Expertly Crafted Wellness

Sandra is awesome. Probably best massage ever gotten plus friendly. Regular price of $ 79/​$ 95 is steep though so had to find another place unfortunately. Sandra should open her own shop with lower rates!:) Location is not close by metro unfortunately.

I used a Travelzoo $ 49 for $ 95 voucher here. Sandra was really nice and made sure that I was comfortable. However, like at least one other review mentioned, the location is not ideal. I could hear a baby crying and a siren from the street (and it was 11 AM on a Thursday– I imagine it would be louder during rush hour); inside you could hear people walking on the floor above you, and in the massage room the floor squeaked.
I had only had one other professional massage, and that atmosphere was more conducive to relaxing (no sound from outside, namely). In that instance I didn’t want to leave because I felt so amazingly relaxed, but today I didn’t feel that different after my one hour session.

I’m always on the hunt for the perfect massage, and finding deals online gives me an excuse to try a new business out. I found a deal on travelzoo for an hour massage which included either sport, Swedish, or deep tissue.
Making the appointment online was easy. There were several time slots available but I chose one after work on a Friday. The building was easy to find and I was greeted right away. I signed a waiver and filled out forms on an ipad. I actually really like this method and give props to businesses that cut down on paper and utilize new technology!
There were a couple reasons this was not a 5 star experience. Although the rooms were cozy and had the right amount of light, I could here everything going on outside. General traffic noises and people yelling do not make for a relaxing massage. I don’t know if there’s too much that can be done to fix this but maybe I’ve been spoiled with other more sound proof locations.
My massage therapist gave a really great massage. She talked to me beforehand and asked about what I do for work, what kind of exercise I do, what problem areas I have, and the kind of pressure I like. I changed and was ready to relax. The therapist came back in and continued making small talk. She was very friendly and I did enjoy talking to her, but this was not what I considered a relaxing massage experience. I know I should have spoken up about preferring silence, maybe in the beginning of the massage, but I felt too awkward to bring it up. There was one point when the background music stopped and the therapist just kept talking and never turned the music back on.
I did get some knots worked out, but with their location and this experience I don’t have plans to return.

I purchased a couples massage class voucher from Groupon/​LS for my husband for Christmas and we decided to make it a date night. The establishment is easy to find with signs outside and there is plenty of parking all around. The room where the class took place was directly next to the massage place in what looked like a business meeting room. While my husband and I (and I think the other classmates) were a bit unsure of this arrangement (how do we learn massage in a class room?) it actually worked out great! Our teacher, a nice young lady (can’t recall her name) was funny yet professional, and answered all questions we had and gave tips along the way. My husband and I loved the class and we both learned a bunch of new tips to help each other relax and massage away the kinks. I was especially grateful to learn techniques to make sure I can give my husband a neck/​back massage without getting tired or hands cramping so early– I have small hands and my husband is a large muscle-​y guy. It was a great class– so much so we are considering doing the private couples massage class soon! Great date night with your SO. They also had snacks and champagne!

Came for the ‘Valentine’s Day special massage’ which Aparantly means a massage for only one person, not two. So I was expecting a couples massage and when I explained my confusion the staff was extremely rude and unaccomidating. Terrible customer service. And on top of that, they cut the massage short 20 minutes! DO NOT come here… You can get much better massages and service at other places in the city!

I finally found a massage place that I can settle on in DC! Came here on a recommendation of both the place and the masseuse, Charles. I was impressed by both! Charles took the time to work all areas, which I didn’t even realize were so tight. He pinpointed muscle areas and knew exactly how to loosen them up, unlike most therapists I have had before. The place is comfortable and professional. I am already looking forward to my next massage!

I don’t know why the owner would blame me for the termination of HIS relationship with HIS employee… I have nothing to do with it. Nor did I even mention a name.

Love all the massage therapists, especially Nicole and Jose. I always leave feeling like I got what I needed. The only downside is that the owner seems to have an attitude whenever I see him at the front desk. Not the most relaxing experience walking in and walking out when he’s there. Other than that, service is great!

I’ve been to ECW 3 times — once with an Amazon deal (which was very well priced!) and then returned 2 more times because I was pleased with my initial visit.
EXPERIENCE:
— Each time Sandra was my massage therapist for a sports/​deep tissue massage and I’ve really liked the treatment from her because she is very client-​focused. More specifically, I appreciated the following about my experience:
1) She’s very personable and great about calming me down and putting me at ease since I’m usually arriving in a rush from somewhere else and not in a calm frame of mind.
2) She asks what my issues are at the onset of each session with a clear interest that indicates she cares and she doesn’t judge. She continues to check in with how I am feeling throughout the treatment if I don’t say anything.
3) She’s very responsive to every comment I make, immediately adjusting the treatment as needed.
4) She knows when to ask for help, which I think is a phenomenal quality!!! During a session she was having a particularly tough time with certain parts of my back and called her colleague in to help (after asking my permission).
5) She clearly is invested in her craft and focused on trying to ensure that a client has achieved a certain amount of relief before they leave. She also displayed a good memory of my issues even though I haven’t come into the office consistently.
6) She is happy to suggest and demonstrate stretches that I can do at home and explain concepts to me.
7) She applies a sufficient amount of pressure.
8) She doesn’t try to rope me into any package schemes but she informs me of what my options are.
FACILITIES: ECW is not a fancy spa but they do a good job presenting a clean, simple, well-​maintained office with basic amenities like water, cookies, and tennis balls (so you can massage troublesome spots on your own at home). They seem more focused on providing a therapy/​health/​wellness treatment, not luxurious spa experience. The massage cream is not greasy and I haven’t noticed any negative skin reactions to it so far. Having an online booking system is a nice convenience. The restroom could benefit from a bit of sprucing up so that it’s comparable to the rest of the facility. However, it’s adequate and not gross.
PRICING: Pricing at the onset is comparable with most other places in DC but if you take advantage of some of their special pricing packages it’s more affordable (though by no means would I describe it as cheap even with the special pricing packages).
I only gave 4 stars because I’ve only gone 3 times and haven’t interacted with the other therapists (except one).

Yesterday I had the distinct pleasure of getting a sports massage at ECW. Nicole Jackson was my massage therapist and she did a simply wonderful job. She began by asking great questions about my massage history and my workout regimen, then we discussed my specific needs. She listened to my words and to my body as she proceeded. She knew when to bear down harder and when not to as she navigated the «rough spots», such as shoulders and hamstrings. She also knew when to just let me sink quietly into the table and wander mentally while she worked.
Notably, she also did NOT try to just list all the things she found «wrong», but instead we just had a frank conversation about a few important issues. In other words, she didn’t try to set me up for a sales pitch offering a «99-​year package». Why? Because she knows I’ll be back.
Nicole displayed a combination of professionalism, integrity, knowledge and humanity that I found impressive. This was my first massage in about 20 years, but thanks to her, it won’t be my last.
The atmosphere at ECW is great. There’s a sense of calm as soon as you enter. The staff is cordial and personable… very conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. I saw other customers leave with a glow and a smile… a great experience overall.

I attended the two hour couple massage class. It was wonderful. Tim was funny and a great instructor. Samantha and Eric were very helpful as well. I really felt like I learned something and took away skills to use on my boyfriend. Tim was very attentive to each individual in the class helping us to work on our partner and address individual needs, concerns, and hurdles. Only reason I am giving 4 stars is I wish the room and chairs were more accommodating. The rolling chairs with arm rest were not the easiest to work with or most comfortable. But they had mascato and cookies so they will always be OK in my book. I HIGHLY recommend! Great and unique date night/​day.

First massage ever and loved it! My muscles are sore but Sandra helped work my stubborn knots that have been causing me pain. She asked questions about what areas of my body were giving me trouble so she really focussed on those areas but also managed to hit other areas I wouldn’t think were so tense. Planning to return again in the future to continue releasing my problem areas and want to check out the couples workshop and self defense class sometime.
I received a 1-​hour deep tissue massage voucher via Amazon Local from my boyfriend back in December for a christmas/​birthday gift. Only to now redeem it, in early April. The expiration time is extremely generous, especially for those like me who put it off/​was nervous about it. My voucher expires 180 days after purchase, that’s more than fair. I don’t know how others managed to let their’s expire. After reading those negative reviews I was worried mine wouldn’t be redeemed but it was. All I had to do was sign up online, pick a time/​massage therapist and enter my voucher code in the comments. I didn’t even need to show a copy in person. It was super easy and relaxed. Sandra was really funny too.
Also, if your voucher expires you still get the amount you paid Amazon Local as credit to be applied to a later purchase. Of course you can’t combine with the new client deals, that’s the point of Amazon Local, a deal for new clients. People, read and stop being cheap! haha And tip your therapist, they likely get paid less for these intro deals anyways.

We had a coupon with Amazon and used them for an hour deep tissue message. I had a message with Sandra and she was great! Super soft and firm hands! Way to go! Will go again. My friend had a message with another person and his back pain flared up after he finished with her, and the next day he was in pain. Strange, oh well. My experience was great!

I came to ECW originally because of an Amazon Local deal. I was so pleased with my first massage here that I bought a three pack of massages that same day. I had an accident that injured my hip, and I have been trying everything to get it to heal faster (chiropractic, physical therapy, etc.). I thought that adding some deep tissue work to the mix might help, since my physical therapist said that my muscles were very tight from the trauma.
I have had Charles and Sandra as my massage therapists, and they are both excellent. They take the time to ask you lots of questions about why you’re there, and what needs work. And then they actually focus on the problem! That seems like it should be a no brainer, but I’ve had multiple massage therapists in the past hear me say I’m having problems with my hip and then proceed to spend 90 percent of the massage on my shoulders.
The office is comfortable and clean, the massage room is very relaxing, and they give you a bottle of water at the end, but this isn’t a day spa. It’s much more focused on therapy and healing then relaxing and pampering. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll be happy with ECW.

I love ECW for many reasons. The massage therapists are very professional and very well trained. I have had Jose for my therapist several times and he’s fantastic. He always asks about any needed focus areas, etc. I get the «sports» massage, which is a perfect level of depth for me, and Jose also incorporates some stretches into it that I find helpful (stretching me in ways that I could not stretch on my own).
Additionally, my boyfriend and I took the couples’ massage class here and thought it was fantastic. We’ve learned some useful techniques for use at home. I definitely recommend the class.
ECW focuses on restorative massage and chronic issues. If you want a really relaxing Swedish type massage, you need to let them know up front and communicate with them throughout if the pressure is too much.

Front desk service was terrible. He was so rude and was not helpful at all. when I came out, they both said bye to me and I was like «don’t I owe you anything?». Front desk guy looked at the massage therapist and said «and I almost let her walk out». he charged me for the full price minus the $ 40 I have from amazon local since my voucher expire, I was like «don’t I get a new customer discount?» He told I can’t use the voucher and get the discount at the same time. Yes I understand but my voucher expired so technically the $ 40 is just a credit. I was done fighting. So I gave him cash and he said to me «technically we don’t take cash here». WHAT?
massage was really choppy. I was looking to relax but he kept asking about where I got my nice comfy socks. I felt like the guy was new. All the good reviews make me question if I was just unlucky. if the front desk guy leaves, I might give it another try. he is the face of the place, he sets the mood for the whole experience but it was a big fail.

The massage seemed fine at the time, if not exceptional. However, within 2 hours of leaving, my back went into terrible spasms that lasted for 3 days. I have had dozens of massages on my life and this had never happened to me before. I phoned and left a message to this effect but no one ever returned my call.
This, coupled with the rather tactless instruction by the guy sitting at reception, that I should tip on the full amount of the massage rather than the deal amount, made me feel like this business doesn’t see its customers as much more than a cash crop.

I took a couples massage class here. It was great. I learned a lot. I feel like I will give better massages. I am going home now to practice on my girlfriend.

PRIVATE COUPLES LEARNING EXPERIENCE
My wife & I took this class last night & it was AWESOME!!! Nicole made us both feel very comfortable & helped us both to improve our «amateur» massage techniques to the point where we’ll be able to help one another work out the kinks that come with the stresses of every day living. She was very patient in helping us ensure we were able to successfully execute each technique, & provided a number of suggestions for ways we could experiment with different modalities to further enhance our home experience. I’ve had massages & other wellness interactions all around the word, but because this one ranks right at the top of my list. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this class to any couple interested in adding a new tool for increasing intimacy of their relationship.
In addition to thoroughly enjoying the class, our entire experience with ECW was superb. ECW is operated in a very professional manner & all the staff we encountered were friendly, punctual, & clearly knew their stuff.

I bought a LivingSocial deal for Expertly Crafted Wellness, and I am now a customer for life! Even without the deal, the prices are fair. I worked with Charles, who is friendly, easy to chat with, and very knowledgeable. When I came in, he specifically asked me if I had any problem areas, or health concerns, and I disclosed that I have a condition that causes chronic pain. He took extra care for my «problem» areas and made me feel very well cared for through the entire hour. I really look forward to the next time I get to stop in.
I was able to book on Sunday for Thursday evening (it could have been sooner but I needed an evening appointment.) The reception area is very welcoming and the rooms are nice, well furnished and very cozy. The entire studio has a great feel to it. They also offer membership deals, classes, and other services!
Can’t wait to go back!

Rating for Customer Service.
How can you run a business without someone to answer the phone? Very frustrating experience trying to redeem and reschedule Capitol Deal voucher. It’s simply unacceptable to have to call multiple times in order to speak to a live person during business hours. It took at least a half dozen attempts to speak to the receptionist. I booked an appointment on Fri for a Sat service, called in the morning and sent an e-​mail to reschedule yet my voucher was charged anyway.
I also didn’t appreciate 1. having to book online (site not optimized for mobile-​or at least it didn’t format correctly on my android phone) 2. having to enter my credit card info on the booking site when I had a voucher and 3. having to call back again to find pricing for the add-​on services since it’s not listed on the site.
The receptionist was perfectly nice once I reached her but it required way too much effort to make the purchase.

5.0 Stars: – )!! Thanks to the knowledge and teachings of Jim Starn, I finally found a massage therapist that could actually fix my hips. That therapist is Charles Wisher. Since my first massage with him, I knew I finally had found the «god of massage therapy.» For the first time in years, I am walking normally with no discomfort or stiffness. If you are looking for a swedish massage, look elsewhere. These guys are here to help those who have had injuries, such as myself, and to improve our quality of life. Thanks Expertly Crafted Wellness! You guys are a life saver.

I have no idea if this place is any good because they double-​booked my appointment, after I spent over a gmonth trying to schedule it, then had the gall to blame me. They said they didn’t know for sure I would be coming, though I had booked it online and called to confirm. Good thing I called because the online appt was not on the books. Then they took both my phone number and email, and notified me of their changed location. They then decided to book someone over me, couldn’t bother to call or email to double check with me, and when I arrived after rushing to make the scheduled appointment she actually blamed me!!! What a waste of money to buy a coupon for services that a business is not interested in providing. Be warned — there are a lot of great places to get a massage where you don’t have to tolerate this awful customer service.
See response from Jim below blaming me for being dishonest and irresponsible, nicely illustrating my point.

I originally went to the DuPont location after purchasing one of those online deals. I had an hour long massage with Conrad and he was amazing. I’m one of those serial groupon/​livingsocial buyers who seeks out the deals rather than build up a relationship with a place or a masseuse, but that changed after going to Expertly Crafted Wellness that first time. I went back at least three more times to Conrad in DuPont.
Recently, the DuPont office closed, and I was sad to learn that Conrad is no longer giving massages with them. But, no biggie, Thomas Circle is more convenient for me anyway. I asked the person on the phone who had a similar style to Conrad, and they recommended KeJuan. Today was my first experience at the Thomas Circle location and with KeJuan. I’m impressed with both and am considering buying a membership.
Think — going from a serial deal buyer to a member! Everyone at ECW is professional, friendly, and very attentive to your preferences.

I almost always see Sandra (unless there are schedule conflicts) and I call her ‘the knot whisperer’.
I have a lot of upper back and neck pain, and regular massages have helped enormously. She’s also given me at home/​work stretches that have helped for those periods where I’m unable to go in.
If you need something above the occasional Swedish massage, I recommend giving ECW a try.