A couple weeks ago, I was in need of a massage. The places I usually go to were booked so I called around and found Massage Heights over in the NE across from Marlborough Mall. When I arrived, I was greeted and asked to fill out the standard forms for first time customers. In a few minutes, my massage therapist, Carmen, came out. She seemed nice and after reading my forms, asked a few questions, then left so I could get ready for my massage. The room was rather chilly and the massage table didn't have any sort of heat pads or anything like that. Guess I'm a bit of a princess because I do expect those things. Who wants to be shivering when trying to enjoy a relaxing massage? The music, however, was really nice and soothing.
I told Carmen that I wanted a full body massage, but to focus on my arms and legs, and NOT my back. She started working on my back, of course, with good pressure though. I don't like those really deep massages that usually put me in traction. She got out the knots I had in my upper back. You know the kind you get from sitting at a desk using the mouse too much. Then she massaged my neck and shoulders and the next day, I totally hurt. I've never experienced such pain after a massage as I did from here. Carmen spent a little bit of time on my legs but certainly not enough. Then I flip over and she massages my legs a bit more. Then my neck and head. And boom, she proclaims our time is up. What? Did she completely forget that I mentioned to focus on my legs and ARM? Apparently so. That really frustrated me. Not the kind of feeling I want after an hour long massage.
After getting dressed, I headed out front to pay. They had some kind of introductory special for new clients. Great I'm thinking. Not so fast. The girl behind the counter asks me if my benefit provider happens to be Sun Life or Manulife. I say yes, I'm with Sun Life. She says that they have stopped reimbursing people for any massage therapist who doesn't have at least 2000 hours. I notice a paper taped to the desk, off to the right of where I'm standing. It explains this. And guess what? Carmen only has a lousy 900 hours. Great I'm fucked now for sure. You think it couldn't get any worse. But it does. The girl tries to "sell" me their member ship. Like I want to hear a sales pitch after a crappy massage and being $60 out of my own pocket? I think not. The girl blabs on about how she will wave the membership fee and that I can have a monthly massage for some set price, blah blah blah. I've tuned out. All I can think about is that they should have mentioned this whole thing about the insurance benefits. My blood pressure continues to rise. I'm no longer relaxed. What a waste of money this was.
The next day I call and talk to the manager. She sounded like she was about 14 yrs old. Young and inexperienced and a lack of customer service. Yes blame the customer. She kept saying that we try to tell people and we have this sign. Oh yeah, tape the sign down to the counter off to the side where you don't see it. Brilliant idea! She says Oh if you have any suggestions for me on how we could improve, I would gladly take them into consideration. I've already mentioned having a sign that's noticeable and perhaps having the receptionist mention this whole thing. Oh wait, we're dealing with 20 year olds who don't know shit about anything so I shouldn't expect them to actually think about something that might benefit the client. She blabs some more about trying to improve things but still doesn't seem to hear what I'm saying. She said I could try to submit my claim to Sun Life and see if they will pay it. I've done that and haven't heard back yet. One thing is for sure, I will never go to this place again. I hate dealing with young idiots, not to mention a massage therapist who doesn't listen to me, the client, the one who's paying. I've had my share of massages over the years and this one tops my list of worst experiences. They only care about signing you up for their program. I felt cheap and like they were trying to make me join a gym. Sooooo not what I expected going for a massage. This was the first time I felt more stressed out after a massage than I did before.