The Great Massage

I had better hopes because of good reviews but my experience was not good. It was nice that they actually ask you where to focus but the massage was still very choppy. My upper traps and shoulders were what I specified and the woman just kept grabbing at them, too fast, not enough lubrication and wasn’t even getting the muscle. So basically she was just irritating my skin. A lot of the massage was like that. It’s easier to work if you go slow and not just furiously pinch and grab. It was not comfortable at all.

Came here recently with my husband because we were in the area. I remembered coming here before and feeling like it was OK and I had a really stressful week so decided to come here. Plus it was late and they were still open.
Once inside, there was a LARGE smell of incense. Major thick. It felt humid, hot and very unhealthy. Made me cough a few times…
I don’t see how that is relaxing, as humidifiers (the opposite) would def. work better to help us breath better and for better air.
HOW WAS THE MASSAGE, YOU SAY?
Well. onto the massage itself. I had the lady who owned the place. She was not very good at addressing my needs. I told her my neck and upper back hurt… and all she worked on were all the other areas EXCEPT for that. it was as if she dismissed what I had said. Finally in the last 5 minutes, she finally worked on my neck and It did not do much really. The massage was uncomfortable. She finally gave me a ‘hot towel’ claiming that that will help my neck… It didn’t do anything because she hadn’t done much to help alleviate it, in the past hour or so. They also ended the massage 5 – 10 MIN EARLY.
ANOTHER AWK MOMENT:
As we were paying… both the guy in the front and girl were staring at us as they asked «TIPS?»…how awkward is that. I think there was a lot of pressure to tip a lot despite the massage being bad. We did end up being generous though buut it was sure as heck awkward. I dont’ like predicaments like that.
I think for $ 100 for two people, not including tip, this place is not worth it. We make decent/​good money but we will never be back. I felt like we got taken advantage of.

Thrice again Natalie did an amazing job with my shoulders, neck and back. I came last week cause I was completely tight and knotted up all over. When Natalie tried walking on my back she sensed how tight I was from all the flinching I was doing. After the massage I was actually able to have somewhat of a good night’s rest that I haven’t had in awhile and I was able to stand up straight with my shoulders back, no slouching without feeling the tightness. This massage I was actually relaxed and almost fell asleep until Natalie ask me to turn over. I can’t wait to come back. Thanks Natalie

I found this place almost 2 year ago and I become frequent customer ever since.
The major reason is the therapists are really great. For me, CP value of TGM is high. I have tried 3 of their therapists, Natalie, Tracy and Monica. Each of them has different massage skills and technics but non of them disappointed me so far. Nat is there all the time. But when Nat is busy I trust them and can go for any new recommend by them. And I went back several times for either Monica or Tracy after their first trial.
The other thing I like this place is they don’t chat with you while massage. I can enjoy my quiet time and get my power nap here. In winter, they have heated blanket on the massage bed. This is a great extra touch. Also, they give you bottom water after message. That is sweet.
The only downside, which is not their fault and not really bothering me, is the noise from next door. Though they play soft music constantly, you can still hear more or less noise from the laundry place at the other side of wall.

It’s really great place to relax, however, the rooms are not so private!!!

you can get any massage you want as long as it’s thai. I did not get the sport massage I wanted. the girl was very nice and massaged me for 60 min. I liked parts of the massage however I don’t think I’ll go back. at one point she was massaging me with cold wet towels, until I asked her to stop.

I’ve been wanting to get a Thai massage so badly and I finally tried it at The Great Massage via my friend’s recommendation.
Natalie did the Thai massage for me and she’s very good! I used to travel to Thailand very often for work and I had Thai massage almost every night which sets my expectation really high for Thai massage. Usually for Thai massage it’s either you go for Thai oil massage (more luxury like a spa relax massage) or tradition Thai massage (that you have to lie on the floor and the masseur will start bending you around). Over at The Great Massage, they have a combination of both.
It started with oil massage and Natalie came up to the massage bed and starting twisting my body. My body is aching so badly from frequent workout, my muscles is very tensed and I felt soooo good after the session. $ 45 for 1 hr massage is definitely worth it! Will definitely be back soon!

Any first timer, it helps to know that this place is located in the Trader Joes/​Petco Plaza off of Rosemead/​Huntington drive. My usual Thai massage spa was booked out today and out of desperation for a much needed massage I turned to Unilocal for help. I thought it would be a long shot, especially at the last minute, on a Sunday evening, but I was happy that they were available to get me in within 15 minutes.
Nice place with about 4 rooms separated by curtains, in a cool, quiet tranquil setting. Jenny was my masseuse and I got the combo massage (Thai + deep). She started off light, but quickly strengthen the massage when she realize how to tense my muscle was. Without me mentioning it, she zeroed in and focused on my legs and shoulder. She was able to relieve the nagging between my shoulder blade and hamstring. It was hot out today and though the room was cool, she turn on the fan and the sensation from the air and aromatic oil was calming to my to tense muscle. In the end, she had me sit up for additional stretch and massage to the neck, shoulder and back. Love it!
I highly recommend Jenny for anyone looking for a strong deep (deep) muscle massage. Go for the 90 minutes massage if you are overdue for a massage, especially if you are tense and sore. And don’t be afraid to tell her your problem area so that she can it more attention.
$ 45 for 60 minutes, which was worth every single penny. I will be back again for the 90 minutes session!

Love! It was my first time ever getting any type of massage. A friend had recommended me to get one bc I was complaining of insomnia and headaches. I looked on Unilocal for one close to my work and I noticed this one had good reviews that were legit. So I called and was assisted by Natalie when I arrived at 4:30.
The entire place was dark and the only thing I would change is the music. It wasn’t relaxing and was kinda too loud. Anyhow I wasn’t sure what to do bc I’ve never had a massage before. Natalie kindly explained that I needed to take off everything except my panties. So I disrobed and got under the blanket. By this time my head was pounding and even though I had just taken 2 pain killers it still hurt. I told Natalie and she proceeded to work on my upper head, neck, and shoulders. Within a few minutes I felt the tension start to ease. There were some areas that she worked on that hurt and but I figure that’s bc my body isn’t used to being kneaded like dough.
In the end I was really happy with the experience. The cost is $ 45 for 1 hour and I left her a $ 10 tip. They were really nice too and offered me bottled water as I was leaving.
The reason why I am so jazzed was because I slept great! Holy cow I could not believe that I finally slept after not sleeping for the last 4 days of insomnia hell. I will definitely be coming back.

LOOOOOOOVE this place. It’s my go-​to and I always feel amazing after I leave. Bee does an amazing job. It can be a little hard to communicate due to the language barrier, but they have a firm enough grasp on the necessary basics so that you can get exactly what you want from the massage.

Firstable its expensive at $ 45.00 for 1 hour plus another $ 10-​$ 5 for tip, but place is quiet and relaxing, there are 2 masseuses, Natalie (excellent) and Jeannie (ok), found out its best to go in the mid day than late at night because they seem exhausted at the end of the day, worth a try.

Ok so I’m not one for getting a massage in a strip mall but I had made the appointment so I walked in. It smelled nicely of incense. There are «rooms» separated by curtains so there isn’t privacy of conversation but I don’t care to talk during massage anyway. I had struggled with a sore back from sleeping on a horrible bed in a rental house. I went twice (two weeks in a row) and I was fixed! The first time for an hour $ 45! And second for 30 min $ 30. Prices can’t be beat. I had Mimi doing my massages and she did a thai massage which had stretching and rubbing. It was so great!
**I also liked that there was no paperwork to fill out when I got there! Just got right to it!

I’ve been coming here since it’s opening almost 2 years ago and never went to any other place since then. Jenny has been taking care of me since. She has been great and customizes the massage to my needs. I work out and the deep tissue massage really is the best here. The 90– minute massage here after workout is priceless. This is the most professional and friendly place i’ve ever been to. The place is extremely neat and clean and run in a family atmosphere by mother and son. I highly recommend this place to anyone.

Today was my first time for Thai massage. I came here because the tightness of my back and shoulders have been really bothering me. I was a little bit scared before I came. My friends told me I could like Thai massage only if I enjoyed pain. Natalie is very experienced. I would say I was in pain but that was bearable. She was trying to loosen the muscles on my back with her elbows. She maneuvered her strength very well. I can feel those muscles became softer after the 60-​min session. The place is really clean and smells good, like spa. There was very calming music in the background. I will definitely come back again. Highly recommend Natalie!!!

So thankful Unilocal helped me find this place! I have been coping with migraines too much lately and was on the verge of a reoccurrence when I decided to go in for a massage. I called doubting there would be any availability today but was pleasantly surprised to hear that Natalie could see me almost immediately. I threw on my darkest shades to shield the stabbing pain of light from my already throbbing eyes/​head and dashed over.
The entry was dim and soothing. Natalie greeted me as soon as I walked in and showed me to my dark, curtain-​walled room. We spoke briefly about the services and I let her know I was there in hopes of relieving my headache which was quickly becoming another migraine. She left me alone for a few minutes to get comfortable.
She returned and proceeded to give one of the best massages I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a lot). Within about 20 minutes my head was no longer throbbing and my worries were rubbed away. The remainder of my hour was pure relaxing bliss. I will definitely be returning and not just when I’m in a pain crisis!

My boyfriend and I were extremely tired before we got here, but after the great services with Natalie and Lynn, we felt so light on our feet. I had a lower back pain for several days, nothing helped. After Lynn gave me a nice massage on my lower back, I felt so much better. A great massage is a massage not only makes u feel comfortable at the moment but also helps you release the pain and tension days after. I personally think this massage place is best place in San Gabriel. I highly recommend it.

I had a massage about two days ago, and it was literally one of the best massage I ever had in the United States. I was having some severe neck issues for that entire day, so I went for help, and Natalie know exactly what to do, I don’t even have to say much. Now my neck is totally fixed. I would strongly recommend this place, great massage, great people, great environment, great place to relax after a long day in L.A.

I went in this morning not knowing what to expect! Natalie was very professional! She worked out all the kinks in my back/​shoulder/​neck region. I felt so relaxed, she also said let her know if she’s doing it too hard or soft but for me I didn’t have to say anything, it was great! I’ll be back soon I’m sure! (Natalie works Wednesday through Sunday)

This is a place to go for a great massage. I had issues with my back and the therapist knew what to do to release all the tensions in my back and legs. I would repeat once a week.

My preferred style of massage has always been the traditional Thai massage. For a few years, I had attended a very popular Thai spa in Echo Park. However, I recently decided to try this new place called The Great Massage, which specializes in numerous styles of massage, including Thai. At first, I was a bit hesitant of trying a small place that had just opened up but it was extremely close proximity to home and thought that’d be a big plus.
At a first glance, I was genuinely surprise at the spa-​like ambiance that I immediately experience going in. Although small, the place has a long hallway that had been very nicely and professionally decorated to feel calmed and peaceful. There are about 4 – 6 rooms sectioned-​off by curtains. Each room consist of massage tables that sit low and wide. I noticed that the tables were very, very, very comfortable and get this… they were nicely HEATED to keep you warm!!! Personally, I never experienced such warmth and comfort from any other massage table in past. So far, I was very impressed.

Now for my Masseuse experience…
My overall experience was fantastic! At first, I wasn’t sure how the masseuse was going to maneuver on the massage table and apply all the techniques I’m use to from a traditional Thai massage (such as standing up and using their body weight, feet, etc,). In short, the masseuse had to problem applying these techniques on the massage table. In fairness, I found this massage a bit more soothing that my traditional experience, in the sense that there was more continuous flow and rhythm in the technique. My criticism at other places has sometimes been where there’s too much emphasis on just deep tissue pressure that’s a bit painful. However, the masseuse at The Great Massage was very highly skilled at balancing between deep tissue pressure, rhythm and stretching.
One small warning is with regards to sometimes hearing a noise from the next door shop. Once in a while, one can hear a bit of what I assume is a heat-​press machine. However, this did not bother me enough as the relaxing music in the background filters much of the noise. If this is a concern, I’d recommend using some inexpensive earplugs, which will definitely do the trick. Otherwise, as an alternative, you can always choose to come in the evening hours when the other shop has closed.
Speaking of other shops, the location of this massage place is in a very ideal place. Should you want to shop prior or before getting a massage, there a delicious Indian grocery/​cuisine that has become very popular (Bhanu Indian Grocery and Cuisine). There’s also the famous Trader’s Joe on the same commercial square.
Enjoy!