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Backworks Therapeutic Back Center
Categories: Health and Medical Acupuncture Beauty and Spas Massage Health and Medical Chiropractors Acupuncture, Massage, Chiropractors [Edit]
34 Batterymarch St(between Milk St & Batterymarch Arm)
Boston, MA 02110
Neighborhood: Financial District
(617) 451-2225
- Nearest Transit:
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Pearl St @ Congress St (191, 192, 193, 4, 92, 93)
Pearl St @ High St (4)
Atlantic Ave @ Milk St (4)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 8 am - 7 pm
Thu-Fri 8 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Insurance:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Natasha R. said: "My husband has been coming here since Dec '10 and all of the pain issues in his hand and shoulders that he went in with have been resolved. Dr. Ken & Dr. Karen are professional and courteous." read more »
31 reviews for Backworks Therapeutic Back Center
31 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa F.
Boston, MA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Hands down the best massage I have ever gotten. I have had back problems since I was a kid, so my back has always had issues. I can't stand the salon massages because that's just a joke. I'm not paying you $100 to put cream on my back and play spa music. I want my back to feel better and work towards improving it.
I had Diane and she was A-MAZING. I like a lot of pressure during my massage to really get into my muscles, and she did just that! Although for those of you that like less pressure they will ask you in the beginning and throughout if the pressure is ok. The room is very nice with soft music and a heated table just like in fancy salons. Except when you leave here your back feels better and actually stays that way for a while. After my appointment Diane gave me some tips to help my back from stretching to not locking my knees when standing. Huge difference. And for the awesome service they provide their prices are much cheaper than other places in the area.
So if you want that fru fru b.s kind of massage, go somewhere on Newbury street. But for a real therapeutic massage that will keep you feeling better for days, come here! -
Review from Nita P.
Manhattan, NY
2/7/2012
I'm veering between 3 and 4 stars. 3 for my massage, 4 for my masseuse's sweet personality, perhaps?
* same day appointment, +1
* 30 minute time slot, +1
* close proximity to where i live, +1
* friendly guy at desk & very sweet masseuse, +1
* minus 1, however, for the massage itself. while my back is looser, the massage wasn't as intense as i would've liked. the masseuse also took a phone call (no joke) in the middle of the treatment. i didn't say anything because it was quick and she apologized (she explained that it was her post-work ride home) but... that wasn't the most professional treatment. -
Review from rachel j.
Jamaica Plain, MA
5/15/2012
This massage was great. Unfortunately I forget my massage therapist's name. When I go in for a massage, it not because I want to relax, it is usually because I have severe neck and shoulder tension, which is causing me awful stress headaches. So it involves a lot of pressure to get the knots out. My massage therapist (older Asian woman) was no-nonsense but she got the job done. I was a little sore that day but by the next day, the pain had subsided.
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Review from Alexis T.
Somerville, MA
8/11/2011
I wanted to schedule a massage for my birthday which was two days from when I sent in the online request appointment form. When nobody got back to me, I just called the next day and scheduled an appointment by phone for 2pm on Friday. I got to Backworks at 1:50pm and filled out a new client intake form. Then I was sent upstairs where I waited for what seemed to be forever. I was a little put off by the number of awards posted on the wall boasting their successes and "Best of Boston" winnings. I thought a more simple decor would have been more relaxing and pleasant.
Anyways, I didn't know who my massage therapist was so I didn't realize how many times she had walked passed me while my massage should have already started. Lisa finally took me in at around 2:12, took my form, told me to take off my clothes and left. I didn't even really discuss what my goals were or what I wanted her to focus on. She gets back in my room around 2:15 and just starts the massage. Overall, I'm really impressed with the massage. It wasn't your typical relaxation massage, she really worked to get my knots out. However, I felt a little uncomfortable with the fact that my rear-end oftentimes was exposed out in the open and not under the sheet. Lisa also kept talking to me (unfortunately it was difficult to understand her when my head is tucked in) and I just wanted peace and quiet. Lastly, she ended about 5 minutes early.
I told the front desk about this and they adjusted the price to a 45-minute massage (after trying to charge me for 1 hr) and said that Lisa didn't understand the schedule.
A week later, I got an e-mail from the director asking me if anyone got back to me about scheduling an appt because my request form was sent to their spam folder. I explained to him the situation and he offered to give me a 45-minute massage to make up for it. I really appreciate his trying to make things right and I only hope that my next experience at Backworks is better than my first. I didn't really want to give this place 4 stars, but the massage was too good and George (the director) displayed excellent customer service. So, thank you Backworks! -
Review from Dave F.
"Are you sure you want a strong massage? I'm very strong."
I took one look at Kim, my massage therapist, and thought, "This looks like someone I'd avoid bumping into on the train, because I might hurt her." I just nodded and said, "Don't worry, I like strong massages. No one has ever given me too strong of a massage."
Fair warning: When Kim says she's very strong, she isn't messing around. I've had back problems my whole life and had several massage therapists express surprise when they thought surely they had to be hurting me, only to have me say, "No, actually, you can press harder." I can guarantee I'll never tell Kim that.
Last Thursday, I went to Backworks using a voucher from Coupme. When I got there, they had me fill out a little form explaining what was wrong and where I hurt and all that. Kim didn't need any of that crap. She stood me against a wall, looked at me for a few seconds, and she told me where my back hurt. She pointed out every major twinge and pain and could see it without me telling her. All I had to do each time she told me I was in pain somewhere was give her a surprised look and say, "Actually, yes."
As for the massage, it was unlike any massage I've ever had. Kim would pick a spot on my back and work her thumbs into it so hard and fast that I felt like I was on a rush hour Green Line train. She'd work a spot over and over, digging in deeper into my back until it felt like she was going to just be rubbing directly onto my bones. At the moment it started to feel like almost too much, like it was time to call "Uncle," she'd suddenly stop, slap a hot towel onto the spot, and move somewhere else as all the tension and pain melted away under the warmth of the towel.
I felt great after that massage. As Kim warned me, I definitely was sore the next day, but it was a good sore. It was a sore like after a really good workout, where you can feel your whole body saying, "That was tough, but worth it," and my back still feels better than it has in weeks. -
Review from Helen L.
Quincy, MA
Updated - 2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I just got the pleasure of getting a 10 minute lecture from the owner, George. THIS PLACE IS TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE unless you know you will write a good review for them. Because the owner will forbid you to come back for writing a bad review.
Back in September, as you can read in my previous reviews, I got a massage therapist named Po who sat on me like a horse, called my legs "big", burned me with a hot towel, and dug her nails into me. I've had other massage therapists there before and Po was my first time having a bad therapist. (I had written a review in 2007 saying how much I liked the place).
Needless to say, I yelped it and wrote a complaint letter about my negative experience. George responded promptly and wrote a very nice apology response and gave me a gift certificate for new massages. He told me Po was new and needed some more training. I accepted because as I told them, I gave them the benefit of the doubt that not all the therapists were bad. Considering I've been going there since 2004.
Now it's February and I want to redeem my gift certificate. I tried to schedule a massage and the owner REJECTED ME AS A CUSTOMER BECAUSE OF THE REVIEW I WROTE BACK IN SEPTEMBER. Yes, it's my opinion! Hello, it's Yelp. People can say whatever they want, and no business will get 100% perfect reviews.
To be clear, I wrote my review BEFORE the owner offered me the gift certificates. And after he did so, I went back and made that note in my review so people knew the owner did something about it, to be fair to them.
Eventually, the owner gave me a refund, but I was not allowed to return and make another appointment.
George lectured me with the following comments (remember this is now 5 months after the incident, after he made amends and gave me the gift certificates, after I've felt happy as a customer):
"You have no editorial credentials"- who said I did? it's Yelp. I'm not a writer for the New York Times. If I have no editorial credentials, then why do you care so much about what I write?
"Po cried for weeks, and I don't want to put another therapist through that" - cried for weeks? Seriously? She BURNED me with a scalding hot towel. And that's my fault for speaking up about it? The owner said so himself that Po just needed some more training so why is the owner punishing the customer for this? The owner, back in September, agreed that I shouldn't have received inappropriate comments, the longer fingernails and the burning towel...so, again, I have no idea why this is an issue now.
"You personally attacked Po and your review wasn't objective."- I never wrote that Po was a terrible person...I wrote the things that actually happened to me. Also, it's Yelp!! The whole website consists of...opinions! I'm not writing on yelp as if I'm some expert on everything. Nobody has to agree with it. If you can't handle what people write, don't read it.
"You still tipped her..even though you wrote a bad review"....would you rather I didn't give her money..is that a bad thing? Okay fine, I take it back, I shouldn't have tipped her- sorry.
"I don't want to take the risk of you writing another bad review and go through it all again."- are you really worried that all your therapists will burn me and make inappropriate comments?
What is absolutely baffling about this ordeal is...
1) Why give me a gift certificate in the first place? Only to take it back from me? The owner, instead of allowing me to return, gave me my money back instead, even though I just wanted to get a better massage. But I wasn't allowed to, which is sad because I could have come back and written a redeeming review about another therapist.
2) You really want to reject somebody who wrote a negative review so they can write another one?
3) The whole dealing I had with them was nothing but nice and professional UNTIL THIS POINT. Why ruin that?! I complained (5 months ago!), the owner responded professionally and I was a happy customer. But then months later the owner decides to ban the customer even though he gave me the gift certificate. Why would you do that? Especially since the customer is already happy and willing to come back?? I HAVE BEEN GOING THERE SINCE 2004 and had one bad massage and complained and they fixed it but then they unfixed it by banning me from there. It makes no sense. Isn't having repeat customers sorta the point?? It's sad because they completely negated the good customer service they had before by doing this.
4) It's weird to me that a business can't handle negative reviews. Isn't the whole point so they can see what customers say and improve on the business?
So basically, to all yelp reviewers out there- if you go here, just remember- you have to like it, or the owner might not allow you to return.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/27/2010
I had a woman named Po, and I WOULD NEVER EVER RECOMMEND THIS WOMAN AGAIN.
So many things went… Read more »
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Review from Stephanie L.
Arlington, VA
7/12/2011
Great staff, great massage.
I have to start off by saying that the building and rooms aren't glamorous, but I didn't go there to admire the architecture and interior design.
I've had back problems pretty much my whole life (severe scoliosis) so I've been in and out of Doctor's offices, Chiropractor's offices, physical therapy, and massage parlors. Needless to say I've experienced my share of back therapy.
Having said that, this place is GREAT for anyone who needs to rid themselves of knots and muscle tension. I feel great, and can sit up straight without pain (which, for me, is saying something).
I had Sam, who is pretty intense. I had to ask him to apply less pressure (as the nice woman at the front desk suggested before I went up for my massage- should've been a red flag for me). He was good about it for a while then went back to being rough and somewhat aggressive again. It didn't bother me too much since my back has so many knots that it may have been the only way to get the job done, but I won't be asking for Sam when I return.
I will definitely come back here. Great prices, friendly and accommodating staff, same day appointment (unheard of!), and I left feeling much better than when I arrived. Hopefully, next time I'll be able to give this place 5 stars, but I just couldn't considering... -
Review from Grace Y.
Boston, MA
Updated - 4/6/2011
The owner George contacted me very shortly after I posted, sad about a massage cut short, and offered me a gift certificate! I wish more companies had owners that actually cared what their patrons thought. I was impressed by his professionalism.
My only gripe with them has been solved and I am very excited to go back and fix what hours of laptop use on a super soft mattress has destroyed.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/7/2011
I loved my massage so it makes me sad I can't give them 5 stars, but I think the biggest no-no ever… Read more »
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Review from Megan S.
3/4/2011
This ain't no spa. You will not get a glass of cucumber water when you come in, a terry cloth bathrobe or soothing music.
This is a place for work - on your back, that is. I go to this place a bunch since it's the most reliable to get a massage when you want it, on short notice.
More than most places, this place leaves me feeling great and the prices aren't bad either.
Hot Tip: Do not use Sam unless you like STRONG pressure. You'll feel amazing afterwards, but I've decided that the hour of pain isn't worth it for me at least. -
Review from Michele G.
Boston, MA
8/5/2010 ROTD 2/6/2011
Yelp is awesome. Without the big Y, I'd have never found this little gem tucked in the Financial District. In need of a jackhammer for the burning sack of rocks beneath my skin, I called and was able to get a same-day appointment!
My therapist was Diane, and she is enormously talented. I don't think my knots have ever been so thoroughly kneaded before, and while my pain isn't completely gone, it's 80% better. Honestly, my shoulders often make masseuses gasp, they're so hard.
For one heavenly hour, Diane squeezed, pressed, leaned on, and beat my boulders into near submission. When I first came in and described my pain, I stopped short of telling her to punch me. Thankfully, her technique is advanced enough so that she didn't have to. There's no way I'm not coming back.
The hour was spent not just getting to a more chill place in body and mind, but chatting intermittently about life. Turns out we have a scary amount in common, from Sicilian descent, to attending the same art school at the same time, to our love of kitties. A rainy, dreary day in the city turned out to be a very bright one indeed. -
Review from Niki M.
Boston, MA
7/28/2009 ROTD 8/3/2010
This place is excellent. You can prepay for a ton of appointments at a nice discount (particularly handy when your buxom flex spending account is about to expire, and you've got a doctor's note giving the ok for massage therapy).
The service is wonderful! So far, I've had the pleasure of working with the acupuncturist and two different massage artists (I consider them artists, sculpting an undulating medium of pain and grotesque misalignment into a serene placid plane, sort of like deconstructing the gates of hell into a sunny meadow somewhere in the Alps).
The acupuncture session was my first; I have a very bad back and was told that this would be magical for my pain. It was certainly relaxing, if a little unnerving having needles sticking out of my face, ears and hands, but I haven't gone back yet mostly due to lack of planning and prioritization skills.
So, it wasn't mindblowingly magical for me personally, but it did create a very unique sensation of calm and painlessness. I would definitely try it again, but for now, the massages are REALLY helping me in a way that I need and prefer.
And yes, let me discuss the massages a bit more. The facilities are really clean and lovely; low lighting, candles, some new-agey music, scented oil, heated table. I have fallen asleep on the table, lulled into peaceful bliss by the masseuse's expert wrangling of trigger points. I'm not someone who can easily relax, so it's saying something that I can happily let go for an hour and allow a healing of hands, so to speak.
You will not regret a visit or 50! Best thing I ever did for myself.
If you're car-bound, figure on parking in a garage; finding street parking is like prospecting for gold in the desert. -
Review from Kirs P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
2/23/2007
**updated Feb 2008: New doc! Much better than the first Dr. Pat replacement. He's really good. I had my back seize up on me again earlier this month and I needed help before I left for vacation. Mike, the new doc, got me straightened out right quick. **
*** Update 9/17/07: Dr. Pat is on a massive world tour vacation for the next 6 months. They've got some other guy filling in- but I don't like him as much- not nearly as personable or thorough, if you ask me. Anyway- I probably won't be going back to Backworks until Dr. Pat gets back. Sad. ****
I heart Dr. Doody. Don't make fun. That's his name. And he's fabulous.
Last summer I managed to wrench my back up big time. So bad I actually couldn't stand up straight. I was walking around Boston looking like a monster out of a Victor Hugo novel. Sitting wasn't any better. The only relief was lying on my back with my knees bent and even then I was stuck there until someone picked me up.
Anyway. I googled for a chiro in Boston, and Backworks showed up. I called them and they got me in within hours. That's right. Not weeks, not days. Hours. I walked out looking like a semi-normal person again. A few sessions later and I was practically like new.
Fast forward to today. I called last week to get an appointment. Again, no problem. And now I feel about three inches taller. I have another appointment next week- this time with a massage. I can't freakin' wait.Listed in: Lunch for Working Stiffs
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Review from Ella P.
Boston, MA
Updated - 8/20/2011
Since writing my last review, the owner contacted me and gave me a full refund for my vouchers (which I wasn't expecting). I'm still not a fan of the massages and wouldn't go back, but the customer service was great, especially since it's been so long since I had my appointment.
Listed in: Personal Care - Massages, etc
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/4/2011
Apparently everyone loves this place, and I'm not sure why. However, I found a few more filtered… Read more »
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Review from Julie C.
3/16/2009
I just got back and seriously had to yelp this shizzz...
Me ( in my head while laying on massage bed): YES! RIGHT THERE..OOOOH..HARDER, DEEPER!!! YES! YES YES!
Masseuse: You have been tight for way too long.
Yes, loosen me up and let it all out!
Seriously though, i was in some pain. I dont know how or when, but I could not move my neck an hour after being at work sitting at my desk doing nothin!.
Since I was going to be doing a strength test this week, I knew I had to remedy this problem.
I had my appt. with Kim. She was sooo awesome. She massaged me with Chinese medicine oil. (she's Chinese justt like yours truly!)
my parents uses the oil for their pain and i feared it would reek after I was done but she patted me off with a wet cloth and lotion and the odor was minimal.
But with the oil and massage, i could feel the pain being lifted away. It felt soo good. laying on the heated bed and the warm towels on your back.
It was amazing.
The half hour was well spent. When it was over, I looked in the mirror, my mascara was all over my face and my hair was tossled and disorderly. it got a ltitle moist with the hot towels. But she leaves a brush for you to fix yourself up.
First time clients get $10 off. So worth the $40 I spent.
What recession? I'm still gonna pamper and take care of myself.
The front desk is really nice too. A cute little waiting area with a bowl of chocolate!!Listed in: My addictions
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Review from TJ M.
Boston, MA
3/6/2009
Highly recommended. You can prepay for 5 one-hour massages for $300, which comes out to $60 per session... I don't care what city you're in but that's pretty affordable.
The staff is wonderful and extremely friendly. The facility is a bit dingy, but they pass the savings from overhead on to you. With that said, everything is sanitary, the therapists are very competent and they are happy to refund your money if you are not satisfied. -
Review from Cathee D.
Boston, MA
10/1/2011
As some of the other reviews mention, this place is nothing fancy. If you're looking for a spa experience, this is not the place for you. That being said, I found the staff to be courteous and Gigi worked out the knots in my back like a pro. I could barely move my arm with out sharp pains when I got there and when I left all that pain was mostly gone. Will definitely go again when I need to...
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Review from Linds L.
Cambridge, MA
8/10/2009
I'm sitting here with my legs crossed...that means a lot to me.
I was having debilitating lower back pain off and on for 3 months following an injury in kickboxing. My doctor couldn't do anything for me and muscle relaxers were useless. The pain was terrible and I was getting desperate. I debated between acupuncture and chiropractor, but one day I got a Groupon for acupuncture to Backworks. It seemed to be a sign. After purchasing the Groupon and looking into Backworks a little more I decided I'd also look into trying the Chiro since the prices were decent.
I called Backworks and the woman I spoke with was beyond helpful. She asked me if I had insurance and told me that my insurance might cover my benefits. Then SHE called my insurance company to verify, and called me back to give me the good news. I started going to the Chiro that week. I've had 4 sessions and feel SO much better it's almost unbelievable. I truthfully never thought it would work as well as it did. I'm so grateful to Backworks....
Funny side note: the Chiro was telling me how best to get up from laying down or sitting and said "do you know what a kegel is"...I almost laughed out loud. But now I wish I had said 'no' so that he'd have had to explain it...so funny.
I still haven't tried acupuncture yet but plan to once my Chiro sessions are complete. -
Review from Stacey D.
Boise, ID
8/19/2011
Wow! This place is great. I only scheduled a half hour massage because I was afraid of spending a bunch of money for an unknown masseuse, but 5 minutes into my massage from Po I wished I'd paid for an hour. Po was fantastic- no nonsense, intense, get the knots out massage. No namby-pamby massage that is more about relaxation than muscle-loosening. Wished I lived closer so I could go back much more frequently. They also got me on for an appointment on the same day I called. 5 stars.
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Review from Eric B.
Boston, MA
7/5/2011
I went in last Friday to get a massage with the hope of getting rid of some back pain. I was surprised that I could get an appointment with such short notice and was able to make it in at the end of the day. I met with Po and got an hour massage. This was an intense massage but one of the best that I've ever received. The whole place is very professional and she was thorough. I'll definitely go back in the future and look into their packages.
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Review from Jen H.
7/16/2008
My roomie went here and recommend I check it out. My shoulders are always really tense. I got a deep tissue massage and wowza. I've never had one that deep or hard before. It hurt, but it was that kinda hurt that you knew it was gonna feel so goooood once the dude did his magic.
Not a bad price, and there is an online coupon for $10 off your first visit. They then sent me another coupon right after my visit that I can use the next time I go.
If you've got some serious kinks you want to get worked out... come here for a massage and stay away from the Spa/Salon atmosphere where the massages (while relaxing) are not going to get the job done in terms of pain, kinks, etc. -
Review from p'raka ..
Brighton, MA
6/10/2011
I found this place via a Coupme deal and it is the only place I will go now if I have back/neck/shoulder pain. I go to the lady downstairs (I believe her name is Kim). She is amazing! As another reviewer mentioned, you don't have to discuss your issues with her, she just looks at your back and KNOWS what is bothering you. The room temp is perfect and you get hot towels on your back for the duration of the massage. The place might not look too fancy but it is by far the best massage place I've been to.
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Review from Cliff D.
Boston, MA
2/2/2010
This place is amazing!!! I went in last week with some serious tension/pain in my neck and shoulders. I have been bartending for the past 6 years and have been training for the Boston Marathon all winter so my body has been abused. After my second 1 hour sports massage, my pain is gone and the tension has subsided.
I will definitely be going here once a week to see Lu Lo, she is hands down the best masseuse I have ever been to. -
Review from Tyler B.
Gainesville, FL
10/9/2011
I had a very intense yet beneficial massage here about a month ago. I scheduled an appointment with Debbie, as I heard she was one of the specialists for sports related injuries. Aside from back and neck problems from sleeping on a couch and a train, I had gotten bad shin splints from running. She did a great job of breaking down the tissue in my shoulders, back, and legs, and even got some tension out of my forearms that probably built up from being a musician. Additionally, she showed me some stretches to help stay healthy. Debbie's tissue massages are not for those who want a relaxing massage, but for people who need intense work getting rid of their knots and their physical tension. You might feel sore for a few days but after that the benefits will be obvious.
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Review from Travis D.
Boston, MA
6/14/2010
A triumph of substance over style. The offices here are far from luxurious, but when you're dealing with a back full of knots, the froviolities of the typical salon-and-spa are worth nothing compared to the able, strong, practiced hands of one of Backworks's masseuses.
I wasn't expecting much--after a week of couch-surfing and neck-stiffening, I was desperate for something immediate, not necessarily top-notch. But my masseuse, Lulo, quickly proved not only her physical ability as a masseuse but also her knowledge of anatomy; before she began, she asked questions about how I felt and processed my needs and wants, and throughout the massage, she approached it less as a luxury service and more as a careful, planned treatment. She targeted each sore spot and thoroughly worked out each troublesome knot; with each one, I could feel her pinpointing the problem and carefully, firmly kneading out the discomfort, not moving on to a new patch of muscle until she knew she'd worked out every last iota of stiffness. She applied technique with an obviously experienced, practiced hand ("How long have you been practicing massage?" "Very, very, very long"), and the results were immediate: Increased muscle mobility and agility and no more soreness.
It wasn't the kind of massage that makes you drift into slumber, but the kind that invigorates you and breathes life into your muscles (though I'm sure Lulo would have been just as able to perform the former as the latter). With an admonishment to drink more water (presumably to prevent more knots), she sent me out the door and off to the best night of sleep I'd had in years. -
Review from bex g.
Boston, MA
1/22/2006
the doctors and massage therapists at backworks have honestly saved my life. i entered with lower back pain that was nearly crippling. in less than a month i am back to running and lifting weights.
as someone who had never seen a chiropracter or massage therapist before, i was weary of how well their methods would actually work. giving up control of my body for the back cracking and muscle bending was a little difficult at first, but the results attained were amazing.
i never have a problem getting an appointment with "my" massage therapist, and the cleanliness and patient respect is top notch.
i even purchased gift certificates as christmas gifts for friends here i love it so much! -
Review from Anna F.
11/25/2008
I am in love. I have had back pain for over a decade (which is pretty sad when you're only 30). I've done massage and chiropractic on and off for years with little lasting benefit. Then I met Debbie. Thanks to you Yelpers I felt compelled to give Backworks a try. At $65 an hour (if you buy a package of 5 or more- or use the Yelp coupon) it is much more reasonable than most massage places. I also found out that I can use my flex spend there with a note from my doctor.
So, back to Debbie. It seems like serendipity brought us together. We chat through the massage about film (she used to be an editor) and about how I can do little things that will help heal my tender back muscles. No, time consuming stretches and exercises- really simple revelations like how to slightly adjust my body when sleeping to easy the tension in my back and hips. She's a gem! And she doesn't spare the pressure- this is no relaxing spa massage! But I feel the benefits for days and can't wait to get back (get it!). -
Review from Cathy M.
Winthrop, MA
3/16/2010
Once I finally made the decision to "break up" with my chiro (tired of hearing pitches about vitamin supplements and getting adjustments that last 30 seconds), I gave Backworks a call after a recommendation from a coworker. Everyone here is great, no hard sell about anything, Dr. York actually listens to you and talks things over, what a concept. Basically going for maintenance more than anything else, but have already seen a slight improvement after strenuous housework or exercise.
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Review from Mr. X.
Cambridge, MA
10/2/2009
It's an old story. Liquor, machismo, and a friend who needed to move in a big hurry screwed up my lower back permanently. Kim the masseuse and Dr. Mike the chiropractor restored it to decent working condition. I was especially impressed by how Dr. Mike kept up with my progress and modified his approach over time. He taught me a number of stretching and strength-building exercises that I do semi-faithfully, and my back has improved to the point that I'm training for a marathon. A year ago, that would have been unimaginable.
Everyone there is super friendly. The office is warm and always smells good (menthol, presumably from the massages), so it's a real treat to walk in there in the middle of winter.
Many thanks and good luck to Backworks. The surprisingly small amount of money I spent there was spent well. -
Review from Linda N.
Belmont, MA
12/12/2008
One morning I sneezed and something very bad happened in my lower back. I could feel everything wanting to seize up. It's a frightening feeling for anyone who has back troubles. I knew I needed to have something done THAT DAY, and thanks to Yelp I found Backworks.
I got a one hour deep tissue massage right after work and staggered over from my office. The place is a storefront and the massage areas are up the back stairs on the second floor. My massage therapist was amazing. She worked the knots out so that I could actually stand up straight after she was finished. They are convenient, good and reasonable, especially with the $10 off coupon from their website (for your first massage. What more do you need? -
Review from Richard F.
Medford, MA
4/12/2010
Friendly, helpful chiropractic care; don't feel nickled and dimed like some chiropractors; frequent specials. Online scheduling would be a great addition, but the quality of care is worth the hassle of a phone call.
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Review from Daisy D.
Boston, MA
3/18/2011
Love this place! Best massage in Boston and Kim is magic on my tired muscles! The staff is always super friendly and helpful- buy a package you won't regret it!
