In my previous post, I already mentioned that I have a chronic pain in my right shoulder and shoulder blade area.
I guess it was caused by excessive use of computer and cellphone, as I never fell and hurt my self there. I already tried to loose the aching knot at several massage places, among them are Jasrelax at TB Simatupang, Sanctum by Kenko at Plaza Senayan, Bersih Sehat (Sahid Hotel Branch), and almost all beauty salons near my hang out area–Martha Tilaar Spa Express being the latest.
Sanctum is especially heavenly and I might blog about it some other time, but I feel that reflexology and beauty salon massage just cannot cut it anymore.
The pain lingers whatever what I do, and whatever temporary relief I felt while the massage is being performed, is gone as soon as the massage is finished.
I know I have to do something about it, but the more (seemingly) professional help option looks intimidating and expensive XD
Nonetheless, their website prompted me to search more about sport massage, and voila! I found that Susi Susanti (yes, that Susi Susanti, the Olympic Gold Medalist—in case you are kids these days who don’t even know who she is)—also opens a similar massage place called Fontana Sport Massage & Reflexology. More googling told me that the price is also more affordable.
Initially, I was a bit hesitant, since the online reviews seem to be mixed, and there is one which mentions that the place is a bit ‘dusty’. But, you’ll never know if you never try, so off I go. Their nearest branch to me is Juanda Branch, which I got to by train to Juanda Station, and then a 5 minutes Gojek ride to Jl. H Juanda III.
The place is easy to find since their signboard is quite prominent, but I can understand why some people would label it as “dusty”. The place is certainly not very new.
But my worries about uncleanliness quickly faded away as I stepped inside. The front lobby is small and neat with photo collage of Susi’s golden moments on one wall.
To get to the reception area, you walk through a small hallway with foot reflexology area beside it. I already booked a 1 hour sport massage by phone, and the receptionist told me to wait on the second floor.
The whole place is comfortably dim, with a lot of natural lights, which I love for a massage place. I waited for a short while in another cozy waiting area at the second floor, and the therapist appeared a moment later, led me to the curtained treatment area.
I immediately knew that I’m in the right direction as she asked if I have any particular pain or strained parts. I told her about my shoulder ache, and she asked whether I want the massage to be focused there or a whole body massage.
I paused a little at that question. Of course, I wanted the most of my money worth, so answering “whole body massage” was tempting, but then I remembered again why I traveled so far for a massage. It wasn’t just for a massage. I was hoping for a cure for my pain. I could get a relaxation effect from a full body massage anywhere. Today, I came to hopefully heal. So I told the therapist to focus on my right shoulder and back.
I was very pleased that upon laying face down on the treatment bed, I smell fresh laundry scent from the sheet. Before anything, this already gives them +1000 in my book.
And the therapist.was. GOOD.
She kneaded and puled my right shoulder and back, very focused on that area for some time, using some kind of scentless white lotion. But after a while she also massaged my left shoulder and back. I asked if she can feel the difference, and she said she can (this time, I believe the therapist).
She said the left of my back felt more supple, whereas the right was super tensed.
I also felt the difference my self. When the therapist kneaded my right side, it felt very painful, to the point I muttered streams of istighfar. When she tackled my left side, it felt a lot more relaxing.
She also massaged my lower back, which again felt both good and painful, but I squirmed so much because it was also ticklish. When she glided her elbow up and down both sides of my spine alternately, she applied so much pressure that I almost felt crushed, but it left my muscle felt loose and relaxed afterwards.
She said that it’s not out of the norm for the customers to let out painful groan or even scream during the treatment. I asked if most customers are athletes. She said some are, but there is also a good portion of office workers with same problem as me: back pain because of long hours in front of computer or cellphone.
She also advised that I come back in two weeks time, and then once a month to prevent my muscles from becoming too stiff.
I was concerned that I won’t get full value of my money if I told the therapist to focus on pained area, but after that grueling back massage, she also massaged my legs–both back and front, my arms, then my back again, this time at sitting position.
Half of the session felt good and the other half was painful. But it was all worth it when the massage was over and she asked if the pain has lessened.
And I truly caught my self by surprise when I found that the PAIN INDEED HAS LESSENED.
OMG!!
The tightness I perpetually felt on my shoulder blade… GONE!!
For a longest time, I felt maybe a tendon or whatnot on my right shoulder blade was pegged stiffly to where it wasn’t supposed to. Now it felt as if it is finally allowed to hang loose on its natural position.
I can still feel slight tension on my shoulder, but I think, the area hasn’t felt this relaxed in a long time.
So, I definitely recommend this place if you have similar problems. If you’re looking for a massage to fix sprain, chronic pain or tightness, this is certainly the right place. And they also have other menu if you just want regular massage.
I have to repeat my self but there’s absolutely no hygiene issue. The place is super clean and well kept, in fact, I saw the therapist changed the sheet immediately after my treatment is finished, which I highly appreciate. The rest rooms are also spotless. The place might seems dark from all my pictures, but it was cozy and restful kind of atmosphere.
Below is the price list, I’m so sorry I couldn’t take a clearer picture because of the lighting. But I think three bottom rows are 1 hour, 1.5 hours, and 2 hours Sport Massage for IDR 135k, IDR 180k, and IDR 210k each. And it definitely worths it!
Some attention points are, you better book in advance to secure a spot, especially on busy weekend. When booking a session, mention clearly if you want a male or female therapist. I happened to witness two male customers canceled their bookings because the only available therapist were women, and they were not comfortable with that.
Well, kudos for you gentlemen.
The therapist then informed that for massage and sport massage, most of the readily available therapists are women (middle age aunties), but for foot reflexology, there are only male therapist.
Overall, I’m so glad I gave this place a try and definitely would come back!
I hope this post is useful, and see you very soon (^.^)v
peachflowerblooming 