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Solaris Massage Our clients are teachers, doctors, students, lawyers, artists, busy professionals who value the importance of unplugging from time to time. We offer licensed therapeutic massage in the heart of the Crossroads Arts District of Downtown Kansas City Missouri. We've been doing what we LOVE since 2004 and we look forward to continuing to help all our amazing regulars as well as working on new clients for couples massage as well as individual sessions.

Appointments are always available online with same day options.
Services
Each therapist at Solaris Massage is licensed by the state of Missouri and trained in a wide variety of techniques. When you book an hour or 90-minute session, tell your therapist if you are having specific issues that need to be addressed. By default, our Custom Blend Hour and 90-Minute sessions will include scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, hands, back, legs, and feet.
In addition to having the BEST CLIENTS in Kansas City, we also enjoy being in the center of some of the many FUN things Kansas City has to offer! We are kicking off the warmer seasons with our weekly Solaris Massage Walking Club.
Specialty Massage techniques require extra training and are each 90-minute sessions. Ready to try something new? Read on, and book soon! If you're buying a gift, a 90-minute insures the recipient can choose from ANY of our Specialty Massages or a Custom Blend. Ashiatsu is a form of deep tissue massage.
Two clients, two therapists, one room. Our couples massage is a great way to celebrate an upcoming wedding, anniversary, or for no reason at all. Many first-time clients find the presence of their partner comforting. A 60-minute couples massage is enough time to work on the whole body or focus on a smaller number of problem areas.
Reviews (28)
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Robert Weber
Apr 21, 2022
Worst massage I've ever received. I hear the guy is good but I got the lady and it's by far the worst experience getting a massage I've ever had. I can guarantee I'll never waste my $$ there again and I suggest you don't either. Btw if you're going to charge 200 for a couple you should have it in a nicer location instead of a run down brick building.
Payton Meek
Sep 19, 2021
Critical: Communication, Professionalism, Quality The lady that answered the phone was rude and unprofessional. I have never gotten a massage here but the way she answered the phone gives me indication of the quality of their services.
Thomas T.
Jun 04, 2021
I have been a client of Solaris Massage for many years. It has always been a wonderful experience. All the therapists have been quite wonderful. I have had many aches and pains, which have been healed at this place. I'd go so far as to say my visits here have changed my life - in a very positive way! Prior to COVID-19 I was a regular client, seeing Kip approximately one time per month. Needless to say, the pandemic put a halt to many things, including massage. This, along with so many other things about the last year, was very sad.

As things have begun to open up, Solaris Massage has also reopened its doors. I was able to return and have a massage from Kip in the last few weeks, and once again, I left refreshed and recharged. Solaris Massage looks as good as ever and the staff is taking the proper precautions to make sure you are comfortable and confident in their facility. So, cheers upon reopening, and anyone who needs a massage should give this place a try!
Trish Doran
Feb 11, 2021
It is important to me to have a therapist who's been fully vaccinated. I had an appointment with John, and he was fantastic! The massage itself was amazing! I have some medical issues with my neck but he eased immediately and I felt John had done better for me then the doctors these last few years! I felt comfortable, safe and also incredibly relaxed. Highly recommended!
Lauren B.
Jan 21, 2020
10+yrs of getting professional massages and I've never had an uncomfortable experience like I did here. I will never be back and advice anyone to avoid. Called to speak with owner & got no call back. Thanks for emailing me to leave a review.
Lauren S.
Oct 28, 2019
Easy to use website & easy to book online (which, it's 2019 but so many massage places don't let you book online)! I had been dealing with a muscle spasm/intense pain for about 2 weeks in my back and nothing had been helping. I had an appointment with Joe, told him what I had been dealing with and what I was looking for, and he completely alleviated the pain.

I also think I may have fallen asleep? Normally that wouldn't be a point of praise from me (since it seems like you either get calm relaxation or tension release), but I very much got the best of both worlds.
Nadia Burks S.
Sep 14, 2019
It wasn't a good fit for me. I was actually pretty excited about the location because it's a stones throw from where I live and I could walk there. I didn't mind the low-key vibe, I've actually been to massage businesses that had less than they do and I'm down with minimalism as long as I'm getting quality service. The person at the front desk was neither rude nor cordial, just present; and that's fine.

It was the end of the day, maybe they were tired. I don't know their life. The massage therapist was professional and did all the steps - showed me the room, told me where to put my clothing, etc. The massage itself was relaxing, but was not the style of massage I requested. I requested a deep tissue massage, but got a combination of trigger point and hot stone massage.

I did not expect to be pummeled, but I did expect to leave feeling some release in the places that were tight, particularly in a place I'd mentioned to the therapist before the massage started. Checking out was fine, I was provided a glass of room temp water - which was good. It's important to hydrate after massage and I exclusively drink room temp water, so thumbs up for that.

I give one star for the location, one for the water and the other star is for what I could gather to appreciate about the rest of the experience. Overall, it wasn't the experience I wanted and I won't be back.
Michael N.
Jul 01, 2019
I was transparent with the Massage Therapist, Kip, and she got to the core of my troubles. The communication was cordial and open. Everything was right, well, more than right! Thabks, Kip, for the session and the great results I experienced as a result. I, be recommended you to many of my friends, and I will return! Kip's an Angel!
Victoria Nelson
May 23, 2019
We had a couples massage. The ladies were very friendly and professional. The actual decor was vintage? I guess you could say, but it wasn't a cute vintage it was just more like old and it didn't feel very clean. The massage was more like acupressure or trigger point not really a full massage. We did not feel relaxed or any different when we were done.

We were an evening appointment so we are assuming the therapist we're just tired and hands were hurting from a whole day of massages. Unfortunately, bc of the whole experience we will not be returning. I gave two stars just for the ladies because of how professional they were and the assumption that they do a better job when they are not tired.
Madison U.
Apr 04, 2019
Tried to book a massage and refused to tell me if it was a male/female masseuse. This is a weird place and it seems like they have a political agenda.
Jennifer C.
Dec 08, 2018
One of the best massages I've had in a while. Elizabeth was my therapist and she did a phenomenal job addressing the tension in my neck and shoulders. Would highly recommend if you are seeking a quality therapeutic massage.
Melissa Muraski
Nov 26, 2018
I love the down to earth atmosphere, very casual and stress free. I have throughly enjoyed a massage from many therapists at Solaris. My personal preference would be for Kip or Elizabeth but they are all wonderful and professional. Many different techniques and if your looking for a prenatal massage this is the place for you mama!
Rachael L.
Sep 20, 2018
Posting an updated review based on additional experiences. I've now seen three different therapists - Kip, Atina, and Joe. As with all providers anywhere, each has their own method, but all are attentive and thorough. They really demonstrate care with their clients. Studio still isn't fancy if that's what you're looking for, but the quality and price are on point. Especially with the constant specials/packages you can find and book online. Recommended - I'll keep coming back.
Sandra Ramos
Jun 15, 2018
I recently went in for a massage because I couldn't handle my back pain. The massage therapist that was assigned to me was John and he was amazing. I felt immediate relief after the deep tissue massage, and even two days later I'm still pain free. Will definitely be returning.
Tashina S.
Feb 27, 2018
I absolutely adore this place! My boyfriend referred me and I'm SO glad he did. AMAZING massages in this incredibly unique, relaxing environment! Kip, the owner, is a fabulous individual and everyone who I've had the pleasure of meeting at Solaris, has been wonderful. Solaris is a GEM!
Emilie Hawkins
Feb 18, 2018
My boyfriend and I both had our first professional massage here and it was perfect! A very clean, calm, small, quiet location. Our therapist walked us through every step and made us feel very comfortable. We picked the hour long couples massage and I felt like the price was well worth it. We will definitely be going back!
K. K.
Jan 23, 2018
Kip was great, and I say that as someone who is not normally a fan of massage. I've had too many people just kind of push my muscles around. But Kip really knows her stuff. She listened to me and focused on the particular knots I asked her to. She's just way better than any other masseuse I've had. All in all, an excellent experience.

As a side note, she was friendly but without being peppy -- very relaxing to be around. And I liked the music better than your average hippie panflute stuff. One more thing: I had gotten a gift certificate, which had expired. They sent me a single reminder email (on the date it expired) telling me I could still use it anytime. I appreciate both their willingness to honor an old old gift cert, and their commitment to spam reduction (they didn't send me multiple reminder emails).
George S.
Dec 27, 2017
Very rude over the phone, the whole experience was weird. As if they are doing you a favor by letting you book a massage with them. Asked to make an appointment for two. Asked if she could tell me who the massage therapist will be, the answer "I can't tell you that, our lawyers forbid us from revealing that info" Hmm. booked many sessions at other places with specific people, even individual schedules are posted online.

Not sure what the deal is with multiple lawyers protecting identities of the massage therapists. Yelp reviews are great for, say Kip, but no way to get Kip or anyone specifically. They are definitely catering to a certain type of clientele, just not sure what that is.
Lindsey P.
Dec 16, 2017
Cannot express how great Solaris is. Elizabeth removed the tension from my shoulders in a relaxing and pain-free way. If I lived here id be a regular!
Amy Tucker
May 04, 2017
We have been in for couples massages before and have always had a great experience. Everyone we have encountered has been friendly, professional, and very easy to deal with. If you want a great massage go to Solaris.
Jen L.
Apr 01, 2017
Kip was amazing! Not your typical massage place - if you are looking for a fancy day spa - this is not for you. But if you are looking for a spot on massage by someone who is knowledgeable and talented - this is for you.
Julie L.
Feb 14, 2017
I don't get massages often enough. But when I finally get around to it I always call Solaris. Kip is great and I hear great things about the other staff. I like the cozy comfortable rooms.
Katherine P.
Mar 08, 2016
I've been going to Solaris when I can for years now. I don't live in KC anymore or I'd go more often, but definitely make a point to go whenever I'm home visiting family. I had a hot stone massage in Seattle a few months ago and the stones were so hot they were burning my skin and I had to beg her to remove them. The masseuse said I was just way too sensitive to do hot stone massages, and I wanted to be like "Um, Kip has never burned me once, let's not blame my skin mkay." Anywho, this place is great and very homey.

As others noted, it's not your glossy, fancy-pants spa environment, but, like, you're going to be lying on a table naked with your eyes closed, so how important is that really? As long as the massages are good (and they are), people are friendly (they are) and prices are workable (they are), that's kind of the trifecta.
Sheri R.
Feb 26, 2016
Gambit Johnson is amazing! I started with a 90 minute massage. I thought she gave the best massage I've ever had (I'm 52 and very active/athletic) and I've had a few. I just finished my second massage and I was right the first time. Gambit Johnson is super amazing. Take the advise from a massage pro and request this lady. Thanks Gambit for taking care of me.
Natalia Jimenez
Nov 29, 2015
I recently completed a so called deep tissue massage at Solaris Massage. I was quite disappointed by the masseuses level of professionalism and skill. Three things: 1: when I came in the door the person "Kat" handed me a clip board and asked me to fill it out. She didn't introduce herself first and she was actually the person who was going to give me my massage.

I felt like she was going through the motions. 2: the massage therapist didn't know how to do a proper deep tissue and when I asked her what type of massage she was giving me she said "I'm giving you my version of a deep tissue. I pretty much do the same thing for everybody but for a deep tissue I just press harder." Not to mention she said people have asked her that before.

She actually hurt my wrist and spine by applying pressure where you shouldn't put pressure like my "bones". 3: I still had to pay full price for it and now I'm worse because Kat isn't trained properly for Deep Tissue massage. (There are established techniques) Kat: if you are not properly trained in a certain type of massage you shouldn't try to perform it and you certainly should offer it as a service! You could and did hurt someone! That is false advertisement on top of that. Well, that's my 2 cents. Lesson learned and still looking.
Chris B.
Sep 11, 2015
Request for side by side by two females made. Wow, front desk is unprofessional, if you make a masseuse gender request they won't serve you stating they refuse to rub you with their genitalia. Wow they really went there and they think like that. Well, you don't get me or my business nor family's and here's the yelp down you deserve.

My gf n I prefer side by side by females to ensure we get a lighter touch n feel more comfortable that way. It's just a request, not mandatory, and you can keep your retorts and insults about your genitalia to yourself.
Meli L.
Feb 22, 2015
The world's Best Husband got me a Solaris massage this year for Valentine's Day, and I was so grateful I cried actual tears like a human. Kip is a genius and a goddess, and if I wasn't on a budget, I'd be at Solaris monthly. I'm sure the others are wonderful, too! I just have always gotten my massages from Kip and so I stick with her. She's great if you head in with something specific (last night it was my awful neck) or if you just go in and say "I'm stressed, Kip.

Make me feel better." Also, "Kip" is just a really cool name and it's fun to say out loud, okay. So. As others have mentioned, this is not a spa-like massage place. It's a smallish room in the same building as the Gym KC's Westside location and has the same kind of quirky sensibility - interesting art and curtains and carpet. It's exactly my type of place, but it's understandable, I guess, that some people prefer something more elite feeling, or more institutional. So, you check in and head into a teeny tiny room where you get as nekkid as you're comfortable with and cover up with a sheet and a light blanket. There's usually some sort of music, which helps keep out the ambient noise from outside, but you can actually go later at night (as late as 7:30 or 8, I think) which helps a lot.

It was dead quiet the last time I went. It smells nice, you know, like hippie oils and whatnot, and Kip will chat or keep quiet - she's pretty good at feeling out what you're in the mood for. I tend to go with 30 minute massages because any longer and I start to feel awkward or I fall asleep. Afterwards, you get a nice glass of water and chat, or you can just pay and leave. Everything about Solaris is just so low-key and friendly and makes me feel wonderful. It really is a KC gem, and their prices are extremely reasonable.
Thomas Kessler
Apr 15, 2013
Every time I go to Solaris, I come out feeling like a million bucks. The hot stone massage is outstanding, and I highly recommend it. The stones provide a smooth, even heat which unclenches your muscles. This makes the massage therapist's hands feel even better. The professionalism of the staff is outstanding - they discover points of tightness and pain without me needing to spell it out to them, which always impresses me.

I've had at least three different masseurs, and I feel like I've been in good hands, no matter who performed the massage. I've had a couples massage, and it was a relaxing, peaceful, and safe environment. My girlfriend really enthused about it afterwards. I highly recommend Solaris Massage for when you need to relax and let go.