SOCHI Massage Clinic

I went in expecting something similar to massage envy. Instead what I got was a 5 star massage — on the scale of a Spa Mystique. Wonderful.

Love my SOCHI… massages by beginning students and near graduation students at super low prices. I usually get the 75 minute massage for $ 35– that’s right, only 35 buckaroos. 100 minutes will set you back $ 40. The catch is, the expertise can vary quite a bit from student to student, but they all have interesting stories to tell about why they are studying to become a masseuse.
One middle-​aged African American gentleman (big, strong, callused hands) was doing a mid-​life career change after being laid-​off. Another was a young man who had served in the military but always wanted to be a masseuse, despite his family wanting him to go into their real estate business. Another was a young lady who forgot to turn me over and only massaged one side before declaring me «done.» The very best was a little Thai man with the strongest hands and best technique I’ve ever had in my entire massage life!
You can get totally undressed here, which I like. They drape you carefully with a sheet and use lotion. You are in a big room, separated from other clients and masseuses by curtains. So, you can hear other conversations or hear people who fell asleep and are snoring. After your massage, they ask you to fill out a brief survey about your student masseuse. They offer you water and there are clean restrooms. Hours are great as they are open into the evening hours for us working folks. They don’t technically accept tips, but if I get a great massage, I’ll leave some cash on the massage table, halfway under the pillow.
You gotta have a sense of adventure to appreciate Sochi…
This location will close down on December 18, 2015 and move to Reseda…

As a student this place is a very fun and welcoming school to attend. The vocational campus is very beautiful and clean. The rooms are clean as well. I attended the massage therapy program and I got a lot of education out of it. What I loved the most was the experience :)

Came here yesterday morning for a 50 minute massage. I believe my masseuse was Ryan… it was amazing! I had just run my first a half marathon and was dying because I was so sore! His pressure was on point and he really used he time well. Really nice office and easy check in process, but just FYI they do NOT validate for the garage in the complex (a minor annoyance). Anyway, I will be back and hope to get Ryan again!

Place is pretty good, great if you get the morning price (~$ 22 for 75 minutes including deep tissue) and find cheap/​free parking (the structure that is part of their complex is a little expensive and they DO NOT validate).
They have you undress «to your comfort level» then get under a sheet, when they come back in they only uncover the specific part they’re working on. Was a first for me, now that I know that’s how they do it I’ll get naked next time because sheet is awkward enough without underwear also in the way. Also the rooms seem pretty private (at least visually – walls are just sheets so you hear every other session in progress too), if instructors do check the sessions it’s not obtrusive or even obvious.
My first massage here went well. Deep tissue but even with firm requested it wasn’t to the point of truly stripping muscles… was mostly pretty relaxing which is nice too – just not entirely what I was expecting for «deep tissue» at a massage school. I was expecting a massage that was at times a little painful but had lasting effects instead of what I got. Also the biggest muscles in the human body were avoided entirely (gluteus maximus). So I’d say a touch too dainty for what is supposed to be pro/​spa style massage.
It really is a pretty good deal though, and you’re not allowed to tip (may be different if you happened to get a non-​student).
So the reason for the meh-​kinda rating was my second massage. They called me as I was already on my way there to cancel because «no students showed up». Didn’t call me back to offer to get me in later that day or the next day, didn’t offer even slight consideration for the inconvenience.
Just called again several days later and they’re all booked up for today. So you need to schedule with them days in advance to get in but then they may not honor that appointment… unprofessional.

I’ve been a student at SOCHI for 7 months now and LOVE the PFT program! The instructors have been very knowledgeable and encouraging. Our program is extensive and takes a lot of hands on training to really understand the curriculum. We are receiving several certifications through NASM which can be used all over the world. I’m currently getting ready to graduate in August and will absolutely miss the daily interaction with classmates, instructors and the SOCHI staff. If your looking into Personal Training checkout this program. Oh and ask about the Certifications you will be reviving to make sure those are necessary for the direction you decide to pursue.

From the moment I came in to visit SOCHi everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. Loving it so far. And learning how to be a great therapist

I went there for one of the student massages. When I arrived I found out that they had no deep tissue available, so they refunded me 10 $ and got me in for a 75min sweedish massage. It was good, not the best… but she was a student. I felt much better after and most of my tension in my neck was gone so it did what it was meant to! Next time trying the deep tissue for sure.

Came here not to long ago for a cheap massage. And well, i guess you really do get what you pay for.
My poor «practitioner» was so nervous that he was sweating up a freaking storm! At one point i felt a drop of HIS sweat drip on me!!! I kind of freaked out.
I would suggest that SOCHI try and tell their MALE STUDENTS to stand away from their client’s heads when they are working on the traps. I felt things on my head that i really wish i hadn’t.and the smell was HORRIBLE! …I’m pretty sure you all know what i’m talking about. But he was really sweet and apologized for the sweat. it happens!
I might try going ONE more time.
If you’re a former student, you get a nice discount on massages.

this is a great school to come

Came here today after my wife recommended I visit for a back massage which I very much needed.
The student I had was nice, friendly and polite. He has only been doing massage a few months, as a qualified massage therapist I know how daunting it can be to work on people after only starting to learn massage a few months ago.
It was a bit different to a normal massage environment with it being a learning college, but it was clean and comfortable within a relaxing setting.
The swedish massage was quite different to what I’m used to but not bad at all. Quite decent for someone just starting…
I have already booked a deep tissue massage for next week!
I would recommend this place if you are patient, willing to allow someone to practice on you or if money is an issue as the cost is fairly reasonable for this city.

I came here with a friend who recommended this place. I was very open minded and knew what I was getting into but honestly I didn’t think it would be as bad as what I experienced. This place is a massage school and the masseuses are students who are in school for this. We both booked appointements and went one night. We were both looking forward to a massage so bad. Definitely not what we expected. I asked for a deep tissue massage and didn’t get what I asked for. All she did was rub me. She didn’t focus on my knots or where my tensions were. In the end of the massage, I had to fill out a survey and unfortunately I couldn’t be as honest as I would have liked because she stood right above my head watching me like a hawk as I filled out the form. I felt pressured and obligated to give her a good review which she didn’t deserve. Although, she was sweet, I felt as though she didn’t listen to me when I told her I wanted a firm massage and have her concentrate on my neck and shoulders. She eventually did what she wanted to do. It’s unfortunate because they should really listen and learn as much as they can if they want to make this as a career. There are way too many massage parlors out there that are better. Had this been free, I wouldn’t really complain but because I still had to pay a fee, I’m a little bummed out. Needless to say, my friend also had a horrible experience and neither of us will be returning.

I’ve been here for at least 20 massages. I’ve had some of the best massages here. The students beat out a lot of the professionals that charge way more. The students here listen to you and will change the massage based on your feedback, so speak up. They also know where to find problem areas, and they’ve found issues that I have no idea existed (e.g., they found out that I have an elevated hip).
If you’re looking for a cheap massage focused on your needs and problem areas, come here. I recommend SOCHI over the National Holistic Institute student massage clinic, since the NHI students give you a standard massage with a random technique and don’t spend much time focusing on your needs.
Since it’s random who you get, there is some variability in the massages you get. But I would say that 95% of the students are excellent. I only had one or two bad massages.
Another tip: If you’re looking for deep tissue, as the receptionist when the students practicing deep tissue will be working. Not only are their deep tissue massages amazing but they are the more practiced students.

i was given some coupons for this place tried to make an appointment but was transferred to the voice mail numerous times. i called back to tell them that i got a voice mail and the online appointment book was down but they did not listen and transferred me right away. i guess ill give these coupons away to someone i don’t like

I found this place through Groupon and went there with one of my friends. The people were very nice and friendly. I had a great massage. :-D :-D
The students need to get a number of hours to be certified or something so you’re having ‘almost’ professional massages. They were inexpensive and great :-D

Discovered this place from a Groupon, and I was floored at how great of an experience it was. Don’t get me wrong… it’s not the Bliss Spa… But I’m not the type that needs a ivory bed, personal waterfall, or cucumber water… Just give me a comfy massage table, some privacy, and a good freakin’ massage. Which is what SOCHI offers.
My student masseuse was incredible. I desperately needed a relaxing massage, and definitely received it. I was talking about this place all day today to everyone I saw or met. =) What a lovely way to start my day.

I have been there twice for the 75 minutes session, both experience were very pleasant. Very friendly and professional. The environment was clean and relaxing. I had no problem making appointments. The massage was amazing. I will for sure to return.

Don’t go here.
Yesterday was my second time getting a massage from a student at SOCHI. The first time was amazing! But yesterday was the worst massage I had ever received! The girl who massaged me had short hair and tattoos. The whole time she was huffing and puffing. As if that wasn’t annoying enough, I started limping a few hours after it. I thought if I slept it off I’d be better. But no! The pain is worse now and I can’t stand on my two feet because my entire right side is in pain. Excruciating pain.
I visited a chiropractor today and was told that the massage caused my muscles to spasm because it was done incorrectly. I called the school to let them know and the guy on the phone said he couldn’t help me. It’s a shame.
I will never return here again. In fact I will be contacting the school board to complain.
If I could, I would rate this place a 0!

This was a crazy good find for me on GROUPON. It was like $ 20-​something for a 75 minute massage FOR TWO.
WTF right? We booked and even though it seemed too good to be true it really measured up. I mean obviously you know it’s a school coming in, but they also offer regular massages from their grads at a competitive under-​market price. You have to fill out a form and the rooms are less than private but very similar so some budget massage parlors in Thai town.
They also can’t accept tips but I made my dude take a $ 10 bc I was feeling so guilty of the good deal. Fill disclosure, my partner’s massage was very average so your mileage may very. They currently have a slightly more expensive Groupon (my deal must have been too low and the quickly changed it up) so if you read this…

I tried Sochi on a groupon experience 2 — 75 Minute Sweedish Massage for $ 35 and for the value, I have to say, I should not complain… Even the regular prices are good for the student Massage.
The two different students I experienced at Sochi were attentive, kind and really want to give a good massage. Which is good and if I coached them as to what I wanted, they were both accomodating.
However, my two experiences could have been 100X better if the airconditioning in the room wasnts freezing me out. All of the massages are given in one large room divided by curtains and the air in the room could not be controlled.
I was uncomfortable just about the entire time. For this reason, I would not return, no matter the price. Because even though I was being massaged, I couldnt relax, and my muscles remained tight. Warmth plays a big roll in loosening the muscles and there was not. Even the massuses hands were cold.
Sochi — if you ever change the temperature of the room let me know — I will come back, try it again and update my review in the future.

OMG!!! This is the BEST discovery ever!!! My massage therapist name is KNARIG, she is AMAZING!!! She’s a student there, which is such a shame, cause I want to continue going there forever just to see her!!! The massage felt so professional! I still can’t believe she isn’t a teacher there… the pressure was perfect, the way she care for me as a client was so amazing, and made sure I was comfortable. I have so much back pain, and the highlight of my week is to go see her!
I am smitten by this place… I love the smell of the area where u have ur massage done, the music they play is awesome, extremely calming… The place is clean, even the bathroom is 5 stars! And most importantly… They are doing an awesome job teaching their students!!!
Its also so affordable!!! I had to purchase their package! For $ 125 I got 6 massages!!! SO WORTH IT!!! I am so happy with this place!!! :) And def recommend to all my friends ;)

I have been treated at other massage clinics before (in other states) because I like to support the students and schools. However, I was disappointed in my experience here. First, when I walked in, I saw tons of the students hanging out around the lobby behind the desk. I know it’s a school, but there should still be more of a professional atmosphere. The massages are given in draped off areas in a back room, which I did not expect, as even at other clinics I have gone to there are private rooms. It was quite distracting to hear other patients’ heavy breathing as well as conversation. The massage therapist only asked me once at the start how I liked the pressure. I know I could have spoken up, because I wanted certain parts firmer, but I just didn’t bother because I could tell it wasn’t going to meet my expectations. It was not the relaxing environment or experience I had hoped for. Luckily I had gotten a special deal through their emails, so at least I didn’t waste a fortune.
I think I will look elsewhere for my massages here in L.A.