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Balance Massage Therapy
Categories: Beauty and Spas Massage Beauty and Spas Day Spas Massage, Day Spas [Edit]
5155 Plymouth RdAnn Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 660-5919
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Accepts Insurance:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Balance Massage Therapy
19 reviews in English
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Review from Liz W.
Updated - 4/27/2012
I hesitate to share this. The first therapist I *matched* with at Balance was Chris. I wrote a big gushy review and the next thing I know I can never get an appointment with her. The secret? I don't mind anymore. I have a new *match* in David Paul.
I walked into Balance at the last minute as usual. I was hunched over, my shoulders knotted up, my neck pinched, my feet aching, my ankles swollen and suffering with a headache that was threatening to ruin my whole weekend.
I had opted for a half and half massage today. A half hour of reflexology and a half hour of back and shoulders. It is the world's most perfect combo, particularly for an uber tense person like me. David is super patient in untangling every single knot. If he can make me relax, he can probably turn you into a big pile of mush. Heck I was pretty close to there myself.
David's like bacon, he makes everything better. I love that you can be quiet or chatty with him. Either way he goes with the flow. It's not awkward a bit. It feel like his only care is in making your body feel and work better, any way that makes you the most comfortable while he accomplishes that goal is all good with him. His techniques are a bit different than a lot of the local therapists, maybe because he did not get his training at Irene's or AAIMT (not that I don't adore therapists trained at either of those places :-) ).
He has such a great back technique.You feel almost ironed, like the kinks are just straightened that easily. The strokes are mostly long, soothing and nicely insistent without ever feeling uncomfortable or like the pressure is too hard. Instead of tackling the problem areas with too much force in a manner that leaves you feeling bruised and battered, David's method feels more like coaxing your muscles into yielding like it was their own idea. The result is all the ease you are seeking without the ouch that can happen if you are super sensitive like I am. His method causes a wonderful deep down ahhhh feeling as the massage winds down for me. It is kind of incredible.
Suffer from swollen ankles? On your feet all day? Just love a foot massage? Look no further. David is a magician. An angel. A godsend. My feet feel a-maz-ing. I feel incredible. So terrific I did something I never do, I rebooked for next month before I left. I made an actual commitment. This from a woman who has 782 reviews for different businesses around the greater Detroit/Ann Arbor area. I don't usually do loyalty.
I cannot resist the end result I get here. I walked out of here not only upright but with a spring in my step. My feet two sizes smaller, my cankles gone. That headache? Forgotten. I am risking losing another therapist due to oversharing on Yelp but I can't keep it to myself. David is too awesome to keep a secret.Listed in: Spas, Salons and Massage, ROTDs!
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/22/2012
I have been a girl under pressure lately. Everything is on a deadline. A deadline that always seems… Read more »
Comment from Josie L. of Balance Massage Therapy 3/7/2010
Elizabeth - I thought I'd fill you in on the oils we use -… More » -
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Review from Jessica O.
Ann Arbor Charter Township, MI
5/25/2012
I received a gift card to Balance for a full body massage - my first! So not only am I basing this review on a one-time experience, but also my first real massage experience. It was everything I imagined it would be and more. I was scheduled with Ed, and though he was quite soft spoken (or maybe just being quiet) and a BIT hard to hear, I was able to give him a general idea of where my problem areas were and he ran with it. I have a hard time relaxing, but by the end of the 60 minutes I felt pretty rejuvenated (and MUCH less tense). After the massage he explained to me that I held tension in my neck, which I hadn't realized before, and gave me instructions for at-home stretches to help.
Oh, and the man at the front desk was SO nice. I was a few minutes late (blame my lack of familiarity with the north side) but he helped me get checked in quickly so I could get as much time as possible on the table.
I'll be back, that's for sure. -
Review from Jessica C.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/27/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I've been going to balance massage therapy (BMT) for about 2 years because as a poor college student, they have been the cheapest massage place around. If you go on Tues/thurs from 3-8pm the massages are only $45.
I've gotten a few different therapists each time, and each time I was satisfied. I felt refresh and relaxed. I always came out feeling very good.
Little did I know what I was missing until I had a session with BERT. And HE WAS AMAZING. I've always had good massages, but not AMAZING massages. He does not just "massage" but he stretches and does some sort of magic on my body. From chatting with him, I found out he is also works for the UM Women's swimming team. That should mean a lot, because he knows his muscles and insertions and he knows exactly what to do to relieve tension. He has amazing stretching techniques that, in combination with his massage techniques, melts away all the tension I have. I like my massages very firm and that's exactly what I get. I find that maybe because I'm a small framed girl, many therapist don't want to use to much pressure (I think they are afraid of hurting me?)
Overall, Bert is a gem to BMT and I always book my appointments with him. If you like very firm massages (to the point that you're sore tomorrow), then Bert is your man.
Thank you Bert! :) -
Review from Trevor M.
3/4/2012
Had a really relaxing massage and would definitely go back. The front room is extremely crowded i think there were 6 people waiting and 3 chairs that would be the only negative
Comment from Josie L. of Balance Massage Therapy 3/5/2012
Hi Trevor! Thanks so much for coming to Balance and writing… More » -
Review from Toni B.
Detroit, MI
1/5/2012
Thank you Liz W for your review as this is what sent me to Balance Massage Therapy in the first place! And thank you Kristy - I'd still be in a considerable amount of pain if it weren't for this very talented massage therapist!
Yesterday I called and made an appointment at the last minute and they were able to fit me in for the next day. I was so happy as I was in pain from helping a friend move. Please be advised, as it has been mentioned in previous reviews, they do take your credit card number over the phone and will charge you a fee if you miss your appointment. This is explained to you when you call and I had no problem with the policy. Make sure you leave early and get directions as to where you are going because they are located in Dixboro which is a tiny town (technically Ann Arbor) that can be hard to find. It's basically Cherry Hill and Plymouth Roads. The office is located behind Moonwinks Coffee House. So, when I arrived, Erin took care of me and she could not have been nicer. As I was waiting, several clients came out of the massage rooms gushing over how happy they were with their massages. I met with Kristy who got my history and went through my pain issues before my massage. I had chosen the Hot Stone Massage as I've enjoyed it elsewhere and found it to be very therapeutic. Because I came during "happy hour" it was priced at $75 rather than $100 for 90 minutes. And OMG was it worth it! I would have paid full price for this massage. I was in so much ridiculous pain going into the massage room and by the time Kristy finished working on me, I was relaxed, my muscles were loose, and my pain was relieved. I think I fell asleep for a minute there I was so relaxed. The stones were hot but comfortable and Kristy was obviously well trained in using them. The room itself was clean, comfortable, and the massage bed was large. I will be recommending Balance Massage Therapy to my friends and family and I will be going back. I had a fantastic experience there. -
Review from nate c.
Royal Oak, MI
6/25/2011
Thank you balance for our amazing couples massage. We left there fully refreshed. You guys have two lifelong clients with us. I just wish I could go more often.
Thank you again
Nate -
Review from Brenda M.
11/23/2009
I have been contemplating this review for almost two weeks. I would like to preface by saying the only reason I am leaving this review is so newbs like me will know what to expect, and how to have a more enjoyable massage experience.
This was my first massage. I envisioned something totally relaxing and soothing. The desired result was to feel somewhat like jello at the end, and stress free, at least for a little while.
I met with the therapist and told him it was my first massage. Then I mentioned I had a "kink" in my neck, and that was my only issue.
The massage was really uncomfortable and did not feel good at all. It was very hard. I have a sensitive spot on my back that I asked him not to massage, and he started to twice after I asked him not to. When I emailed Joise (one of the owners) about it, she said that mentioning my neck took the therapist out of relaxation and into "neuro muscular" mode. I know I should have spoken up, but first I'm totally non-confrontational, and second, I kept wondering to myself if I had built up in my mind what a massage should be. After thinking about it and talking with Josie and other clients, I know it shouldn't be painful or uncomfortable.
The atmosphere of the shop is very nice. I did appreciate the water afterwards. I was kind of grossed out by the face pillow. It had a previous client's hair and make up on it, and when I had to put my face in it, it skeeved me out.
So, words of advice: Give balance a try. You can't beat their specials. When you go in, make sure you tell your therapist exactly what you want, and what you expect. -
Review from mariah c.
Ann Arbor, MI
Updated - 6/13/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I've been to Balance several times since and been very satisfied. This last time my body was cranky with me from time on crutches and limping around favoring one leg (after a nasty ankle sprain).
I have to say that every therapist I've had here has been very good, but Bert's strong hands were especially appreciated today!
After a couple weeks of my body feeling too wound up, I felt able to relax and still do as I down towns of water and try to stretch all day! My fella says I need to start pre-scheduling massages every so often, but that sounds a little indulgent. Still, Balance is so affordable that maybe I could do it without breaking the bank!Listed in: Healthy Habits and Habitats, Five Star Faves: Ann Arbor &…, Happy Feet!, Salons, Spas & Massage
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2009
I was in great need of a great knead.
Sorry, I just couldn't resist that pun! But really, I had some… Read more »
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Review from Riki L.
Ypsilanti, MI
11/22/2009
I feel bad since I promised Balance I would write a review ages ago, but I'm just now getting around to it. I heard about them through Yelp, and wanted to get several massages there before reviewing.
I have to admit the only masseuse I've booked times with has been Nicole, who is out of this world. I am definitely a massage junkie and have had lots of deep tissue work done in the past by people who were more expensive and less intuitive about pressure.
The first time I got a massage at Balance I let them know about my TMJ problems and how I must hold a lot of stress in my jaw. Nicole expertly massaged the temporal mandibular joint and released a lot of the tension. That is treatment I had never before experienced with a massage. I felt so much better after.
When my back went out in August, Balance was the second place I called after frantically trying to book some physical therapy appointments. A massage with Nicole allowed my lower back to stop seizing long enough for me to get some rest and feel alive again.
I recommend Balance above all other massage businesses in the area. It's located next to a great coffee shop, too, in a cozy area right off US 23.
The owners always ask how I enjoyed my massage when I stumble from the room in a daze. You always receive a free bottle of water with encouragement to drink as much as you can to replenish yourself after a massage. I know that if I had any problems with my experience that the owners would genuinely care and offer up a solution; for people with tight budgets that need massage therapy this is an important factor. I admit that I have only ever gone during Happy Hour to receive 25% off services and luckily that's when my favorite masseuse is there, but Balance is an experience that I would definitely pay top dollar for. -
Review from Paige G.
Whitmore Lake, MI
2/28/2010
My back has been doing unpleasant things this week...a misdiagnosed kidney stone, herniated disc, irritating husband were all contributing to my general misery. I got up today and decided that I needed to give Balance a try...thank goodness I did!
Burt worked on me and listened to my general complaints and symptoms. I left with about 90% improvement in my condition which was truly amazing. Their new client, happy hour and rebooking specials can't be beat. Best place for a calm, professional massage experience without the fluff or expense of some of the day spas in the area. -
Review from Laurie M.
Belleville, MI
6/11/2011
Balance Massage is only getting an "Meh" from me because, while the massage was good, I just cannot get over how mean the front desk person was when I had to call to cancel my last appointment. I had made an appointment a few weeks in advance and I was really looking forward to it but I woke up the morning of the appointment sicker then anything and I called them to cancel; I called so early they were not even open yet so I left a message on their machine to let them know I would not be in that day. They called me back around noon and just left a somewhat rude message asking about how I planned on paying them the $30.00 cancellation fee. I called them back just to reiterate that I was looking forward to coming in that day but I was ill and I gave them as much notice as I could but I would not have enjoyed the massage and did not feel I should come in. I don't normally cancel my appointments but it could not have been avoided. The person I was talking to was really unsympathetic and kept going on and on about the cancellation fee. She did end up agreeing to waive it but I just cannot get over the nasty experience. I'll just go back to my former place in Plymouth. They are more expensive, and further away, but also more professional and I guess this is a classic case of "you get what you pay for".
Also, on a side note, the sheets on the tables are scratchy and the air in the rooms is too warm and stale. -
Review from M. S.
Ann Arbor, MI
1/10/2012
It's high time I wrote a review for my favorite massage place. I LOVE Balance Massage Therapy and I recommend it to all my friends. I've had massages here with Bert, Chris, Matt and David (just today with David in fact) and each time I have been just amazed at the quality of the massage. They are total professionals who really know their stuff, who listen and ask for feedback as necessary but also let you just relax and not engage in conversation unless you want to. I went here weekly during my 9th month of pregnancy and had miracles worked on my sore back, and since then, I've taken advantage of their 5 massages for $200 specials a couple of times. This makes massage more affordable and part of an overall self-care routine as opposed to a rare indulgence. I don't feel I'm sacrificing on experience to get this low cost, either - the place is so nicely decorated and calming; the tables are very comfortable; the overall ambiance is just a pleasure. And the owners, Josie and Chris, couldn't be nicer or more supportive and appreciative of their customers. A true Ann Arbor gem.
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Review from Molly K.
Madison, AL
2/28/2010
Just a word - Christin is fabulous. She's professional, funny, and as quiet or chatty as you like. But even more important - she's dang good at what she does.
I went to see her recently for a prenatal massage. She focused on areas that were quite uncomfortable and took care of them, per my request. Nothing seemed weird to her, and she helped me greatly - I got off the table feeling lighter and much less tense.
I have seen several different therapists at Balance and have never been disappointed, but I think Christin is my "match." Go and see her - or any of the Balance team - and you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Jerry K.
Ann Arbor, MI
6/8/2010
I had the good fortune to be stationed next to the Balance Massage booth at a trade show. After watching show attendees getting free massages all day, I was feeling inexplicably sore.
At the end of the show, I somewhat sheepishly asked the attendant if she would mind giving me a massage. She enthusiastically obliged, and it was honestly the best massage I've ever had. Moreover, she was very friendly, making a completely relaxing experience. I am really excited to check out their actual operation - if they can make a bustling trade show feel like a Zen Garden, I can't imagine what a full session must be like! -
Review from Jenny K.
4/15/2011
Holy Crapamoly, I love this place! Actually, I love massage therapist Ally's amazing hands that have smoothed over the twisted knots in my back and kinks in my neck. I have been getting massages regularly for the past 5 years and can honestly vouch for this place. My recurring knots are like angel winged tumors in my shoulders, and there aren't many therapists who can actually get to these demons. Ally really knows how to get at these deep tissue knots and, frankly, she deserves an award. Will be coming here regularly for the duration of grad school, yes.
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Review from Lizzy W.
Belleville, MI
6/29/2011
Yesterday was my very first time having a massge there and it was the absolute best my body feels so much better after that massage!! I recommend everyone to go here and because I was a new client I only paid 49$ how awesome is that I will definitely be making me an appointment to go again in a couple of weeks if I could I would get a massage everyday!! Thank you to all the staff for being so nice to me!! See you soon!!
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Review from Amy B.
Pinckney, MI
3/28/2011
I've been to Balance several times, and after each massage I left all the tension I was feeling in my shoulders and calves behind.. Jeff took extra time after my massages to show me stretches to help me prevent the issues I had been having with my neck and shoulders. The staff is always friendly and professional to boot. They provide you with a free bottle of water after your massage which is a great reminder that you should rehydrate afterwards.
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Review from Ryan B.
Ypsilanti, MI
3/4/2009
Today I called after researching a bit and did get in relatively quick on such short notice. First impression was a new, clean, professional environment! I was with Wyatt, he was very professional and definitely listened to the problems I was having and focused on those areas, which helped alot. He also showed me a couple stretches i could do to help the tension. VERY HELPFUL! I am going back in two weeks for another massage! I did get a chance to meet both owners who are very friendly and up beat! I would for sure check Balance Massage Therapy out!
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Review from Susan W.
Ann Arbor, MI
2/18/2009
I never had a massage before meeting the owners of Balance Massage Therapy, and it wasn't long after I met Josie and Chris that I was interested in trying it. I don't know why I waited so long!
The way I feel after a massage is better than getting a great deal shopping (I take pride in good shopping deals)...it is relaxing, satisfying and amazing! A massage help your physical health and mental health and I am a true fan of everyone I've met at Balance Massage Therapy.
