On my continual search to find relief and relaxation from my daily workout routine and lifestyle that requires an excessive amount of sitting back hunched, I am always on the look out for a good massage.
Our journey brought us to Knead, for a one of a kind treatment. I like their name as it perfectly sums up the experience. The masseuses knead you like dough and it works in helping you to relax.
Be warned, this is a quiet spa housed in an open space, meaning you speak in whispers. A fact that was not obvious to us walking in. So much so that we ended up holding the door open longer than we ought to, allowing the noisy street traffic to penetrate the silent space. I also jovially greeted the front desk clerk, excited for the treatment to come, only to be given a snare. I don’t believe she approved of my behaviour. I did apologize, but also noted that there was only one small sign taped to the side of the counter, warning new clients of the noise-free policy. A large one on the outside of the door may be prudent.
To be honest, overall the clerk was not friendly. I would question having her as the front face off what should be an inviting and enjoyable experience. At no point did she make us feel welcomed, no greeting or light conversation. She only really spoke to us when asking if we tipped our masseuses. And even then I felt the attitude, asking with a perceived annoyed tone. But I digress, our massages were so relaxing that we forgot about this encounter until the very end when we had to check out with her.
Knead offers two different treatments, either a body or foot massage. For the former each person is escorted to their own makeshift room at the back, each separated by hanging curtains. So you can hear the other clients to your right and left, as they to enjoy their treatment.
Our massages actually started off in silence so creeks and low tones were harder to disguise. We even heard the washing of dishes and the clanging of cutlery.
A little into the session, tranquil spa-like music started to play. When the music came on, we really got to relax, being able to shut out everyone else in the units next to ours. It also helped to ease some tension, and had me fully malleable, face down on the massage table.
You were asked your preference in pressure, and if there are any spots in particular that you want to target. I didn’t have anything specific to report on. However, my masseuse was able to isolate and pick out pain points that she skilfully targeted. What is worth mentioning is that this was not a registered massage therapist service, but I found it just as beneficial for my personal recovery.
There was a lot of hip work, stiffness sustained from excessive sitting in class and/or slaying monsters in Diablo IV. She worked on my forearm where I broke my wrist, and honed in on my my planters leg and foot. Even the armpit got his own moment.
As mentioned earlier, I felt my entire body get kneaded out like dough. With heavily oiled palms she went to work digging into muscle with the balls of her fingers and the base of her palm. The scent their own mix, a blend of lemongrass and eucalyptus for both its revitalizing and relaxing aromatherapy.
At points I did feel the oil excessive on my skin, pooling in folds. However, I guess necessary considering the amount of pressure and rolling applied on to the skin. Better than a friction burn. So much oil, to the point where I could hear it slip slop noise as she rolled her bones against my aching muscle. She worked her way from butt to back, up to neck, shoulders to arms, and then legs and feet. She even did the chopping move, using the side of her hand as a blunt instrument to pound against my back and armpit.
All this was coupled with a hot towel. One laid over each limb and its heat allowed to permeate, before being used to wipe off any excess oil. In this way it felt like we were given a wet rag bath, and my skin felt soft and supple as a result.
The same process was then repeated after I was asked to flip onto my back. The finale was a back of the neck and shoulder massage that lead to the scalp.
As a literal hot tip, I recommend asking for one more towel after your session is complete. This one I used to wipe off my face, to have it clean and refreshed, matching the rest of my being.
As we got up and began to gather our belongings, we were asked if we wanted water or tea. I recommend the latter as the beautiful floral brew further relaxed us inside and out. Served in the most aesthetic glass cups with colorful pastel petals bobbing about. The relaxing scent of lavender was a great way to end the service.
In conclusion, this was an amazing massage like no other, one I recommend for the amount of pressure applied, and the amount of relief I received as a result. Tucked away in an unexpected area, I suggest making this the start of date night, then grabbing a meal after at one of the amazing restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Knead Foot & Body Massage Studio
637 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5
(604) 353-4469
theknead.ca
