I went to Saida on and off ca. 2012-2014 and to this day she's the best massage therapist I've ever seen, and it's not remotely close.

I've been to Saida twice now -- once for general relaxation, and once to relieve some neck and shoulder pain. Both experiences were great. I discovered Saida through one of the daily coupon sites, and when I left a message to schedule my first massage, it was returned promptly. Her office is directly across from the zoo and easy to find, extremely clean, and nicely decorated. And, now, on to the massage: it's fantastic. She has a very gentle touch, but can apply a lot of strength if necessary. This was further demonstrated during my second visit. In the course of unpacking/decorating after a move, I'd had a large picture frame hit me in the head and effectively give me whiplash on one side of my neck. When I woke up in pain the next morning, I called her, and she was able to fit me in for an hour the next day, a Sunday (she also had a half-hour slot the same day, but I decided to wait). She asked me relevant questions and then got to work, spending the entire time on the area in pain. I started to feel some relief immediately, and while the healing process will probably take another couple days, I have no doubt that she sped it up considerably. Oh, and her prices are VERY reasonable. She doesn't accept gratuities, so the price listed ($75 for one hour, for example) really is the price. Just awesome. read more

I went in for a general full body massage and was very pleased. Her office is very convenient for me, right across from the zoo. She welcomed me in when I arrived, got me water, and made me feel comfortable. I chose the hour long massage and asked her to really dig into my muscles. I have a lot of tension all across my body and have never had a masseuse that could really work out my knots. Until now. Her hands are strong and she knows how to did deep. I have never been in such good and wholesome pain in my life. A full hour of it as she manipulated knots out of my muscles. When the hour was up, I was impressed - I've never felt that refreshed. I'm working this review a month late as I hear up to go in again. I've hurt my back and am going to see what her magic can do on my lower back. I'll update when I'm back! Update: Second time was just as great. I highly recommend her. read more

Saida is great! I had a groupon and was able to schedule easily over email. The atmosphere was relaxing and calming and saida herself had a really pleasant, kind personality. I had been suffering from foot pain for months and after a session with saida, felt a real difference- I am now counting the days until my next appt in 2 weeks !! read more

Never had a professional massage in my life before coming here, hurt my shoulder rock climbing, & Saida was awesome! Professional & very nice to me during whole process. I walked out of there with little to no shoulder pain afterwards, it was an amazing experience! Highly recommend. read more

I went to Saida for relaxation as well as to ease some tension in my neck and shoulders from sitting at a desk for 40+ hours per week. She was very accommodating and flexible with my schedule. Her space was easy to find she was extremely friendly and warm. She's the type of person you warm up to immediately and she made me feel at ease and calm. The massage was exactly what I needed - it was peaceful, relaxing, and she gave me the hard pressure massage I was looking for. I felt so calm afterwards that I drove back to CHeights without getting stressed by the traffic! Highly recommend her if you want a good massage - if you're looking for a spa-like experience, overpay for a lesser message elsewhere. read more

Saida has been my masseuse for a few months now. I like the massages: she changes the massage according to what you need and ask for and is able to apply the pressure you want. In the end my body has always been happy and I feel completely relaxed. Saida is a great person: very friendly and makes you feel at ease. She doesn't talk during the session which I appreciate. She massages for the full hour, I never felt rushed. She is very accommodating with schedules which is great. The place is very clean and cozy and I plan on continuing being a loyal client. read more

I went to Hands Down for the first time today and I'm really glad I found Saida! The massage was wonderful and she is very knowledgable and in-tune with what's going on with the body. Also the snacks in the waiting room were on point because it was around lunch and my stomach was growling! It's the little things like that that made the experience awesome and I'm very much looking forward to my next appointment. read more

The massage was so great, I booked a follow-up appointment before I left! I'd especially recommend Saida to people who rely on massage for pain relief. Tip before you go: Hands Down Body Therapy is at the end of a VERY long hallway in an old DC apartment building. Ask for directions before you arrive because the numbers on the door aren't very intuitive and it's tough to get cell phone reception in the building. read more

I limped in and walked out! This woman is the best massage therapist i have ever experienced. She is intuitive, skilled, and virtually becomes one with your muscles. I wouldn't go elsewhere in this area, EVER!! read more

It's true. Saidah is very nice. And the place is relaxing. But the massage wasn't much of a massage. In my "hour," she barely worked on my back (the key area I asked about) and never touched my arms. The massage on my legs was very quick also and didn't really work those muscles, as far as i could tell. She kept stopping for a minute or two. Not sure if she was getting lotion or what not. But it felt like there were a lot of breaks. I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the less you break touch with the client, the better. I was relaxed only because it was dark and quiet --- I could barely feel the massage. I'm not sure if the other reviewers got a different service than I did. read more

Saida is amazing! As other reviewers have said, her office is very tranquil and she immediately makes you feel comfortable when you walk in. I hadn't had a massage in over ten years but went after experiencing severe shoulder and lower back pain at the recommendation of a chiropractor. She soothed what the chiropractor could not. I feel better than I have in months after my session with her. She was great about asking me where the specific discomfort was and worked that area specifically. Her prices are reasonable for the area and for her kindness and attention I definitely thought it was a deal. Her location is about a five minute walk from the woodley park metro, right next to the Starbucks. You can't go wrong with going here and I will be back. read more

I've been to Saida several times and think she's a wonderful masseuse. She really knows how to relieve muscle tension and has worked on my back when I had severe pain. I always leave feeling an improvement! read more

After a longgg week, I went in for a massage last friday at Hands Down Body Therapy. I let Saida (therapist/owner) know that I'd like a deep/firm yet relaxing massage- and that's exactly what I got. Hands Down's rate for a 60-minute session is only $75 but was easily as good if not better than any $100+ massage I've received in the past. Not much else to say here. I will be back. read more

Saida is the person to go to for tension relief. Got to her via a coupon deal and she is one of the best I've been to. She has great hands and you will feel like a brand new person. Tip is included in the massage which is nice as well. Her office is across from the zoo but make sure to find out which tower she is in and get instructions on how to be buzzed in. I will be back! read more

Saida is amazing! I made my first appointment to help alleviate tension headaches and she did an amazing job! I visited Saida shortly after my first appointment and she was just as great the second time. I have never written a yelp review, however, Saida is that good!!! read more

Saida is by far the best massage practitioner I have ever been to. I always leave relaxed and with a great sense of well being. Saida is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet. read more

Clearly her reviews speak for themselves. But seriously, Saida is amazing. I have had a few massages, usually seasonal, for chronic upper and middle back pain. The pain is really my fault- I live a stressful life and have terrible posture that I don't try to correct. Saida took one look at me and knew what I needed, even though I didn't. (I also recently had a CT that showed lumbar scoliosis, but never attributed it to my pain.) Saida worked on my legs and lower back in addition to my shoulders and upper/middle back. She figured out my problems without me even telling her. After the massage, she told me where my problem areas were, including the lumbar scoliosis. I feel like a new person. With her technique, which I have never experienced during any other massge, I felt knots literally break and pop under her hands. I am telling everyone about her. read more

Saida is one of the best massage therapists I have found in DC and also happens to be the most reasonably priced--win-win. The $90+ massages I have had elsewhere have yet to match up to my sessions with her. Unlike others, she actually follows through when I ask for deep tissue and is an expert in finding the trigger points. She is more than respectful regarding privacy(most raise the sheet and turn their head---Saida turns her whole body around), though I really could care less who sees what at this point. It is just a sign that she is respectful. She also has a very calm and seemingly warm personality. The space is an older Woodley Park building but it is inviting--lights are low, she offers water bottles and nice music, just don't expect a high-end spa atmosphere if that's really important to you. The provider and the service are most important to me. read more

I had a great massage with Saidah. I'm a muscular person so I can use extra strength in the pressure applied. Saidah was able to really work my muscles with lots of strength - exactly what I need. Hands Down is great value for the price! read more

I purchased a groupon for Hands Down Body Therapy after reading numerous positive reviews and I was not disappointed! I got a 60 minute Swedish massage. I get massages regularly (usually once a month) and have tried many places across the DMV area over the past five years. This experience was one of the best purely based on the massage alone. She really hit the right pressure points to release tension. I especially noticed this when she was massaging my feet. It sounds kind of strange, but I could feel tingles and tension being released. The ambiance of the place is calming, and I did not hear any outside noise despite that the space is located in a building off of Connecticut Ave. And, as a number of people have mentioned, Saida has a very kind and warm presence that will help you relax. I will definitely be back, especially since her rates are very reasonable. read more

Saida is truly a God sent with gifted hands. Upon first entry of her suite, it is so tranquil. You just know you're in the right place. She is very professional and she seeks to take great care. During your treatment she is very attentive, and listens to your muscles. She is definitely the best out there and she has great energy. You will never be disappointed. You will LOVE SAIDA!!!!! read more

I walked into the salon and was warmly greeted by Saida. The rooms were clean and warm. My massage was very relaxing even though she had to work on a few very tight muscles. I was so pleased with my massage I scheduled another one. read more

My Saturday went from just okay to fantastic! I was able to schedule a 30-minute massage today with Saida. My neck and back have been tied up in knots for the past few days and I was in desperate need of a deep tissue massage. About 15 minutes ago, I walked out of Saida's office and I feel like a new woman! She's extremely knowledgeable, tremendously effective and just a very pleasant practitioner. I definitely will be going back ... again and again! read more

What a special treat I am on quick trip need so fast relief. I called she had a cancellation and she was just great. Nice space and great hands thanks so much!! read more