Lauterstein-Conway Massage School & Clinic

I have been a customer for years, but lately it seems as if they are more interested in profits than customer satisfaction. To call in an appointment your call will go directly to voicemail and they may take hours to call you back at their convenience. The phone tag got so bad that I had to drive from south Austin today just to make an appointment. They do have a place on their website that is somewhat hard to find to request an appointment, but it is just a yearly calendar and you have to request 3 different dates, none of which may be available. Useless.
I was disabled for months last year for major cancer surgery and was unable to use one of my gift certificates before it expired this month. They were unwilling to extend the expiration date even a couple of days and instead demanded a renewal fee. Heartless.
The massages are fine, but this business has become too focused on their profits at the expense of their customers.

Recently 4 months I went in for a massage and had a mix up. The therapist thought I needed a circulatory massage, but I asked for a sports massage. I messaged the managed and everything was dealt with in a professional manner. The next massage was great.
Also, on a side note. I did receive an awesome massage from a different establishment. The therapist came from Lauterstein Conway Massage School and Clinic. This program makes great therapists.

Here are my expectations for a student massage:
They won’t be as experienced
They may have to ask more questions or be a bit more timid in their approach
I may have to give more guidance or feedback during the massage
I don’t expect a full, amazing professional massage. I do, however, expect that they are at the point where they can take instruction and act on it. If I have to say 5 times that I can’t feel anything (except fingernails) and that they should apply more pressure, they should be able to act on that. If I ask that we can move away from pressure point /​fascia work and just do a simple kneading massage, I expect them to listen to that, not knead for 10 seconds and go back to their fascia work.
From chatting with the masseuse afterwards, it sounded like they were a bit worn out and didn’t have the strength for a real massage. If that’s the case, they shouldn’t be working on clients.
I left here with my back the bad kind of sore, generally frustrated with wasting my time, and with $ 35 less in my pocket.

Saw the great reviews, so took a shot. When I set the appt, it was made VERY CLEAR that if I canceled w/​less than 24 hours notice I would be billed !!! Ok, got it.
I showed up for my appt, only to be told my assigned therapist had not shown up. They told me I could reschedule, and the therapist would have to pay for my massage. Yes, that sounds great. Getting a massage from someone who has to pay for it, that won’t be awkward at all. I left, and never got any kind of follow-​up or explanation.

One of the best kept secrets in Austin, which is why I’m hesitant to tell you about it. :-)
Massages are an expensive and splurge-​y affair. I don’t know many people who can afford to receive quality massages on a regular basis – they’re just too damn expensive. With Lauterstein-​Conway, however, affordability is not an issue. Here’s why this gem is one of the best kept secrets in Austin and here’s some info to help you decide if it’s right for you:
— $ 35 for a one hour massage by one of their student interns. The massages are a real, straight-​up 60 minutes, not 45 or 50 like some of the other places that advertise an «hour».
— By law, you are not allowed to tip (since they are practicing for their license).
— Student interns performing massage are professional, friendly, and eager to do a good job. When you finish your massage, you have to fill out a feedback form that the student reviews with you, so depending on your feedback, things could be slightly awkward.
— The facilities, beds, and linens are squeaky clean. And while there’s isn’t a water feature, candles, or big leather chairs like many spas have, the facilities are perfectly acceptable for the price you’re paying.
— You’re massage does not take place in a private room, but in a large room sub-​divided by floor-​to-​ceiling curtains. So, while you have visual privacy, you will be able to hear everything going on around you.
— Everything runs on time, and the office staff are helpful, friendly, and professional.
— They book up very quickly and you’ll likely have to schedule at least two weeks in advance.
Please don’t go to Lauterstein… I don’t want it to become any more difficult to get an appointment than it already is. ;-)

My co-​worker has been raving about this place for months and I can officially say everything she said was true! Yes, the clinic is student ran. Yes, because they are so awesome (and affordable) slots fill up quickly. Yes, you’ll fall in love with a student and then find out they just completed their hours. Yes, you’ll go back as many times as your wallet will allow.
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because this was only my first visit, but now that I know what to look forward to, I can go back and give a fair assessment.
P. S. The phone lines stay busy, but they do call back that day and you can book online too!

This review is for the Couple’s Massage class with Kevin Graef.
Lauterstein-​Conway offered such a unique experience this Valentine’s day with a couple’s massage class! For $ 50/​couple, they provided a 2 hour course.
I don’t know what I was expecting exactly, but I was pleasantly surprised when we walked in to find a circle of massage tables placed around the room. It seemed so legit! We each covered our tables with a sheet and were given a box of massage lotions and oils to use/​keep. Kevin led us through a variety of massage techniques, teaching one movement at a time. He utilized a projector (with a visual image) as well as a live demonstration on his assistant (on a massage table in the center of the circle).
For the first half of the class, partner A laid on the table while partner B learned and practiced the techniques on lucky partner A. Halfway through, we switched and partner A now became the student masseuse.
My boyfriend and I both agreed that the night was a complete blast. We had so much fun learning a new skill that we will certainly put to good use! It was incredibly romantic and not at all awkward (somehow!). Everyone was focused on their own learning and their own partner. The tables were spaced far enough part to where I didn’t feel that I was getting into someone else’s business.
The class was a perfect introduction to massage technique & I loved being able to learn and practice with my boyfriend. Upon finishing the class, we decided we should start saving for our own massage table! I hope they will add more couple’s classes in the future.

I am a junior in college and I started coming here my freshman year. I have gotten a massage from the wonderful students of TLC over ten times (cannot even remember an exact number).
First off, the front desk staff are kind, patient and helpful. Always a smile on their faces and they’re pleasant to talk to. Second, know that you will never get the same type of massage because the students are all different. Out of all the times I have been here, I have only had two massages that just didn’t «do it» for me but I will always go back because you will most likely not have the same person do your massage again.
$ 35 for an hour massage, I cannot complain. Will be back again and again. can not recommend this place enough.

Great service, great price. I made an appointment for next month! My massage therapist did exactly what I asked and I left feeling great.

*Make sure you arrive about 10 minutes early for your appointment!*
I arrived a bit late due to traffic and not finding the location right off the bat (the sign isn’t the most obvious) and I didn’t realize I would need to fill out a quick info sheet and have a preliminary conversation with my massage therapist. He was so nice though! I felt so relaxed that I barely even noticed other people were just a curtain away from me! Request Miguel, he puts just the right pressure on your stubborn muscles but with a nurturing touch.
I plan on going back at least once a month to pamper myself for such a great price!

I have to thank TLC for changing my life and helping me find my life passion. I was first student at 2002 and then again 2008. I took a few workshops in past years. I worked for over 5 years for a company and I’m finally on my own. Thank you!!! Great education. Truly life changing.

Got a great massage here the other day. They are very nice and helpful and you can’t beat the price. There is a little bit of background noise as you are separated by sheets from others in a big room but everyone is generally very quiet and the atmosphere is quite relaxing. Highly recommended!

It would appear that vacuous airheads work at the Laurterstein-​Conway Massage School & Clinic. Here’s my story:
I book a massage in October. I get a call shortly before the massage that it will be canceled. Ok, no problem. Things happen. It’s cool. They offer me a $ 5 credit. Cool, thanks Laurterstein-​Conway Massage School & Clinic!
I book another massage for early December. Two weeks or so before the massage someone calls to confirm that I can still make it. Yes, I’m stoked for my massage! A week before my massage I get another call. Can you still make it? Yup, why are you asking me again? And then. another call. Oh, your therapist is sick and has to cancel. Hm. really, again? Well, it’s cool Laurterstein-​Conway Massage School & Clinic. Oh, but you don’t have any other times to offer me to reschedule?
I get another call on the day of the second cancelled massage. Why are you 15 minutes late for your massage, they ask me. You will be charged for it.” Huh, what are you talking about. You are supposed to be here now. Um, no. Someone called me to cancel this massage. — and the woman refused to believe me. NO, we have you down for noon! She would. not. believe me. FINALLY she says, ‘Oh, I think I see what happened. Someone rescheduled your last massage (the one where the therapist was sick) but they didn’t tell you.“
Laurterstein-​Conway Massage School & Clinic… is anyone in there? You cancelled on yourselves! Third cancelled massage, now…
«Would you like to reschedule this»
«NO!»
And then today (over a month and a half after the third cancelled massage), I get a letter in the mail from them requesting $ 35 in payment for not showing up to the massage they cancelled on themselves.
So I called to explain why I will not pay this and the woman on the phone says, «Hmm​.it looks like you booked a massage for October but that’s the only record we have of you in our system.» Oh, Laurterstein-​Conway Massage School & Clinic. Sigh. What drugs are you taking? If that’s the case, then why are you billing me for a December 7^th massage?
In other news, Mantis Massage is awesome! I highly recommend them. They are super reliable and the therapists are outstanding.

You can’t beat the $ 35 massage. The staff is friendly and since it is a school, there are plenty of students who need to get their hours in. I’ve been several times and had great experiences each time. Plus, I like the fact that you can schedule a massage in the evenings so that I can go after work.

I am all about supporting students, and getting damn good deals. So when I finally decided to get relaxed and get my first massage ever, I chose the school. And for $ 35 for an hour, it is a great deal.
During my massage, the entire time I kept thinking how dirty this review would inadvertently sound. There’s no getting around it.
I called ahead and made my appointment, they asked me if I preferred a male or female. This taken lady chose female (although I feared females might not go hard enough on me…). And really, what kinda girl would I be if I was a single lady and chose a male. Like, seemingly dying to be touched by a dude. No, thanks, I’m not some spinster who needs to pay to be touched. So when you get there you fill out some quick info on yourself, and there is a space where you can indicate where you DON’T want to be massaged. I indicated nothing. WOAH! Don’t worry, don’t think they’re going to massage your butt just because you didn’t indicate «don’t touch my butt. «
For whatever reason, the shallow part of me feared that some troll would be massaging me. Like it matters, right? Well, my girl wasn’t a troll, and she was probably younger than me. She asked me my problem areas and I told her to focus on back and neck. Yea sorry, nothing crazy to massage. She took me between two curtains and indicated to undress to what I felt comfortable. I then got in the «bed» and covered myself up. She asked me if the pressure was deep enough and I said no. But she still didn’t increase the pressure. So, my fear was correct I suppose. Girls can’t go hard. I was super jealous when I could hear others around me sounding like they were getting the crap beaten out of them. Inside, I wanted the crap beaten out of me!
Halfway through the massage, she had me flip over. That’s when I realized the entrance to my space where I was getting massaged was open. Flipping over was awkward being naked and all. This is not for those with body complexes, people who are modest. Good thing I’m not super modest.
4 stars, would totally go back. Just need deeper pressure. I may be a girl, but you can’t hurt me, I need it harder.
And at the end of the massage after filling out the little survey for her, she said «I’m glad I was your first.» WOOOOOOOOOOOT!

The $ 35/​hr massage deal is fantastic, hence the 5 stars. I can’t make comparisons since Lauterstein-​Conway is the first place I’ve ever gone for a massage, but I had a great experience.
For those who don’t know what to expect, here’s a rundown on what happens:
— Come in to fill in a short medical questionnaire and pay the $ 35. (If there’s a body part that you don’t want them to massage, you can indicate that here.)
— Your masseuse will come out to meet you and lead you to the room which has massage tables (curtains separating each), soft lighting, and relaxing music.
— They’ll ask you about any target areas and what you want them to focus on.
— Then, the masseuse will leave, then you’ll strip down (so dress easily/​comfortably) and get under the covers.
— They come back, and you enjoy your massage.
— Afterwards, get dressed, fill in an evaluation, and you’re on your way out!
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I came out relaxed and feeling refreshed, and my masseuse was very kind, courteous, and attentive. She even gave me some stretching tips because of how tight my muscles were in some places — didn’t expect to get feedback and next steps, but it was a nice gesture.

Come on, come on, come on, come on
Now touch me, baby
Can’t you see that I am not afraid?
What was that promise that you made? …
come on, go get touched, baby — get rubbed, de-​kinked (not kinky), relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated by the fine folks at the lauterstein-​conway clinic.
be not afraid that you’re in one giant room with many other clients. you won’t be aware of anyone but you and your new best friend once they draw the curtains around you. it is very soothing in there, with lights nicely dimmed and voices hushed to whispers. and by the way, the fact that there are many beds operating at once means you can go with a group and all get massages at the same time (though separated by curtains). we do this with our kids every now and again — nice family outing.
oh, the promise? how about an hour long. professional massage by a trained masseuse for a mere $ 35. and, by the way, tipping is not accepted. and they do it all at the clinic — swedish or deep tissue, targeted or full body — just tell your masseuse what you need and they make it happen.
this may very well be the best deal in town. i’ve been 20 times and have never had anything but a totally enjoyable and therapeutic experience — certainly on par with many higher priced massages i have had.
thanks lauterstein-​conway,
i’m gonna love you
till the stars fall from the sky.

Ok, I can’t sing the praises of Lauterstein-​Conway Massage Clinic enough! After a move to Austin I was sore and exhausted from the heavy lifting involved in a move and decided I was going to get a massage. I have gone to several massage schools in various cities throughout my life, but this is by far the best one I’ve ever been to.
Although you are in a curtained off semi-​private room, you are lose sight of that immediately because the therapists are so personal and attentive. Because they are students, they are really eager to tailor the experience towards your needs and have a really firm understanding of the musculoskeletal system. I’ve found that when a therapist understands how the body moves and works, it is really reflected in his or her work.
The therapists are so enthusiastic about their work and really take pride in meeting your needs. I have been back a handful of times and every time I leave, I am immediately wondering how long I can wait before coming back! At $ 35 for an hour, the price is unbeatable as well. This is one of my favorite establishments in Austin so far!

There are a dozen people getting massages as well but the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing, you forget all those people are there in a matter of minutes.
The people who complain about this place are idiots — This place is one of the best kept secrets in Austin! I mean, right up there with Avenue Five as far as best kept secrets. A one hour massage for $ 35 with no tipping? Incredible!
I was really stand offish at first doing the student massage clinic — but staff made me very comfortable and they are outgoing and friendly and I highly recommend this place especialy if your on a tight budget.
I will going back and they have a new regular customer.

How have I lived a half a mile from this place for three years and I just made it for the first time in May? My life would have been so much better if I tried it earlier! I’m embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve been since May…
This place is one of the best kept secrets in Austin! I mean, right up there with Avenue Five as far as best kept secrets. A one hour massage for $ 35 with no tipping? Incredible!
I’m as far as possible on the conservative end of the scale when it comes to modesty and was a little wary at first, but felt totally comfortable in the end getting a massage in a room with other people. When you change, they pull the curtain around like at a hospital. If you’ve had any skin services at Avenue Five, it’s a lot like that.
All of my massages here have been fantastic. The students really listen to what you want and I’ve been impressed with them all!
What a fantastic deal!