Bailan Body Work

Located in a small strip mall, on-​site parking is EXTREMELY limited. However, on-​street parking is not too difficult to find.
Masseur was competent and the massage, Thai and Swedish combination, was well done. Truly an enjoyable session.

After a couple mixed experiences over a year ago, I decided to give this place another shot. A somewhat pleasant woman answered the phone and was able to schedule me with a male masseur with little notice. The interior is pretty nice, especially given what you often see in other Thai spas as the trade-​off for a low-​price massage.
All I can say is… YIKES! Not only will I not be returning, but I cannot recommend. Highlights:
1) This guy clearly had no formalized training. His 3 signature moves:
* Push down really hard. No intuitive touch or finesse. Just pressure for the sake of it. and my often wondering, «what is he doing?»
* No pressure at all. Just lightly tracing his fingertips around. Was either being lazy or just had a very unconventional technique. I dunno.
* Grabbing my skin (not muscle) in his fists and squeezing it tight. Repeatedly. And continuing to do so throughout the massage despite repeated requests that he stop it. I even turned over at one point to demonstrate on my own body what he was doing and why it hurt. (Perhaps he fell into a dream state and thought he was ringing out some wet rags.) Can you feel the relaxation yet?
2) COLD WET TOWELS! For serious? Unlike the customary steamy hot towels at the beginning of a massage and/​or towards the end when oil is being wiped off, he used wet towels that were cold enough to cause me to tense up and suck my breath in. Not ice cold, but just… damp rags that felt like they’d sat out for a long while. Maybe this was the same towel used for the last guy (!?) or (benefit of the doubt) perhaps he took it out prior to the massage. Yet he just responded «oh, really?» when I brought it to his attention. And what did he do 30 min later? Yes, he applied the now even colder wet towel to my back again. Cozy.
3) Tried to NEGOTIATE THE TIP a few minutes into the massage. Not cool. Perhaps work on your strategy a bit. Or give me a good massage and ask me when I’m feeling blissful… not when I’m laying there wondering if I made a mistake.
4) He disappeared for about 4 min around the 35 min mark. Returned and said something about it being cold (maybe he was adjusting the thermostat but had to read the manual first?) to which I could only grunt miserably in agreement.
5) He tried to end the massage at the 45min mark. Given i paid for an hour, I asked what’s going on. He said he thought we were done because I didn’t like the way he was massaging my legs (i.e. *hurting me) and there was nothing left to do. Therefore we were done. I explained that he could massage my legs WITHOUT hurting me which seems like a reasonable compromise.
(*Some context. Now I have sorta muscular legs and can withstand some real pressure, but the guy was going overboard… such as when he was STANDING on my inner thigh as hard as he can and refused to stop when I said «OWW, that’s hurting me.» and then «OWWWW. REALLY, STOP IT. STOP.» when he did it again to my other leg. He explained it’s for my own good. I explained that him continually hurting me when I asked him to stop was definitely not a good thing. He shrugged.)
6) He ultimately ended the massage at the 55 min mark. I no longer cared that he barely worked on my neck (which is what brought me in) and simply wanted to get the hell out of there. Couldn’t get dressed fast enough.
(Note to self: Don’t hop off the table so quickly when the masseur neglects to wipe oil off the bottom of your feet. Now make another massage appt elsewhere to fix the back muscle you just pulled while trying to keep your balance.)
Despite it all, I tipped far more than he deserved… mostly because the check-​out was so awkward given the expectant look on his face and that he didn’t give me my change at the beginning of the massage which I then had to call to his attention as well. I want to see a small business succeed but this was just wacky. In all fairness, there were indeed some fleeting moments of relief. And maybe you’ll have a very different experience there with another massage therapist, who knows. But consider mine to be a cautionary tale!

So here was my experience from beginning to end.
Bought one of those vouchers from amazon local (by livingsocial) for $ 35 for an hour massage of my choice and a Thai herbal compress. I called to make an appointment and there was no problem getting a day and time I wanted.
When I got there, I arrived about 15minutes early and she checked me in and took me to the room right away. One thing I found odd was that the rooms didn’t have doors, only double curtains. Not a huge deal, no one can see you and it’s still private but it doesn’t exactly keep the noise out from the hall way, which was my one negative experience. Lots of talking going on, but good thing not so much during my massage:)
When I got into the room she didn’t give me instructions. She only asked if I wanted pants to put on to feel more comfortable. I denied politely. So I undressed and lay under the sheet. Felt like I was laying there for about 10−15minutes before anyone came in which got a little irritating but quickly got over it because when you get a massage it’s supposed to be a day of relaxation, right? Plus I later found out that she was warming the towels and rocks for the compress so that they were freshly hot. It was a nice touch.
So she rubbed my back with warm towels and pressed hot/​warm rocks into my back and then began the Swedish style massage I requested. She made sure the pressure was right for me by asking twice if it was too hard or too soft. I found that nice (didn’t ask repeatedly but confirmed that I was enjoying it). She used a lot of oil which I was a little worried about because I didn’t want to walk out dripping, but after she finished my backside she rubbed off the oil with hot towels and again when she finished my front side.
My body was left feeling soft and relaxed, so overall I enjoyed the massage. She also went an extra 10 minutes past my hour so I cant complain about waiting in the beginning. Bummed I didn’t get her name because she was very sweet and attentive.
Overall, I enjoyed the experience and it was worth the $ 35, don’t know if I would have payed their normal prices though. And the reason for my 3 star rating is because I do feel they have plenty of room for improvement. But there was nothing seriously wrong.
Hope this helps you!
Oh and they are located in a plaza so there’s the parking lot in front.

Friends don’t let friends get massage here.
…but definitely refer your enemies, or anyone else who deserves more pain than they started with, to have their hard-​earned cash wasted, and a throbbing headache as a bonus.
I get massage often, and am an MT myself at a 5-​star Spa. I was really tight and sore through the back, shoulders and neck, and had an hour before picking my son up from school and wanted a massage in the area, so Bailan looked good. Driving by, the signage and store front looks professional and clinical. The décor is well-​done, but that’s clearly where the money from their over-​priced massage goes, not on training their staff to provide customer service, or hiring massage staff who know what they are doing.
When I came in, the receptionist eyed me, and I inquired about a 1-​hr sports massage. She pulled back a curtain and asked the gaggle of 4 – 5 women lolling back there, presumably on an extended break, and I heard some disinterested and low-​energy murmurs in reply.
«We can’t do sports massage right now». Deep tissue?
«No deep tissue right now». «How about something in the deep-​tissue range?» I asked. More low-​energy, disinterested conversation.
«Ok. Deep tissue is $ 55. You pay first.»
Like the gal a few reviews ago, this is the point where I should have walked out. But I stayed and took one for the team, so I could share my new wisdom with you all, and hopefully prevent it from happening again.
The receptionist lead me to the massage area, and didn’t seem sure where to put me amongst all the empty cubicles. When I got ready and laid face down with a short bath towel as a cover, I was there for awhile. Minutes went by. I heard rusting and talking, but no one came in. It seemed like they’d forgotten I was back there. I put my clothes back on, went to the front area, and asked if the massage therapist was on her way? I’d been laying there awhile. I was already exasperated; they seemed to have no attention on taking care of their clients.
A woman finally came in and put a hot towel on me; it was a lackadaisical application and I’d never felt a massage touch so unconnected. Face down, the lotion application was light and haphazard; a drizzle of chemical-​laden lotion swirled lightly, followed by the hardest elbow point inflicted into my erectors like a bony blade, from shoulder to waist, over and over again. Then the other side. Then back again, each side getting punished equally. For no less than 30 minutes.
She applied even, relentless pressure over spine and sacrum, muscle and fascia alike. There was no regard, no nuance.
«Is the massage all elbows on the erectors?» I asked.
«This is deep tissue! This is what I do!» She replied defensively.
«Can you lighten up?» I asked.
She stopped cold and acted like she didn’t understand.
«What you mean?»
«Lighter Pressure Along the Spine»
So she lightened up the torture routine, then finally moved to my legs.
There’s a point where you really hope the massage just will get better. I was cold, because she seemed to have no regard for draping, and I was in pain. Her pressures on my hamstrings, absent of any healing intention, transmitted that she was just waiting out the hour, punishing me for interrupting her break. Then the torture mistress applied her steely thumbs to my calves with unrelenting pressure. That’s when I pulled up and told her to stop.
«I’d like to stop the massage»
«You don’t want another massage?»
«No. I’m cold, I’m in pain, and I want you to stop touching me. This isn’t what I wanted.»
«This is deep tissue!» She kept talking and defending herself.
«I’m a massage therapist, and this is just painful. It’s not what I want, and I’m ending the massage.»
«Let me get hot towel.» Torture mistress left the room and I took the opportunity to put my clothes back on. She knocked and asked if she could come in.
«No. I’m getting dressed and I just want to leave.»
I got dressed and I was dizzy and my head was throbbing, and I felt like I just got worked over.
I just walked out of the place, and two of the garish, lolly-​gagging Thai women were waiting at the front area, arms folded, eying me archly.
«Thank you!» one of them called out in a sing-​song voice as I stumbled out of the front door.
So I learned what makes a truly bad massage: An untrained therapist who just does not give a sh*t. I won’t let a «therapist» like that transfer her toxic energy to me again. It begins with how you’re treated in the reception area until you get on the table. Don’t waste your time or hard earned cash here — there’s so many deserving massage establishments with better prices and people who actually care to provide a good massage experience.

Went there last week and a pleasant experience. I made an appointment and showed up 5 min late with my Amazon Local deal in hand. The lady greeted me and told me to wait a sec while she went to find a room. The message was good (she asked light, medium or hard) and followed a normal routine and hit all my limbs and back. The place was clean and had nice Asian themed décor. Some minor drawbacks: limited parking (I had to park and walk my lazy a** 1.5 blks in the hot sun), not sure how much English the hostess/​massage person spoke, and the music came from an iPad with Pandora, which is fine, except that the Ads that pop up kinda spoil the relaxing moment… oh well. Overall it was clean, affordable and I would return. Remember folks this isn’t Burke Williams so adjust your expectations a bit.

What kind of business are they doing over there? I walked in for a message and the lady just stood there staring at me and then finally told me I had to pay first. What?! I walked out, and I think she was happy to see me go… Strange

Got the Amazon Local deal for the 60-​minute massage and Thai herbal compress. The staff were pleasant enough and able to fit me in on a Saturday at the time I hoped for. The place was clean and had nice air conditioning, but the music was pretty tacky (think synchronizerized canon in D) and it smelled overwhelmingly like someone had either just done a load of wash with Tide and Bounce dyer sheets or like they’d Febreezed the place top to bottom. It was a chemically, unnatural smell and really strong. I waited 5+ minutes after I was undressed and laying on the table for the masseuse to come in, but I think she was probably preparing the stones.
Besides that, the massage was nice. They used hot stones in the beginning then an unscented oil to knead me and get my pressure points. The gal doing the massage didn’t take it easy on me, which I’m glad for. The stretches and pressure point stuff was NOT as good as the one massage I’ve had at Phở Siam. That place is amazing. And I was confused as to whether or not I got the herbal compresses? Towards the end of the massage, she used hot steamy towels on me, but there was nothing herbally about them and it didn’t really feel special, more like the hot towel you get on your hands when you get a manicure.
3 stars. Solid nice experience, but not a place I’ll seek out again.

If you have an ongoing neck, shoulder and/​or back issue, I certainly recommend this place for an alternative and or addition to physical therapy. I am able to go as often as I need to because I don’t have to save up as much money. Excellent message for the price. Very friendly staff and are very flexible to meet your schedule needs.
I’ve taken my mother several times and she has thoroughly enjoyed the messages. We have both experienced a real increase in overall circulation after every visit from here. I have had messages all over town but I call here first now before booking anything else.

I booked a deal through Amazon Local and was looking forward to a nice massage to help get rid of all the knots. I called and called to set up an appointment (during business hours i might add) and most of the time there’s no answer. When I finally got someone, the woman seemed to have no idea what I was talking about. I asked to schedule an appointment and after giving her my information, she stated she had made me an appointment for 11am.
When I go for my appointment, I stand in an empty waiting area for about 10 minutes before anyone even comes to check (there’s bells on the door when you come in, so not like they didn’t hear me). When a woman finally comes to see what I want, I’m told that I do NOT have an appointment. The attitude was pretty clearly «go away.» They had no idea what the voucher was either. After wasting my time, money, and gas to get a relaxing massage, I was left with no massage and only more stress. I certainly wont be returning!

I love massages. I can get a massage anytime. I was in the mood and Unilocaled and this place came up. the massage itself was ok, but I wasn’t comfortable here. the place is clean, and the rooms were nice. The massage girl was a little weird, but not overly so. I’m not sure what it is, but all I know is, I won’t be coming back.

Had a ladyboy massage. Don’t pre-​judge, it was great…

My neck was f***** up. To the point of not being able to shoulder-​check when changing lanes in the car, and having to turn my entire body, robot-​like, to look to my right for anything.
So what’s a poor, under-​insured girl to do?
Well, if you’re me, you bum a muscle-​relaxant off a buddy, wash it down with a Mike’s Hard Lemonade, book a half-​price deal Thai massage at Bailan, and hope for the best.
I was not disappointed.
The first woman who worked on me went at it for about 15 minutes, but my knots were so intense she excused herself to bring in the big guns — IRINE. And boy did Irine do a number on me. That woman knows how to work a pressure point. After an hour of (hurts so good!) I am again blessed with my full range of motion. And I feel great. What a relief. I tell you, Thai massage is truly medicine, when done properly.
The facilities were very nice and private. I especially loved that the massage platform had a roomy/​comfy space for my face, so I could keep my spine aligned. Easy parking, too.

I’m glad I decided to give this place a second try. My first experience right after the grand opening wasn’t great, but wasn’t bad. I had never had a traditional Thai massage before and I didn’t know that it included so much stretching. The pressure was a little intense, (although I didn’t realize that until i was sore the next day).
After the first experience, I learned that communication is key. The second time I made sure the masseuse understood what kind of massage I preferred. Because I made it clear I was really looking for a Swedish massage with light pressure, the second massage turned out to be one of the best ever!
Good atmosphere, clean facilities, and they were able to fit me in right away! +++

I got the foot reflexology, it was excellent since they were sore from a recent hike. THey paid very good attention to me and I will go back.

Very relaxing atmosphere but the massage itself was nothing extraordinary. Bow, who worked on me, has a set routine and did not work on specific areas that need attention. I do not even know if she realized there were tight areas that needed kneading. She also only gave me a 48-​minute massage when I paid for 60 minutes. I wonder if that’s because I used the $ 10 discount for checking in?
Her routine is concentrated on the legs. She did work a bit on my back and shoulders. The shoulder work hurt my skin — like chaffing at times because it’s a dry massage. The overall routine though was relaxing but because I felt cheated by their undercutting my massage time, I will not return nor will I recommend this place.

Went in for the $ 35 special on Thai massage. The place looks relaxing, has nice décor and is very clean. I was taken to a room but was not given any instructions on what to do.i.e, take off my clothes, put on the random shorts that were laying on the massage table. I sat on the table for about 10 minutes. I was very irritated! The woman finally came into the room (10 mins later) and gave me instructions. During my massge, people (employees) kept coming in and out and interrupting the woman while the massage was taking place which was very stressful, uncomfortable and unprofessional. The massage itself was alright — not bad for $ 35 — but the whole experience was not what I have experienced at other massage places. I will not go there again.

I just tried this place out on Sunday. I was at Pastel Nails, saw the sign for Bailan’s grand opening and thought I’d give it a shot. They’re great! The space is very peaceful, clean, and my massage was fantastic. So happy to have a nice place in the neighborhood for Thai massage. It reminds me of a mini Phở Siam (like the new Phở Siam).

Relaxing from the moment you open the front door. I was greeted by a very nice young man (whom, I found out later, is the owner), and told my masseur was ready for me. The warmth of Bailan seems to come from every corner, where attention to detail is apparent. Clearly, thought and good chi was brought to this new spa.
Jay’s massage was amazing. If you have never experienced Thai massage from a skilled masseur, you are in for an unfamiliar treat. Unlike Swedish, Thai massage is like yoga that is imposed on you. You have to remember to keep breathing with every stretch, pull, twist and pressure point. The sum of it all is utter relaxation and recuperation of the body and soul. It also uses less oil, since you are treated more wholly than a slab of meat!
Don’t forget to drink lots of water or tea afterwards. During the best massages, lots of pent-​up toxins are released into your surrounding tissues and bloodstream, so you can be more susceptible to colds and fatigue the day or so after a powerful massage. Just take care of yourself :)
Anyway, ambiance, service and cleanliness all rate very high for Bailan Bodyworks. Skip the cheap stripm-​mall commodity massages. This place has teh warmth and friendliness to keep me coming back over and over.
Five stars easily *****!
Parking lot and street parking. Safe neighborhood. Several rooms. Open 10A-​10P, 7 days. Appt will help ensure you get the masseur/​masseuse you prefer. Shower and restroom available to clients. Inexpensive for now, since they just opened.