The Truth About Massage Envy --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, I am a disgruntled soon to be ex-member. Now that
the disclosure is out of the way: I joined nearly two
years ago and paid cash for a year in full because I don't
do the monthly contracts giving a company access to drafting
an account or credit card. Even though 12 were paid in
full, they still would only let me use one per month.
Inevitably one misses a month here and there, and then
you have "credits". Kicker is, they won't let you use
them past the anniversary date without re-upping the contract.
Then, they wouldn't let me pay for a second year in full.
New policy was to have a card on file for monthly drafts.
Foolishly, to access my prepaid credits I resigned for
another year with access to my checking account. And of
course I've had to argue the charges every few months.
In the meantime, I married and moved to another town -
trying to get scheduled in my new location is a fiasco
every time, and when there is a problem with the account
- and they are frequent per the above - they tell me that
I'm still a member in X-ville and that I need to work
it out there. Even though I've done all the paperwork
to transfer membership TWICE?! Two months ago the X-ville
location called to tell me they needed a new card on file
as their draft had been denied. Don't know what that's
about? The account is open and I use the associated debit
card for purchases daily with no problem. Besides, I told
them that I had transferred membership to my new town
anyway. I figured it was more of their constant administrative
incompetence and ignored it. I tried to make an appointment
in my new town this weekend and apparently my account
is now suspended? Management in new town says I need to
work it out in X-ville. No kidding. What a fucking joke
- too bad it's on me. So, to warn present and potential
future members of this scam: 1. ME is a franchise chain
owned by the Leonesio family; they claim a "fitness" background,
but really are only experienced in the industry of drafting
accounts for monthly fees tied to contracts that must
have been written by the mafia as well. 2. They advertise
$39/mo but plus "fees" the draft is $49. As I said above,
some months there would be no draft - other months multiple.
When investigating (who has time to do this every month?)
am told that "it all works out", even though my records
show otherwise. We frequently disagree on credits as well,
but their record seems to rule and you get no documentation
to make your case with. 3. Where's the discount that they
advertise? On top of the actual charge being $50, the
suggested tip is based on the NON-member rate and for
an hour massage is $16-20. Totaling $70.00. Plus the constant
hassle, I'll gladly pay a spa $20-30 more and enjoy my
experience and feel relaxed at the end - instead of checking
out and being told after the service has been performed
that they "can't find my account" and I need to pay the
non-member rate for today - when I work it out in X-ville
they'll credit the difference, blah, blah, blah. Because
you have no documentation other than your word and they
hold all the cards, I'll be cutting my losses - I estimate
that to be between $200 and $300 of credits (4-6 massages)
plus the headaches for the last year. Hardly worth going
to court over and no documentation to prove it. But, I
will gladly advertise for them going forward of course!
Apologies for the length of this post, but I feel somewhat
better now! Stay far, far away from this outfit!
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Are
you looking for an escape from the daily stress that life
can sometimes pile on?
Massage
is one of the most relaxing, healthful ways to get the sparkle
back. Do you envy those who seem calm relaxed? That may
be massage envy, get a massage today.
What
environment/therapist is right for you? This is a question
you should consider. If you take the time to look over some
of the information provided on this site, it will provide
you with valuable insight in choosing where and when to
go for massage.
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-
School
therapy
-
Membership
clubs
-
Day
Spa Massage
-
Laws
and Etiquette
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The
Benefits Of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork
treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below
and more, massage can:
- Alleviate
low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Assist
with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers
and shorten maternity hospital stays.
- Ease
medication dependence.
- Enhance
immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the
body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise
and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help
athletes of any level prepare for, and
recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve
the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase
joint flexibility.
- Lessen
depression and anxiety.
- Promote
tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and
stretch marks.
- Pump
oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving
circulation.
- Reduce
postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce
spasms and cramping.
- Relax
and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release
endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural
painkiller.
- Relieve
migraine pain.
A
Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the
adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic)
or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief,
pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in
your healthcare regimen.
Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease
is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally
and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety
and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic,
massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates
into:
- Decreased
anxiety.
- Enhanced
sleep quality.
- Greater
energy.
- Improved
concentration.
- Increased
circulation.
- Reduced
fatigue.
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Furthermore,
clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after
receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides
can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible
physical benefits.
Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical
changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects.
Research shows that with massage:
- Arthritis
sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
- Asthmatic
children show better pulmonary function and increased
peak air flow.
- Burn
injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
- High
blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood
pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
- Premenstrual
syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and
cramping.
- Preterm
infants have improved weight gain.
Research
continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range
from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders,
and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles.
Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing
bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice
care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are
also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even
spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the
recovery process. Remember, don't envy those who feel great,
get a quality massage today. It makes a big difference in
you well being.
Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting
massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty
of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled
self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be
and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting
time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly
an investment in your health. And remember: just because
massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is
any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary
piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your
practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best
meets your needs.
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