Aches and pains

Neuromuscular therapy at Urban Spa Chic
Since winter’s arrival, I’ve abandoned my bike for the gym’s treadmill. Trouble is, I hate stretching, so I’ve got aching hamstrings and thighs to go along with my work-stressed arms and shoulders. The massage therapy at Urban Spa Chic that claimed to “reduce pain, stretch tight muscles and reduce adhesions” sounded like the right prescription. I’m not a spa lover, so the relaxed but decidedly nongirly atmosphere agreed with me, as did my no-mercy therapist who used deep-tissue massage to dig the knots and strains out of my back and legs. The treatment not only soothed my aches, but also seemed to heighten my other senses. At my postmassage lunch, even ordinary tap water tasted extra delicious. 60 minutes for $100.
—Scott Smith

Deep-tissue massage at Urban Oasis
My winter exercise regimen is the same as the rest of the year: outdoor jogging. But by February, my quads and calves feel the extra strain from weeks of running—er, tiptoeing might be more accurate—over icy, snowy sidewalks. The pros at Urban Oasis, a spot that eschews the typical, overflowing spa menu and instead focuses on massages, welcomed me with rubber sandals and a cup of warm tea. After a brief chat pinpointing my pain, my massage therapist went to work. I was surprised she didn’t apply more intense pressure, but my muscles loosened with her long, sweeping strokes—and the rubdown was so relaxing that I nearly dozed off. When it was all done, my stiff-as-a-board legs felt feather-light. 60 minutes for $100.
—Liz Plosser

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