Crystal’s Restorative Massage

First off, you should know, I have not had an appointment with Crystal. I made the mistake of buying a deal for a massage. I guess I misread the expiration date because it turned out to be only 2 months from the purchase date. Had a realized the small window of time, I would have passed — especially since I was overseas for a month of that time period. But for someone to offer a deal that was valid for such a short time is the first reason to earn 1 star (how lame is that?!) But the real problem is that I have tried calling a minimum of 5 if not 6 times, leaving numerous voice mails (I probably called another 3 or 4 times without leaving messages.) I have a feeling that because I was calling about an expired deal, she did not see fit or have the respect or decency to return my calls.
Even if the promotional amount is expired, the money I spent on the deal (about $ 40), in the first place, is still 100% valid towards her services — by law. I own two small businesses and would never even consider not returning a call. What a sorry excuse for a business owner. I wish I could just get my money back, but the deal company no longer exists. Perhaps it’s time for a BBB report…

An incredible experience from the moment I walked in the door the first time. So much so that I have gone back for massages from Crystal innumerable times. I have never been disappointed, in fact came away in awe of her skill as a massage therapist. She always finds the places that really need the most work, sometimes there are areas of my body that I didn’t even know needed work, until her skillful hands found them. She has always been gracious, courteous, and professinal.

Crystal is amazing at working at your knots and all. She’s very detailed and quick to notice your reactions. My body is all weird, some parts I can withstand high pressure, some parts I can’t. She was quick to adjust the pressure so I’m actually relaxed and enjoying the massage. It’s funny how it was so comfortable, I fell asleep while she was giving me the massage and I jerked. And she thought she was too strong on my lower back. I was so relaxed and energized afterwards. It is a bit on the pricier end. I wouldn’t have came if there wasn’t any deals online. I believe I got mine off of Living Social a long time ago. I’m not sure if Unilocal still has the deal for like $ 60/1.5 hr or something like that.
I’m not a big fan of where it’s located though. It seems hard to maneuver around the building since every door looked the same. I was actually expecting a larger room for more comfort. Her massage room was just a bed and a small walkway around the bed. I guess I’m a bit claustrophobic, so it took a while to ease into a relaxed mode.

I tipped her on a full price massage, but am SO glad that I paid with a Pinchit coupon. She claims her linen is clean (I asked), but when I checked the eye mask AFTER she plopped it on my face, it had dirty tear stains on it that she «didn’t notice». When I asked if it had been washed, she said, «Uh, it can be washed…»
The massage itself was just okay, and very unthorough (she didn’t bother with my fingers, toes, ears, or pressure points and she does this weird face wipe thing that was really awful). Since she charges regular spa prices, I would expect spa details, at the very least: a darkened room, maybe soft music. Instead, you get a bright room (hence the dirty eye mask) and the sounds of traffic. Her certificates of training would be nice to display, especially since I didn’t bother to check her credentials.
On top of this, she is impossible to contact. I had to take the only available time slot in the middle of a work day through the mandatory online booking, you can’t call, and she never returned my email.
I will definitely not be going back and cannot recommend her.

I came in for a massage today to ease muscle tension and that’s exactly the outcome of Crystals massage! She is very professional and had the right amount of pressure (which i tend to like a little more pressure) but she also had a nurturing touch as well. I am also a bodyworker and work in the fitness industry and really need bodywork at least 1−2x/month, so Crystal offers a massage deal for other massage therapists and am now going to be seeing her for 30 minute sessions on a more regular basis! I highly recommend Crystal for swedish!

So I’ve recently started Olympic weightlifting training on the regular (like 5 times a week) and it entails throwing unnaturally heavy things over your head and holding them there. So my muscles are pretty mad at me all the time. Crystal made them way less mad, almost docile in fact. I’m pretty experienced in the getting of massages and Crystal provided the best massage I’ve ever had. This is real therapeutic massage, not fluffy spa massage. Though I’m sure she could do that if you wanted, but you shouldn’t.
As others have said, she’s got a nice knack for finding problem spots. She even found a tennis ball hiding under my left bicep and worked it out. She’s also professional and attentive. An added bonus is that she emails appointment reminders — I don’t remember anything anyone tells me on the phone. An easy 5 stars from me. Thanks Crystal!

One of the best massage I ever had! She got rid off all my soreness and pain! I’m def going to come back if I’m in the city!

By far, one of the best massages I’ve had… simply amazing. I’d definitely keep going even though it’s so far from my house. It’s worthy!

Just got a massage tonight, AMAZING!
This is the best place I’ve ever been for a massage. Especially if I had a certain, or a few specific spots that were extremely sore. She showed fabulous attention to where I told her I had been hurting, and did a great job everywhere else. The location is quite interesting, she’s using a room in the Healing Arts building which is on the corner of Octavia and Bush. There is room for you, her, and the bed you lie on. The best part of it is that you completely forget where you are and you lose yourself in the happiness and serenity that is the massage :)

I discovered this place through a daily deal. Crystal seems like she understands the body, muscle and all the interactions. It was one of the top massages I’ve ever had and I’ve had quite a bit. She’s quite strong for someone her size and knew the right amount of pressure to exert. The place is no frills. Don’t go there if you want a spa experience but go there if you want to get some genuine relieve.

Whoa! One of the best massages I’ve had. This is for people looking for a great massage, not the spa ambiance. The room is comfortable and Crystal’s hands are amazing! She’s so strong and able to locate the sore knot spots easily. She worked out so many of my knots and was able to relieve the pressure caused by them. I will definitely return and will spread the word!
Thank you, Crystal! I’m feeling much better! ;)

Crystal is laid-​back and respectful and puts you at ease. I like the fact that she really listened when I told her where my problem areas were and truly focused her attention there. She strikes a perfect balance with a relaxing massage and a therapeutic one. Many places I have gone to they just try to pound out your knots as hard as possible. I would definitely go back to her again– it looks like there are great deals for repeat customers.

It’s so difficult to find a good masseuse. I’m so glad I found one in the city! She can definitely put lots of pressure on specific parts of your back. I did notice some shaking, as someone on Unilocal has mentioned, BUT it’s a part of her technique to loosen knots in my upper back. I loved, loved the arm, leg, gluts, and head massage! I got tingles all over and left with a smile on my face. I’m definitely coming back!

big disappointment. Crystal is a nice person but her skills are very questionable. as a former massage therapist i seriously doubt her understanding of massage therapy. i saw her once and it was by far the worst massage i’ve ever received! it was more like spreading the lotion than an actual swedish massage. the technique and the feeling were just not there. i understand she’s a newbie and i can even forgive the claustrophobically small dingy room (and dirty carpet) she rents out for the business but her fees are way too high for what she offers. $ 20 per session would be more accurate — after all what you pay is what you get — and there’s a reason she is offering her massages for 50% off.

I absolutely loved my massage! Crystal was really inviting and nice, right from the moment I met her. I felt comfortable and relaxed, I think i might have even nodded off a bit.
I have a fair amount of tight spots and knots, and while I want to loosen them up, I also don’t want to walk out of a massage bruised. I feel like Crystal struck the perfect balance between feeling relaxed and helping my undo some of the damage I’ve done. She has amazing strong hands and and checks in to check the pressure. I heard about her through a homerun deal and am so thankful. I never would have found her otherwise.

Crystal is an intuitive, professional, friendly, awesome massage therapist! She works out of a central city location and parking is manageable during the week anyway! Definitely don’t let location deter you — a massage here is 100% worth going through any parking/​location issues!
I like a more therapeutic massage vs. just a feel-​good massage and Crystal is great at getting out the knots and kinks. I also like a lot of pressure and she can definitely up the anty on the pressure or can tone it down depending on your likes or dislikes. She is great for any athlete or person with an injury, and I’m sure she’d be just as great with Swedish massage/​feel-​good massages too.
I’ll definitely be returning and telling my friends about Crystal, such a great find!

Crystal is amazing, I am being a hundred percent honest when I say this, Crystal gave the best massage I have ever had. She is very attentive and detailed.
I would not miss out on this and I recommend that you dont either.

I’ve had hundreds of massages, I’ve given hundreds. I’m a former massage therapist so I know when I’ve been touched by a great pair of hands! Crystal is a very talented massage therapist.

One word: AMAZING. Crystal looks young :), but is really a master at what she does. She makes you feel comfortable, makes sure she takes care of the parts that are bothering you and that the pressure is just right. She also goes an extra mile to make sure you are a happy client, which is hard to get now days. Go see Crystal– You’ll be glad you did. I can’t wait till my next 90min. massage with her!

I visited Crystal Alburger Therapeutic Massage this past weekend and it was great! Crystal asked me what areas of my body were bothering me, and then definitely took the time during the massage to target those areas and work out some deep knots. She also pointed out some tension in places I wasn’t aware of, which was helpful too! The whole experience was super relaxing, and wasn’t too «new-​agey» like other spas or massage therapists I’ve been to. Crystal really knows her stuff, and I got more than my money’s worth for sure. She’s open only on the weekends now but will be expanding her hours in the future.