Massage Arts Center Of Philadelphia

They have put all their student massages on hold for at LEAST A YEAR while they revamp the program. This is the only way I could afford to go.
So I am sad. The shoulders are sad. The back is very, very sad. I forsee a sad year ahead.

I had a wonderful massage from Will at the Massage Arts Center last Saturday. Really, it was as good and even better than the few other massages I’ve had at fancy schmancy places — for a much better price. Not a fancy location but certainly was peaceful and pleasant.
The massage therapist took time to talk with me about muscle issues I have in my shoulder and neck and was able to target the massage to focus on alleviating tension in those areas. The first night and next day, I was sore in a few areas that I expected — and that turned out to be a good thing because the tension I have had seems to be dissipating following this. Need to return soon.
I was able to call and get an appointment the next day (on a weekend no less) so, kudos for this too.

The Massage Arts Center is great. Most of the people there are learning the craft and all are truly interested in helping you feel better.
That said, my caution would be to try and go to someone that’s been recommended to you — my first massage at MACP was terrible and displaying a lack of professionalism, the second was absolutely great (Tom).
Another fair warning — the music is piped throughout the building and the practicers have no control … so when Pachelbel’s Canon comes on, there is no escape.

Wow. Best value for a massage I’ve ever had! I called the center early in the afternoon, thinking that I would have to wait for a late-​week appointment at the earliest. To my surprise, I got in that very night, and experienced a lovely, stress-​melting massage with an associate (Brad,) who couldn’t have been any nicer! This place is a lot calmer/​more spa-​like than I expected a teaching facility to be, and I’ve paid quite a bit more for massages that weren’t half as good as what I received from this place! I’ll be back!

I moved to Philly in 2010 and used to live in the neighborhood. I love being able to walk to my appointments and the relative ease of making the very appointment (sometimes, you just need a massage after stressful day). Plenty of metered parking if you must drive.
Certainly, its not a luxurious day spa in terms of interior design. More often than not, I got a good massage for the money (last I remember students were $ 35 to 40 per hour). You may not get the consistent «I’m in heaven» massage from every student but sometimes you get lucky. I especially get ticked off when I’m slighted by 5 minutes … and don’t be late because that gets deducted in your massage time too.
There’s a resident cat. :)

Reasonably priced place to get a massage. I got a massage from an apprentice practitioner ($ 40 for 60 minutes, not including tip) and it was very good. She was professional and displayed good technique. I would come back again if I wanted another massage.

If you are looking for a no frills down to earth massage, look no further. You are paying for the service & not the frills of a high-​end spa. Sondra was incredible! I will be back!
Keep in mind that the prices listed on the internet are not up to date, but it is still much more reasonable than a spa!

I. LOVE. THIS. PLACE.
Yes, I love MACP enough to capitalize my adoration. I’ve been coming every month for basic body maintenance and I am well rewarded. The staff and students are respectful and create a sense of calm serenity as I walk in. Topping out at $ 65 for the highly certified students, tip not included, its affordable. And PLEASE tip your masseuse! Your body is worth the extra few bucks.

Came for deep tissue, ended up with just plain rubbing with greasy cheap massage cream… and no released tension in my muscles…

5 stars for great price, service and massage — I stumbled upon this place a few years ago when they were on Market Street and I needed to get some relief stress — I was stunned at the more than fair/​affordable price and the great service! As other Unilocalers have noted, MACP has different fees for different level of experience (student to practitioner). Almost all of my massages have been excellent! Once you find a masseuse you like, you can try to schedule the same one! I haven’t been there in a few months and I can’t wait to go again. (By the way, I believe prices were ‘raised’ by $ 5 during the early summer but it’s STILL an amazing deal!)
other notes: this is not a ritzy steam room spa — it’s a holistic center with a modest waiting area and appropriately decorated massage rooms. If you want the bathrobe, steam room, etc experience, this is not your place. If you want an affordable great massage, this IS your place!
on a side note, 5n2 is across the street so you can get an affordable massage and sushi!

Nothing fancy here, just a great, very cheap massage. They have night hours, and you can usually get an appointment within a day or two.

I thank God this place exists! I mean that 100%! I am a woman who has semichronic back and neck pain and there are times I actually wake up from the pain under my shoulder blades. And, as much as I love my chiropractor, he has (very) limited hours. My last chronic pain crisis was on a Saturday and I wanted to die.
No chance of the chiropractor.
*SIGH* What to do…
Massage Arts Center to the rescue!!!
I called and got a very helpful, pleasant receptionist. I wish I could recall her name, but I know she is one of the instructors, too. This probably helps them keep costs down. Anyway, they were fully booked that day, but had availability on Sunday. Would I like to come in tomorrow? Uh, YES! I can choke down Percosets for 24 hours to survive! So I described what was ailing me and she made a very good recommendation for Tom (Associate — 65.00/hr). So I booked my appointment.
I met Tom and sat to wait while he prepared the room. This place is NOT a spa. So if you are looking for high end luxury, and big fluffy white robes, look elsewhere. This place is about massage and holistic health.
Tom gave me a solid consultation and it was decided that, because of my pain, the full hour would be concentrated on my upper body. Tom did a really thorough job. I can’t tell you how much of the congestion (knots) he worked out of my poor neck and back! It helped tremendously, and got me through the next couple days, until my chiro could adjust me.
I made another appointment for May because this is offically something I need to add into my personal well-​being and health care. I will be going regularly.

5 stars. This place is a little crunchy so if you’re looking for the total spa experience go elsewhere! My first massage was amazing, he totally paid attention where I told him too and it was fantastic. You absolutely cannot beat the price. I will be doing this on the reg.

Went for a much needed hour and a half Swedish massage. Julia was EXCELLENT. She worked on my areas that needed extra attention and I left feeling great. $ 75 for the massage, what a steal! Looking forward to my next visit soon!

AMAZING. Where else can you get a great full-​body massage for $ 40 including tip? The staff and students are extremely professional and have never made me feel uncomfortable. The atmosphere is relaxed but too fancy, which I liked a lot. The students really listen to what you want done, and throughout the massage, they check in with you about the pressure and the room temperature. I have a lot of back soreness from studying, so I usually tell them to work mainly on my back, neck and shoulders — and they listen! Some other places usually shrug the suggestion/​request off and do your whole body.
I recommend this place to anyone who’s not looking for some fancy spa that’s trying to sell you expensive products and use a million aromatherapy oils on you — it’s a great, relaxing massage!

you will rate the student at the end. the atmosphere is very relaxed and friendly. there are a couple kitties scurrying around in the welcome area.
i had a very attentive student who worked with me on the areas i asked for, as well as happily took suggestions for how to get around my ticklish side areas. this was a plus for me because i enjoyed the light conversation. although i’m sure if you would prefer a quieter experience that would be understood and granted.
will surely go back again one day!

I can’t believe I haven’t reviewed this place yet. I’ve been going to this school on and off and in between fancy places for years now. Whenever the buck gets tight this is a great alternative. Mind you the atmosphere is not exactly as nice as the fancy salons; but the masseuses are spot on! If you’re looking just to release stress in those aching muscles this is the place.

I haven’t been since they were over on Market Street, but I can honestly say I have consistently had the best massages of my life here!
The price is unbeatable! The students are attentive and genuinely care about the service they are giving you. I think I had one massage that was a little on the wimpy side, but all of the rest have been fantastic (and I went every other week for about 6 months).
There is NO reason at all to spend over $ 40 on a massage as long as this place exists.

$ 35 for a 1-​hour massage and evening hours… can’t get better for the price. I’ve been here & their other location a few times and haven’t been disappointed. The students are very attentive to making sure they have the right amount of pressure that you need, as well as hitting the pressure points that are stressed. They recently moved to their new location on S. 4^th and are renovating, so it looks a bit of a mess for now.

I was trying to find a massage place and most of the stuff I found through Philly Unilocal were a little on the pricey side. Being from LA, it’s really easy to find a place that will give a great massage on the cheap. Thank goodness I kept searching because I eventually stumbled on this listing, which led me to their website.
I was happy to learn that not only do they offer student massages, but they also have certified professional masseuses there as well for really cheap. I booked an appointment with an apprentice and paid 40 bucks for an excellent 1 hour massage. She really paid attention to my problem areas, was really friendly and helpful, and the best part, she wasn’t trying to have a conversation with me while I was being worked on. You could tell she really cared about giving me a great experience, which is great considering sometimes you can get a seasoned professional that could care less about how you feel.
They take credit card, but are unable to accept the gratuity that way so make sure to bring some cash with you to tip. Also, this place is located in a big building with other businesses in there so make sure to jot down the address because you won’t be able to see it from the street.
Also, just because it’s a clinic, doesn’t mean you’ll be in a cold, stale room with florescent lights. Their place is actually quite nice. It’s definitely not a spa/​salon, but it’s pretty comfortable with scented oils, dimly lit, and quiet. Water is available in the front. And once you get inside the rooms, it’s definitely relaxing and salon-​like. You get the music, comfy sheets, aromatherapy, etc.
I’ve gotten plenty of massages in my lifetime, and I can honestly say if you’re simply looking to get your body worked on, this place is totally worth it. For 40 bucks for an hour, it’s quite a steal.