Orange County, especially in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, has no shortage of great massage…read moretherapists. At least, that's what I've found in the 7 years that I've lived in OC. However, this specific spot on Birch Street in Newport has had no fewer than three great therapists, including the original one I found, Samantha from Serenity Holistic, and Delilah from Knot All Bliss, both of whom previously had to go on maternity leave. But this review is about Sandra Ugarte of Synchrony Wellness, the newest therapist in this location as of June 2025. She offers a handful of noteworthy massage therapy options, from lymphatic to Reiki to post-op to neuromuscular. I chose the neuromuscular massage option, and it was one of the best massages I've ever had. For reference, I am someone who has always had neck, shoulder, and back pain since my high school days (I am now in my mid-30s). This is probably due to my lack of exercise and stretching. The pain in those areas has only flared up over time, and while I've seen doctors, it's usually massage therapists who relax me enough after an 8-hour day of work or a 40-hour week of computer work with likely bad posture. I've also recently had issues like cervical radiculopathy and thoracic outlet syndrome, which aren't helped by tight upper traps, scalene neck muscles, and likely also tight hips and low back. That small rant leads me to why Sandra is great. Generally, my favorite massage therapists I've tried tend to have a mix of the following: they do good medium to hard pressure with great technique, usually with elbows or fingers, offer cupping and gua sha if possible, and include things like aromatherapy or hot towels if they're not an extra charge. Sandra does an excellent combination of everything I've said I like in a therapist. While most massage therapists I've been to usually focus on maybe 10 overall spots on the body with as many issues as I have, I was surprised that Sandra worked on almost my entire body, from my neck to my pecs, upper back, shoulders, arms, lower back, hips, hamstrings, and even calves. As someone who loves cupping, I was pleasantly surprised to have all these spots covered. No surprise to me, a lot of areas were red, as I expect with someone with as much tension as me. If you don't like cupping, you can always request not to have it, but for me, if you can handle the cupping pressure, I think Sandra does a good job of not applying it too tightly. I think it's really good for releasing deep tension that a regular massage can't cover. In general, I can tell that Sandra has a medical massage therapy background because she always makes sure to let me know what part she's going to work on next, ensuring that the pressure is good and that she's covered all the spots I want addressed, all with a calm but sweet, nice personality. She also does gua sha, which is a light scraping technique to reduce fascia tightness. She didn't do this as much as the cupping, but she definitely did enough on spots that were helpful for me, like the IT bands for my tight lower back and hips, and my arms. After a couple of sessions, Sandra started to use vacuum cupping therapy because of my cervical radiculopathy, as she didn't want to hurt my nerves in the neck area while still using cupping, gua sha, and good pressure whenever needed. Overall, Orange County has no shortage of good to great massage therapists, but Sandra Ugarte is now in the running for my favorite in the county. She's very nice, offers a good variety of massage options, applies good pressure, and, most importantly, is very comprehensive, using a great mix of all the techniques I like from a massage therapist, including good pressure, cupping, gua sha, and even offering advice on doing self-gua sha at home. If you live in Orange County and have chronic pain or nerve-and muscle-related issues, I highly recommend seeing Sandra Ugarte at Synchrony Wellness.

I'm very satisfied with my service today with Sandra! I got a lympathic/sub muscular massage along…read morewith cupping where needed and everything was beyond perfect. It was my first time getting a lymphatic massage and I was in heaven. She is very knowledgeable and intuitive and knows where you are struggling. I highly recommend her and will be coming to see her hopefully more regularly.

Thais is my go-to therapeutic massage therapist. I always leave feeling better and able to move…read morefluidly, without any discomfort. I've seen it written in her other reviews, but her hands really are magic. She can find the root of your issues even when it is at a different location from where you are experiencing the pain. I will, and already have, recommend her to everyone I know of that needs a massage therapist.

Thais has magical hands! She came to my home because I…read moreneeded medical, lymphatic massage which I've had before and was not the most pleasant experience TBH. BUT Thais showed up so professional, calming and gave me the most healing massage ever! I'll definitely be seeing her for some deep tissue monthly appointments as soon as I am cleared for it.

Isabela is a talented massage therapist. I highly recommend her. She has fixed a lot of aches and…read morepains for me over the years.

I received a deep tissue massage from Isabella, who has the greatest smile. She actually took the…read moreeffort to give a real massage, not like some other places that just tend to run their fingers over you or tire out after a few minutes or try to compensate for lack of skill by being overly flirtatious. I saw her website and actually do agree, I would recommend her to my friends. I received a very professional massage that normally runs over a hundred dollars in this area for a descent price. I liked her location, because its near Hoag Hospital and convenient for me.

Shelley is absolutely amazing! I've been working with her for 3+ years and I've never once thought…read moreof straying. As an active fitness professional I've had a lot of massage therapists do body work on me through the years, and she simply possesses an energy and a touch that I've never experienced. She has a true artful gift for sensing where a body needs healing and has a precise touch that knows when it's appropriate to be firm, and when to ease off. She does several forms of massage as well as energy work, and beautifully blends multiple practices into each session. If you're in need of some tension relief, stress relief, muscle de-tangling, whatever, I highly recommend Total Balance Bodywork! Aside from having incredible hands and technique she's also the sweetest person you'll ever meet, and each session always begins and ends with a hug :)

Followup to my review after third session. My hip is now 100% pain free, and back to playing soccer…read more3-4 times per week. Can't express how good it is to feel great during and after the game.

I randomly found this place on ClassPass and it was beyond my expectations. She is so professional,…read moreknowledgeable, and kind, and she knew exactly which areas needed to be addressed. I have been experiencing chronic muscle tension especially on the right side of my body and upper shoulders and neck, causing debilitating migraines, and without me telling her this, she already knew. So mind blown! I left the place with muscles feeling much more relaxed and aligned. Definitely booking another appointment. Thank you again!

This was a last minute need since I injured myself, and I was so lucky to find metime massage on…read moresuch short notice. Kamila, the owner, was completely booked, and when she found out that I was urgently looking for some relief, she made room for me and saw me at 12 PM. Her office is inside of a chiropractic's office. The parking lot is small but there's tons of parking around the building, the facility was clean, calming, and her massage table set up was perfect. The heating blanket was on, there was essential oil in the air, and the spa music was very relaxing. She focused on exactly what I needed on my neck, shoulders and face. She knew exactly what she was doing andthe pressure was just right!

Her massage technique is highly professional, and she carefully identifies the areas of pain before…read moregently beginning the massage. It's clear that she's an expert in her field. Ten stars

Massage was fantastic! I have never felt more relaxed after a treatment like this...highly…read morerecommend Nunae, she is amazing!

Alexis is a great Massage Therapist! I followed her from her former Massage place to her own new…read morebusiness. I always trust Alexis because of her rich knowledge and accreditations. I am very active in sport and have injured myself quite a few times. And each time, Alexis always managed to figure out the issues and showed me the right way to recovery, in addition to relieving the knots, clogged, and anything else in between I caused to myself and my muscles. She also gives the best facial and head massage. I highly recommend Alexis to anyone who truly wants to heal and be better at knowing how to take care of your body. I will follow her wherever she goes because she works the magic!

I was fortunate to have Alexis as a classmate in massage therapy school and we had the opportunity…read moreto be massage partners in class where she told me that she has her own Thai massage therapy practice outside of school. She told me the benefits of Thai massage and I couldn't say no. My first treatment was painful but spectacular and I was hooked! I am now a frequent client of hers and our bond as massage therapist is growing each time we get to reconnect. I highly recommend Alexis for a life changing Thai massage and more! She can help you out in so many ways!

Bren is amazing. When I came to her I didn't know what to expect. I just got a Lipo 360 and was…read morepretty sore and hurt and barely can move, but her professionalism and knowledge, combined with her experience, ease my nerves and made me feel more comfortable during the massage. After the first session, I felt a lot better. The pain eased and the bruising went away.Bren was able to talk me through each step of the process and what to expect and how to go about achieving my goal for a beautiful result . It's only been a week and a half and my results are already showing and it's beautiful. I can't wait until the final results. She is so well worth it. ! if you don't have an appointment, make one now, she books up fast. She's really really good. I promise you.

Bren is an outstanding Kinesiologist. I have been experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain for…read moreover 30 years, and Bren has helped me tremendously, both with deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and stretching. She is far and away the best Kinesiologist I have ever seen. Her efforts have significantly improved my pain and increased my flexibility. She is very professional and knowledgeable at what she does, and I highly recommend her.