Massage Envy – La Jolla

Impossible to get an appointment unless you make one in advance. I’m a spur of the moment person so massage envy does not work for me!

I called last minute last week to see if I could get a massage in the same day, in a desperate attempt to get rid of sciatic pain I had for about a week. I was so relieved when this location (the fifth one I called that day!) could take me. When the guy (I don’t remember his name) started going to town on my sciatic nerve area, it was extremely painful but when he asked if the pressure was ok I said it felt a little excessive but if that’s what he needed to do to get rid of the sciatic nerve pain then to keep going. Luckily the rest of the massage was great and relaxing, and I hoped that dealing with the almost excruciating pain of the deep tissue massage on that one area would be worth it. I’ve never had a deep tissue massage so I honestly didn’t know what was normal. I’m pretty sure it was not normal after all though because the next day I had a huge ugly bruise where my sciatic nerve is. It honestly looks like I either fell or ran really hard into something. I feel weird calling because I honesty don’t want to go back and have them try again, but let this just be a word of caution that that is not what a deep tissue massage should feel like and you definitely shouldn’t have a fist-​sized bruise that hurts worse than the sciatic nerve pain. Also, I still have the sciatic nerve pain so it didn’t even do what I hoped it would. On another note, I didn’t appreciate being given a sales pitch on their memberships and everything DURING the massage either. Overall a disappointing experience, and what I feel was a giant waste of $ 50 – plus a tip.

If I could only give a negative star rating…
This used to be my favorite location for my massages. No longer the case. They book appointments they don’t keep (yes, plurals…). And to my surprise, don’t even both to offer a sincere apology.
Highly unprofessional.

They are the best. Really helped me out today. They are very flexible, super friendly and helpful. I’m glad I went here :)

Like the other reviewer said, I also cancelled my Massage Envy membership because of the poor customer service from this site. I had been a member for 8 years. The front desk staff are rude and disrespectful and certainly not peaceful and kind like you would hope for from a spa.

This place has terrible customer service. They would not credit back me a massage that I missed, which was the result of miscommunication as to when my scheduled massage occurred. The massage envy representative said that a massage envy employee called my phone (an IPhone) and said the phone rang and range. My iPhone has the option to receive and record messages. The representative did not leave me a message notifying me of my upcoming massage. I was told by the representative that they did not leave a massage. The end result was the representative said I will be charged for the massage even though I asked if they would reschedule the massage. I explained to to the person that I would cancel
My membership if that occurred and he said «YOU CAN’T CANCEL YOUR membership,» (by the way this is completely false information). I called my home base Massage Envy Encintas and spoke with the manager Kristen, who was an incredibly helpful, and polite. I informed her of my experience at the La Jolla Massage Envy. She offered me a massage at the Encinitas location that day and she also offered to cancel my membership since I have been a loyal customer since 2010. She apologized for the rude treatment I received from La Jolla Massage Envy. On Saturday, the La Jolla representative was suppose to call me back that day after speaking with his manager (this was yesterday). I have not heard back. I WILL NEVER RETURN TO THE LA JOLLA MASSAGE ENVY AGAIN. I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT ONE SHOULD GO TO THE PACIFIC BEACH OR UTC Massage Envy, or even better go to the Encinitas location. The La Jolla staff are not trained well and the staff behave like they are operating a college frat/​sorority house. The décor and massage rooms appear dingy and old, and interior looks like it requires a facelift. It looks like an old
motel. There is only one good massage therapist on site. She is a gem and from the Ukraine. She should find employment elsewhere as she is the best masseuse working at the La Jolla location. She is far superior and sophisticated to be working at the La Jolla location. The rest of the masseuses, or at least the ones I had, are adequate or fair. Since I have not received any messages yet (because obviously the La Jolla Massage Envy are incapable or worse lazy in actually leaving messages or being prompt in taking care of their clients), as exemplified of their action or inaction — I will now have to cancel my membership. I would prefer not to, but I understand now as a result from their inaction that they will be charging me
for the massage. IF YOU WANT A GOOD MASSAGE AND TO DEAL WITH PROFESSIONAL STAFF PLEASE GO TO ANOTHER MASSAGE ENVY. The La Jolla Massage Envy is terrible!

I was in a decent amount of pain from the knots in my back and neck, so I scheduled an introductory hour and a half massage with this location because the Pacific Beach location (closer to my apt) was booked. I ended up with Micah and he was great! He was professional and courteous, which I appreciated.
The biggest downside of this whole experience was when I went to pay and in return felt incredibly pressured to become a ‘Member’. It was a Friday, the end of a very long week, I had just had a massage and really wasn’t in the mood to think at all at 8pm. Not to mention it was pretty awkward when I said I wasn’t sure about financially committing for a year with everyone else in earshot. I had to ask 2 – 3 times if I could give an answer ‘tomorrow’ when I finally got the okay. Until that point, I had a great experience. I definitely would have become a Member had I been given some breathing room in between. My suggestion — maybe follow-​up with a phone call or email the next day, otherwise it just ruins the relationship with the therapist that you did have a good experience with.
I also did not feel well at all after, which I know can be typical if a lot of toxins are released as a result of the massage. But. I am not in the medical or physical therapy field and don’t exactly know how to deal with the aftermath aside from drinking water. A forewarning and advice on what to do would have been helpful as well.

Only fact that they don’t offer facials at this location.
The staff is very professional and helpful!

The front desk was helpful but unprofessional. I booked a 90 min massage, got in 5 min late, therapist talked to me for an extra 10 min before he left the room so I can get ready, and then ended the session 5 minutes early. Massage wasn’t that great and he was talking for half the session. Not a happy customer.

Janis is the best! Exceptionally tuned to exactly what my body needs — and executes so professionally! A gift — thank you!

I enjoyed this massage. I think her name was Claudia that massaged me. I threw my back out the week before. I think she is the only masseuse that i have EVER had that actually listened to what I told her. That yes, my upper body is knotted and my neck is thrashed, but I would like her to focus on my lower body, back glutes, IT bands and feet. She did just that. I had a couples massage with my friend and it was nice and peaceful. They know we didn’t really want to talk, just get worked on. They had a nice waiting room, you can smell the aroma when you first enter into the building. You know there is a Spa close. The desk was friendly and didn’t pressure me into buying a package. Which I hate. I will definately visit here again and ask for Claudia. The great thing is, they keep a record, so they will be able to tell me her real name.

Overpriced and just want to sucker you into a membership. You would expect some legitimate trained professional staff from a company that makes themselves out to be so proper and expensive. Their staff was tattooed with pink and purple hair and shoes and far from professional. I figured I could see past it and enjoy myself until I received a mediocre at best massage. All and all I would rate this place very low. Go out to any Asian place on convoy and get a far better massage for far cheaper

I came in tonight and my shoulders, legs, and neck were very tight. My massage therapist was Dylan he gives a great deep tissue massage. I will be returning to him in the future when my normal therapist is not available.

Have the flu slept
and called four hours in advance, so they charged me. Flu really? Subsequently, I cancelled the program. I JUST SIGNED up last week. Penny wise pound foolish.

Hi! This review is specifically for my massages with Nadine and Ashley. Love, love, love them both!!! :) Nadine, unfortunately, no longer works at Massage Envy but now works for another establishment. Ashley, on the other hand, still works at Massage Envy and she is phenomenal! :)
Both Ashley and Nadine are very personable, attentive to the needs of their clients and pay very close attention to detail. I had pre-​natal and post-​natal massages by them and I attribute my wonderful pregnancy and delivery to my massage therapists.
Once a month, my father and I go to get massages together and for years we’ve seen both Nadine and Ashley – now that Nadine no longer works for M.E., I asked Ashley to recommend another therapist for me, Cassidy, and I really like her. I can’t really say enough great things about Ashley and Cassidy, now, too – I was a little sad when Nadine left because she knew me so well, but I think that Ashley really prepared her and informed her about all my preferences and was thoroughly impressed with Cassidy! :)

I just called Massage Envy in La Jolla looking to book an appointment sometime today for a deep tissue massage. I have been experiencing neck pain and sciatic pain in my right leg. My acupuncturist suggested I call because she said that they are friendly and do a good job.
Well, let me tell you, I have never been so insulted and surprised in my life! The receptionist was very nice and helpful and booked my appointment for 10:30. When she asked me for more information she realized I was not a regular customer and told me that they only see regulars on Saturday. At this point she put me through to the manager to see if there was anything she could do or make an exception.
The Manager, Elsa, was very short on the phone and rude. She said that there was nothing she could do and those were «the rules.» She said that she could offer me a different day or I was welcome to go somewhere else. No sympathy to my symptoms and no acknowledgment of the fact that a health professional recommended them. She did not have any poise on the phone or customer service.
She did not even offer for me to become a member, which I would have done.
This manager should be sent back to corporate to be retrained on customer service 101.
Massage Envy should look at the growth of this store as they may be loosing business due to her poor customer service.
When you work in a service industry, you never turn down a potential customer. It makes a difference on your bottom line!

I have been a member for over 6 years and have appreciated being able to drop in to a location when I am travelling and on the road. Yet, I have NEVER written a review before on any of my treatments but this past week was ahhhh-​mazing. In a word, SINA — my therapist is gifted and has a level of expertise that seems very rare. I said that I was surprised that she had an opening since she was so good. She said that she had just transferred to this location and so people don’t know her yet. Ah ha – that explains it. I know I am taking a risk by putting the word out that I won’t be able to get an appointment, but she is just too great to keep a secret! The massage she did with me wasn’t the fluffy type but a therapeutic one that made me wince with pain BUT I was aligned afterwards in a way that seemed well worth it. Enjoy!

Not a fan. The ambience was very nice but there lacked communication between the staff. When I made the appointment the woman asked me what areas were sore. When I arrived the woman asked me what areas were sore. The paper asked me what areas as well as the therapist when I came into the room. They also all asked out loud as if it were everyone’s business. Not professional in the least. Besides for that, the massage was just a lot of rubbing. When I told the woman I liked it deeper (nevermind I already wrote that on the paper!!) she started going waaaaaay too deep. So it was all or nothing… Needless to say it was a big disappointment.

After my fiancé and I received a two hour couples massage, we go to the counter to pay and the awkward lady running the desk tries to sell us membership packages.
Like, I go in your place to get relaxed and you accomplish the task, but then you leave your last impression as a sales pitch to spend more money? It gave me a headache immediately. I came here to get rid of my headache not to get a new one.
When people are all chilled out, you should let them leave as such. Let them walk away happy and zen. You will most likely see them again. Waking them up in a desperate attempt to get them to make big decisions is a really bad call.
What a terrible business model.

Where do I begin?
I booked an appointment for an hour-​long massage for me and my SO for this afternoon. A perfect way to end our Sunday afternoon… or so I thought.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make the appointment at the designated time, so I called back to see if we could postpone the appointment and just go in for 30 minutes instead. Due to company policy, we were already booked so regardless of the length of massage, we’d get charged the same. Okay. Company policy. I can understand that.
I managed to get into the area, and the street they’re on is in 2 separate sections. My GPS took me to the wrong side of the street, apparently. So I’m walking up the hill, on the phone with the girl working the front desk, trying to get to the place. I’m calling out landmark buildings, asking her how far I am, approximately. Her response: «None of those places sound familiar. Are you sure you want to still come in? You’re probaby only going to end up getting a 10 minute massage at this point.»
Wow. Do you typically talk customers into paying for things they’re NOT going to use?
After a good 3 block walk, I managed to finally find the section of the street The facility was on. By then, it was already set in my mind that I would miss the appointment altogether.
Even if I had made it, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it, given the «courtesy» I was treated with over the phone. Maybe the therapists are decent. I wouldn’t know for sure because I didn’t get the chance to experience it for myself.
I leave it at a 3 star rating, giving some benefit of the doubt that the services they provide are of the same quality I’m typically receiving at Massage Envy up north. If I ever do get that session at this facility, I’ll update my review as needed.