Ballard Health Center — Local services in Seattle

UPDATE: Within a few hours of posting the below review, I was contacted by the manager, who apologized and assured me that they would honor the gift certificate by reversing the charge on my credit card. Therefore I am changing the review to reflect the actual massage and whirlpool experience. The whirlpool was in a private room -- a spacious tub with contoured reclining surfaces and a nice temperature (comfortably hot). The jets were a bit on the weak side though. There was a shower where you could rinse off and wash/shampoo as desired. The massage therapist was quite good, and very effective in easing the tension I carry in my shoulders and neck. The experience was hampered by a strong smell of potassium (or perhaps natural gas), that seemed to permeate the whole area for several blocks. There is a nearby construction project which was perhaps the culprit for that, and I would expect that this is just temporary.

Based on the quality of the massage, and the fact that this business actively and quickly sought to resolve my complaint, I will likely return, but after that potassium smell goes away!

ORIGINAL REVIEW: I was given a gift certificate for a 1-hour massage and whirlpool several years ago, and lost the certificate. When my husband stumbled across it a few weeks ago, he realized that although there was no expiration date on it, it was pretty old, so he contacted Ballard Health Center and was assured that they would honor the certificate. So I set up an appointment and had the massage and whirlpool (which were both fine), but when I handed the receptionist the gift certificate at the conclusion, she refused to honor it, because it wasn't "in the system". So I had to pay full price - she didn't even offer a discount. The massage was nice, but there are other businesses that provide similar services and that do honor gift certificates, or if they won't, at least will tell you that in advance. I will...

I had a very negative experience at this massage clinic and will not be returning. I recently went to Ballard Health Center for a prenatal massage from a male therapist who advertised expertise in prenatal massage. I am in my third trimester, this was my first prenatal massage, and have reached the point where positioning is key due to my growing belly. The therapist was curt, irritable, and impatient with me; he did not review my health history with me and did not check in with me about pressure or positioning. When I expressed limitations related to positioning, he audibly sighed and was dismissive. When the session ended, he said, "Thank you for coming. Bye," offering no check in related to how I was feeling, no glass of water, no recommendations. It felt as though he was looking to collect his pay check and go. I left feeling as though he was not qualified to conduct prenatal massage nor was he a provider that valued patient communication. When I followed up with the manager, my concerns were dismissed as "not a good therapist match." If you are looking for prenatal massage in Seattle, I urge you to look...

I just moved back to the city and my shoulder and back was in tons of pain. I have an old sports injury that required two shoulder surgeries, and since I’ve dislocated my shoulder so much I have become tense and guarded. Amanda asked me what my needs were, asked for my preferences, and was incredibly warm and welcoming.

Okay now to the good stuff…. The massage was the BEST and most beneficial deep tissue massage I’ve ever had. She found the places that I tense up and worked out the knots and tightness. I left feeling like a new person and woke up today ready to go to work. Thank you Amanda, you worked wonders. If you’re wanting targeted and actual firm deep tissue massage— this is...