LaVida Massage

Great massage parlor in Shadyside, Pittsburgh. Very sweet owners and professional therapists. I recommend this to visitors or locals in the area. Very comfortable atmosphere, complimentary refreshments and great customer service.

In a nutshell, my massage was simply unsatisfying.
Going in to LaVida, I was so excited for my first full-​body massage experience. Lifting 6x a week and cardio 4x a week really takes a toll on your body. I chose LaVida specifically because of their new client deal — $ 50 for a 60 min session.
The employee at the front desk had a great personality! Very upbeat and friendly. He gave me some tips about what to request since I’m new to this process. My masseuse did not do a great job of making me feel comfortable. When someone is stripping down and trusting to be alone in a room with you for an hour, a little light conversation would be helpful! Even during the session, she never asked me how I was feeling, if the pressure was ok, etc. Let’s just say I was not very pleased.
I requested a deep tissue massage to remove the soreness from my muscles. I’ve had quick massages where they really dig into the knots. That’s what I need! Unfortunately, I feel no different from when I walked in — except $ 60 poorer. I asked for increased pressure twice during the session but still nothing. Sure, it was relaxing, but I did not feel my masseuse catered well to my personal needs even after I clearly expressed what I was looking for. Additionally, the session was less than 50 min long. Maybe the 60 min includes the time it takes to get ready for the massage, but it’s very misleading either way.
Lastly, it was absolutely FREEZING in there! My hands felt like icicles. I asked to turn down the AC, but it felt no different.
To be blunt, I regret coming here. I did not receive any benefit from the session at all. My boyfriend’s free massages are more satisfying.

I decided to go back a year later, after hurting my back. They have the same people at the front desk which I always like to see. The woman at the front was really pleasant and I waited maybe 5 minutes until my massage therapist came and got me. I told her I wanted focused on my back, and that is what she did. I definitely will go back if I hurt something again. Aafke did a great job. I liked that there was parking because I hate parking on the street.

I was a first time visitor to LaVida and I booked a couple’s massage for me and my boyfriend. LaVida left a message early that morning saying that one of their masseuses could not make it so they had to reschedule for a different day. I called back 5 minutes later and was told they figured it out and we were fine to come in.
We got there and everyone was so nice. The two women at the front desk and both masseuses. The place was very clean and has a good atmosphere. We filled out the paper work indicating what type of massages we wanted and the areas we did not want massaged etc. I wrote that I did not want my face massaged on the form. We were then taken into our room with our masseuses and when they came back into the room to start, my masseuse immediately pulled up her stool and put oil/​lotion on her hands and rubbed them on my face. I asked her to stop and she apologized, but it was frustrating as I specifically wrote that I did not want that.
Although my masseuse was very nice, she seemed to have a distinct not so pleasant smell that affected the relaxation of the visit. Lastly, the room was very cold. It was tough to relax at times due to how chilly I was.
All in all, I’m not sure i would pay to have another massage here.

Since my original review, I have cancelled by massage membership. The turnover rate seemed quite high and it was hard for me to build a relationship with a masseuse. I was sad to see Andre leave, but then found a new masseuse. Not even 4 months later she was gone too. I tried a few others and it just no longer seemed worth my time and money.

I visit LaVida in Shadyside every 4 – 6 weeks for a massage with Allegra. Allegra is, hands down, the best massage therapist I’ve had around the Pittsburgh area. She applies the pressure you prefer, has great technique and is always friendly and professional. If you want to talk during your massage, she’ll be happy to do so, but if you want to be quiet the entire time, she’s quiet, as well. I highly recommend Allegra… you won’t be disappointed!

Have been having such a bad month with my back and Mina was amazing and helping me relax and working on my back. I wish I was in town more because I would be there weekly!

Overall I was impressed with the cleanliness and ambiance of the place but there were a few things that took away from the experience. I was surprised that hot towel option was a la carte instead of included with the massage. If you go to a massage place in a mall or any nail salon that does pedicures, they almost always offer a hot towel to wipe off the oils used without requiring you to pay more. Another thing that made the experience less than desirable was that my fiancé’s masseuse apparently was sick or getting over a cold and kept sniffling during the massage. She also smelled of cigarette smoke. Other than that, the massages were good but I will say that I’m glad I had gift cards and didn’t pay out of pocket for the experience. Mina was great and seemed very knowledgeable about massage and migraines/​headaches. I’d go back again, I just think that they should have a no-​smoking while working policy and that the masseuses should not work on clients if they are sick/​recovering from being sick.

I have to admit, the first time i had to find Lavida in the plaza, it took me a minute, but this time I didn’t have that issue.
I came in a few minutes early and upon entry, was cordially greeted at reception by a very nice young lady. My appointment was right on time and my massage therapist, Angel, was very attentive and literally oozed my tension out during the 60 minutes session.
I paid a little more than I had on other massages, but the ambiance and experience, imo, was well worth it so I actually signed up for the monthly plan to save a little $.
Overall i would definitely recommend Lavida as I see other Unilocalers have, which is actually what brought me to Lavida in the first place.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED-​EXCELLENT SERVICE AND A TOTAL 10 STARS!
I’ve been going there almost regularly since it opened and they have top only notch therapists working there. When I recently moved, there was so much stress and soreness from packing and lifting boxes, LaVida was the place to go to remove my swollen ligaments. Mina massaged every bump and lump away, using hot stones to relax the muscle soreness. Upon request, she pointed out where each of the knots were, and put extra energy into them so they would be removed. I came out a newly energized person.
There was no waiting, a refreshing glass of lemon water for my exit, and only polite, courteous, and friendly staff in attendance – plenty of available parking as well.

I called that day and was able to easily get an appointment. It was great they have free parking. The woman who greeted me when I walked in was friendly and attentive. My massage therapist got me from the lobby right on time. She really listened to what I wanted focused on and checked in during the session. If I’m in town again definitely want to see Aafke. Great hidden gem in Pittsburgh.

I got the introductory massage, and while the masseuse was so-​so (she was a little too harsh and I felt sore at the end of the massage), the room was under a vent and it was COLD and the heating blanket did not work. I complained about it and the masseuse said that there was nothing she could do about the vent because it was centralized and the outlet was not working instead of moving me to another room so I was just cold the whole time.
Over all, it was like I paid $ 50 to be miserable and cold for an hour. Would definitely not go back.

Ivan (ee-​vahn) is AMAZING. I’ve been rubbed down by countless people — this dude gets a megaHigh-​5. Word!

I am a new client of LaVida Massage in Shadyside. My first massage session was with Jim this morning. All I can say is WOW! I requested a deep tissue massage and he completely went beyond my expectations. Dim lighting, very peaceful, and quiet. I’ve been having trouble with migraines and neck pain. I just left there feeling better than I had in months! The lady at the front desk was also very professional and polite. I was running a few minutes late and once I called to let them know, they were very accommodating. I will definitely come back again! Jim you’re a life saver!

I went there while visiting Pittsburgh and am glad I did. The staff were friendly. Great service and great price. Definitely would recommend.

I love getting my massages here. It’s literally the best place to go in the Pittsburgh area, and totally underrated! I guess it’s the best kept secret in Shadyside.
The service is great! Pam at the front desk always knows what to suggest when I have questions about what kind of massage to get. She’s so lovely and helpful.
The therapists are all qualified and never make it awkward. I’ve had only good experiences. The aroma therapy here helps with my allergies!

When I arrived at the location I was please to find that there was free parking. The inside décor was relaxing and clean. It was quiet and it seemed like I may have been the only customer there at the time (Friday afternoon).
Although my massage therapist was nice, she didn’t seem to be very experienced and what she did to me was mostly painful instead of pleasureful. It has been five days since my massage and I am still sore from it. My neck and back have been frequently cracking and I’m sore most of the time. The first two nights after my massage I couldn’t sleep because I was uncomfortable. In my opinion, a massage should feel good and reap benefits but I feel that neither of those applied to my experience.
Their prices are reasonable and they do accept SpaFinder gift cards.

I had a birthday massage here, I called ahead five days in advance and I got one the day and time I wanted. They have a strict cancellation policy… so do not miss your appointment or call if you have to cancel when they ask Otherwise you will be charged.
I have not had a ton of massages in my life but I have had enough to know mine was pretty a-​ok. Nothing mind blowing but good enough and definitely relaxing. I would be sure to discuss pressure and specifics etc ahead of time with your masseuse. They say arrive 15 minutes early… I would do it. I got there right on time for my scheduled massage due to the bad weather that day and I shaved about 5 – 8 minutes off of my massage time. It was just shy of the full hour I paid for.
I am sure they do this for scheduling purposes. It is a very nice clean atmosphere and the music was decent. Its very good value considering most spas charge 65 – 100 $ an hour. Depending on where you are. Its not the best but it will do the job.

I’ve been massaged in 4 states by dozens of masseuses over ten years. I have received sports massages, Swedish and deep tissue. I consider La Vida to be a very good facility and Angel to be a very competent therapist. For more than 6 months I have gone once every 3 – 4 weeks.
I work out regularly and consider a massage a great way to heal sore muscles and low back pain from sitting at a desk all day. After my old therapist moved to Florida, I began the annoying process of trying new ones. Some have trouble dialing up or down the pressure. Some can’t get the low back pain out like others. Some reek of cigarette smoke. Some are lazy, using one hand at a time instead of two.
Then I found Angel, who is quite competent. If you wanna chat, she’ll chat. If you want quiet relaxation, she’ll put you at ease. If you say «I hurt here», she will solve it. I consider one of Angel’s attributes to be the fact she can dial up or down pressure just BARELY, and maintain that. She can find where it hurts and, due to her through knowledge of fascia and layers of tissue, massage the pain away. After repeat sessions, she understands I need more pressure on the right side of my spine than my left. Angel’s ability to meet her clients needs combined with her through knowledge of muscle and fascia along with the ability to maintain consistent pressure make her an extremely competent therapist.
If Angel is busy or sick, Ivan is a fantastic alternative. He’s an A in my book, with Angel an A+. Edit: Forgot to mention, Ivan’s strengths are deep tissue and neck work. If your neck specifically is killing you or you need real deep tissue, Ivan is your man.
La Vida is an upper middle /​yuppie chain massage location with ample parking. I feel strongly that these are superior to middle brow chain massage places (such as Massage Envy) and superior to upscale spas (such as Sewickly or Seven Springs or Esspa). Simply put, La Vida has lots of returning clients and as such, a steady stream of business and competent and calm massage therapists with little turnover.

Julius is gone, and I am the most sad. He was my favorite masseuse, and it would have been nice to know where he went. I emailed the manager to find out more information. Andre is also gone. I found out from the manager that he moved to Philadelphia. Ok, so clearly, I can’t get anymore massages from him. But Julius… where art thou?!
Ivan is also very good, but I liked having the variety of my three favorite masseuses. Now I am not sure if I will enjoy my membership as much.