Massage Envy — Local services in Orlando

Hello, My name is Carol Smaya and I will come straight to the point. I was given a massage envy gift card for Christmas. One of my neighbors that I do not know well has been having a difficult time. In an effort to be a good neighbor and exhibit some human kindness, I wanted to show him simply that someone cares because WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. I offered him my massage envy gift card because as I explained after you receive a massage, you wonder why you waited so long. I called last Sunday to make the appointment for him and I spoke with Vanessa at the Sodo location in Orlando. She asked me for his last name and I was not able to give it to her because as I said, I was just trying to exhibit some human kindness for a neighbor and pass along a gift that I had received. She told me she was not able to book the appointment without my credit card on file. I told Vanessa that I wanted to check some other locations as well because we wanted a couple’s massage and Sodo didn’t seem to have any available. I told her that I could not confirm that he could make that appointment until I called him. I told her that if I was able to confirm that with him I would call her back and give her the my credit card number to hold the appointment. I have not seen him much this week as he has been struggling. My understanding is that the heating pad I gave him and his medication isn’t helping much. I’m sad to hear it. Vanessa called me this morning and let me know that I had failed to cancel the appointment and that we are usually charged for a same day cancellation. I reminded her of the conversation that we had and that if I had been able to confirm today’s appointment with him I would have called back and left my credit card number. But since she specifically stated that the appointment could not be booked without the credit card number and I was not able to confirm with him that he could make it, it seemed that there was no reason to call back. Vanessa kept on insisting that I had failed in some way to keep this appointment and spoke to me in a very condescending tone stating, “next time you need to..” I stopped her. I asked her if she felt better about herself trying to make me feel small. There will be no next time. I am so happy that I did not give this man the gift of my gift card so that he could be treated so meanly by someone that is so heartless. She only seemed concerned that I am aware that “I FAILED TO KEEP THE APPOINTMENT AND THAT IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN I WILL BE CHARGED.” She went on to read her notes stating that her notes contradicted what she had actually told me about not being able to reserve the appointment date without my cc number. I have thrown my gift card in the trash and I will pay another company to provide a day of pampering for my neighbor. This was suppose to be a gift of loving kindness for someone that apparently does not receive much of that from anyone. And clearly something that Vanessa herself does not understand. I have read about Massage Envy’s ongoing lawsuits regarding inappropriate behavior exhibited by therapists and others at your establishments. Vanessa’s behavior confirms that Massage Envy is not a gift at all. It’s so sad that I have been made to feel ashamed by some hourly employee at your business for trying to exhibit some human kindness. May you all receive lovingkindness from others when you truly need it, and may people like Vanessa not rob you of the opportunity to simply be kind to someone. Happy new...

UPDATE: I realized I haven't written an update in over 2 and 1/2 years! Shame on me! I have been going to this location once every month. Why? The location is great, they have excellent massage therapists, and the front desk staff always greets me with a smile. Jean Paul runs an efficient and highly effective salon. It due to the great teamwork he instills in his staff.

For example, at my last appointment, a new front desk employee greeted me warmly (Chelcie) when checking me in. I had a few questions I wanted answers to, and she provided some information and the gentleman helping to train her (Pedro) assisted her in the process. Pedro has been at this location for several years and is very knowledgeable about prices, products, etc. It's nice to see him passing on his knowledge to a new staff member.

I've had several favorite therapists over the years as noted below, with Peter being No.1. However, he is highly sought after and doesn't work the evening shifts anymore. At my last session with Peter, he recommended Jon, who works evenings as a good fit for me. (Another example of teamwork!) I was impressed with Jon's knowledge and technique. I told him about a neck to shoulder issue I was having, and he said he knew exactly what the problem was since he experiences it sometimes himself. He worked diligently on the muscle from the neck to under my right shoulder blade and I felt immediate relief once the session was over. Jon has an excellent technique combining relaxing massage and deep tissue massage where needed. I definitely will keep Jon in my massage rotation. In fact, all the various therapists I've experienced over the last 15 years have been well trained and professional. Keep up the great teamwork SoDo employees! Your efforts are appreciated!

I have been going to the SoDo Massage Envy location for over twelve years now and I have always been extremely satisfied with their service. Jean Paul, the Manager, does an excellent job of finding some of the best massage therapists and front desk personnel!

Some of these great therapists include: Peter - he provides a fantastic therapeutic massage-deep tissue where needed (especially my lower back!) and a relaxation massage on other areas. He always does a thorough job and applies just the right amount of pressure and stretching that exemplifies a perfect massage. Jason - another top-notch therapist. He is a professional who concentrates on the areas you specify, and you come out feeling awesome. I always leave relaxed and refreshed (isn't that the point of a good massage??!) and on those times when I have lower back issues, I leave completely rejuvenated and pain free.

The front desk staff is also a credit to this location. Two individuals I would like to give a shout-out to are: Emily - she is a pleasant and engaging employee, who listens, offers suggestions and makes you feel special. She is always willing to help with scheduling or any other issues related to your treatment. Jazlyn - the same can be said for this young lady! She is an excellent greeter and makes you feel welcome the minute you walk in. She makes appropriate recommendations and is always good for a laugh or to provide a smile to just make your day.

Thanks for everything, SoDo employees! Here's to the...

Edited 7/1/23 I have been seeing Karina for a year now. It has been confirmed that my severe chronic pain was due to a rare condition called Slipping Rib Syndrome. I told Karina I had surgery a few years ago to suture my dislocated ribs together in place. She went above and beyond to research this condition and was able to confirm that she also agrees with this diagnosis. I started working at a desk job a few months ago and some of the previous issues I had when I worked at a desk started to come back. I was wearing my tens unit more often again. So when Massage Envy finally offered cupping, Karina asked to try it on me.

I’ve had extreme scar tissue built up so she was excited to try this new add on with me as she knew it would be helpful for my treatment. She has also been alternatively using the K tape on me which I can instantly feel relief and helps me build muscle.

The last 2 months we have been using both treatments and I am absolutely blown away that I have been working at a desk and haven’t had to use my tens unit in 3 whole weeks. I was using it almost every day at my desk to help cope with the pain. Karina has literally changed my life. I can’t remember the last time I have been this pain . She knows exactly where and what the issues are and how to treat them. I honestly cannot say enough about Karina. I even had my aunt have a session with her and Karina worked on a previous ankle injury and my aunt had never felt better! I feel so blessed to have found Karina, she truly changed my life

(Previous) I cannot speak highly enough of this location. I have severe chronic pain from a traumatic accident and one of the only things that helps is massage and i wear a tens unit almost 24/7. All of the therapists are amazing, but I started seeing Karina and I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt this good! She doesn’t just massage, she really knows the body and how to work out knots and stretch your muscles so she fixes the problem. She has been able to help me more in a month and a half than Drs have in 20 years. The front desk staff is also awesome, Pedro and Sienna are always on top of things and make me feel like one of the crew!! I actually go further to visit this location,...