Cariño Massage

Carino massage was a great little find. The entire staff was friendly & professional. My masseuse knew exactly what spots needed more work as I was training for a marathon.
By appointment only.

Hands down, best masseuse i have ever had. Never disappoints me and gives the most amazing massages i have had in my life! Once you experience Jon’s massages, you will never want to go to another masseuse. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. He applies the right amount of pressure and actually relieves the tensions in my muscles. Amazing! And all for a great price.

Carino is AWESOME! I have been living in NY since ’94 and Carino has become my go-​to place whenever I am in town. When I met with Carino’s Johnny Ray for the very first time we went over all my likes and dislikes to customize the perfect massage. I have since gotten both smooth soothing massages, as well as, deep tissue massages to emulsify all the knots and it’s amazing. My awful shoulders and neck have never felt better and I insist on hard hands when working all my difficult trouble zone areas. That said, when I have needed the pampering I have also gotten it. In all, I highly recommend them. Now for everyone that is reviewing the building, the parking, the traffic, etc. not sure how that applies to a massage review but I gather it’s fodder for more SNL skits the likes of «The Californians.»

We started coming to Cariño to see Johnny Ray 2 ½ years ago. We actually found Cariño on Unilocal and feel so lucky to have found this gem. Johnny Ray is fantastic! I couldn’t dream of a better way to spend an hour.
When you walk in, there is an immediate sense of relaxation and comfort to the space. You feel welcome and safe. Johnny Ray walks you through your massage and reminds you to leave it all at the door. He takes his time and you never feel rushed. He really knows how to target my sore spots and work out a lot of the work tension that builds up in my neck and shoulders.
I have had massages for years that range from super high end spas to a private masseuse at my home, and nothing can compare to Cariño. All around great value and Johnny Ray is just a wonderful guy. I highly recommend you give Cariño a call!

Johnny is really a very talented masseuse. I have had back issues and neck pain for a really long time, and am quite versed in the art of massage and other therapies because of it. I’ve had a lot of people try to treat me, but no one has ever been as helpful as Johnny. I literally leave his office without pain, without tension, and feeling very renewed. At first I wasn’t sure — the office is not the most beautiful I have been to, but its absolutely clean and comfortable. As well, Johnny uses a strange technique of aligning your body before he really digs in — so the beginning of the massage sometimes feels like there’s less pressure than you want. But it works! You have to just let yourself go to the time tested method and trust him. He knows what he’s doing.

If I could give 10 Stars I would. I have a massage table at my home. I have had my massage therapist coming to my home for years. I recently moved back to LA… losing my favorite therapist :(Until… serendipitously, I found Johnny. There are truly NO WORDS. I have major neck issues that have put me in the hospital… And for years I have been living with pain and swelling. I go to Johnny religiously now. I have no swelling and no pain. When I leave his cute little office I feel brand new. I would travel miles to go to him. He relaxes me, heals me, and makes me feel absolutely beautiful. When you go to him you will know why I say that. He is THE BEST! He just knows where it hurts without me saying a word. I am so lucky to have found him!

I can whole-​heartedly, and full-​heartedly recommend Johnny Ray and Carino Massage. Johnny is an amazingly intuitive and talented massage therapist. He has powerful and sensitive hands, and he somehow «feels» where you need the most work. Since being introduced to Johnny about a year ago by my wife’s pilates teacher, we have gone nowhere else. You will not be disappointed. –David Glass (attorney/​psychologist)

Another great massage from Johnny Ray
Mmmmmmm massage

I’ve been going to Carino for almost a year now and Johnny is fantastic! This is the place if you need a serious deep tissue massage. I try and go once a month and always feel rejuvinated at the end of my sessions. It’s not the glamous beverly hills type spa but I’ll take Carino over a fancy uptight (and expensive) Beverly Hills spa anyday!

I went into Carino with persistent back pain. Jonny found the problem quickly and paid special attention to that part of my back. I’m a general contractor and pretty big guy and I needed Jonny’s strong hands to get through the tension to relax my back.
He’s is very strong, and intuitive.
I’ve had massages before but all of them had a touch that was a little too light for my needs.
Thanks Jonny, my back still feels great! See you soon.

I’ve had a lot of massages but few as memorable as the ones I’ve had at Carino. Johnny Ray gives a great deep tissue massage. He knows exactly where to ease up and where to apply more pressure without even having to tell him! Also, his professional yet warm demeanor made me feel completely comfortable and relaxed. The facility is nothing fancy, but it’s quaint and clean which is what’s important to me, and if that’s what keeps his prices reasonable, I’m all for it. I’m a huge fan!

Been to JR a few times now and enjoyed my massages and got a lot of pain relief from his work.
I like LOTS of deep pressure. I work my ass off and hold a gang-​load of tension in my neck and lower back (boo!) and, unfortunately, if I’m not getting a REALLY deep tissue massage then ya’ may as well tickle my effin’ back b/​c that’s the only other thing relaxes me. Anything in between frustrates and I have found JR has excellent pressure during his massages. Plus he checks in with me, which I apreesh.
I’ve read some of the negative reviews and I don’t get why some of the people are dogging the digs. I find the studio to be unpretentious, tidy and sweet. You can tell they’ve put care and thought into it. Yes, I have noticed Johnny Ray massaging deeply on boney areas and I just tell him to move along b/​c that doesn’t feel good to me, either, but I’m not just gonna sit there. I think the massage therapist must be aware of how their touch feels, yes, but also they rely on us as clients to give them our personal direction during the massage b/​c what feels good to me might be awful for the next guy and how would they know that if I was silent.
Johnny himself has a warm and professional demeanor. His touch is direct and firm, he also works on the scalp (yum, my fave) and he uses excellent draping techniques which always increases my comfort level with any massage therapist, girl or guy.
As a person who’s been getting massaged 3 – 4 times monthly for the past 10 years including on my exotic and european travels, I can most definitely say that you’ll enjoy this massage and feel that it was money well spent.

It’s a bit of a drive for me, but I really enjoy the massages here. I’ve never actually had one from Johnny Ray, but I consider the one I received from Amy one of the BEST I’ve ever had in Los Angeles.
If you subscribe to the emails they also regularly offer great deals.

I wanted to find something in my neighborhood that was reasonably priced. I tried one session and ended up buying a series of six. When this runs out, I’ll be back for more.
I needed this for therapy, from a severe neck/​back issue. Everyone there is really great, each with different styles, but I decided to mainly stick with Johnny since I needed something a little deeper and therapeutic (while still being soft) Mika is amazing as well but offers a softer, less vigorous massage. Both leave you floating out of the room.
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Do yourself a HUGE favor and just go. :)

I’ve written about the wonders of Johnny Ray before so I will be brief. The best massage you can get in LA. Yeah, I said it.
If you live anywhere even remotely close to West Hollywood, it is well worth whatever means of transportation necessary to receive a massage from this man. He is intentional with his work– this is not a froufy spa massage– he is actually trying to help HEAL you. Once you join his mailing list/​facebook page he sends you great deals, like 45 $ for an hour massage or discounts when you pay in cash. I moved, but will always try to visit him when I am in LA.

I went in with a strained ACL; I came out walking on clouds and sipping papaya juice. Think I’m kidding? I’ve had over 30 massages in the greater Los Angeles area, and Johnny Ray’s was by far the best.
For serious athletes, arthritics, those with chronic pain, or others who look for more than just a one-​hour rubdown in their massage, the Carino technique can’t be beat — I am a serious skeptic of «healers» and «medicine men» but after going to Johnny, I am absolutely convinced that he has healing hands.
This is more than a massage — it’s an investment in your well-​being and overall health. Consider the (modest!) fee a co-​pay and go see «Doctor» Ray — ASAP!

Carino Massage is one of the hidden gems among Los Angeles massage therapists. Johnny Ray has forgone the flashy expensive spa locales to create an intimate setting in which YOU are the priority. He & his staff dedicate time to you and your body, your health. Each appointment is padded on either end of the hour so you don’t have to rush off to worry about running late. This limits the amount of appointments available and they do book fast — but they will always seek to accommodate.
He’s constantly sending out specials via e-​mail, so be sure to sign up for their e-​mail list!

I first stepped into Carino after buying a groupon. I was so impressed with the massage, that I came back again. Johnny even gave me a free massage just because it was my birthday.
The ambience and atmosphere are warm, relaxing, and inviting. He utilizes excellent communication, and even helps you with deep breathing, which I think is essential during relaxation.
It is a great place to get a massage and take a mini vacay from your day!

When I book a massage, I go into the experience thinking «Yay! this will soothe some sore muscles and relax me!» The morning of the massage I literally jumped out of bed and skipped down the street to get there!!! So excited!!!
Unfortunately that is the opposite of what happened at Carino Massage.
I arrived, and as other reviewers have said, the place is not much for the eyes. Its at the back of a building that was built in the early 80s and has not been kept up well. Oh well, they are not in charge of the building itself, but it was to be a harbinger of things to come.
I was escorted into the massage room as soon as the massage began, I noticed that there is a little sign within eye view that says «Gratuity 10−15% expected at end of service» — I have seen that in other massage places, but to put it in eye site of the face cradle, was a little strange. The masseuse says, «are you a massage snob?», and I reply «what?» I was taken aback. I was there to have a relaxing experience, and that felt like a very obtuse thing to ask when I’m about to be naked in front of you… I was like «Um, no, I have had several massages, but I don’t think I like the word snob, it has a negative connetation…» silence. awkward.
The massage began, and I started getting cold. I asked if the room could be heated up, but no response from the masseuse. As the massage went on, he keeps massaging my calf (the problem area I put on the intake sheet before the service) but instead of the meaty part of my calf, he keeps rubbing the bone! ouch! I even say the word «ouch» several times. That seems like it would be massage 101 to me. Rub the muscle, not the bone. Boo.
As the massage continues, it seems more like he is wiping massage oil in, than to pin point muscles. I feel like I can do the oil application myself. I was looking forward to real muscle relief. bummer.
Finnally I ask, hesitantly, can you apply more pressure? He does, but it seems to have aggrevated him, and he overdoes it. I say «ow! ow! ow!» so he lets up a little bit. Stressfull!
Time to flip over. the masseuse says «you are holding a lot of tension in your jaw, try to breathe.» While I appreciate the sentiment, I really didn’t know how to express «yeah, its because you keep massaging my bones, and not my muscles!» I didn’t want to be rude or make it worse. :((sad face) He tries massaging my jaw — with too much pressure, and it was scary! It hurt, so I had to pull away, and I’m sure I winced. its like, «don’t collapse my neck!»
I mean, I don’t even want to have to think that!!! freaky.
For some reason he kept attributing it to me being «stressed», not his poor technique, but apparently I am in the minority, since all the other people had wonderful experiences. I am sad to say I am not among them, although I was soooo hoping I would be! I really wanted it to be awesome!
You know that real muscular part of your thigh? on the outter part? He kept poking that. That was painful. I don’t know how to express pain except to say «ow» He says «breathe into the pain, you will release more tensions» I was pretty ready for the massage to be over at that point.
Finally time to get changed and exit. Yay!
I exit the room and he says «have you ever been massaged by a male before?» «yes» «well you seemed stressed, you had little dimples in your chin, you seem to be one of those people who are just tense.»
Honestly, nice confrontation skills buddy. Yes, the massage was very stressfull for me, not because you are a male, but because on top of all the painful happenings the room was absolutely freezing!
Whatever, at that point I just wanted to get out of there. I gave him his much wanted «gratuity», and took off, not looking back. Does that mean its about the money for him? I don’t mind parting with a few dollars to make someone happy, but there is no way I’m going back there.
The weirdest thing happened to me after the massage that has never happened before (and trust me, I have had 100s of massages.) The rest of the day my energy was like ZERO and instead of having the happy productive day I was so excited to have, I literally jumped out of bed, I had to go home and sleep for a few hours, and even after that I was still groggy. Weird. That was probobly just a coincidence, but worth mentioning.
Wish I had a more positive experience. I love massage, and am still looking for a regular masseuse now that I live in LA.

Gladis is a GENIUS.
Just got the best massage I’ve ever had. 100% on point. I’ve been working out a ton lately and without me having to say a word, she clocked and worked out every knot and kink. I’ve seriously never felt so good afterwards. Not to mention she was an absolute sweetheart.
Johnny is too — super nice and friendly. I had a Dailycandy Deal that I accidentally let expire by a few days yet he still honored it. Haven’t had one of his massages but judging by these reviews, they’re clearly fantastic too.
I tell you, I’ve got like 10 Groupon/​Living Social/​Dealfind massages banked at other places, but I’m going back to Gladis first.
One quick tip — get there a bit early and park on the next block, then you won’t have to pay the meters on Melrose.