Osteo Tuina

Review #100!!! After much contemplation I decided that
would be the perfect business upon which to bestow this momentous milestone, since I’ve been here 100 (rough estimate) times.
As a reliable customer of almost 4 years, here are some tips:
— Yes, due to the open concept, it can be noisy. Often, it’s silent. Once in a while, an inconsiderate client decides to chat with their therapist for an hour. Occasionally, people enjoy their sessions so much that they pass out and violently snore like they just worked two back-​to-​back overnight holiday shifts at the Amazon warehouse. I’m usually too busy enjoying my own session to *really* care, and I just stab my Inconsiderate Other Tuina Client voodoo doll when I get home. Also, you can wear earplugs.
— Like literally anywhere, you are welcome and expected to communicate with your therapist about your preferences at any time. There are a number of foolish reviews below from people who clearly didn’t bother to do so. Don’t be those people. «Harder please!» «Softer please!» «I like/don’t like this.» «What’s a Thai massage?» These are all phrases you can use. You’re welcome.
— When you find someone you really like (this might take a few tries), you can easily book specific therapists online at your convenience.
— Or don’t. You can walk in any time and they’ll find someone to work on you.
— If you came here for a romantic couple’s massage with a Groupon, please let me be the one to tell you that it’s not the establishment that is the problem.
— If you start going regularly, buy a package!
— After a few visits, you’ll get used to all the little quirks. Now I just automatically lie down face-​first and wait to be pummelled when I see a pair of pink foam slippers out in the world.
I have the worst back and couldn’t survive without having the bejesus beat out of it every other week. An hour at Tuina is a great hour. Tell them I sent you.

The moment I walked in, I was liking this place. It looks clean and comfortable, with massage tables lining one wall and futons on straw-​matted platform the other. (Yes, there’s no partition, all massages happen in one big room.) The staff wears professional looking white uniforms. At the waiting area, pictures of therapists lined the wall, and customers are requested to change into slippers.
The girl at the reception area was very nice too, spent time listening to my husband describing his ailment and recommended a therapist for him. My husband gets a tuina (masseurs are mostly Chinese with a couple of Caucasians) and I got a Thai massage. Curiously, all the Thai masseuses come from Japan. I heard them chatting in native Japanese while I changed into my Thai clothes before the massage. Is Thai massage that popular in Japan that they have an oversupply of masseuses? Why didn’t they import Thai masseuses to do the job for less? Why aren’t the Japanese doing shiatsu? Wish I know the answers!
Unfortunately, this place fails at what counts the most: the quality of the massage. No, it’s not bad, the therapists didn’t talk on the phone and didn’t hurt me. But the experience was a big meh. I didn’t walk out feeling more relaxed or lighter on my feet, let alone sleep deeper that night or walking up refreshed the next day (which happens with a good massage). Despite intake form and reminder, the masseuse did not do extra work on problematic parts. My husband was not happy with his tuina either. At $ 85 (for the «better» tuina master) and $ 70 for my Thai, it’s not expensive but I didn’t feel it was money well spent either.
Too bad, so wish to like this place.

Tried the couples massage through a groupon coupon with my significant other. The short of it, not worth your time or money.
The place is in Chinatown and while that does not necessarily tell you anything about the quality, unfortunately the inside mimicked its surroundings. The place consisted of a bunch of beds lined up side by side in a big open room. The noise level was terrible, there was no privacy and you are essentially herded like cattle into one big area — not relaxing at all.
The masseuse I had was NOT an RMT (because I am sure they would be much better). It was no different than being prodded by a stick. Her technique was absolutely terrible. I asked her to focus on my neck, upper back and hands to which she just proceeded and did a whole body massage anyway. None of my muscles felt massaged or worked at all. she just applied firm pressure at certain points. Like I said, I was basically just poked uncomfortably for 45 min.
The worse maneuver she probably did was sit me up and use her knee on my back as she pulled my shoulders back. I felt like I was a wrestler in the WWE and she was gonna end the fight with her special move. Absolutely atrocious.
I would have honestly laughed all about this and moved on never to return but, at the time, I was just too upset/​disappointed at how terrible the quality of service was and appalled that I had even given them a cent of my hard-​earned money. Did I also mention that even though this was a couples massage I was not even close to my significant other?
If I could give a worse rating than 1 out of 5 stars I would.
NEVER GO HERE!

They invited me to try again and it was good. The masseuse worked with me for quite a while to get the headrest comfortable. Therefore I would recommend that if you get a therapist you like, stick with him or her.

The pros: I love this place. Bit expensive for non-​RMT ($ 70/​hr) but whenever I have serious neck or back pain, Misako or Yuko always manage to get rid of it within an hour. This is not gentle massage… they break you apart and put you back together into a super relaxed state. I liken the experience to being put through a meat grinder haha, not the best analogy perhaps. Have you ever pressed a bruise? It’s kind of like that feeling, except it’s their fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees and even feet (if they walk on you) getting into every muscle group.
The cons: Ambiance leaves much to be desired. Tip: wear earplugs. My worst experience was: toilet lid slamming during cleaning; chatty employees on break seated right by the beds; cell phones; burning smell from cupping (ew); dragging slippers back and forth on laminate; and drill yelling by martial arts place next door. Generally though, I get through it because the massage is not exactly soothing anyhow, that is until the end when your body feels brand new.

I was in town visiting Toronto visiting family when asked if I would like to go get a massage at a local massage studio called Tuina, of course I could not turn it down.
Prior to leaving for the massage studio I was told that this studio once provided clothing for you to wear during your massage but have recently discontinued this policy. I brought a light fitting pair of sweat pants and a light sweatshirt to wear.
This studio is located in downtown Toronto and parking is extremely limited. We arrived 10 minutes or so before our scheduled appointment and luckily found street parking close, lucky for us because it was December and it was COLD!!!
We walked in and were required to take off our shoes and place them in cubbyholes which we all did.
Upon walking in you are taken back by the openness feel of this studio. There are no separate rooms, just beds on the floors and tables along the wall. The beds on the floor are separated by a sheet the tables against the wall are not separated at all.
I soon found out that I was the only one scheduled for a Thai massage; the other members of our party were getting Shiatsu massages. I was directed to a rear changing room which was just a sheet hung from the ceiling in a circular fashion that you happened to change in the middle of. I do believe they managed to fit a laundry basket in there, what reason that was there I have no idea since you now wear your own clothing.
Once I changed over I was introduced to my masseuse who directed me to lie down on the futon style bed on the floor. I did notice prior to lying down that the sheets and the pillow case did not look ‘fresh.’ It was my mistake that I did not stop the massage there.
I had never received a Thai massage before and did not know what it entailed, what a shock. I was in shock that no communication between me and my masseuse took place prior to be stretched in various directions. Lucky for me I am a student of Bikram Yoga, a surfer and a Pilates student otherwise after this massage I would have been planning a trip to the Emergency room.
Half of my massage took place on my back and the other half took place on my stomach. While on my stomach my face was no directly on the pillow and the pillow did not ‘smell’ fresh, actually it smelled foul.
After my massage my masseuse said ‘you are flexible’ lucky for me I was because your normal Joe off of the street might have been in some serious pain during and the weeks after the working over I received. I thought shouldn’t this of been a conversation we had prior to the massage beginning?
I went back into the changing room and peered out and watched my masseuse simply just straighten out the bedding, it was never changed just made to look neat.
As I walked up to the front and meet the members of my party I was asked how my massage was, my response was ‘the only thing missing was a CIA interrogator.‘
We all visited this massage studio right after Christmas in the heart of the flu season; it might have been just a coincidence (I don’t believe in coincidences) but the following day I became extremely ill which lasted for a good two weeks, fever, trip to the Hospital, etc.
Based on what I observed before my massage, smelt during my massage and what I observed after my massage there is no chance I would ever come back here.
I addressed this issue with the members of my party who observed the same thing at their tables. The other members of my party said that after their massages they observed the staff simply spray the sheets down with some form of aerosol container and straighten them up so what I observed was not an isolated incident.
You have been warned!!!

I’ve gone to Tuina three times now and have left each visit feeling confident that I am in good hands. My injury is getting better and so far the care i’ve had here has been the best of all that i’ve tried. I highly recommend Charmaine. The place is very clean, professional and relaxing. The open concept environment is conducive to holistic healing — very open, rather than being stuffed in a tiny, dark room. Not noisy at all, just a bit of street traffic noise but hey, you’re in Chinatown!

Massage technique was great (Joyce walked on my back) BUT The noise level was unbearable and for this reason alone I would never go back nor recommend it to others!!!
From the previous reviewers, the noise generated from their own staff is just plain rude. I don’t mind the open concept at all or even light whispers. What I do mind when I popped my head up to look at why it was so noisy — I saw 4 masseuses sitting 6 ft away from me, openly laughing, talking to some kid (someone brought the kid to work), cooing at the kid, trying to feed the kid, the kid running up and down the hall with noisy squeaky shoes on.
I asked them to keep the noise down and they did apologize and move to the back room — where they should have been in the first place.
ALSO — the person that laid on the massage bed before me was a smoker. Either they didn’t change the sheets or whatever it was — it stunk.
Groupon/​Deal or not — not coming back.

I’ve been a loyal Tuina user for nearly 2 years now. I love this place and I absolutely recommend it, but with a few caveats:
1. There’s no privacy, it’s a big room. There’s street noise, sometimes noise from other patrons. I was wary of this, and I got over it pretty quick. There is in fact a private room there available on request, so if you’re just dying to be alone, just book in advance over the phone and request it. I’m not sure if there’s an extra cost.
2. You’re massaged fully clothed under a thin blanket. I was also wary of this, but just show up with comfy clothes (or a change) and you’ll be fine. If you get hot easily, make sure you dress appropriately since in the summer it can get hot under the blanket. I’m really susceptible to heat and I manage okay, but if that’s a dealbreaker for you then I’d advise against coming here.
3. There are different kinds of massage; be aware which type you’re booking. I get R.M.T therapy done by licensed massage therpists like you’d get anywhere else in the city. Tuina is their specialty (obviously) — I’ve had it, and it’s great. That’s where my experience ends, but my GF has seen their Osteopath, and they also have reflexologists, acupuncturists, and thai massage.
4. Like any other place in Toronto, the therapists range from strong to weak, and good to so-​so. There’s no one spa you’ll go to where you can be guaranteed the absolute perfect massage for you, so just accept that it may take some time to find who you like and stick with them. Peter, Minsuk, and Jimmy are all excellent picks for RMT, and Yuko gives a very strong Tuina massage.
5. Sometimes, like this weekend, a super arrogant and super racist american moron will embarrass himself by expressing he’d had «…honestly, the worst massage I’ve ever had in my life.» Then he’ll assume everyone there is Chinese by trying to speak Mandarin to everyone. Then he’ll use the fact that his «…sister went to massage school» to validate his position as a massage-​expert. Then he’ll insult everyone else there by insinuating aloud that all Canadians are just too polite to be honest and that’s why all therapists here give too-​weak massages. Then he’ll assert that that’s the reason he «…never goes to licensed places.» (what a weird hipster thing to say, I’ll bet he doesn’t even own a TV). Then he’ll ask to show his therapist, a trained professional who presumably has been earning money in the field of massage for awhile now, how to give a proper massage. Then he’ll make her cry. Then he’ll apologize for «being honest.» Wow. Marriage material for sure.
Okay so that’s my warning. If you’re looking for a private and mostly naked massage (not THAT kind of massage, ya pervs) then quite simply: Tuina is not for you.
Here are reasons you SHOULD go to Tuina:
1. It’s much cheaper than other options in the city, and they are flexible and friendly about giving better rates based on your willingness to commit to a plan.
2. Unlike what my new pal ‘the hipster racist american’ thought, they are not afraid to hurt you. Just ask ‘harder please!’ It’s not difficult.
3. Minsuk and Peter both give me great very specific stretches to do (based on what’s ailing me that day), even walking me through them while doing them with me, while usually manually stretching my body for me.
4. They’re always willing to serve you. Even on short notice, they have RMT and Tuina therapists on call to come by if you can handle a short wait.
5. You can go to the best, most royal dumplings in the city right across the street, Dumpling King, after your massage.

I found this place using Groupon. It was not at all what I was expecting but looking back on it, it was pretty cool. Agree, there is no privacy and it is not quiet as a mouse but I didn’t think I was at a rock concert like some of the other reviewers seem to describe it. There were a handful of other people there and I occasionally heard another conversation but I was busy enjoying my massage. I kinda like that I didn’t have to get nekked. I didn’t talk to my masseuse, I don’t know that she spoke english, but she knew what do to and I felt great after. I will try to hit this place up again if it”s on Gruopon. I would recommend trying it just for the experience.

Marina is Amazing!!! I got a groupon on a whim and got my massage within the hour of buying. I was weirded out when I was being led to a bed out in the open but Marina put me in a corner spot with curtains so I felt more comfortable. I obviously could still hear everyone around me (even traffic outside).
I was totally skeptical being massaged with a sheet. I thought it was going to be super uncomfortable. I’m 25 and work 2 jobs so my stress and pain level gets pretty bad at times so I was scared this would either do nothing for me or just make me feel weird for an hour lol. So then she started. OMG she broke me and put me back together in an hour! Lol! I couldn’t believe how strong she was! I’ve paid a lot for a massage before (including elmwood) and this I feel was the most effective massage when it came to my pain. And she actually kept massaging non stop for an hour. At one point I thought it was over and turns out she wasn’t done with me for another 15 minutes.
Don’t hesitate and try immediately! & thanks Marina for an awesome massage!

Came here with a Groupon for half off the hour rate. I tried calling to make an appointment, but could not for the life of me get someone to pick up. Their online reservation system is very easy to use, so save your time on the phone and go straight to the website.
You take your shoes off and put on slippers when you enter — I’m a bit of a neat freak when it comes to feet so this weirded me out a little. The parlor is just one big room — no private rooms like other places, but there are curtains separating each of the massage beds. You keep your clothes on and your masseuse lays a giant cloth over you, and focuses on applying pressure to certain points on your back. I had Aiko and she was pretty nice — surprisingly strong. I don’t really like a lot of pressure at all, so there were some points when I was uncomfortable, but overall it was very relaxing. At one point, they have you sit up and stretch out your arms and back.
Very relaxing and an interesting experience. I don’t think I’d come back for the full price (70 $/​hr) but with the Groupon rate it’s a must!
Main complaint was that, because it’s an open room, you tend to hear everything coming from the front desk. It was really distracting keep hearing people people checking in for appointments or asking about the wait.

Open concept massage. I really enjoyed my masseuse Aiko, she was very caring and thorough. This place has people jiggling your body parts, pulling, rotating, and patting you like a piece of dough. Some people might not be used to it but I thought it did the trick and it very traditional. I tried this place with a Groupon but I will be back as a regular.

I had the Tuina 30 minute massage in January, which was nice and left me wishing I’d asked for an hour.
Today I went back for a full hour of Thai Massage. On both occasions I went with my boyfriend, and even thought the first time was a walk-​in, and it is a lot to walk in and ask to have a massage at the same time, they were very accommodating and pleasant at the front desk. Even so, this time we booked ahead (only a day ahead though), and they were still so sweet about getting us a massage together in the requested Thai style.
The Thai massages were AMAZING! He had Miko and I had Yuko. He was impressed, as it was his first Thai massage, and as for me, I’ve had many Thai massages, and even praticed myself for awhile and can say that Yuko is FANTASTIC! She asked at the start what parts I’d like focused on, and was so intuitive about what my ouchy spots were. She had perfect pressure and knew my limit in the stretches by carefully gauging my breath and tension level. Really impressive. I was amazed to learn after that she’s only done the Thai style for a few months. She is one of the best Thai massage therapists I’ve been massaged by, not to mention she– like everyone else we’ve met at the studio– is incredibly sweet.
Like others have mentioned, there’s not much privacy here, but for our massages, which are on mats not tables– they surrounded the area with curtains so it was like a little massage tent– very nice. The only reason I give it 4 not 5 stars is that it can be a bit loud at Tuina, cell phones ringing, etc… But there was soothing music by the mats, and nice lighting, and a good room temperature… Decent price too! (even at full cost)

thanks to a youth misspent rowing on various bodies of water i have muscles like rock and spend a great deal of time wishing i’d never seen water while people grind me into massage tables. the young woman here did a fantastic job, i felt so relaxed afterward. this style of massage is a combo of deep tissue and hands on osteopathy. its quiet, clean and near the art gallery so you can go look at beautiful artwork after, which is esp nice when you are slightly buzzy :)

We got a group on for Tuina and had such an amazing experience!
For those who don’t know about Tuina, it is a very therapeutic type of massage rather than a «New Age» spa treatment. It is very deep tissue (pressure points) and relieves a lot of tension. Our massage was suppose to be for 45 minutes, but they ended up being over an hour!
I highly recommend Tuina in Toronto and can’t wait to go back!

This was my first visit to this business. I had booked an appointment and chosen a specific Massage Therapist — one of the options they offer when you book online. But when I got there, I had a different person with no explanation. The woman after me had also specifically booked one massage therapist she felt does a good job and again, did not get the person she had booked.
My MT did not speak English except for the rudimentary «ok?» and «pain?» and there were times when more conversation would have been useful. But the massage was very good.

Went here on a whim today cuz the knots in my back were annoying me and there was a ‘Groupon Now’ for a 1-​hr massage. It was definitely different from the typical North American massage… but a very cool experience.
In this type of massage, you keep your clothes on and are covered by a sheet. The room is open concept and there are several people getting massaged at the same time. They also use hands, elbows, knuckles, and a special baton to roll out your muscles. Towards the end, she even got up on the table with me, got me to sit up, and manually stretched out my arms, back and neck. It was pretty cool and effective. Their technique seems to include elements of deep tissue, shiatsu, and accupressure.
I would probably go again, but maybe not for the full price. I think it’s regularly $ 70/​hr and I got it for $ 35 plus tax & tip. It was as effective as regular massage (maybe even slightly more effective) but for $ 70, I kind of want the whole «soft music, warm oils, bells-​and-​whistles» thing, or at least a room with some semblance of privacy (the entire business, including front desk and waiting area is one big room).
Also, even though my masseuse was incredibly nice, I found the language barrier to be a little bit of a problem, as I wasn’t able to go into detail about where exactly I needed help… aside from saying things like «back». There were other masseurs there who definitely spoke English better and seemed to be more experienced, but the woman who did my massage knew very little English and seemed very timid about the language barrier. It wouldn’t be an issue if you speak Mandarin, of course… but alas, I do not. Either way, cool experience.

I came here for a massage last weekend. A few weeks earlier, I bought the groupon for the couples massage and decided to use it during a trip to Toronto.
The setup/​organization of this massage clinic is different from what I have experienced in the past. We were asked to change from our shoes to slippers upon entry. Also, the tables and mats are all in one big room and you do not change out of your clothes.
I was a little annoyed by the fact that although I made an appointment, we were treated like walk-​ins. Additionally, the staff did not know how to process the groupon that they had offered.
When we finally got our massages, it was great! The therapists personalize the massages based on your needs and really stretch you.
I would have given 4 stars if not for the fact that about ¾ into my massage, my therapist began probing me about contacting my insurance about covering the cost of my massage. Not really relaxing questions!