The Muscle Spa uses a fun play on words to explain why it’s “knot your average massage” place.

Located at 2601 S. Union Place, Suite 110, in Kennewick behind the Southridge Dutch Bros., it’s the first commercial location for Ashley Mings who has been a licensed massage therapist for 13 years, first learning the skill from the now-closed Tri-City School of Massage.

Mings said she differentiates her services by not charging extra for add-ons like cupping or scraping, and always committing to fully booked session lengths.

She shares a building with Red Rail Espresso and CrossFit 12 Stones.

The Muscle Spa includes space for multiple treatment rooms and a sauna with chromotherapy, “You can set it with different colors for whatever your healing goal is,” Mings said. There’s also a multipurpose room that may be used for continuing education – which Mings feels is lacking locally – or could be booked for spa parties of up to 15 guests.

“It could be for adults, but I have the little girls in mind for sure, where they can come in and do a couple minutes in the sauna, plus mini facials and mini massages,” Mings said.

A space of her own

She’s excited to have her own space after working out of her home for many years.

“I originally went into massage as kind of a stepping-stone career,” she said. “In my head, it would lead to something bigger, but it turned out this was my something bigger.”

Having a commercial space is part of her goal to bridge the gap between relaxation massage and the sterile feeling typically found with clinical massage, often done as therapy or recovery, and potentially in a medical setting, like a chiropractor’s or physical therapist’s office.

“There’s such a plethora of what clinical could mean, whether it’s an injury they’re trying to nurse and recover from, or athletes in training for an event or somebody who’s got something chronic, so just being able to really have a treatment plan to address those things,” Mings said. “It can be intense, but it doesn’t have to be painful because that’s counterproductive.”

For massage therapy covered by insurance, The Muscle Spa accepts Asuris, which is offered by the city of Kennewick, in addition to claims through insurance related to a vehicle accident or from the state Department of Labor & Industries.

Relaxation and wellness

For relaxation and wellness, The Muscle Spa has an esthetician on staff for treatments like facials, and also will offer assisted stretching with prices similar to a massage, which is $115 for 60 minutes.

Mings assures clients there are no hidden costs, including for things like stretching or CBD during the treatment. “If you need it, you’ll get it,” she said.

She intends to offer little “touches” to heighten the experience, including an electronic foot massager during facials, flavored waters and the ability to choose your own aromatherapy. The chromotherapy sauna, promoted as the “Cadillac of saunas,” will start at $25 for a single visit, but packages can make it more affordable for those who want to visit frequently.

Mings uses Belle Terre Lavender skin care products made locally in Benton City, along with other quality brands, she said.

The owners of Aden Masonry and HB Painters of Kennewick own the building and are general contractors on the project.

A member of Mings’ family took a break from retirement to assist with the buildout, valued by the city of Kennewick at just over $100,000 for tenant improvements. Her father designed the logo for The Muscle Spa, inspired by the Tri-Cities’ three rivers.

Mings said construction began in July after the owners finished up the neighboring businesses within the freestanding building on South Union Place.

She encourages people to come by during Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 30 this year, as she will be offering tours and promotions.

The Muscle Spa: 2601 S. Union Place, Suite 110, Kennewick; massagebook.com/biz/earthlymassage; @themusclespa_kennewick.