Massage Therapy Center, Inc.

Where has this place been hiding???

by nennie1969

March 17, 2006

A friend dragged me here, promising to pay if I didn't like it. I did a package with a facial and a free upgrade from a 60 to a 90 minute massage. I could feel the facial working but it was very relaxing and for the first time I actually wanted to buy the products afterwards. The massage was just wonderful. I tried to tell my friend with a straight face that I didn't like it, but I could barely talk without cracking a smile after all that pampering.

• Pros: Great skin care, Wonderful Massage
• Cons: I had to pay for it!, Free parking but busy

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Best massages! Amazing facial from Bridgitte.

by GoGators81

March 28, 2009

I've had nothing but amazing massages here, and the selection of therapists and styles seems endless. When I first called they told me they offered something over 200 styles---wow! Every single visit has been different, but every single visit has been amazing. Time seems to float, and I leave feeling so much better. It's a shame I have to drive home!

Facials are a smaller department, but the experience may be the best part of my visits. I was scared of pain and discomfort at first, but it was laced with so much massage and "extra" (Bridgette massaged my feet, gave me a hot neck pillow, and did my peel on my arms too at no extra $), I forgot about the deep extractions and medical grade peel (only 35$!). All the girls do quality work, but after seeing Bridgitte, I was too spoiled to see anyone else.

The high quality array of candles and other products sold up at the front is reason enough to go in. The front desk staff lets you browse as long as you need, smelling and smelling. The variety of home fragrance are a perfect selection of scents.

The locker room can get crowded on certain days, but if my massage room is open early I just go in there and fall asleep :):)

Parking is easy, but the narrowing street of Sawtelle can be a zoo. The parking attendant will chit chat with some patrons and hold you up a bit, but he's usually pretty aware if you are in a hurry to park.

• Pros: Exceeds expectations with ambience and service quality
• Cons: Traffic prone area, out of a product I wanted

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Great Place--Be Sure to Ask for Kenny!

by Toro888

March 15, 2009

Been going to the Massage Therapy Center for a few years now and have had a number of therapists work on me. You have to do this in order to find out which one you like the most. At this point, I can honestly say that Kenny is the best therapist I've seen there. The pressure is very good and you can tell he knows what he's doing (he will also help you with body and pain and discomfort by teaching you stretching moves and other stuff you can do on your own).

The best part about getting a massage from Kenny is that he is the best listener, by far. Experienced therapists like Kenny tend to think they know it all (probably because they do), but, in turn, tend to disregard or ignore your instructions because of their knowledge and experience. This is not the case with Kenny--he will listen to your instructions and focus on what you want done during the sessions. He will suggest alternatives if he believes it will help you, but he understands that the customer is always right and he is being paid to do what you want him to do in terms of working out your knots and your pain. To me, this is the most important aspect of the experience with Kenny.

He has the perfect demeanor during the sessions and I guarantee you will come out of it feeling 10X better than when you entered the center. Kenny is a real pro.

• Pros: Firm Pressure, Deep Knowledge & Experience
• Cons: Rush Hour Traffic on Sawtelle on Thursday Nights

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Kenny is the best

by laptam

March 13, 2009

I go there exclusively for Kenny. He's awesome. Strong but sensitive--the man! You can tell he's been doing this for a long time, because whatever I come in with--neck, low back, even wrists--he knows what to do to make me feel better. Some massage therapists out there are chatty and self-centered; Kenny is there for YOU. He has this, je no sais quois....a presence, an aura if you will, that is calming, reassuring and therapeutic. I'm kind of ambivalent about writing this review because I don't want it to be hard to get in to see him, but I feel that people should know about him.....

• Pros: Not one of those corporate places
• Cons: I'm from East Los Angeles so it's a drive

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This place restores your sanity!

by Sheauen

November 19, 2008

I went to this place after spending 16 hours in 3.5 inch heels at a wedding. Pamela gave me the best deep tissue massage ever. I felt like a completely new person. They do full 60 minute massages not the 50 minute "hour" massages you get at other places. I love it!

• Pros: Awesome deep tissue massage
• Cons: hard to get the same masseuse twice.

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A luxurious value for a great price

by MCfromPhilly

October 08, 2008

I admit, I am a bit of a snob- when I get facials, I usually go to resorts, the Red Door Spa and other high end places in NYC and LA, so when my friend got me a facial with her facialist (Brigette) at Massage Therapy Center, I wondered what a 90$ facial with free parking would be like in comparison- and I was completely surprised--- this was by far the most detail oriented & relaxing facial I've ever received. What struck me as different about my facialist, was she was very honest- she recommended a product she carried, and one from somewhere else (a facialist give advice she wont get commission from?! So refreshingly honest), and even better- her advice worked. Better yet, next time I saw her, she remembered and asked me how it worked. I am devoted now, and I'm kind upset that I've been missing out on quality and over paying for years.

I regret that I don't know the name of my massage therapist, since massage is a far less discussion oriented. My massage therapist was so clearly experienced, and responsive to what I wanted. I feel like my posture is better now, but I was so relaxed I don't know how I made it home! A beautiful balance.

The simplicity and ease makes the experience so much more relaxing, and the front desk girl, Amira was genuinely warm and inviting as well. This is my first 5 star rating for a citysearch review, and that is a lot coming from a reformed snob like myself. ;)

• Pros: Best front desk, Best facials, Easy parking, affordable!
• Cons: None worth a critique

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Great in the past not so nice now

by michaela364

September 19, 2008

I have been there about 6 times for facials. The best facials I had were by Faith. The suana in the changing area is really nice as well as the showers. The compliant I have is the last facial. It was given to me by a new esthetician not sure of her name, and it was awful. I was waiting for the half hour to end. Her breath was unpleasant and she didn't seem like she knew what she was doing. She did give me a good eye brow waxing. I made the decesion to never go back there because the experience was so unprofessional for the money I paid. 4 and a half stars on the past experiences but two on the last one.

• Pros: Suana and shower, Faith and Bri give good facials, both really nice
• Cons: Last facial was awful not sure of esthetician's name

Response from this business

mchatow-1– October 07, 2008 at 22:30:34 PDT

Thanks very much for the feedback. First, we're very sorry that you had an experience during your last visit that didn't live up to the great experiences you'd had during your past six visits.

We strive to make every visit outstanding and we'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about what went wrong in your session and to have an opportunity to make things right with you.

We've attempted to contact you by phone, but haven't been able to reach you. Please don't hesitate to call us at 310-444-8989 and ask to speak with our General Manager so we can resolve this situation to your satisfaction.

Best Regards,

The Massage Therapy Center

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"The Healer named Grace"

by HYM8NENCE

August 20, 2008

I totally love this place! I used to go to Thibiant and Elixir but after browsing throught the City-Search reviews I thought I would give Masage Therapy Center a try. I wanted to see what all the noise was about regarding this CMT they have there named Grace aka " The Healer. Well, I dont' think I have had a better massage, she is very knowledgable about the body, uses all the proper termanology and such. She has a way about her that lets you know that she really does want to help balance you and aleviate your aches and pains. I might have to add her to weekly regimine! The place is small and quiet, neat and tidy, very clean. Take a nice steam or a long relaxing shower with the huge waterfall showerhead they have. Comfy robes and towels.. not crazy about the plastic slippers but you get those pretty much wherever you go. They sell yummy candles and other great stuff up front for men and women alike. The front desk is very nice, greeter was on top of her stuff. All in all I had an awesome massage by the lady I will now refer to as " The Healer" , Miss Grace. She really did do an amazing job, thank you!

• Pros: professional, knowledgable staff who care about the service they provide
• Cons: Grace is only there a few days a week and books up way in advance, so call ahead!

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Second try was great and worth it!

by wlillian

July 12, 2008

After a disappointing first-time massage experience, I went back for a second try after a conversation with the manager who promised to match me with a masseuse who would meet my needs. This second time around, the experience was much better - thanks to Nichi, the deep tissue massage took out my knots this time, leaving me relaxed. I am so glad I gave the place a second chance, because the location truly is great, free parking is a huge plus, and the atmosphere is relaxing with the steam room and amenities. So like the manager explained to me, you just need to express what you need if you are a first time customer so you don't walk out disappointed. This is truly a nice, little place. I will recommend to my friends. I really appreciate the professionalism of all the staff members, and a special thanks to the manager for convincing me to come back for a second try.

Response from this business

mchatow-1– July 23, 2008 at 22:00:15 PDT

Lillian,

Thanks again for coming back. I noticed that you used a different user name this time and wanted to make it clear to readers that you posted your original review on 5/18/08 as Pisces315.

Readers: While we'd rather match every guest with the perfect therapist the first time around, sometimes it's just not a good fit. Please don't hesitate to let us know when you book your first session what your massage preferences are. We'll do our best to find the perfect therapist for you. If the fit doesn't feel right, the first step is to let your therapist know exactly what you'd like them to do differently. We know it's not always easy to express yourself when you are on the table, but feedback is the only way your therapist can know they need to do something differently. If it's still not the right fit, stop the session, and we'll make it right for you.

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The best quality skincare and massage in LA & they have parking!

by skytosea4me

June 04, 2008

It's about time I write a review for this place- I first came across MTC a few years ago when 2 famous dermatologists (Dr. Shamban & Dr. Rey) both referred me to see Brigette for facials. I had high expectations after two MD's separately referred me- and the expectations were met. I see Brigette every 2 weeks for a facial and a glycolic peel, and my fine lines have been visibly disappearing, and my skin is absolutely brighter-- no more age spots. I like her honesty and integrity-- her advice is spot on, and after trying every "hard core" medical line, and the 400$ bottles of miracle cream, I am genuinely impressed with the products, and will never stray.

THE MASSAGE IS INCREDIBLE! I first was booked with Robert, and found the experience both euphoric and invigorating at the same time. He has an amazing calm nature. I was convinced no one could match Robert-- but then I booked with another therapist who happened to be available name Robert as well, and it was completely different, and completely satisfying and wonderful. I can't say one was better though they differed. I have literally gained 1/2 an inch in height after coming to get massage every 2 weeks here! I have had other massage therapists who names I don't recall- but everyone is sincerely amazing in their own way.

I also like that therapists have a CD player so they can opt to work to their own choice of music. I've heard the very traditional soft classical all the way to Billie Holiday, Bob Marley, Ella Fitzgerald, even the Beatles.

From the outside, I never thought this small place would be the best I've tried in LA, but I have to say after much investigation, the quality of services is extremely consistent.

Plus they have ample free parking!

• Pros: Best massage, best facials, parking, inexpensive!
• Cons: No couples massage- otherwise no complaints

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I love this place!

by spahound

May 27, 2008

Where do I start? I visited the Massage Therapy Center this morning and I just had to come home and give them a review. First of all, when I pulled into the parking lot I was a little surprised. This is a mostly Japanese business shopping center that doesn't seem like it would have one of the best reviewed Day Spas in it. I parked underground and took a rickety elevator up to the 2nd floor. When I spotted the place I still wasn't sure. But, when I walked in everything changed. I felt like I was somewhere completely different. The hostess was a lovely woman who made me feel right at home. She asked me to fill out a health form ( a good sign of professional massage). When I was finished she buzzed my massage therapist, who was there immediately to show me back to the locker room. The calm atmosphere put me at ease immediatley. I then went to my room and listened to lovely soft music as I lay on the heated table. My massuese was right on time and asked if I had any areas I would like to focus on. I had quite a list of needs. I knew she would never have enough time in the hour to get to everything. I was wrong. In that "way too fast" hour she lulled me into submission and then accurately addressed all of my requests. She never seemed rushed, quite the oppostie. She had a flow to her work that was wonderful. I think I passed out at some point. When the massage was over she gently excused herself, reminding me to drink a lot of water today. As I left, after more steam room, the lovely woman in the lobby asked me how everything had been and validated my parking. I sit here now feeling like a new person. And yes, I am drinking water. I will definitely be back. I loved it!

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