Treat Yourself: Bamboo Massage at Joseph Anthony

When I heard about the 55-minute Mu-Xing massage at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon, I was curious. The treatment employs a specially trained massage therapist who uses heated rosewood and bamboo tools to knead aches and pains into submission. It seemed like the perfect solution for athletes with serious muscle knots—and an ideal respite from Philly’s dead-of-winter weather.

So I tried it. The heated bed and wood instruments proved to be perfect muscle-melters: The tools delivered more even pressure than hands, and all that heat helped relieve tension faster. The result? My too-tight neck and shoulders finally found relief. And my cold-weather-blues were banished—at least for a while.

$100 at Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon, 243 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, 610-459-4663.