The best massage therapists in Canberra

I have had “a lot” of massages, most of them Chinese, as I like that they target muscle groups rather than just generally rub you all over. I cant recommend one place over another because most places have constant staff rotations (mostly because of visa restrictions).
All masseuse have a unique “style” so it might take a few different masseuse (even in the same shop) before you find one you like. Dont be afraid to guide them. Always appreciate their efforts.
If you want a better massage, go during the week and in the morning/early afternoon, when they are less tired/overworked.
A harder massage means you will get more benefit from it a day or two later, rather than straight away, so tailor the massage to suit.
If you dont like the massage, talk to the masseuse, or say something when you pay, as they know bad opinions mean less income. There are some very average masseuse out there so make sure you dont put up with a bad massage.

I went in for a massage tonight and the guy that was massaging me was clearly preoccupied- I could tell he was distracted as he kept stopping every few seconds. Later on I discovered a bad smell lingering (if you get what I mean). He had let one rip.. I also could feel him tapping and clicking on his phone which he had placed on my back and was reading while he was doing a half a**ed job. I have never had such a poor massage in my life. When the massage had finished I saw a sign that said if they read their phones while massaging ask for another therapist and start the clock again. I wish I had seen this prior to the massage. I had previously had a good massage in there in the past but I am never going back, oh,… Did I mention they also charged me full price for this kind of service?! I do not reccommend!

Krankin said :

Clinic 88 are the bomb.
I have been to all three sites across Canberra. Very professional. both injury stuff or sports/remedial.
Very comforting knowing that they are all top qualified as I’m very sure a few I have seen are pretty dodgy.
They also will suggest a particular therapist if you ring and ask what you are after. I love that bit.

Southern Cross Health Club sends members with sports injuries to Clinic 88. There have been no complaints, in fact they are regarded very highly among the bodybuilding/fitness elite in Canberra.

JimCharles said :

Krankin said :

Clinic 88 are the bomb.
I have been to all three sites across Canberra. Very professional. both injury stuff or sports/remedial.
Very comforting knowing that they are all top qualified as I’m very sure a few I have seen are pretty dodgy.
They also will suggest a particular therapist if you ring and ask what you are after. I love that bit.

It’s always a chore working out who’s qualified…the classic Thai way is to frame a certificate saying the practitioner was trained at Wat Po temple (blind masseurs working by touch sense only), but by that score they must have trained millions….you can’t tell so just have to go and try them out. When you find one you like, stick with them.
I’ve tried two in Canberra..Siam Senses and another one in Braddon. One girl at Siam Senses was marvellous…built like a prop, knees, thumbs and elbows, lots of clicking and crunching. Unfortunately “she move Sydneee” and i had a real rubbish one last time.

I’ve always had to pay in advance as well at SS.
Also a bit of a trial paying about $60 an hour instead of $6….a bit more business and competition could bring the price down a little.

My wife and I went to Bali over summer. We had some tremendous deep tissues massages and my wife speaks Indonesian, so she chatted to one of the girls afterwards . We paid 120000 rupiah for a one hour massage, which is about $12 AUD. My wife told me that of this, the masseuse received 6000 rupiah, or 60 cents, for her hours work.

We gave the girls large tips, because while Canberra massage prices seems excessive, 60 cents an hour is simply wrong.

Krankin said :

Clinic 88 are the bomb.
I have been to all three sites across Canberra. Very professional. both injury stuff or sports/remedial.
Very comforting knowing that they are all top qualified as I’m very sure a few I have seen are pretty dodgy.
They also will suggest a particular therapist if you ring and ask what you are after. I love that bit.

It’s always a chore working out who’s qualified…the classic Thai way is to frame a certificate saying the practitioner was trained at Wat Po temple (blind masseurs working by touch sense only), but by that score they must have trained millions….you can’t tell so just have to go and try them out. When you find one you like, stick with them.
I’ve tried two in Canberra..Siam Senses and another one in Braddon. One girl at Siam Senses was marvellous…built like a prop, knees, thumbs and elbows, lots of clicking and crunching. Unfortunately “she move Sydneee” and i had a real rubbish one last time. I’ve always had to pay in advance as well at SS.
Also a bit of a trial paying about $60 an hour instead of $6….a bit more business and competition could bring the price down a little.

Genie said :

FootandThai in Weeden close, Belconnen

http://www.footandthai.com

Highly recommended, I go once every couple of months. Always come away feeling half a foot taller and as blissed out as a hippy on dope.

Clinic 88 are the bomb.
I have been to all three sites across Canberra. Very professional. both injury stuff or sports/remedial.
Very comforting knowing that they are all top qualified as I’m very sure a few I have seen are pretty dodgy.
They also will suggest a particular therapist if you ring and ask what you are after. I love that bit.

BimboGeek said :

Am I the only one who doesn’t want to be touched by strangers?

yes. the stranger the better, non? 🙂

Am I the only one who doesn’t want to be touched by strangers?

Short update to the massage thread, in case anyone wants to pre-empt Christmas stress and get another hour of relaxation in before family ‘frivolities’ begin.

Suffering very sore muscles and a shocking run of related headaches I nipped across one Friday lunch to Thai Bliss in the new buildings on University Avenue. Chose the hour long Thai massage. And what a good choice it was. When the masseur started by sticking her knee in my back, I knew we were off to a good start! When you rock up for one of these massages they give you a pair of loose pants to put on – which I realised are to save your modesty due to limbs being manipulated this way and that!

The description of the massage advised that it would leave me feeling energised and peaceful. That and more I can tell you. Having to return to the office for a conference call was not exactly thrilling at that point as I was not sure that any words would come out of my mouth I was so relaxed! Suffice to say, I would not get in a car and drive after one of those massages.

I think it’s the best one I have ever had. Ever.