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| - As training and licensing in Canada in the massage therapy world is quite stringent, most Registered Massage Therapists are keenly aware of human anatomy and to some extent of what is required for clients suffering from physical injuries. Hence that the quality of massage here in Canada exceeds that of most 3rd world countries, that, incidentally, also have some pretty incredible therapists who are as good as or better at therapeutic bodywork, but with the personal touch still intact.
Massage Heights.
I've had about 15 massages at 4 different MH sites in AB, and overall their expertise and work has been at a high standard. But because their work is more intrusive than the average relaxation massage, it's harder to sleep and snore. But the hot towels are very nice!
Oh yes ... I've had about 2000 massages over the past 25 years, many due to vehicular injuries, some to get a deeper sleep, some to feel the touch of another human being, and many just to take care of myself. In addition, while in my own practice, I worked closely with a RMT in the same workspace, and came to know the inner workings of her practice. As well, I've been trained by an RMT, and know fairly well what and who is good in the field.
Given the standard of practice here in Canada, I find Massage Heights to be quite good, but their focus on money became overwhelming. When I first went to see them in Edmonton, I was impressed, but later here in Calgary, their package deals became so expensive as to turn me off, and the pressure to 'upgrade my membership' for $800 up-front during a 'special promotion' was so repugnant that they lost me. After all, it's not a true membership at all but just slick manipulation: once you pass on their next package, the 'membership' lapses and no longer exists. So to get it back, you start all over. What a con!
Hence the 3 stars here. I'm glad they're experiencing some serious competition from other chains like Massage Addict, but I think these unfeeling machines are slowly pushing out all but the best independents.
You see, it's possible they've out-priced themselves. Only 25 years ago, you could get a great RMT massage for only $40/hour, and 15 years ago for $60. But now at $80-120, it's so far-reaching as to put their income stream at risk. Consequently, the chains are dropping their prices by promos to get bodies in through the door. They put out a facade of care about people, but underlying that is a focus on profits and churning us through the system as fast as possible. Hence that remind me of the worst fast-food joints.
Because this one-on-one relationship with the service provider is missing, their focus on superficial client satisfaction surveys does not cut it! Although people can learn to adjust to anything, even slick marketing, do we like this 'assembly line' style of care?
Not this puppy!
Give me a stand-alone operation any day where the therapist gets to know their clients as human beings with specific aches and pains, instead of being pushed through a very impersonal factory setting.
Oh yes...
If you want 'a best of' durable bedding products, spend the extra few bucks (Queen $145; King $155) to get their '2000 threadcount' ComFy brand? We've a set that are the best sheets in the house, even though we also have some high-quality bamboo and eucalyptus bedding sets.
Why?
As smooth as the others, easy to use, tough and not needing such delicate handling, and cool to the touch when it's hot.
Massage Heights. Pretty good work, but the downsides in their underlying phony ambience and price continue to turn me off.
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