Best of Rhode Island 2009 Editors' Picks

When it comes to massages, we are generally of two minds: Sometimes we just want to relax and be pampered, and sometimes, when the stress of life starts to manifest itself in our lumbar region, it's time for something more intense. And for that we head straight for Massage Therapy Associates. This bare-bones retreat is where we go to really get the knots worked out, and they treat sports and occupational injuries as well. We always feel a little sore the next day – in a good way – but the long-term back relief is well worth it.