Whenever I want to treat myself to a massage, I go to Megan. She perfectly combines long, fluid…read moremotions with more specific pressure points too. I prefer firmer pressure, and she nails that as well. I highly recommend getting a massage with Megan!

Megan is such a talented massage therapist! I used to work in the spa industry and know that it is…read moredifficult to find someone of her caliber. Each session with her is highly customized to target areas of need, which she finds and remedies effortlessly. Whether you need to relax, recover, or treat a specific injury, you're in the best hands with Megan.

My husband found Janice and booked massages for us for our anniversary (we stayed in downtown…read moreSeattle for the occasion). We each had a 60 minute massage in her cozy little studio with the most beautiful rooftop view of the Sound. The massages were great (my introduction to cupping) and Janice is a lovely person. I get massage and other body work done regularly so I've experienced a wide variety of quality. I'm also not the easiest body to work on (very tight, problem spots). I would absolutely come back again. I can't comment about the value because I didn't pay the bill :-) Hubby said her prices were average, though. I'm not complaining about anything because I enjoyed myself and felt great afterward, but setting expectations so no one is disappointed. The massage studio is in a large professional building and shares hall space with other medical professionals. TrandZend is a single massage room, not a full spa experience. Because it's in a professional building, it's locked on weekends and Janice has to come down to let you in (didn't phase us since the sun was shining, but this could mean waiting outside for quite a while). Janice creates a warm, inviting experience, but take note if you're looking for something different. I debated between 4 and 5 stars because it isn't a full spa, etc. but I figure it's the quality of the massage that matters and that was definitely a 5 star experience.

OMG Janice is amazing! I have gone to her a few times and found each massage so relaxing and stress…read morerelieving. She is a very talented massage therapist and is also a great person to chat to. I have some old sports injuries that she was able to work through and relax. I've never left anywhere feeling so incredible. (Also very reasonably priced!)

Danielle is great. I've been getting massages from her regularly for a couple years now…read more I initially sought her out because she specializes in therapeutic massage. Through a few sessions, she was able to help relieve the tightness and soreness in my lower back and shoulders that had accumulated through years of weightlifting. Danielle's general deep tissue massages are top-notch as well, and she's a great conversationalist. I keep coming back because her deep tissue massages are so relaxing, and she's fun to talk to. If you're in the Ballard area and you're looking for a good massage, and you want to support a small business, I would highly recommend Smiling Owl Massage.

If I could give one star, I would. The massage I initially received was great, but after Danielle…read morecancelled an early AM appointment with less than 2 hours notice via email, things became really messy. I work with families and children intimately and I understand cancellations happen, and people become sick, but to cancel an AM appointment with under two hours notice without a call was not a great way to handle the situation. I was already getting ready and on my way to the appointment. Upon arriving I sat there thinking she was possibly late, then I called the number on the door because I figured that was the best option to figure out if the appointment still stood or not which. Then after back and forth email with Danielle she was upset that I had called the number on the door because it was for someone else. How was a client to know that? I waited for 40 minutes and left. When I arrived home I had seen on my desktop the reason I didn't get her email was because It was sent from her personal email instead of her business email which was the one email we had ever used prior. We sent some Emails back and fourth and because I had expressed how inconvenient it was for me she decided she didn't want to see me for my other appointment or reschedule. I had told her many times I understand these things happen and hope she will feel better and was kind, I just wanted her to know that a call for a two hour or less cancellation would be more ideal since clients are likely to be up and already getting ready to leave their homes. She then basically replies she doesn't want to see me as a client anymore while also being smart saying "in the age of smartphones" her email with 1.5 hours notice was appropriate. Especially when people are likely already on their way. Since I had bought 2 massages via Groupon I had asked if she would then work with me to help get a refund, she agreed and even wrote me an email saying she contacted them, and they would be reaching out to me within the day via phone. (Side note she also said she didn't want to see me because she only makes 17 dollars from her groupons, which i though was wildly inappropriate to tell a client.) When I didn't hear anything from them and emailed her back stating all I saw was that my account was flagged and had not received a call, her reply was so rude calling me challenged and whiny. I really don't know how someone would work in this industry and be so rude and able to personally jab at clients but I was completely taken aback by her unprofessionalism through-and-through. I would not recommend her place of business, as when things come up she cannot handle them appropriately, timely, or professionally and will attack you for it.

I got a massage from Tara recently, but it was at the Vital Energy Center in Capitol Hill instead…read moreof this location. I tend to keep a lot of tension in my back, so I try to get in for massages as much as possible. Tara was intuitive and seemed to work a lot with pressure points. The energy in the beginning of the massage felt calm but intense; kind of like forming the intention of creating the space as a healing space. For about 10-20 minutes I was in the "This is nice, but I'm not sure if this is the style for me" space. About halfway through my hour, however, I realized that I had gotten into the state where I'm possibly asleep but feel more like I'm just so relaxed that I'm conscious but only coherent every once in a while. That tends to mean that I am VERY relaxed, and... well... I kind of love that. My back felt wonderful when I left, and the only soreness I experienced was from where she had worked on my chest (and that's just because it's very tight and I don't think it's gotten enough attention in the past). Tara recommended a stretch that should help loosen that up. I felt like my way home was something of a spiritual experience. Every time I get a massage like this I start really looking forward to finally finishing my degree and having a decent income again!

I've had a lot of massages because I get a lot of upper back pain and tension. And there is nothing…read moremore annoying than a light massage. I need a massage therapist who can do deep tissue like they mean it and that is Tara. She seems to have a talent for just knowing where the knots and problem areas are and working on them until you feel like you're in a completely different body. She is very professional, knows what she is doing, explains what she's doing thoroughly, asks all the right questions, and also has great hours and introductory deals to give her a try. Oh and the office is super cute, tidy, clean and relaxing. Can't wait for my next appointment. Oh and she takes insurance including Aetna, but you can pay for an add on half hour if you want to go longer and have her work on parts of your body that are not being treated (on insurance).

Taylor at Raven Bodywork is a muscle melting magician! He will take your aches and pains and turn…read moreyou into glorious goo. He is such an intuitive, caring, and masterful practitioner who knows how to deeply listen and seamlessly respond to the needs of your muscles and body. He creates such a welcoming and safe space, and he truly has a magic touch! I have left every session with him feeling transformed and profoundly altered. Seattle is lucky to have such a phenomenal massage therapist! Thank you Taylor!

I first went to Gabriel over a year ago after a back injury, and have continued to see them through…read morea back surgery and a lot of personal changes. It is one of the best things I've done for myself and my health. They are amazing at adjusting for my needs whether that's injury, stress, or other things as they come up. They also just put in a beautiful relaxation nook with a sauna! Not to be dramatic, but they've fundamentally helped me shift my mindset about my body and pretty much Jedi mind tricked me into actually relaxing. I recommend them to anyone but particularly folks who can go and get a massage one day and have just as much tension the next day like I used to, or who haven't always found people who knew how to work with their body well.

Let me begin by saying Lisa and I are both doctors, she works in pathology and I work with psych…read morepatients. Patricia was very professional and treated us like people. We're easy going, and came to Seattle for some R & R. We got a recommendation from our hotel and couldn't have been more pleased with her professionalism, attention to detail and recommendations for self-care. She knew exactly what we needed in terms of therapy and walked each of us through an individualized therapeutic session. At the end we felt decompressed and ready to hike the hills of Seattle. When we come back, a visit with Patricia will be part of our itinerary! Thanks!!

They do not care about their client only what $ they will collect. Been in contact with them for 2…read moreweeks. Been ignored for that long

As someone who has been in the F&B industry for about a decade as a server, there's a specific pain…read moreI've accumulated in my upper back carrying heavy trays. Fortunately I was taken care of by Ben, who was incredibly kind, patient and considerate of my comfortability! Ben made sure to check in with me throughout the massage, and provided great deep tissue pressure. Ambiance was relaxing & definitely allowed me to relax for the time I was there. Thank you Ben & Massage Sanctuary team!

Massage is always so great here! Would highly recommend them. They're flexible and easy to work…read morewith.

My husband and I were both in a serious car accident several years ago and sustained persistent…read moresoft tissue injuries: neck, shoulder and low back. Thanks to Diane these injuries have been GREATLY resolved to the point we barely have any residual pain!! We are so very thankful to have found such a jewel. She has freed us from the torment of constant pain and discomfort, & we now feel so much more like our old selves! Diane is the best massage therapist either of us have ever seen!!!

Great massage therapist! Diane listens to you and helps you release any tension. I will highly…read morerecommend her!