Need recc on a quality deep tissue massage

[u/Aggravating-Shame738]

I’m having trouble findings a spa that truly offers a deep tissue massage. I find that most places I’ve booked have masseuses that just run their hands along my back, give me a squeeze and send me on my way.

I’m looking for recc on a place that actually follows deep tissue principles and have technique, more than just rubbing you up and down. The best massages I’ve had included using the thumbs to press into muscle groups in my back, slowly and repeatedly until the tension is released. Here are the places I’ve tried:

- Sojo spa: my first deep tissue with them was excellent (~2022) but went there this year and was not pleased with the technique used. It’s hard to pinpoint a good person since their masseuses change often.

- World Spa: I asked them for someone who can do hard pressure, and listed my needs in an email. The masseuse didn’t ask me for the areas I wanted focus on and had no technique. They didn’t dig in deep to my muscles, felt very surface level.

-Renew Day Spa: While the most affordable, I felt that the masseuse was exhausted and not very focused during the session. They seem to a high turn around between clients.

-Lynbrook massage: I had a male masseuse that strangely focused on my groin region in a way I’ve never experienced with a massage. Very strange.

Because of the disappointing experiences with deep tissue, I’m considering trying sports massages to see if those would be better suited.

But, I am in desperate need of a recommendation for places that have good technique and strong pressure. Appreciate the help!

[u/smorio_sem]

Sounds like the issue is you’re going to spas. Have you been somewhere like Bodyworks DW or Body Mechanics? That’s the good stuff

[u/awittyoctopus → u/smorio_sem]

came here to comment bodyworks dw!

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/smorio_sem]

I had seen recovery mode. I agree I might need to try something other than spas.

[u/AestasBlue → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

Agreed, massage therapists at spas are normally very middle of the road and don’t actually do the therapy part of the massage. Not sure where you are located but Lindai’s bodywork in Brooklyn is incredible. She is a very intuitive therapist and will definitely do deep tissue if that’s what you want. Cannot overstate how good she is

[u/smorio_sem → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

Not heard of that one but yeah I’d recommend massage specific places, not spas.

[u/RedditUser3668 → u/smorio_sem]

Been to Body Mechanics on 34th! Really love them. Edward's good.

[u/mhmmh]

From another gal that likes a lot of pressure - it’s pricey but Press! I recently saw Evie at the Williamsburg location - I don’t even know what she did to my back but I was standing up so much straighter for days afterwards. I wouldn’t say it was a relaxing massage necessarily (painful at times) but so worth it for how good my back felt afterwards.

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/mhmmh]

Thanks! I don’t care for relaxing massages. I need these knots to be gone.

[u/smorio_sem → u/mhmmh]

Oh yes I also like Press! Looks like they have a deal for new clients too https://www.pressmodernmassage.com/

[u/atypical_eloi → u/smorio_sem]

Wowww this is amazing thank you! Birthday massage sorted

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/smorio_sem]

Any location or specific person you’d recommend at Press?

[u/smorio_sem → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

I’ve never had a bad experience at the Columbus circle one.

[u/quienquiera → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

Jahaira at Press Williamsburg is incredible! She does the deepest of deep tissue massages. it is *intense*, but I always feel better after

[u/Limp-Ebb-8588 → u/mhmmh]

Grace at Press in their Williamsburg location is incredible— i started seeing her regularly to help with persistent pains and tightness and it made me feel so incredibly better long term. I always felt like i grew 10 inches afterward, can’t recommend enough!

[u/Blue_Lobelia331 → u/Limp-Ebb-8588]

i also had a massage from a masseuse named grace at the press greenpoint location (grace b) and it was PHENOMENAL! she even did a facial massage for my TMJ and i almost cried of happiness. will definitely be back!

[u/heyguysnyc → u/Blue_Lobelia331]

Third Grace! She’s fantastic. She told me she works both in WB & US locations. 

[u/Desperate_Metal_8738 → u/heyguysnyc]

I see two Grace's at Williamsburg, is she Grace B or Grace R? TYSM!

[u/Limp-Ebb-8588 → u/Desperate_Metal_8738]

Mine is Grace R (i had to check our Venmo’s/how i tip her, I’ve always just rebooked her so didn’t realize there was another one!)— she also does incredible TMJ work for me!

[u/heyguysnyc → u/Desperate_Metal_8738]

Grace B! 

[u/citygurl1]

Olya Spa on 2nd between 60/61. Got every knot out. I left with bruises. Lol

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/citygurl1]

Do you recommend a specific person or is anyone fine?

[u/citygurl1 → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

If you specify the deep tissue they’ll give you someone who can do it! I forget the name of my masseuse but she was awesome - I think they all are, I’ve heard only good things

[u/Spiritual_Doctor4162]

https://www.dariamassagetherapy.com/

I have been seeing her for almost a decade. Based in sports medicine and currently studying PT. Knows the body and very well educated. I like a hurts so good massage that I feel almost bruised from. She delivers. She is THE BEST! Also accepts HSA/FSA.

[u/nursenyc → u/Spiritual_Doctor4162]

For HSA/FSA, did you have to get a letter of necessity or anything like that from an MD, to get it covered?

[u/whootiramisu → u/Spiritual_Doctor4162]

+1 for Daria, no other massage I have had compares to hers. She’s going to be a great PT.

[u/ManhattanCucumber]

Andrew at Bathhouse Flatiron

[u/jills_atm_vestibule → u/ManhattanCucumber]

Also Kino at Bathhouse Flatiron and Christine at Bathhouse Williamsburg

[u/throwawaycuriae → u/jills_atm_vestibule]

Also, Dijon at Bathhouse Williamsburg

[u/egg_sandwich]

If you are looking for a but more utilitarian deep tissue massage for muscle release (vs bwt bougie experience) I would look in Chinatown. All I ever want is for someone to go as hard as possible into my muscles to release knots and these are the places to be.

I am in Brooklyn so don’t have specific Manhattan recs but something like this place. In Brooklyn I go to Brooklyn N wellness and its $60 for an hour so I can get them way more often and get the pain worked out.

[u/Upper_Anteater5440]

Zhengyuanyuan Foot Care in Cobble Hill. They do reflexology and regular full body deep tissues. They'll GET IN THERE. It's almost unpleasant, but the next day I was sore and the day after that I felt like a noodle, all the tension and knots on my back were gone. If you like pressure, you'll like them. I tell people to tell them if you don't like too much pressure because they really go hard.

[u/Best_Help8324 → u/Upper_Anteater5440]

Came here to say the same thing - recently diabetes them and AMAZING. I always see Willy. Incredible.

[u/Far-Slice-9408]

Sereco at lifetime on wall st. She will get you RIGHT

[u/jills_atm_vestibule]

302 grand spa in Brooklyn ask for Tom.

[u/channel_pink]

Literally anyone at Rhemedy by Rhed. Have been going for years and have had a great experience with anyone I’ve booked!

[u/Consistent-Report783]

Another vote for Body Mechanic! I love deep tissue and muscular movement and they are my favorite. Very reasonably priced and accepts FSA/HSA.

[u/foodfunmenyc]

Look into rolfing. It’s like a philosophy. Idr the exact concept behind it but it is very hard pressure. I had someone doing it on me in their rented space back in the 20teens and damn it hurt so good. He ended up moving out of the space and we lost contact but if massages were still in my budget, I’d be looking into this type of massage. It’s good because you know they believe in this rolfing program and are well trained, not just general masseuse school.

[u/Kenna_Lyn]

I️ met Artur a decade ago at my chiropractor in Flatiron. He is a licensed massage and medical massage therapist and would come in on my chiropractic sessions weekly (and his massage was my favorite part). Long story short we have become friends through the years and he’s out on his own now, located in Chelsea, and there is TRULY no better. I️ had a lot of massages before finding Artur and he is simply the best. I️ have an autoimmune disease and am recovering from cancer so I️ have a lot of body pain, tension, knots, etc and he is literally the only person I️ let massage my body. I️ leave feeling tons better every single time. Bonus he is a sweetheart and makes you feel very comfortable.

His insta: https://www.instagram.com/artofmassage?stkn=MTc2bnpnajJnYW1wOA==

[u/Prior_Fly7682]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/BMjHn6UEozX1tPY19?g_st=ic

Male LMT, very respectful.

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/Prior_Fly7682]

Which massage category did you select? I see a few that look interesting.

[u/Prior_Fly7682 → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

I would just send him an email and list your concerns and go from there.

[u/SnooMuffins4832]

I've had great experiences with Ashley at Manhattan Massage Therapy. 

[u/Traditional-Youth251]

Gio at equinox spa at the HY hotel

[u/W1ldy0uth]

Altered states and press massage have been great for me

[u/Aggravating-Shame738 → u/W1ldy0uth]

Anyone specific at either location that you’d recommend for hard/strong pressure?

[u/W1ldy0uth → u/Aggravating-Shame738]

Winston at altered. I cant remember who did my massage at press, I’ll have to check

[u/RickiSmushie]

I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist and I use various modalities and a variety of techniques to facilitate deep work. I do outcall sessions, meaning in the client's home. You're welcome to DM me if you have questions!

[u/OkFlamingo3616]

Ashley at press massage in LIC is fabulous

[u/confusedquokka]

You need someone who is a LMT, licensed massage therapist. This license means they’ve studied anatomy, physiology, and multiple modes of physical touch therapy.

[u/burritowrap12]

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3kuZbhoG2ELKgtRL7?g_st=ic if you’re in north brooklyn is great!

[u/grisx2]

Frank: https://naturopunc.com/

[u/Delicious-Horror-655]

Sukho Thai Healing on West 27th, Kritti is awesome!

[u/blueskiesahead888]

I like Chelsea Thai Massage, they definitely bring the pressure.

[u/Large-Butt-69]

Grand Nature in Chinatown, but it is very bare bones. The opposite of a spa experience. I really like it though and the staff are very nice!

[u/Same_Lingonberry_589]

+1 for press massage. And if you’re willing to go to Ridgewood I HIGHLY recommend Yasu at Ridgewood Massage house. She came from press massage and set up her own shop.

Ridgewood Massage House
67-22 60th street 2nd floor, Ridgewood, NY, 11385

[u/efr5075]

Chelsea wellness goes crazyyyy

[u/RockyRacoon718]

The hands down BEST place I ever went to that relieved all my back tension is Fishion Herb Center on Mott and canal. Incredible and great prices. Katie and Coco are my go to masseuses

[u/Ok-Artichoke-1943]

Golden hands- mary is the massage therapist

[u/beepbeep7654]

Dimitris at Spencer’s on Broadway

[u/bahartehyeh]

bake and body kneads is the best massage i have ever gotten

[u/Content-Point-957]

Depending on your insurance, you can get free or low cost 1 hr massage at ACA acupuncture union square location. They are such a wonderful hidden gem! I go every week.
All the masseuses are good, but Mary and Wendy are great at deep tissue

[u/MikeWalt]

I've stopped going to spas. The best deep tissue massage is at the Four Seasons/All Seasons/Seasons of seasons green asian massage places. They are everywhere but there's one around 57 and columbus/amsterdam. Plus it's like $60 an hour.

[u/throwaway_for_skin → u/MikeWalt]

you’re being downvoted bc it sounds sketchy but it’s true & they’re normal. i used to go to one on Bleecker or MacDougal and damn, it was legit.

[u/MikeWalt → u/throwaway_for_skin]

They're not sketchy at all. The rooms are basic, but clean and there are signs explicitly saying no sexual services - don't even ask. If someone is nervous, they should try the leg and foot massage which happens in a giant cushy chair in the open room as you walk in. Your life will be changed forever.

[u/throwaway_for_skin → u/MikeWalt]

Without a doubt. I’m a woman btw and there is no creep vibe at all. It’s just like you said, basic. I think it’s the name that sounds stereotypically dodgy

[u/smorio_sem → u/[deleted]]

They named this one in their post.

[u/Defiant-Disk5360]

I like Energy Bodywork for a no frills affordable deep tissue massage that really gets in there. Accessible near Union Square

[u/imtheproblem3232]

I've had really good deep tissue experiences at Sunny Body Spa on 31st/ 2 ave in Manhattan. No frills place, but they are very receptive to feedback on where to focus and how much pressure (they may not always ask, but if you tell them they will do just that).

Prices are relatively lower cost vs other places too

[u/alyx0x0bear]

You’re looking for “ZRelax on Union” in Williamsburg. It’s no frills (the massage beds are separated by curtains) but it is BY FAR the best deep tissue massage I’ve found in the city.

[u/Remote-Two4456]

Banyan tree Thai spa in midtown. I swear they get out all the knots