Cortiva Institute – Seattle

I had received half a dozen massages by students here, some great, some poor, and one very bad, so bad that I got off the table 20 minutes early. The clinic manager promised me a do-​over, but I waited too long to schedule it, and they have a new computer system and no record of my credit. The new clinic manager did return my call, but only to tell me that too many people had been calling in with the same story and that it was my word against the old system which they could no longer check. I was not scamming for a free massage, I wanted to have a regular student clinic to visit again and this is what I was expecting for my return: honoring a purchase I made prior.
I could have been back as a regular in their clinic, giving detailed feedback to their students as an experienced, articulate and discerning client. But instead their clinic manager, Ben, missed the boat and dropped the ball. Might be for the best, as they seem to have a new clinic manager far too often, and if they’re giving away that many do-​overs, then they’re rushing students into clinic practice before they are ready.
Not recommended. The student massages are variable in quality and professionalism, but the clinic management is simply not up to par, and that’s the safety net of any student clinic: the leadership. Having a hostile, distrustful relationship with your client population and being short-​sighted in building relationships does not make for competent massage professionals or clinics.

Better than average massage. I may not go back because my one request was ignored or forgotten. I specifically requested a woman. I am a 57 year old woman and NOT interested in a young man working on my body — it makes me feel awkward and the reason for the massage is to reduce stress, not add to it.

Called to make an appointment and receptionist can’t see the availability because management changed the system and she doesn’t have the credentials to the new system to book appointments–

I’m updating my review to reflect some info I learned last night. Students are trained in some of the newer popular techniques (or newly popular techniques) such as structural integration and myofascial release. So if you’re a fan of a specific style, let them know and they may be able to use it on you!
I’ve enjoyed all of my experiences here. Some are better than others, but all have been worthwhile!

Had a teacher chew me out in front of the whole class, as the writing-​NOT massage time– class was ending because I took a picture of the board. (I was not aware I needed to inform her before I took picture of notes.) «Technology, other than typing notes, not allowed in any class-​only in between classes.»
Also had a review from a teacher (after like two days of class) that I should treat student like the (inference) rich clients-​which was NEVER a thought or mentioned in the exercise I turned in. I have also practiced massage for family or sports or mostly female at a beauty salon. As well I had two reviews from students saying it was a «great massage.» This was after a visualization exercise where she dreamed/​visualized be the massage therapist for the Seahawks LOL

I’ve now had two very disappointing experiences with Cortiva.
My first experience here, my masseuse got confused about the time and accidentally cut my massage about 20 minutes short. When we realized, after I was all dressed and ready to go, she sincerely apologized for the mistake. The manager gave me a discount of $ 10 on my next visit. Since this is the same discount as their ValPak coupon, I basically just got screwed out of 40% of my massage.
After that, I had one very normal visit, nothing special or noteworthy.
The next time I was planning to come in, I made appointments for my family to all get massages. Then, on the afternoon of our appointments, they called and cancelled my dad’s. So of course, then we all cancelled ours. They weren’t particularly apologetic about the situation, and were actually even a little rude. Of course, we couldn’t find any other openings with such short notice.

decent massage done by massage school students. they usually have coupons in the val-​paks and also accommodate massages for more than an hour. making appointments are also relatively easy.

This review is for having my massage cancelled one hour before my appointment due to lack of therapists.

Reporting from Bill F 6÷26÷2011 — AMEN!
This is a training school for massage therapists, so this is where you get the deal. Many of them are starting out, but they understand and seem to work well with the clients.
The students ask questions, and they want you to be comfortable. Very professional and considerate for your needs.
You cannot get a massage for an hour by someone that costs less, and you’re helping them by making yourself available as someone they can train on.
You will get a full-​body massage unless you ask very specifically for them to pay special attention to one are a little more than others.
Good deal all around.

goodschool and made an appointment for an hour massage hard to find in lake union took me like 45 mintues arrived late by 15 minutes but still got in for about 30 minutes good massage but got charge for the full hour that was very dissapointed
35 dollars for 30 minutes but for the most part the massage was very good

This review is for the massage clinic, not the school. I have been here several times to get a student massage in the last couple years, and have received consistently good service, with about half being very good to great massages. The staff are really nice, the ambiance is clean and relaxing, and everything overall is well worth it for the price.
Last night I had a wonderful deep tissue massage by a certain student, I hope I can find her again after she graduates!
I definitely recommend this place.

I went here when I got a Valpak coupon for a $ 24 hour long massage. That’s a pretty good price for me. They were professional and thorough. The woman who massaged me checked in throughout the massage which I appreciated. At the end, it was a fun little perk to give constructive criticism and praise to the student. Seemed like a win-​win!

Massage school where students perform massages. I have had good experiences here, if you find someone that you like you can request them up to 4 more times. This is what I typically do after getting a good massage.

I decided to try out this place since I heard they have massages for $ 35 which is a good price and you’re helping massage students get experience. I had a lot of back pain from all the time I spent hunched over studying during finals, so I decided to make an appointment. The practitioner I got was thorough in asking exactly what I wanted and focused specifically on those areas. She did a great job at releasing tension and greatly improved my pain. However, when I got there they didn’t tell me that I needed to turn in my preliminary paperwork in order to get taken back, so I ended up waiting for awhile before someone told me to turn in the paperwork. In the end, I ended up losing out on part of my hour despite getting there early which was disappointing. Despite that inconvenience, I really enjoyed my experience. The second time I went wasn’t as great though since my student did not focus very much on the areas I told her about and did not apply much pressure despite me asking multiple times. She was thorough though which I’m sure a lot of people enjoy, but I was really hoping for her to focus her time on the areas where I had a lot of pain which she didn’t seem to want to do. I really enjoyed my first experience, but my second experience was rather lacking. Overall, if you want a massage and can’t afford a more expensive professional one I would definitely recommend trying out this place.

Can’t beat discounted massage! $ 35 for an hour but the students. The gal at the desk is nice and helpful, then when all the massage appointments have arrived and director explains the process as when you are done you are asked to provide feed back.

I am writing this as a potential student point of view. I wanted a deep, well rounded, and broad scope of education with a reasonable cost. I have to say, Cortiva does have a lot of the boxes checked that I was looking for. They are one of the ONLY schools in the area that even offer financial aid, which is nice for some of us. And speaking of financial aid, they weren’t as expensive as I thought they would be. I have heard that Everest is 18−20k, this place is only 11k for the program I was looking at. If you are shopping schools you know that is quite reasonable considering the cost of other schools with no accreditation and low reputation for turning out quality therapists. This place has a good reputation, I know because I called several massage clinics and asked their opinions, something I highly recommend you do as well.
As far as the education goes, I felt they offered a very broad stroke of modalities and offer a few programs to fit your needs: basic 750 hour (which still offers a lot even though it’s kind of their basic one) and then they have the longer 1000 hour curriculum which is great if you want to be very well versed in extra modalities and techniques which will help you become a better therapist, build more clientele perhaps, and just be more well rounded in your skills and assessment of your clients. Most of the other schools I have looked at have an average 600 hour program just FYI.
I actually was impressed with their student clinic, classrooms, library, even break room… it was all FAR more advanced, organized, and just set up to help the student better than any other school I have seen from Arlington to Bellevue. The downside for me was this: commute sucks, no parking, class times didn’t fit my work schedule for where I live and work vs. commute time to school. Also, the bus schedule vs. class times wouldn’t have worked for me since I live in the northern Snohomish County area.
If those details of work/​school times and commute could’ve worked themselves out, I would’ve went here. I highly recommend it if getting to school isn’t a problem for you, everything else they can work with you on. When I called around to a variety of spas and massage clinics, the HR managers I spoke with said this school was some of the best interviews and new hires they had as well one other school. Each school is going to appeal to each person differently, this one didn’t work for me for specific reasons, but non of those reasons were lack of good education or potential job outlook after school… quite the opposite. I am confident in my belief that any graduate here will have well rounded, firm understanding of their skill if they choose to make it their passion and career. Good luck!

I’ve gone to Cortiva for the discount massages. They are $ 35 for about 50 minutes by a student massage therapist trainee. Actually, all of the therapists I’ve had there have been great. The last time I went, the woman therapist had the warmest hands I had ever felt. They radiated warmth. She was a nice person too.
One time I had a massage by a woman in a bandana who spent 45 minutes on my feet. She said they put off a good aura. Whatever that means. That was the only odd experience. (Come to think of it, when she said my feet had a good aura, maybe she meant «odor» and I just misheard her.)
I don’t like that you have to give a credit card over the phone when making a reservation. I guess they have had too many cancellations, so they charge you if you don’t show up.
Parking around there is abysmal. Be prepared to drive around for while looking for a spot. There is NO free parking.

This is a training school for massage therapists, so this is where you get the deal. Many of them are starting out, but they understand and seem to work well with the clients.
The students ask questions, and they want you to be comfortable. Very professional and considerate for your needs.
You cannot get a massage for an hour by someone that costs less, and you’re helping them by making yourself available as someone they can train on.
You will get a full-​body massage unless you ask very specifically for them to pay special attention to one are a little more than others.
Good deal all around.

I’ve been to Cortiva a couple of times and have had positive experiences both times. I think it’s a little strange that the students are required (I assume) to do a full-​body massage and aren’t able to devote the full hour to focus on your problem areas if you have them. However, they do a debriefing before the massage and do their best to fulfill your requests within the parameters of their requirements.
The private rooms are clean and comfortable, and I always feel relaxed when I’m there and once I leave. The students make sure to check in on you throughout the massage in regards to pressure and your comfort level, and are generally very courteous and professional. Anyway, you can’t beat an hour-​long massage for $ 30.

It’s really hit or miss here.
I go every once in a while for pain from a shoulder/​neck injury. Most of the times I’ve come here, my requests to focus on my sore area have been ignored. Instead, my legs get massaged which just seems weird to me. It seems like most the students here are stuck with a cookie cutter massage, treating everyone the same. They also seem to be scared to massage deeply, even when I tell them to go deeper. A few of these sessions have simply turned into expensive naps rather than cheap massages.
However, there are a few gems here. Last time I went, I saw Lindsey who didn’t touch my legs and focused on stretching out exactly what hurt and needed to be helped. She also did a really deep massage and now, my back and shoulders feel great!
I also booked online and saved $ 5 so it was only $ 30!