When we were working a midtown office job, we naturally had neck and back problems. Not spa people, we first availed ourselves of little Chinese storefronts because they were cheap and didn't require advance booking. These gave relief, but only for a few days. We eventually deduced that you get what you pay for, and collected recommendations for an upgrade—even to (it had come to that) a spa. We felt awkward going into Dorit Baxter New York Day Spa—which, on our first visit, was treating a bridal party, some of whom lounged in white robes, reading women's magazines and sipping lemon water in the posh waiting area. But we got a table in a minute, and when the masseuse began patiently kneading our kinked shoulders, all our reservations vanished, as did the aches we'd been having for weeks. One half-hour Swedish massage ($55) and one full-hour deep-tissue massage ($89) fixed us for months. We can't speak to the bikini waxing or facials, or their suitability as an upscale party favor, but if you have typist's torso, Dorit Baxter does the job. And on a walk-in basis.