Elements Therapeutic Massage Client Reviews

alison

I have been going to Allison Cochrane for about a year and a half. She is always pleasant and more importantly, excellent at her job! During the time I have been seeing Allison, I have had knee surgery to repair a fractured patella. After my recovery, I experienced occasional inflammation and tightness (scar tissue) around the incision site. Allison would gently massage the area and over time the inflammation subsided. Now I rarely feel any tightness from the scar tissue. I am positive my recovery went so smoothly because of Allison!

-Jill L., elements client since December 2007

Just a note to let you know what a gem you have in Alison Cochrane. I am a strong believer in the value of therapeutic massage. For many years I had a standing weekly appointment with a local massage therapist who has retired and relocated out of state. It took my three years to find a satisfactory replacement. elements opened in Andover and I was lucky enough to experience a massage by Allison. In Allison's quiet, professional manner, she puts you at ease immediately. She always remembers your special requests and has always been right on schedule. Allison's magic fingers can always find the problem areas and she uses just the right amount of pressure to alleviate the stress. Each time I leave elements and the friendly atmosphere, I look forward to my next visit with Alison.

-Libby W., elements client since March 2008

elements of Andover

My spouse and I have been going to elements in Andover since it opened, and have been satisfied with virtually every session we had. Although we do have our "favorite" therapists, we've tried most of them over the years, and are very happy with the consistency from one to the other. The managers there obviously do a thorough screening before hiring anybody, as I've definitely *not* had similar experiences at other spas that have several therapists on staff: "quality control" seems to go out the window at most larger spas, and it's hit or miss.

The place is always immaculate, and you feel relaxed the moment you enter the front door. The greeters out front are wonderful, always smiling, always warm, ensuring your needs are taken care of from beginning to end. Their attention to detail is obvious.

The therapists are all quite skilled. If they have not worked on you before, they will spend time with you before the massage and listen to what you want, areas you want them to focus on, etc. If they *have* worked on you before, their memory of your preferences is also impressive.

I signed up for their membership plan over two years ago, and think it is a great value. Not only does it encourage me to take time for myself at least once a month, the rates are quite reasonable, and if I want an additional massage in any given month, the fact they honor the same pricing for "extra" massages in a month shows their focus on customer service and customer satisfaction.

I have referred many people to them over the past few years, and have rarely heard any negative feedback. With massage therapists popping up on every street corner these days, and the horror stories I've heard about some of them, as well as experienced myself (indifference, carelessness to the point of bruising you, etc.), it's comforting to know that I can rely on elements every time I go there to provide me with what I want, in the proper atmosphere, and really feel that I'm "special:" if only for 55 minutes a month!

-Steve P., elements client since March 2008

I had a very interesting experience after a massage at elements of Andover. I need to wear glasses for long distance especially while driving. I came out of an especially good massage and got in my car and put on my glasses. Something seemed very wrong. I checked my glasses to see if a lens had fallen out which happens at times. No, they were both in place. My vision was excellent without my glasses. I drove all the way home that night, 40 miles, able to read all the signs with no problems at all. My "perfect" vision experience lasted for about 24 hours. I can only imagine that the process of working on my head and neck muscles relaxed everything to the point that my eves functioned properly. I would be interested to see if others have experienced something similar.

-Steve H., elements client since April 2009

Over the years I have had quite a number of massages. Having danced professionally, there was a time that a massage was not a luxury, but a necessity.

Years have passed and recently I discovered elements of Andover. I have experienced several different therapists and they are all excellent at their craft. I went to those massages thinking it was a luxury. But afterwards decided, in this crazy, hectic life we all lead, how is taking care of ourselves a luxury? It IS a necessity. My 2010 resolution is to get my massages at elements on a regular basis. After all, aren't we worth it?

-Susan B., elements client since September 2008

elements of Andover provides a relaxing and therapeutic experience in a clean and soothing environment. The staff is professional and friendly with massage therapists trained and experienced in all levels of massage. The membership program is easy and offers many benefits but there is no pressure to join. Even if you are not a member there are many opportunities and specials available.

-Susan R., elements client since June 2009

lauren

I am a long-standing client of Lauren Belanger at elements in Andover and I am pleased to write on her behalf. Lauren is, by a long shot, the best massage therapist I have ever worked with. I have been seeing Lauren once a week for an 80-minute massage for the past five months. I see her for therapeutic reasons (diagnosed back and shoulder problems), muscle work (to alleviate the tightness of a rigorous weight training and aerobic program), and to improve my well-being and vitality.

I have had quite a bit of massage over the last five years and Lauren stands head and shoulders above the rest. My massage experience includes weekly massages at many salons in a variety of massage types. I've also had massages at several other destination spas. In addition, I was trained by a chiropractor to administer back/spinal massage to a patient recovering from injury.

It is from this experience base that I can say with great confidence that Laurent is exceptionally skilled in all aspects of the massage experience; from technique to personal skills to creativity. She brings a wide range of technique to her work and draws from deep tissue, Thai and reflexology to address any problem I may have. She has that unique talent, when giving a deep massage, of getting you (and your muscles) to trust her so she can work deeply to your greatest benefit. She has a solid understanding of anatomy that allows her to find connections where another therapist may not the there by release tension and gain mobility in injured areas. Every massage is a unique experience, something I cannot say I have experienced with all practitioners.

Lauren relates well in her work and in her personality to the new and long-term client, whose needs may be quiet different from each other. With new clients she approaches the body gently and surely, testing areas of greatest tension without making the client tense up. With established clients she takes more risk - to great benefit - as she has done the ground work both overtime and as each massage progresses. Lauren is a humble and quiet person by nature who submits herself to each massage as if it was the most important in the world and the client is the beneficiary. She clearly enjoys her work and communicates that to her clients.

Lastly, Lauren has a natural talent for massage, a curiosity about the body and unsurpassed creativity, especially with problem areas. She draws on her training, especially in Thai massage to approach each week's issues with innovation and calm energy.

I have benefited greatly from working with Lauren. She was able to help me achieve a greater degree of mobility when I was suffering from a painful bone spur in m shoulder until I could seek treatment from a specialist. She continues to help me deal with bone degeneration in my spine, such that I have renewed vigor and a substantial lessening of pain.

Lauren has what it takes to be a great therapist as well as what it takes to train and teach established practitioners. She is a valued asset to elements and it is my hope that she is well-rewarded for her skill, talent, and dedication.

-Colleen O., elements client since March 2008

I have been seeing Lauren since February, 2009 for monthly massages. She always greets and welcomes me with such warmth and asks if there are any areas of concerns or any new health issues. Her attention to my needs as well as the personal connection that she has built with me makes me feel comfortable and at ease with her. During each session she pays the right amount of attention to each area and helps me release the tension that has been building up all month long. When I leave elements I feel totally relaxed and refreshed. Lauren is very talented in the art of massage therapy and relaxation. She applies enough pressure to release the kinks while not causing immediate or future pains. I cannot wait until my next session with Lauren!

I would also like to add that Jackie, the receptionist, is also very welcoming and has such a soothing presence for the elements environment. She welcomes me with a calm approach and is never frazzled, even when she is checking in and out multiple people. She sets the tone for what comes next, and thus, I begin the relaxation process. She is also very accommodating, patient and helpful with the scheduling and billing process.

Thanks for the professional and wonderful services.

-Paula W., elements client since February 2009