50 minutes, which is hard enough to do in 60 minutes.
The spas that work this way are shortchanging their clients. If you decide that we're not the right place for you and you end up visiting a spa that has 50 minute sessions, I would encourage you to ask them where your extra ten minutes went and let them know that not only do you notice, you care.
We will do our part by always giving you a full 60 or 90 minute session and giving therapists at least a 15 minute break between sessions so you do have a choice.
What massage treatment style would be best for me?
Most spas charge $20 or $30 extra for deep tissue, shiatsu or other advanced techniques. We don’t. We know how frustrated you’d be if you asked your therapist to work a little deeper and they couldn’t because you hadn’t paid extra for a deep massage. And we know you’d probably be upset if you had already paid extra and then realized you really needed a lighter touch that day. Instead, you can either specify a treatment style when you book, or simply tell your therapist how you’re feeling when you arrive and they will craft your massage especially for you on any given day, drawing from a range of techniques to make you feel great. The key is to communicate with our front desk staff when calling and your massage therapist when you come in, so we know who to put you with and how to structure your session once you arrive. For example, if you like deep tissue work or specifically want a therapist trained in shiatsu, let us know ahead of time.
What is your facility like?
Our facility was completely remodeled and has been compared to an upscale boutique hotel-but we don’t try to hide the fact that we’re located in a shopping center. If you’re looking for a big, over the top spa experience we’re not your place. But if you want to enjoy what our clients consistently call the best massage in Los Angeles in a warm atmosphere with a personal touch, you should have a great visit.
Our retail lobby is stocked with a wide range of top brands from EarthWorks to Voluspa. We offer separate but small men’s and women’s locker rooms. If you like your space, you are welcome to change in your room before your session, if it is open, and for up to ten minutes after your session has ended.
Our slate showers are oversized and equipped with Brasstech Rain showerheads. We feature small (but outstanding) men’s and women’s eucalyptus steam rooms and all the amenities you could ask for, including everything from luxurious "Spa Secret" robes, to disposable hair ties.
Where Do I Park?
Underground parking is available for $2, but be aware that parking can get congested (like most places in L.A.) when it is busy. Allow an extra five minutes to get into the lot and find a space and you will be much happier when you arrive. Park anywhere there is not a "reserved" sign restricting parking for the time you are visiting. Take the middle elevator to the second floor, exit the elevator and turn left. We’re in the back north corner, three doors down. Look for the large ivory colored Massage Therapy Center sign hanging above our door. Simply show the attendant your receipt on your way out as your parking validation.
What do I do before my massage?
Even if you have already showered that day, please plan to shower either at home or at the Center immediately prior to your massage. If you have time, you are welcome to take a Eucalyptus steam before or after your massage. We suggest that you allow 30-40 minutes before your appointment to check in, fill out a brief health profile and enjoy the facilities before your first session. If you'd like to fill out your health and client information profiles ahead of time you can find them here in Adobe PDF format where you can print them out and bring them in with you.
If you are planning to take a steam you may want to turn the thermostat up before you change so the room is hot when you are ready. Fresh towels and robes from small to 3XL are available next to the locker area. You’ll find clean sandals below the towels and robes.
What do I wear?
You’ll want to change into a robe and sandals in the locker area. You will be draped with a sheet during your massage and your therapist will only undrape areas that are being worked on. If you want to wear underwear underneath your robe, you may. If you are more comfortable changing in your room, you are welcome to.
What do I do once I have changed?
Once you’ve changed into your robe and locked your belongings in your locker, please walk to your room. Once in your room, close the door, hang your robe behind the shelves, and lay face down on the table under the top sheet. Your therapist will be with you shortly, at your scheduled appointment time, and will knock before entering.
What if I’m uncomfortable during my massage?
The most common reason people have bad massage experiences are because they didn’t want to say anything to their therapist during their massage. If you’re too hot or cold, the music is too loud or soft, or the touch is too hard or not hard enough, or if you feel uncomfortable in any way, do not hesitate to let your therapist know immediately. All of our tables are equipped with heating pads, and everything from the music volume in the room to the angle of your face rest is adjustable. Your therapist will never be offended if you make a request to turn up the heat, add a blanket, or adjust the table, pressure or music during your session.
If you are having deep tissue work and your body, or a portion of it, isn’t yielding that day, you may want to ask your therapist to switch to firm Swedish. It’s an alternative that still gives you the feeling of a deeper massage, but without the discomfort that sometimes accompanies deeper work.
A peaceful environment:
For the relaxation and enjoyment of all of our clients, the entire Center is a cell phone and pager free zone. It’s up to you whether you want to talk with your therapist during your massage. Your therapist will not be offended if you let them know you just want to relax quietly, If you choose to talk, thank you for keeping in mind that voices can carry, particularly when in your treatment room or in the hallways outside the rooms.
What if I need to cancel?
To avoid being charged for the full amount of your session, please let us know 12 hours ahead of time if you will be unable to make your scheduled appointment. If your appointment is booked the same day you call, please be aware that the cancellation policy will be in effect once your appointment is set. This is done in fairness both to clients who would otherwise have wanted the appointment, as well as the therapist, who is not paid if they do not perform the session. We ask all new clients to provide a credit card at the time of booking to hold their appointment. The card will be authorized (which holds funds without actually charging them) and you may pay by any method once you arrive at the Center. If you are late to your session, you are welcome to receive whatever time is left in your appointment. Due to our tightly booked schedule we are generally unable to extend your session beyond your original appointment time.
What about tipping?
This is one of the most frequently asked and perhaps most misunderstood questions we get, so please accept our apologies for the following if it seems a bit lengthy.
Just like hair stylists, manicurists, or others providing personal services, it is customary to tip massage therapists and estheticians. The professionals at the Center do not net the full amount of fees collected from clients. A significant portion of the fees collected goes towards paying for the management of the facility.
The usual tipping range is 15-20% of the regular cost of services. Most clients tip $8-10 for a 25 minute session, $12-$15 for a 60 minute session, $20-25 for 90 minutes, and $32-35 for 120 minutes. Please note that gift certificates do not include gratuity and it is still customary to tip your therapist or esthetician even though someone else paid for your session.
If you are paying by credit card you are welcome to add a tip to your credit card charge at the end of your session, and you can leave cash tips for your therapist in special tip envelopes provided at our front desk. If you are paying with a gift certificate please note that credit card company restrictions prohibit us from charging tips to credit cards unless the service was paid for with a credit card. We know, it's a stupid rule, and we wish we could do something about it. For now, if you are using a gift certificate, please just plan to bring cash if you want to tip, and accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience.
Your Experience:
We take great pride in taking care of our clients. If you have any concerns, comments or questions before or after your massage about any part of your visit, we encourage you to let us know.