Strathcona is doing well because they have great staff. It's not unheard-of for other studios to mention better quality therapists names to lure customers to call or walk-in. If you want quality work, go to Strathcona.
Agreed:
Saw "Sammy" not too long ago.
Possibly early twenties, a tiny cute and fit young Chinese lady, who wore form fitting pants and top. In spite of her youth, she had great back-walking skills for the deep tissue...as good as ladies, twenty years her senior. The deep tissue, for me was done in a traditionally advanced Asian style therapy.
Secondly, she went to my head and gave a nice scalp and shoulder massage. Third, she used very soothing two handed, effleurage and Swedish strokes for the relaxation. She started at the top of my back, to just above my glutes. (I assumed she couldn't reach my glutes, because of her small frame...but for the very first time, I had a therapist that never once used her hands to massage the glutes) She used effleurage all over my back, ankle to knees both front and back of legs. I almost drifted to sleep a few times. And lastly, she gave me one of the best reflexology foot massages I have ever had. The relaxation part, reminded me of a Traditional Western style of massage.
Positives: 1. Asked me what type of pressure I wanted. When I said "deep", she ...offered....back walking.
2. Everywhere she massaged was done exceptionally well.
3. In spite of her thick accent, her English was excellent. 4. Great customer service skills.
5. Bonus: she sure is cute!!!
Negatives: 1. Never asked me where I had pain.
2. For deep tissue: Went nowhere near where some of my biggest pain areas are: (pelvic, groin and glutes). At the very least, a lady asks if I mind having those areas massaged.
3. Front and Back, Excessive draping: I actually don't mind this, if the more personal areas are still massaged. But, she exposed only the areas she wanted to work on, and tucked in the rest.
4. Relaxation Massage time: didn't massage stomach, chest, or breasts. Even completely legit therapists generally massage one to three of these areas. 5. Never used her hands to massage from knee up, front and back. (She may have run into time constraints.)
This massage is most suited for those shy about their body. I will probably bring my wife to her in the future. However, if I ever could afford a 4 hand again, I would definitely would want her in the duo.
Looks: 8.5/10 (Note: In my visits, I have seen her with and without glasses.)
Customer Service: 9/10 (forgot to offer water)
Over-all massage experience: 7 out of 10.
(Someone who prefers rigidly draped massages and is new to the skills of Asian masseuses, might give her an 8.5 or higher.)