Glengary Massage Center - Sarasota, Florida

Charles S.

Shocking Treatment: Disabled and Black at Glengary Massage Center

I don't have video evidence, but I got the full Karen experience. As someone who respects the challenges of small businesses, I waited a month to calm down and speak directly with Ed, the owner, whom I've known for over 30 years, before posting this review. I wanted to determine if my experience was a one-off bad day or something more systemic.

After discussing it with Ed and his wife, Sara (Karen), it became clear that Ed did not share my concerns about his business's reputation. His advice to me, a patron, was to "get over it because racism no longer exists in this country."

A mutual friend recommended Ed to treat some of the chronic effects of my Parkinson's Disease. I called to make an appointment but stopped by the place I remembered as a safe space in Sarasota. I am a 6'2", 255 lbs (down from 310 lbs over the last six months) African-American man and a graduate of the FSU/Asolo Film Program in 1992. I am relatively well known as a cultural activist, serving many roles over the last 34 years. Living in Bradenton, it was a long drive for me to Sarasota, especially with Parkinson's. I now know my weight loss was creating sudden drops in my blood pressure, known as hypotension.

As I pulled into the parking lot, my phone rang. It was the receptionist. I confirmed my appointment for 7/11, but something about her tone made me uneasy. She seemed upset because my speech was slurring as I struggled with severe Parkinson's symptoms at that moment. I was experiencing tremors, a sudden drop in blood pressure, excessive sweating, drooling, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia. I asked if she was calling from the center, but she lied and said she was off-site.

I felt unsafe driving, so I went in to relieve myself and get a cold drink of water. It was like an oven outside.

As I walked into the patio area, I heard a disembodied voice yell, "We don't have any openings today." Realizing she had lied, I replied, "I know, ma'am. I just called," and continued towards the entrance. As I opened the door, the receptionist suddenly appeared and snatched the door out of my hand. Bewildered, I tried to adjust my pants, which had started to sag. It's better to tighten my belt than let them drop, but all my fine motor functions are slow and difficult. During my meeting, Ed made a big deal about me struggling to keep my trousers up. Can you imagine what would have happened if my pants had dropped in front of this rude woman?

In physical distress and unable to stand or walk, I sat down to gather myself. I could hear the receptionist saying something was wrong with me, but she offered no help or concern. I sat for a few minutes before pulling myself together and leaving. I then went to Massage Heights in the Landing, where I received professional care.

On my way to Massage Heights, I received a call from a Sarasota Sheriff Officer. Instead of asking if I needed help, the receptionist had weaponized the police. The officer, who had seen me leaving the center, apologized, saying he didn't believe I was a threat. He even suggested I might want to file a civil complaint.

Ed and his wife offered no apology. Karen even doubled down, criticizing my behavior. She clearly should not be in a public-facing role in a healthcare environment. Karen, please learn this lesson: not every Black man is a threat, especially paying customers. When in doubt, try to apply basic humanity first before locking doors and calling the police. Try something like, "Are you okay?"

During the encounter, Ed popped out of his massage session and said, "I know him," to Karen before she called the police and gave the officers my name and mobile number. He did not have the courage to stand up against her. There is a serious lack of business and medical ethics as well as moral principles at Glengary Massage Center. Doing the right thing is a concept neither of this pair has remotely grasped.

"Beware of Spineless Owner's Karen Wife."

I will be reporting this matter to the Florida Massage Board.
-- Charles

dave M.

I came here first time on a gift certificate…
OMG the relief I got from a 2 year old neck surgery was amazing!!!
I came back 3 weeks later and again amazed at the relief I got!!!
Have been coming here for over a year now, my relief lasts longer each time!! I now come mainly when I have sprained something or been working harder than a 70 year old should! I would not have believed how much relief I got and still get every time I get a treatment….
Worth every penny!!

Mindful B. G.

Liana is absolutely incredible. She is professional, extremely knowledgeable and very friendly. Every time I have been in for a treatment, I arrive in pain and leave with so much relief. She is a gifted therapist! I always look forward to my next session.

Stefanie W.

Medical Massage is very different from regular Massage, Glengary Massage Center can provide both. However, I go specifically for Medical Massage. I've had treatment by both Ed and Liana and both are equally as good. I tore my Rotator Cuff Muscle in my shoulder, which is extremely painful and since that muscle is connected to the head, neck and back muscles, I was very hurt and extremely sore. For this treatment, I started seeing Liana only because Ed was not available at the time. I immediately began feeling better as Liana was able to help get blood flow to my muscles and relax them using the ultrasound and heat stimulation machine with the massage. As an added benefit, Liana also uses CBD Oil, which she has created, as her massage oil. I feel very relaxed, as my muscles are all getting worked on & my Rotator Cuff & neck and upper back muscles are no longer sore. Liana's massage is ALSO wonderfully relaxing! My injury is almost completely healed. I would absolutely recommend Ed & Liana for any time of massage, whether you need Medical Massage or Relaxation Massage. This IS the place to go!

T C.

The best massage therapy I have found here in Sarasota! Need balancing, have tight muscles, weekend warrior sore, body is a bit "off"?
I feel like a million when I come out! My body is definitely rebalanced and my energy is soaring from all the joint release and muscle balancing! I recommend highly.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Charlotte D.

Ed keeps me walking. I tell everyone that because it's true. Several years ago I hurt my back playing golf. A terrible swing led to an extruded disc. I was in constant pain. I had to lean against a wall anytime I waited on a line or stood. I went to Glengary and Ed worked on my back and the numbness down my leg. Life is back to normal. I still go to Ed for maintenance. It's amazing how we learn to live with pain when we don't have to. There's always something; a stiff neck, bad shoulder, twisted ankle. When I play or work hard, I can expect to misalign part of my body. Ed takes a look and says, "No wonder your neck hurts, this rib is out of place." So the neck bone is connected to the rib bone. Thanks Ed.

Christen T.

Ed is the best! Also you get the privilege of interacting with Sara his wife! Awesome experience every time!

judson L.

This guy is great. I've had shoulder and back problems for 20 years. After first treatment I was really sore, after second one I felt better than I had in years.