04/18/07

The problem with cookie-cutter massage

by lalluvia

My mother and a friend went to Camelback recently for massage. They are both in their 70's and didn't receive any kind of intake forms to fill out before the massage. My mother's friend answered some questions verbally during the massage, such as, "Is there a chance you might be pregnant?" My mother received no such questions.

The problem with this (other than the fact that their reproductive capabilities shut down 20 years ago) is that my mother has pronounced varicose veins, which contraindicate massage. Yet the LMT just rolled right over them with hot stones. And my mother's friend has skin cancer, another contraindication for massage. Yet the LMT didn't ask if there was a chance she might have cancer, didn't recognize or question an odd mass on her back, and my mother's friend didn't know she needed to tell her. In the first case, doing deep massage on varicose veins can dislodge a clot and send it northward. In the second, increasing circulation can increase the chance of metastasis.

One would think, with Phoenix's large elderly population, that doing a thorough health intake with each spa client would be expected. But then, so is getting a massage by practitioners with a grasp of basic pathologies that contraindicate massage.

I contacted the spa several weeks ago to discuss this, but they have not responded.

12/27/06

One of my favorite spas

by azopinion

The Camelback Spa is one of the older spas in Scottsdale, but still my favorite. It has been through several rennovations to keep it updated and fresh. The services are pricey, but outstanding with extremely professional staff that treat you like royality while you are there to relax and be pampered for the day. I especially like the way their pool is set up and enjoy having lunch by the pool/relaxing by the pool in-between spa appointments. Just taking in the most beautiful views of the desert/mountains surrounding the pool area is relaxing and breathtaking. They have a tentative staff y the pool providing towels, sunscreen, and taking food and beverages orders. This is a great place to escape for yourself or have a gals spa day.

• Pros: Great Pool Setting for lunch/relaxing between spa services, exceptional service
• Cons: Services and spa products are pricey

06/21/06

A large urban oasis uses a lot of help from the natural desert.

by Contributor

In Short
Many treatments here reflect the spa's desert surroundings as they make use of indigenous materials, such as desert herbs and flowers and red clay used in Native American purification treatments. The 27,000-square-foot facility holds 16 massage rooms; several additional rooms for wraps and other specialty treatments; and an assortment of steam rooms, saunas, pools and tubs. Try the spa's signature facial, an elaborate cleansing with grapefruit, mandarin orange, cranberry and pomegranate. There are also fitness classes, body treatments, facials, hair removal, manicure/pedicure and a full-service salon.

03/02/04

Elegant pampering

by ldona24

Expensive but worth it if you really want to pamper yourself. There is a vast array of massages, facials, and treatments to choose from. The surroundings are elegant and you walk out of there feeling like a new person.

• Pros: Elegant, Variety of treatments, Great staff
• Cons: , Expensive, Expensive

11/07/02

Come Back to the Camelback

by linettea

The menu is fairly extensive for this spa, but the prices are a bit high. Service was outstanding and the enviornment was soothing and peaceful. The spa hours are extensive offering a great deal of flexability to schedule for the working client. Make your reservations EARLY (at least a month in advance) to get everything you want. The Restaurant is very good and offers healthy and fresh food that will be a nice pick-me-up