Reviews

Star Rating:

***** Total Release Reflexology is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 56 reviews!

  • *****

    I have been going here for years and keep coming back. I have had all of the massage therapists and they are all great. If you can handle a stronger massage, request the man (he’s usually who I get). The prices are reasonable and is the perfect stress and tension reliever. Highly recommend!

  • *****

    Very skilled practitioners. I had a wonderful experience including 30 min. of reflexology and 30 min. of acupressure massage. Acupressure massage targets neck, shoulders, and back - if you hold tension in any of these places, you will benefit greatly from this type of massage. I highly recommend and will be going back again!

  • *****

    Had a 60-minute session and wow, it was a fantastic time. Definitely worth the price. I hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time. Thank you!

  • *****

    Very good massage.

  • *****

    Enjoyable massage for a good price.

    Staff was friendly and service was professional.

  • *****

    Received a couples massage with my boyfriend and it was a great experience. The staff is very professional. They listen to you carefully. The place is also very clean and comfortable. Will be surely coming back.

  • *****

    I am so happy to have found Total Release! This place is a little far away from me, but I think it's totally worth the drive. I have been having a hard time finding a good place; I feel like a lot of places are overpriced with mediocre massages. This place was excellent! I don't even know the name of the massage therapist, but she was great. Because I have so many knots, the massage was painful at times, but I left feeling so much lighter. I highly recommend this place! I will probably be visiting this place on a regular basis.

  • *****

    My time at total release was so relaxing and lovely. My masseuse really listened to me and hit the spots that were the most problematic. You have the option to take off your clothes and keep them on. No fuss just a truly great massages. Facility was clean and staff was kind. Total release is a true gem.

  • *****

    Nancy is fantastic. But every massage I have had here has been great. Mr. Wei also has fixed my back when I was in some pain. It is serious acupressure for serious knots. TR is a no frills place two doors down from Starbucks on CT Ave. They are pleasant, but most importantly, they are strong. Great hot stone massage!

  • *****

    I was in real need of a massage and they worked with me to fit me in the schedule for that day. Very good massage, thank you!

  • *****

    I've been going here for years. Excellent service. They're open 7 days a week and not hard to schedule an appointment. Just make sure you arrive at least 15 min before your appointment because of parking.

  • *****

    Excellent massage for a great price.

  • *****

    I love coming here! It's always a treat and wish that I could come more often. Nancy is fantastic (not that I'm name biased or anything :) she always leaves me floating as I walk out!
    Now, if you're expecting a 'Red Door' atmosphere, then you will be disappointed. They are sensible and straightforward with a focus on therapeutic work, not frills. I appreciate this and respect that their focus is on the bodywork because that's what I need.

  • *****

    My experience has always been great. I would recommend this place without hesitation.

  • *****

    I had a good time here. That's all I need to say. Definitely will come back. Yeeeeeelp asks me to wriiiiiiite loooooonger soooooo annoying

  • *****

    I LOVE IT??...services and hospitality is EXCELLENT. I would strongly recommended.

  • *****

    Love Mr Wei, May, Nikki and Nancy. Excellent relaxing, warm foot bath and great for males/females and we adore coming here for years now.

  • *****

    Excellent customer service. One of best values for massages in DMV area and customizable services. Mother in law loved it. Clean and very professional. Highly recommend.

  • *****

    Used a groupon for my spouse and I to each get a 1 hour reflexology/massage. Very professional and excellent work. I will be going back. There is a male technician for the men, and female for the ladies.

  • *****

    I used a groupon and was extremely pleased. The combination of reflexology (first time) and acupressure (an avid user and have been looking for an affordable non-mall based location) was fantastic. I'm looking forward to going back. Owner Mya is very welcoming and immediately puts you at ease.

  • *****

    Great clean and tidy place for a rigorous acupressure massage. I went in for one last Friday and was impressed with how lovely the facility is (if small) and how relaxing.

    My treatment began with a 30 minute foot massage that included soaking in a bucket of tea and lots of massaging on pressure points. My feet felt amazing by the end of it. The following 30 minute full body massage is one where while you remove your clothes, the technician places a body length bath towel over you and works your muscles through it. I've had this treatment in China and it does the job in working out knots but isn't nearly as relaxing as the foot treatment. Maybe it's just my own preferences but I would've preferred if they paused the towel acupressure and did 15 minutes worth of work with the lotion instead. But the technician was great and even if I was a little sore from the pressure, at least my knots had loosened up.

    I'd definitely recommend Total Release for some no-nonsense work on your tired feet and back.

  • *****

    Just had the reflexology and acupressure service today! It was truly amazing and worth every penny! The reflexology was done on the feet after soaking in tea. It was very effective and relaxing. My favorite was the acupressure! This is done fully clothed. The technician really took his time and seemed to respond to my body; knowing when to focus deeply on certain areas, ease the pressure or increase the pressure. It also involved body manipulation (which I didn't know was a part of acupressure) which really helps to ease the tension found in the body. Also the customer service was top notch! Very kind owner and technician. Both were extremely accommodating. The ambiance of the place was very serene and clean. I will definitely be going back on a monthly basis. I feel absolutely wonderful right now. My body is thanking me!! They are also currently having a special on reflexology and acupressure service!

  • *****

    Wow, really liked this place. Went for the first time today. They were a bit disorganized at first (hence the 4 stars instead of 5) but the treatment was fantastic. The facility is really pretty and clean. Very unlike Qi Spa in Georgetown if you've been there. I had the reflexology / accupressure treatment. The only thing I'd change is some better communication (they had lost my appointment and didn't explain things well at the beginning) and treatment robes. Receiving the therapy fully clothed in street clothes just felt odd. Otherwise I really enjoyed the service and expect to return.

  • *****

    One of the best acupressure massages I've had. I went in with very tight back, neck and shoulders. With that came a lot of pain. Nancy was very intuitive and loosened up my tight muscles. She adjusted the pressure throughout and would return to chronic areas to make sure they were still in good shape. I felt MUCH better after, and the good kind of sore the next day (think day after a good work out). I opted for 45mins for $55, because I really just needed the work on the previously mentioned areas. The treatment is done fully clothed, so dress comfy! I recommend sweatpants and a long-sleeve T-shirt. Definitely not a "spa" ambiance with robes, flowers, slippers, light strokes with scented oils. But that's not what you come here for. If you have a golf ball sized knot somewhere, this is where you go. I'll definitely be back, hopefully this weekend and a couple times a month after that to keep the stress pains away!

  • *****

    Ive had a lot of massages in my life and some stand out while most fade into the past. this place is a stand out. I love that you can get both a deep treatment therapeutic massage along with the zen atmosphere of some of the more froufrou spas.

  • *****

    Great place - small, clean, no-nonsense. Got a Living Social coupon for acupressure/reflexology - no complaints! I would go back - it's really affordable too :)

  • *****

    My boyfriend and I just used a Living Social coupon for the reflexology & acupressure package and it was totally awesome!! My boyfriend has had reflexology before and said this one was excellent. Mr. Wei's acupressure on my tight muscles was amazing. He worked and stretched my muscles more than any deep tissue massage I've ever had. Friendly staff, serene ambiance, and reasonable price. Worth going back!

  • *****

    My acupressure/reflexology session was FANTASTIC! He found every knot and I left in a relaxing cloud. Better than most of the spas around there. Definitely recommend and happy to be supporting my local small businesses.

  • *****

    I bought the living social deal ($45 for 60-min reflexology/acupressure) for my mom and when I called to make an appointment for her and I (I was going to pay full price for mine), the woman who picked up the phone said she'd schedule mine for $45 as well. That's what I call awesome service :) We went today for our appointments and the experience was great. There was no wait, they really worked on our most tense muscles, and they even gave us a coupon each for $49 60-min reflexology/acupressure (usually $65). We will definitely be revisiting soon! Btw, if you're going for the first time, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a bit of massage oil on.

  • *****

    So wonderful! This place along with Bliss Reflexology spa probably rank as my favorite places to de-stress and relax in the DC/MD area. I think Mr. Wei was my masseur... but I was so relaxed that I forgot to ask for his name. You know it's a good massage when you suddenly don't know if your own soft snores woke you up. WAS I SNORING?! If so, that's embarrassing. Oops. Oh wells. When the massage was over, I had trouble climbing off the massage bed and walking out the door. That's just how wonderful it was!

    Parking: There's street parking - the meters during normal hours are only for an hour I believe... but there's 2 hour street parking.
    Location: It's located in an office suite... but once you find 5506, just go up the stairs and the office is located to the right at the end of the hall on the left.
    Service: Very friendly... making the appointment was super easy to do.
    Ambience: Very nice. Many of the reflexology/acupressure places I've gone to have only curtains that separate the beds ... this one actually has walls and a door to separate the massage space from other spaces and the waiting area. The music they play is probably the most soothing.

    Mr Wei is very good at pinpointing all the muscles that are tight (he knew exactly where I needed work) ... and gave just the right amount of pressure. Also, this is the best reflexology place in town, by far! A lot of places tend to breeze through the feet... a little pressure here and there and then they're done! But here, I could feel him working on all the parts of my feet ... imagine those little reflexology charts you see. The price is very affordable for this area ... (I had a groupon deal)... Definitely will be coming back again and again.

  • *****

    This review is for the Chinese Reflexology.
    I'm a seasoned massage therapy veteran, and this was an excellent experience. The accupressure therapist I was put with was Mr. Wei. And I got 1 hour of chinese reflexology on feet and legs.
    The pressure was perfect, ( my preference is strong / deep pressure), (if you're someone who's averse to "No pain, no gain", then probably you should tell them upfront to have a gentler touch) and Mr. Wei had top notch accupressure/reflexology skills.
    A flawless session of accupressure/chinese reflexology. I got relief and release from my pain, and left as a new Total Release devotee.
    Bottom line: This is a good operation, and you'll leave satisfied.
    And the price can't be beat for what you get. (the rate for 1 hour of reflexology was $65.00)
    This will be my new go-to foot massage place.

  • *****

    I have gone to at least ten different massage/reflexology places around the DC area and have absolutely loved my experience at Total Release. Atmosphere is a big deal to me when I'm trying to relax, and I feel so peaceful here. They have great ambience and nice relaxation music. And of course, most importantly, the staff are great at their jobs. I have had both Nancy and another woman whose name I did not get, and LOVED the reflexology and massage. Their prices are also unmatched. All to say I no longer hop from place to place, this is the only place I go to.

  • *****

    I've been to Total Release three times for deep tissue acupressure and received an excellent massage each time (with different masseurs). I've been to a number of massage places in Chevy Chase and Bethesda, and this one is the best by far. Also, this is a great value for the money. Highly recommend.

  • *****

    I have a terrible back, so I've tried massage places throughout the district -- and have finally found exactly what I was looking for in Total Release. Clean, quiet rooms with super-comfortable tables (and separate, super-comfy reflexology chairs); a *perfect* amount of pressure so that I was able to both relax and have my kinks worked out; and very reasonable prices.

    With the Yelp $10 off deal, I spent $65 for 30 minutes of reflexology followed by a 45 min massage. The reflexology relaxed my whole body and let me get so much more out of my subsequent massage. Even at full cost ($75), it's a steal for the quality of service I got.

  • *****

    I have issues relating to two serious cancer operations over the past five years, and have found Total Release people very supportive and professional. My most recent massage, which included reflexology and hot stones, was performed by Lian, who is relatively new at Total Release. Suffice to say it was excellent on all counts. She is now my masseuse of choice.

  • *****

    AMAZING acupressure from Lian - better than any massage or acupuncture I've ever received! And pretty affordable! Try them out!

  • *****

    I have been going to Total Release for over a year now, and cannot believe more folks don't know about this place. Is it because of the poorly chosen name?

    The highlights:

    1) flexible hours - I don't know how many times I have called them on a Sunday morning and gotten a same day 4pm Appt.

    2) prices - incredibly reasonable given the high quality acupressure/reflexology services you receive.

    3) Mr. Wei - everyone here is good, but Mr. Wei is phenomenal. I have a terrible upper back and shoulders, and he manages to release any tension I have, give me better flexibility, and work out some serious knots. His pressure is quite firm - which I prefer.

    4) Facilities - clean and relaxing, I like that I'm not overpaying for a spa experience.

    Best massage in DC, despite the misleading name ;-)

  • *****

    I got a groupon for a 60 minute hot stone appointment and it was amazing. The place is clean, private, and friendly, and professional. My masseuse was great, she knew what she was doing and could tell when I became uncomfortable and checked in on the tighter areas to make sure I was okay. I would absolutely return to this spot and would recommend them to anybody who needs to recharge.

  • *****

    The best massage I have ever had in my life. I originally bought a Groupon for this place - and while I'm always skeptical - I saw the reviews for Total Release and decided to try it. I have been back once since and will be returning again for sure. Both experiences were wonderful & consistent. The foot reflexology is such a different experience, but they really are attentive and thorough. They don't skimp out on the accupressure massage aspect either. The value cannot be beat. The ambiance is simple, clean & peaceful. And they have incredibly flexible hours. I think returning to Total Release each month will be my monthly treat to myself. I would take this place over Aveda or a Spa any day.

  • *****

    This place is unbelievably wonderful. I got a last minute appointment on a Saturday and saw Mr Wei. He was very thorough and honed in on trouble areas in such a way that I wondered if he was also a mind reader. He checked in often to make sure everything was okay. For me, this was not a relaxing experience, but that was just because there were lots of tight muscles that needed to be worked out. Be prepared for some arm chopping, limb yanking, twists, and a few unorthodox methods. It was exactly what I needed and helped me get rid of a major headache that I'd had for days.

  • *****

    I called last Friday and got an appointment for Saturday afternoon. I've never had acupressure or reflexology done before, so I wasn't sure what I was getting into outside of reading descriptions of these two services. But, I was super excited. I read the reviews here on Yelp before I bought my Groupon which I redeemed.

    I'm not sure of the name of the woman who did my massage, but she was great. The reflexology was pretty relaxing. At times it was a bit different. It wasn't quite painful, but it wasn't a huge release of tension, either. I think my feet were just really sore from walking to the place from the metro station and had some knots that needed to be worked out. That said, after she was done with my feet, they felt great.

    Now I have tough, knotted muscles on my back, so that was the primary reason I booked this appointment and service. I've had deep tissue massage (awesome) and Swedish massage (does absolutely nothing, a waste of money for me). Acupressure is a little bit different from the typical massage. You're clothed, so make sure you're not wearing heavy garments.

    Damn, I was relieved when she got all the points in my back that sometimes strike me throughout the day with a sharp, throbbing pain. Sometimes it feels like I have a pinched nerve. My favorite was when she pulled my arm and laid it on top of my back so she could get the area between my shoulder blade and spine. It hurt a little bit, but the relief I experienced from this technique was AWESOME. That has always been a really sore spot for me and it's hard for me to get to on my own (I have a massage ball I use sometimes to get to it) and honestly my boyfriend gets tired of applying pressure to it because I don't want him to stop. But, I digress.

    I didn't see anyone else when I arrived for my appointment, but when I came out there were 2 guys waiting for their appointments. I did not hear anybody talking. The music played during my appointment wasn't too loud or annoying. You can hear some sounds from the street, but not so much that you won't want to drift off into a relaxing nap. I will definitely be back!

  • *****

    I went here with a Groupon and no experience with reflexology or acupressure. It was a great experience, though I should have done my homework to find out that you do not disrobe at all (except socks/shoes) even for the acupressure portion. I arrived straight from work and was wearing pretty uncomfortable clothes for the occasion and I'm sure it didn't make things easy for the masseuse. Anyway, it was excellent service and I was really happy with the acupressure portion especially. I have tight muscles and this was the first time I've ever had a massage that realllllly dug in. Upon paying, was handed a coupon for a discount to come back for another hour and will likely take them up on it.

  • *****

    Sadly, no one really knows about this place, not sure why. Probably because they do not speak very good English, but they do a great massage.

    Part of me wants to tell the world, to go here, so they do not go out of business, the other part of me, wants to keep it as my secret place.

    They do have a social media check in discount, which I did not use.

    I will be back!

  • *****

    Let me start off with...I have been to tons of massage therapy spas and salons. This place is the best to date!
    -Booked a same day appointment on a Sunday
    -Took me a while to find the place (the yelp mapping system is about a block off) says the office is located in the Chevy Chase building
    -Park on the side streets for free. Metered out front if you can find a free spot
    -The entrance is right next to a Starbucks and a Greek restaurant. Walk in the glass door and follow the stairs up
    -Walked in the waiting room and sat down on one of the two chairs (very comfortable too)
    -I was greeted and giving some water to drink and escorted back to one of the massage rooms
    -Stripped down to my boxers because I did not understand the masseuse and she did not speak English (better safe than sorry)
    -Fantastic massage, even with the language barrier! I did not have to say a word, she felt along the shoulder blades and went right to work. And she did a magnificent job too.
    -After the hours was up she stepped out and returned with a warm moist towel to give me one last pat down and removal of any oils still on my skin.
    -I definitely recommend this establishment for anyone in need of a real massage.
    -I will return again

  • *****

    Treat Yo Self

    I had a coupon the first time and now happily pay full price. The massage rooms are clean and comfortable. I've had the 30hr reflexology/30hr acupressure a few times and highly recommend.

  • *****

    Mr. Wei is a intuitive healer and an incredible acupressure/massage therapist. I had been suffering with very painful shoulder and neck muscles for months after a "tennis incident." It doesn't help that I spend too much time in front of a computer for my work. Really bad. I had numbness and pain every night, despite massage therapy. Until Mr. Wei. He knew exactly what muscles were involved and the massage needed. I floated out of there after being miserable for months!

    Mr. Wei is amazing and so sweet. A truly gifted healer. Thanks to him, I will sleep so much better tonight, and the night after that, etc.

  • *****

    My spouse and I came here with a groupon. We arrived and were quickly rushed into a room. We both received 60 minute massages although we had paid for and were expecting the 30 minute massage and 30 minute reflexology. I had told the woman over the phone when making the appointment that we both had groupons for these services. The massages were both really nice and helped release the tension and stress in my neck and shoulders. My spouse enjoyed his massage as well. When it came time to pay, we presented the groupons and there seemed to be confusion and scrambling as they realized what had happened. They first told us that we couldn't use them because we didn't get the 30/30 combo. I politely informed them that when I called to make the appointments that the woman I spoke with knew this information. The woman at the desk called the woman I had spoken with and after a few tense moments, she hung up the phone and accepted the groupons. Apologies were exchanged for the miscommunication and they gave us coupons to use for $45 for 60 minute services. We did leave a generous tip as the massages were nice. I would recommend them for excellent value and efforts to make things right.

  • *****

    I finally had an acupressure session with Mr. Wei. He is as excellent as everyone says! I left floating on air. He spends extra time on areas that need work. He knew I needed shoulder and arm work so he spent the bulk of the massage there. He also went over time by about 10 minutes so that he could get to the rest of my body and not skimp. I will be back!!

  • *****

    This place is awesome! I left feeling so relaxed! I will go back. This is where I will go for relaxation from now on! My mother in law went with my she loved it as well. This place was perfect.

  • *****

    Excellent!!! I highly recommend this place. It almost felt as if I was walking into a medical building- then once I went in... The dimly lit entrance and soothing ambiance immediately put me at ease... The rooms are SO RELAXING. I have travelled the world and always do reflexology wherever I can. Now that I have moved to DC... I drive 22 minutes every 2 weeks-- just to come here! (And yet there are other reflexology places near my home). May is VERY professional- takes reservations and is always willing to facilitate.

  • *****

    My mom and I each had a reflexology appointment and they were great! The staff is so nice, the setting is tranquil and the treatment was wonderful. I highly recommend a visit

  • *****

    nancy was wonderful. you can tell she has lots of experience and intuitively works out your knots. it was a great session and i'll be going again! give yourself a few mins to find parking.

  • *****

    What a nice reflexology session. I ask if I could just wear a robe during the reflexolgy and she sure, no problem the message would follow the reflexology. I felt totally relax during my foot message. I almost went sleep. I will be a regular customer for this type of professional service. A real treat for sure. The detail message was also great for the groupon promotion. I did leave a nice tip because the session was really nice and relaxing. Try them they are really good self treat.

  • *****

    Total release is why I love Total Release!

  • *****

    This place is easy to overlook with all the other places to visit and things to do in Chevy Chase, but your body will love you if you make the effort to seek out a massage from Total Release. You walk in the door to a tranquil waiting room that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The staff is incredibly nice, and will explain everything to you if it's your first visit. I had 30 minutes of reflexology, and 30 minutes acupressure. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will absolutely return.

  • *****

    I am frequent customer of Mr. Wei and can't say enough good things. He is skilled in both reflexology and massage/acupressure and is very strong. For those who like a less strenuous massage, both of the female massage therapists are great (not for me, but my mom loves them). The spa is peaceful and clean. The price is very affordable.