Laveda massage…….not so good!

[pattilea]

On Tuesday evening I went to Laveda massage in Jefferson square. It was not so good, it was really disappointing. I had asked for a deep tissue massage, and only got half deep tissue, I think she got tired. And I didn’t get a complete massage it was only like a 3/4 massage, and very disconnected. But the 50 min was up so I guess she was done. I have now called three times to speak with a manager,(she was not in that evening),to discuss this but still no return call.Also when I call it seems no one wants to give me their name or the name of the manager. They ask why do you want to know? weird!!! Has anyone else had a not so good experience?

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[JanS]

so sorry this happened to you…hopefully you will get this resolved. No matter if they sell massage at a discounted price, you should still get a professional massage. If you are interested in discounted massage, try the Massage clinic at Northwest Academy of the Healing Arts, 2707 Calif. Ave. SW..price is $35/hr. Yes, it’s supervised (sort of), but the clinics in our local schools are usually very good, with students that are near graduation. No, I am not affiliated with them in anyway.

http://northwestacademyforthehealingarts.fullslate.com/

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[pattilea]

Thank you Jan I really appreciate this information!

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[manhattan93]

Same with my experience. I was 1st time customer at that time, one month ago . The massage was so so and kinda short ( less than 1 hr I think ). I am definitely not going back. My husband got different therapist , not a deep tissue massage as he known but the therapist could figure out his spot that bothering him a lot. He won’t back either.

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[JanS]

pattilea…some would consider that answer undermining my own business (my charge for an hour is twice that, but I’ve been a massage therapist for almost 18 years), but, hey..just thought I’d pass it along :)

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[goodgraces]

I’ve actually had three awesome massages at LaVida over the last 2 months, all with the same practitioner (Taryn). I am a very experienced massage client and she is seriously one of top three practitioners I’ve ever had.

I’m not really a fan of the corporate feel of the business as a whole, but Taryn is so good that I can easily overlook that aspect.

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[Diane]

wow, thanks for tip Jan; never heard of them, and it’s right down the street from me

~

their website lists address: 3225 California Avenue Southwest; is 2707 Calif. Ave the old or new address?

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[JanS]

the school is located at 2707 the last time I looked, but I know there is a massage office at 3225, and they may be doing the clinic from there, since there’s not enough room in the school. Thanks for pointing that out, Diane. I haven’t been yet, was just pointing out that they exist :)

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[Erik]

NW Academy’s main school is at 2707, with the separate clinic at 3225. I think they still have clinic in both places, but on different days because of classroom needs.

Excellent massage too!

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[Semele]

I also have never had a bad experience at La Vida and am on their monthly plan. I did make sure when I made my initial appointment to ask for someone who specifically could do a “real” deep tissue. I saw Emmanual and have never looked back. He is one of the very few massage therapists I have seen to be able to do what I consider deep tissue. He was always too worried it was too much pressure but it was exactly what was needed. And this is not just at La Vida, I have been getting massages for years, some good, some not so good. His are what I consider great.

Sure, it’s corporate, but’s for someone who needs one fairly regularly and whose insurance doesn’t cover it, it has been a great alternative. I am sorry you had a bad experience, but some of their therapists are great (at leat the two I have been to). Definitely not worth writing off.

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[pshiho]

As one of the owners of Lavida Massage, I am sincerely sorry that you had a not so good experience with us. Please remember that we have over 20 highly qualified therapists. We know that not every one is perfectly suited for every customer. We STRONGLY recommend that if your are not completely satisfied with one therapist, please tell someone at the front desk of any disappointments that you may have had and they will certainly help to make it right. Part of the process of receiving a wonderful massage is trying out several massage therapists until you find just the right one for your needs and expectations. All of our therapists have several to many years of experience and receive many client requests. We are very confident that, given the opportunity, that we can pair you with the perfect therapist for your specific needs. Our mission is to give you the very best massage at the most affordable price possible. We will never be perfect but we take every clients comments very seriously. Your feedback is very important to us. Thank you.

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[Ms. Sparkles]

Regarding La Vida; I too had a very “meh” experience my first and only time there. It was when they first opened and because I only paid $40 for my supposed to be 1 hr (turned out to be 50 minutes because they let me wait in that dark room for 10 minutes before my therapist brought me back) I didn’t complain, I just haven’t been back.

They’ve been calling my home (once yesterday and once the day before) – I assume they’re still trying to sell me that package of massages, but can’t confirm because I just pick up the receiver and then hang up with out speaking or letting them leave a message.

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[Lavida Massage]

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[pattilea]

Okay Today I retract what I said about Lavida massage! Actually, I did have a bad first massage. And as I said I called several times, to speak with the manager. The manager finally did call me back, and invited me back for a massage at no charge. At first I was opposed but than I spoke with a few people, and said, go ahead and try it again with a different therapist. So I scheduled an appointment for earlier this evening with Darren. OMGoodness, I was so pleasantly surprised. I had the best healing massage that I have had in years. He was able to read my body, and I believe a good massage therapist should be able to. It was awesome, and very healing. Eating my words now…..I had a great massage! If you have had a bad experience, try a different person. Ask to have your massage discounted or comped. I will go back and see Darren, at least twice a month!

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[pshiho]

Thank you Pattilea for giving us a second chance. Massage is such a personal experience that we know that every therapist is not right for every person. We ask every client about their massage experience and if ever a client is not completely satisfied, we will do our very best to make it right. We have wonderful therapists, Darren included. I am very pleased that you had the experience that you deserved. Welcome back to Lavida Massage!!

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[jeSSie.carterton]

Wow, you have to be kidding me!! This is my first post on WSB and after reading some of these negative comments, it inspired me to write. Apparently ms.sparkles has never been to a classy massage clinic before. That so called “dark room” is what they introduced me to as their “zen room”. Personally I think it’s a nice touch. It is very PURPOSELY dimly lit to create a relaxing calm zone as I like to think of it. It’s a room where you can sit and relax before and after your massage, I’d be upset if they didn’t have this nice room for me to sit. The staff even offered me lemon water that is readily available in this so called “dark room”, I even tried to get it myself but they insisted on me sitting back and relaxing before my massage.

I don’t want to join the rant but more so defend where I spend my money. I’ve been a member ever since my first massage at their introductory rate. My first massage was “meh” as well, but instead of being passive aggressive and ranting online, I simply mentioned it to one of the very kind young ladies at the front desk, they exceeded my expectations and made me one happy member. It’s like a hair cut people, you simply cannot sit down in the chair and expect to love the outcome. You must try out different therapist and find your perfect match! It took me two visits and I found a favorite, plus I enjoy trying new therapist every now and again. Judging from some of these posts, I get the impression that there are some people on this blog that simply resent the fact that you can get a thorough, professional massage at an affordable price.

Great staff, great customer service, great therapist, great location..could’nt ask for more! A+ La Vida I’m a big fan!!

I’ve referred many friends and family members and hope to inspire more people to try it out. I had to speak up and put in my two cents, maybe the “dark room” is too relaxing for ms.sparkles, maybe you should try waiting outside in the rain next time :)

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[sginther]

I’ve had great experiences at La Vida. I’ve had three massages so far, two with Anna and one with Taryn. All were great. The receptionists and admin staff are friendly. The ambience is soothing. And both masseuses asked me very specifically how they could provide the best massage for me. One time my left shoulder and back really hurt so Anna concentrated on that area for most of the massage. I have had nothing but good experiences there and signed up for their plan.

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[emeraldgirl]

I’m another person who didn’t have a good experience at La Vida. At first, I chalked it up to being a new business and maybe “working the kinks out” <pun intended>. But I also gave them more than one chance. The first time, I requested deep tissue massage… but the therapist said it was the end of her day and she would give me “extra swedish massage instead”… then proceeded to use her elbow as she went along – and eventually crossed over – my spine… owie! (I nearly jumped off the table.) I’ve had lots of massages in my life and frequent the NW Academy (massage school here), and this was bar none the worst massage I’d ever had. I called to relay my experience to the owner, thinking it would be good for him to have my feedback. He invited me back to see another therapist for the same introductory price of $40, which I did. The next time in, I requested deep tissue and work on my sore neck. Therapist #2 was better than #1, but not good at time management… time expired before the neck was even addressed. I was disappointed. The owner called to follow up on how it went the second time, which I appreciated. He recommended I go back to see Taryn (for another $40). Taryn definitely knew what she was doing, but after dealing with all of the swings and misses, I was burned out with the inconsistency of La Vida. I’ll happily keep going to NW Academy for Healing Arts… the students are in the process of learning, but they are taught WELL. I’ve had some of the best massages EVER at that school, so why would I pay more for a question mark?

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[Todd Y]

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about LaVida. I must have received about 8 different massages in the past 4 months. Each one was excellent. The entire staff is very professional and accommodating. I used to bounce around with other therapists in private practice, some very good and some just OK. Point being that every therapist is going to give you a different experience. One shoe just doesn’t fit all. The beauty of LaVida is that they have so many therapists to choose from that I can fine tune what I am looking for, although I have to admit that I really do enjoy just experiencing different therapists because each of their styles are so different. I particularity like Sarah and Dave. I think that it is silly to condemn a company because someone didn’t think that one of their therapists was what they expected. It is like condemning Swedish hospital because you didn’t like one particular doctor. Try a different Dr. I read some of these posts about NW Academy. Although I have never been there, you can’t tell me that every therapist is going to be the best ever. It just doesn’t work that way. Lavida is a fairly large clinic, and let’s face it, wherever you go, it is going to be hit and miss for your particular wants. At Lavida they will work with you until you find your perfect fit. I love Lavida. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! I am a customer for life!!

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[DeanO]

Good Day I was driving home from golf and saw the bilboard for Lavida massage. 39.00 caught my eye. I checked on the web and found this blog as usual the mixed reviews were not surprising. I have been to independant massage therapist in the past recommended by my Dr. I suffered a severe shoulder upper back tension. Brought on from my work and activity of enjoyment. In the past meditation and focusing on relaxation worked yet a good massage I find works quite well. After reading your posts I was confused as far as I know relaxing the mind and body before as well as after the massage is part of the deal replenishing the muscle groups with water assists with the healling process of massage. So 50 min of good massage and 10 min of relaxing before and after I felt was the norm. I have not been to a massage school so have no experience on that. I did go to a accupuncture school a few times and found them to be ok but nothing beats someone with experience. All that being said. I chose to try Lavida and found the experience to be exceptional proffessional and meet as well as exceed my expectations. Im not ready for the membership quite yet but when I need a massage I’ll be back and recommend it to my friends.

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[snicolegreen]

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[happy hour]

Taryn is good. I didn’t like the pressure sales of package. I had to beg for a credit on my cc so I could get out of it after I thought about it. Asked if I wanted fragrance for an extra $10, which was absurd for a few barely noticeable drops. I should have brought in my own fabulous lotion for less.

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