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Sollievo Massage and Bodywork
Categories: Health and Medical Acupuncture Beauty and Spas Massage Acupuncture, Massage [Edit]
2285 Massachusetts AveCambridge, MA 02140
Neighborhood: North Cambridge
(617) 354-3082
- Nearest Transit:
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Massachusetts Ave @ Dover St (77)
Massachusetts Ave @ St Johns Church (77)
Massachusetts Ave @ Woodbridge St (77)
- Hours:
Tue 3 pm - 9 pm
Wed-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sat 9 am - 7 pm
Sun 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Insurance:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
$50 for $75 Certificate
M C. said: "I am a big fan of community acupuncture, and Acupuncture Together is a great model. They offer other resources too such as information on specific…" read more »
16 reviews for Sollievo Massage and Bodywork
16 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa M.
Medford, MA
Updated - 11/23/2011 27 Check-ins Here
Another update, I've been seeing Helen for a while now and she has been fantastic.
She is so wonderful. My mom has seen her a few times and thinks she really works wonders.
Here is her bio, from Sollievo's website:
"Helen's sessions consist of a blend of several different deep tissue techniques such as trigger point work and positional release with a strong base in Myofascial Release. She focuses on allowing the opening of resistant tissues to melt or "release" using soft, slow and specific strokes. With the combination of the Swedish full-bodied stroke and the specific holds, the muscles and fascia are invited to become quiet and relax. Helen's work often ends with the "feel good" effleurage which then encourages the neurological system to quiet. It is in this place where the body begins to understand that a new or different "reset" position for the tissues has been established. She may choose to incorporate a bit of craniosacral work and/or general joint holds for balancing at the end of the session.
Helen also offers Manual Lymph Drainage. This kind of "massage" offers a very light and soothing touch as it directly targets and "jump-starts" the lymphatic system of the body. This system has it's own circulatory vessels and routes carrying metabolic wastes to the kidneys for excretion. This process allows for a "flushing/cleansing" of the system. This work may be done alone or at the end of a massage session."
I am so glad to have Helen in my life. She makes all the pain (emotional, mental, and physical) go away!Listed in: Waiting to Exhale
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/25/2010
Yup, tonight solidified it for me. Linda is a magician. I've never felt more relaxed, calm, at… Read more »
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Review from Tech L.
Boston, MA
6/19/2010
I walked out of here feeling like Gumby, my friends - no small feat considering all the tension I'd built up in my back over a springtime of stress at work. Upon arriving, I filled out a quick waiver and intake form, noting what kind of massage I'd like (athletic! with PRESSURE.) and pinpointing on a diagram my most-needy body parts.
Super-chill/friendly/strong Meghan fetched me and had a little chat about that info before we got started, a practice that goes a long way in making sure you walk out of there happy. By the end, all that tension was GONE, and she recommended some self-massage and nifty tricks to take care of myself between visits.
I wouldn't have visited Sollievo if not for Groupon, but I might have to consider indulging myself every now and again. -
Review from pooneh d.
Somerville, MA
6/25/2011
If you are looking for an acupuncturist, look no further! Larisa Rich is absolutely amazing. I've had a chronic health issue since I was 12, and have been to heaps of doctors who were all totally useless. After meeting with Larisa twice, my symptoms began to resolve. She sat with me for over an hour and did an in depth analysis of my symptoms and created a list of foods for me to eat and what to avoid. @ first I thought she was waaaaaaaaaaay off, but I stuck to the diet anyway. I had acupuncture 2 or 3 times as a supplement, but haven't had to go in for months. When I told her about the results, she said that food is the best and cheapest medicine and that the goal is to get the client balanced enough with diet and lifestyle changes that they don't need to see her for acupuncture. I've seen other acupuncturists and they either gave me massive headaches or didn't do anything. Larisa's the real deal, and I can't recommend her highly enough!
Also, if you're looking for a fantastic massage, Maureen is the one to go to. She is like a wizard-ress with healing hands! I've had some back issues since being in a car accident in '09, and I can keep them @ bay if I see her every 4 or 5 months.
There's free parking in the back and the prices are pretty reasonable, too. -
Review from Rebecca S.
Cambridge, MA
1/9/2010
I can't say enough good things about the massages and the treatment I have gotten here...
The atmosphere is soothing and calming as soon as you walk in the door, the staff are friendly and helpful, incredibly knowledgable and great listeners. They draw out of you the experience you would like to have by asking just the right questions, and are very intuitive as to how to treat you whether you know what you need or not. Each time I have been, I have had Megan, who has magic hands...I swear...
I live close by, but would definitely commute to get here- it's so worth it. Whether to recover from a sore back, or to de-stress or pamper- GO! You won't regret it. -
Review from Nicole P.
Cambridge, MA
4/13/2010
This place rocks! I had a great massge with Meghan Hallowell. I really like that the therapists schedule you for 90 minutes so that you get a full 60 minute massage and still have time to discuss any issues before and after the massage. Meghan even took the time afterwards to show me some things I can do at home to keep my muscles loose.
The only reason this place gets 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the cost. A 60 min massage is around $90! As a first timer I got the $15 discount but the prices are really high and I am not sure the massage was that much better then other more affordable places. -
Review from Helen L.
Quincy, MA
4/28/2010
I've been to a LOT of massage places, and this one was pretty decent. First of all, it's HUGE. You wouldn't be able to tell from the waiting area, but once you go to your massage room, it's like entering some medieval castle. It's got all these hallways and many many rooms! So the ambiance was cool.
I had Laurie, who was absolutely charming. She was cute and hilarious and incredibly friendly. Loved her personality to death. I thought the massage was pretty good in general. She really worked my shoulder blades area that I requested, and that was interesting. It was an hour massage and she mainly focused on my back, which is what I requested.
Afterward, she pointed out the tension areas that she worked on that probably needs more work. She showed me this thing called the Theracane, which is this stick that you can use to massage your own back! Umm, it was freakin' awesome. I want to buy one, but it was like $30. I will probably buy one online.
I had a groupon so I only had to pay $40. -
Review from Tiff D.
1/25/2010
Ooo-ouch-ah-eee... uhhhhhh
The pain! The pleasure! Meghan has some strong hands. She worked those muscles into submission.
Thanks to Groupon, I was able to get an amazing massage. Meghan was polite and caring. She listened to my concerns and went to work.
The coupon was for 60mins and I only got 45mins massage time. The other 10-15mins was spent on the initial "consultation" and post massage advice. But $45 for 45min massage is still a great deal.
Post massage, she told me about things to do in between massage appointments, which I appreciated.
Overall, Yay! I'm a fan. Main reason I didn't give it 5 stars was their prices are high. I used a Groupon for this visit, but I would like to come back, and their prices are just too high. Second, its not a "day spa". I am a HUGE fan of the day spa experience. I believe every massage should be accompanied by plush robes, steamy showers, and time in the sauna or hot tub. This place doesn't offer that. -
Review from Lauren S.
Somerville, MA
3/24/2010
I spent a month and a half hunched over a laptop working on a project that required a lot of overtime. When I finally reemerged into the sun and straightened my spine, I realized my back was pretty f-ed up.
Sollievo is only a block away from my house, and when I researched it on Yelp, I noticed they had a $15 off coupon for first-time guests. Woo hoo! I booked the massage appointment online pretty easily, and someone called me to let me know that the Yelp coupon is for the 1 hour and 15 minute massage (which the coupon does not say, so FYI).
Now, some back story-- I was excited about this massage because I'd only had 2 massages up to that point, and both were terrible. The first time I had an awful pinched nerve in my shoulder so everything hurt, and for my second massage, which took place in China, I'm pretty sure I was in a "massage parlor" that also doubled as a house of prostitution as the room stunk of man sweat and was freezing cold. The room was so cold and the bed of questionable cleanliness that the young masseuse and I just spent the rest of the time showing each other pictures of our boyfriends on our cell phones and trying to have a conversation in broken English and Mandarin.
So, let's just say the bar for my expectations was low going in, but Sollievo was great. Linda, my LMT, led me to a room that was 77 degrees (very comfy for taking off your clothes) and asked me all about how my body hurt and what I liked. She was very discreet in dealing with nudity--kept me covered at all times-- and didn't talk (who wants to chat during a massage?). She really knew what she was doing-- she hit the perfect line between "Ahhh, that feels great" and "Ow it hurts a little, but don't stop." Woman has a gift.
You have a $15 coupon, a sore back/neck, and perhaps a little extra in your pocket from your tax return. Why not go to Sollievo and treat yourself? Well worth it. Ask for Linda. -
Review from ChianWen T.
Boston, MA
6/10/2010
Love the ambiance of the place. It really doesn't make me feel like I was doing something really sketchy in some little dingy room in the back of some less than desirable establishment. I like that they take time to do a pre and post massage interview to address any concerns.
The experience was really relaxing and enjoyable. I can't really put my finger on it but something is missing about this place thus the 4 stars. -
Review from Annie W.
Somerville, MA
6/13/2011
I went to Sollievo and had an appointment with Katie. My purpose for going was to relax and unwind. At the beginning of the appointment we spoke about what was bothering me (back, shoulders, feet, calves). I requested that she pay special attention to these areas. She then asked me if there were any areas that I would like her to avoid, and I said no.
The thing that caught me so off guard was she didn't focus on the areas I requested... she didn't even touch my feet (I had just gotten a pedicure, so it wasn't like they were gross) my main problem area that I stressed the most at the beginning of the appointment.
Overall, I left a little more relaxed, but also confused as to why she did not address the areas I requested. What made me even more upset was I had to pay before I even had my massage because the lady at the front desk wanted to close out the register. I didn't have cash on me, so I had to tip on my card before I even got on the table. After leaving the room disappointed, I would not have been as generous with my tip... but I thought I was in for a great experience after reading all of the reviews on line...
Overall, it was just a mediocre experience... I am still on the look out for a better place in Somerville/Cambridge. -
Review from Karen S.
Cambridge, MA
5/17/2010
Went to Sollievo with my bf on a Saturday afternoon with groupons. We had to fill out on online surveys about our physical health before we went in for our appointments. My masseuse (I forgot her name!) was awesome, asked lots of questions and followed through. I have been having chronic hamstring pain on my left leg after workouts and she worked on my lower back, glutes, hamstring, and calves. The day after I was able to sit for more than 30 minutes and get up without pain and it was awesome! Highly recommend, but know your body and be specific about what you want them to do.
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Review from Ramzi A.
Boston, MA
1/27/2010
Maybe it's just me, but I always thought I'd die a happy man, never knowing the touch of another man. However, that all changed with my visit to Sollievo. I have a hard time passing up a good Groupon, so I gave this place a shot. Overall it was a pretty nice place, and I would recommend it to others, but a note to the staff: most men don't like being touched by other men.
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Review from Mindy M.
Pittsburgh, PA
7/19/2009
Well-done interior design, attentive therapists, comfortable treatment rooms... this place makes for a really nice experience. In my opinion, its the best place to get a massage in the Cambridge-Somerville area. Highly recommended.
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Review from Don D.
Cambridge, MA
11/12/2009
I have been many times and have been meaning to review Sollievo - what a gem. I go to Laura, one of the owners. I would go here weekly and nowhere else.
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Review from Donna M.
Manchester, NH
4/2/2010
I have had A LOT of massages in my life and this was the worst. I wanted to try some where new, so I was excited to try it out.
The people at the front desk were clueless, the woman who did my massage clearly had "more important" things on her mind and put no effort into my massage. I asked her to concentrate on a certain part of my back and she did NOTHING to give this area any extra attention.
She rushed through and I was only on the table for about 45 minutes even though I signed up for an hour. I felt no better or more relaxed getting off the table than when I first got on.
I will never go here again and I wish I had not wasted my money. There are FAR BETTER places in Cambridge. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Cambridge, MA
4/30/2010
I am very frustrated with Sollievo because they refused to honor my Groupon in what I think is a very unfair way. I know when I read Yelp reviews and I see a bunch of good ones and one angry one-star review, I disregard the one-star as an angry, vindictive person. So I will attempt to tell my story in as dispassionate a way as possible and let you draw your own conclusions about the customer service at this place and whether you want to give them your money.
I bought a Groupon for Sollievo, which I haven't tried before. On Tuesday I decided I could really use a massage, so I called up around 11:30 am to see if there was any chance they could squeeze me in that afternoon. On their website, it looked like a 3:00 appointment was available. But when I called I found out they don't open until 3. I figured I was out of luck, since I'd have to leave my house just after 2 to hop on a bus and get there by 3. But I left a voice mail anyway, saying that I wanted the 3:00 appointment, but I could only take it if they get back to me by 2:00; otherwise, I don't want it after all. I also sent a message through their online system; it said that Groupon customers couldn't book online so I didn't think I was booking but rather just sending a message. The online message was similarly clear -- I was interested in a 3:00 massage, but only if they got back to me to confirm by 2:00.
Well it turns out that despite huge letters everywhere saying that Groupon customers couldn't book online, and despite my clearly selecting the Groupon category, when I thought I was sending a message, I was actually booking -- or at least making it so their online system couldn't allow anyone else to book.
When I hadn't heard from them at 2:00, I hopped in the shower. Sometime after 2:00, they called, and the message they left said that they booked me for 3:00 and if I didn't show up they'd cancel my Groupon. I didn't get this message until it was far too late for me to show up.
I think it's really unfair for them to call and say I got the appointment and if I don't show up they're cancelling my Groupon. I was clear that I didn't want any appointment unless I heard from them by 2:00, which I didn't. So now without my knowledge they're booking me, and charging me for a missed appointment!
I spoke to the owner, who said that other people wanted that 3:00 slot and she turned them away for me. I don't think she should have, because I was clear that without a confirmation by 2:00 I wasn't showing up. But because she did, she was going to cancel my Groupon. Or, she said, I could pay an extra $35 and then they'd honor the Groupon. That means I'd end up paying $80 -- $45 for the groupon and $35 to them -- which is exactly the full price of the service. Quite honestly, the only reason I booked here was because of the discount; they're far away from me and there are plenty of other places at which I'd rather pay full price!
So now I'm stuck either losing my $45 or paying an extra $35 to save my Groupon, all because I'm being penalized for a "missed" appointment that I never wanted to make in the first place!
I think this is a really poor way to treat a potential new customer. I felt like I had to agree to the owner's deal because she had all the power -- she could just cancel my Groupon. But here's the little power I have -- I can post this story on Yelp and let other people decide if this is a place where they want to spend their money.
