Samantha is the best at what she does. Her knowledge and passion supersedes that of most other business owners. She is truly a gem. Book her, NOW! read more

Samantha is a wonderful practitioner. I've been twice now following sciatica flares/ herniated disc, and I always leave feeling lighter and better informed of my condition. I greatly appreciate her sharing her knowledge and offering me moments of relief through this "journey". I'll be back! read more

I had the most effective, comprehensive and informative session with Dr. Sam today! i went in with left hip pain and crazy tightness due to shoulder injury. With an incredible combination of cupping, myofascial release and orthopedic acupuncture she got my shoulder muscles firing back in place and hip set. She gave me my body back in an hour!!! Highly recommend and ask questions! Thank you Dr. Sam for keeping my body moving the way I need it to!! read more

Earlier this year I started to experience something like sciatic nerve pain in my right hip and down my right leg, which I've never had before. Acupuncture wasn't on my radar but I was mentioning how difficult it was to treat this issue to a friend and she suggested I go see Samantha. I'm now a big believer in both acupuncture as well as Samantha as a practitioner. I'm honestly amazed at how much the treatments helped. My theory is that a lifetime of sitting in a chair for long hours at work, and various other postural issues just caught up to me and acupuncture helped reprogram a number of small muscles in a way that I wasn't able to achieve through PT, stretching, rest, etc. I'd highly recommend giving it a try. I don't find the needles painful, if that is a concern. The one in the wrist is the most sensitive for me, but it's not on the pain scale. Finally, I appreciate that Samantha's goal is to get you healthy and back to your normal life, not signed up for a lifetime of sessions. read more

Wowza! Samantha did such a great job at releasing stress on my back and shoulders where I tend to hold all my tension. I'm looking forward to more sessions with Samantha. I would highly recommend her! read more

I've been going to Samantha for about a year now and my sessions are worth every penny. Samantha is very knowledgeable and serious about her craft and overall holistic treatments. Beyond providing massage and acupuncture, she's recommended ancillary services from others she trusts. Like others have stated, she's also great at recommending stretches and exercises to further help any ailments. When I go for my visits, she always asks for updates, anything she might do differently than the last time and proceeds to work her miracles. Everytime, I leave it's such a relief and I couldn't evagnelize enough about her services. In many ways, I view her in the same vein as a famiy doctor. She's that valuable! If you are seeking either massage or acupuncture, give Samantha a chance. Just don't overbook her! read more

Samantha was extremely helpful with my legs. I came in with a lot of tightness in my IT band and she was able to work it all out. I do a bit of running and it turns out so does she so she knew exactly the work I needed done. I took some a little time off because of the soreness but I felt the need to get back on the road but it seemed like was taking a while for my legs to get back to normal. So I thought I would try her out. She was masterful in explaining what she was doing and I walked away feeling much better than when I walked in. It was definitely one of the best sports massages I've received. I was able to put on some miles the next day because of it. Samantha is definitely seems to enjoy what she does which is help people get back to feeling normal. I highly recommend Personal Best Acupuncture and Massage. read more

I am highly recommending Samantha for her fantastic skills and disciplined approach with her patients and clients. My situation: I am a very active middle aged individual who previously have trained in martial arts (8 years), play golf regularly (15 years) and a consistent runner (for over 30 years). I have osteoarthritis, an injured rotator cuff and have suffered from sciatica for years. I travel on business extensively and have managed my sciatica pain via a TENS unit. Electrical shocks. My sciatica was so severe - pain level 8 or 9 - that I finally met with an orthopedic doctor who performed some minor physical tests, recommended an MRI and a book to read. He offered pain medicine which I declined. We both were of the belief that the MRI would reveal a compressed or herniated disc. Samantha was recommended to me by a relative of mine. On the first visit, she performed more physical testing than the orthopedic doctor and stated, "I don't think you have a compressed disc". In the first session, she provided a full assessment and performed both cupping and acupuncture. The acupuncture was so successful, that in the 7 months since, I have only had a tingle of sciatica (pain level 2) on 3 occasions. Again, 3 occasions! During this time, I have had several trans-pacific airplane rides that have been over 14 hours long with no sciatic pain. This was only after one session! I am stunned with how effective her treatments have been. I have been treated by her an additional 5 times with focus moving to address my rotator cuff and general back stiffness. Golf and running can be challenging on the body, and her treatments have kept me pain free. Based on my personal experience, I absolutely would recommend Sam! She is a consummate professional and approaches her discipline with a serious and focus and knowledge of the anatomy. She is truly a credit to the profession. Thank you! read more

It's been over a year since I've written a yelp review and this one was worth it. I've been to a lot of acupuncture places on both coasts and even used to work at one here in SF. The trifecta of acupuncture, cupping, and massage that Samantha offers is top notch. Her work stuck with me for several days and in general I felt amazing both day of and over the weekend. Her office is comfy, which helps you feel right at home. I couldn't hear the usual chatter of an office space or any noise from the building which really helped me feel at ease. Many acupuncture places I've been to crowd you nearby other folks and then expect quiet; PBAM felt like a luxury with its silence. Samantha's intake was extensive and I felt comfortable with her knowledge right away. The minute I started to receive the work I could tell why: she knows what's up! Samantha was able to communicate which points were important to the treatment and assuage my fear of any unpleasant pins or pressure. We even did e-stim, which I normally hate, and this time it was awesome. The location is right by several methods of public transportation making it easy to get to. Why are you still reading this? Set up an appointment already! read more

If you're looking for someone no-nonesense, super smart, super skilled, and a DOUBLE WHAMMY massage therapist and sports acupuncturist, look no further than Samantha Hodges. First, she takes the new-age crap out the practice, which i love - I'm so tired of deficient hippies thinking they can do acupuncture just because they went to school for 4 years and think it's "cool." Secondly, her East Coast charm means she doesn't dilly dally - she gets straight to the point, yet is gentle at the same time. She is super sweet! I went to her with a nagging pain in my left butt cheek and left shoulder (from a sports injury years ago) that no one was able to fix before. In one treatment, she was able to identify the structural cause behind my pains, take the pain away with her mad acupuncture skills (no pain, smooth insertion), and knead away the knots with her muscular elbows. Usually a back-to-back acupuncture and massage treatment is expensive, but Sam works with your budget so you can feel your personal best :) Thanks Sam! See you next time I fly into town. read more

I see Samantha on a fairly regular basis and leave feeling so much better every time. She helps me deal with all the weird tweaks I get surfing, climbing, and the other various activities I partake in. The conversation are always really great as she's super outdoorsy and always has a race or something to tell me about. Beyond the massage, Samantha helps me plan out my exercises a bit more so that I continue to stay in shape. Highly recommended! read more

Samantha is amazing. She has a deep knowledge of the body and both western and Asian concepts - she's helped me with my tendonitis and work related neck and back issues, and my wife, who has "frozen shoulder" is very much improved thanks to Samantha's treatment. She very clear in her description of what's going on with your body and able to determine the very best course of treatment. I happily give Samantha my highest recommendation, and have sent several people to her, all of whom were delighted. You'll be too! read more

OMG. Found Samantha through my chiropractor, Julie Trestman (also awesome) and am I glad I did. I have some pretty tenacious pain/tension in my mid and low back and Samantha is a wizard at getting things moving. She delivers a great combo of needles, electrical stimulation, cupping, and massage, plus she's this lovely, positive force. Don't be put off by the teensy studio; once you're on the table you will forget everything anyway. read more

Samantha is a miracle worker. I have two acute fractures on my lower back and was in a lot of pain before I met Sam. Through massage therapy and exercise, she's helped me incredibly. I have significantly less pain, way more fluid movement, and I'm starting to feel more like my normal self. She's extremely knowledgeable about the body, very direct and recommends the right priorities for healing, and is a wonderful, warm, and intelligent person. Look no further for the best possible massage and acupuncture care. read more

Samantha has been fantastic helping work through intense back and hip tension. I've had dozens of massage therapists over the years and she is one of the best. read more

Samantha's personalized treatment has helped me stay active and pain-free while I was getting in shape to compete in a half Ironman within ten months after delivering a baby. She knows how to treat the issues I had leading up to and after delivery, and focused on helping my body transition and adjust. Her acupuncture treatments always make me feel more alert, light, and ready to go as if I were a car and got an inspection level 2 oil change. I highly recommend!! read more

I don't frequently have time to write Yelp reviews, but logging in to say some nice things about Samantha is an easy feat. Living in the City is exhausting. Being a business owner is exhausting. Samantha helps me stay sane through massage, techniques like cupping, and through her winning personality that is a perfect balance of fun, friendly, chill and funny. I would recommend any of her services to my friends because she's smart as a whip and can figure out what will benefit your mind and body. read more

Have bee going to Sam for about a year. What I look for in an Acupuncturist are intuition, techniques and serving with kindness and care. Those three qualities are hard to find and I was able to experience all three with Sam. She's awesome! read more

I was having ongoing issues with my left ankle after a recent injury had mostly cleared up, but not completely. After Samantha did one treatment the ankle not only was better but I went out the next day and did a challenging hike through rocks with some minor climbing. If I tried this before the treatment I would not have been able to have done the hike or would have likely regressed instead of getting better. This was a huge lifestyle plus to get back to normal after over six months of taking it easy on the ankle. Samantha is amazing and has a great manor and rapport! read more

I always felt that massage, while pleasant, didn't really have a medical application - turns out I wasn't going to the right people. Samantha has made an improvement in my health and life - her deep knowledge and advanced techniques combined with her talent are helping keep me in tune so that my work and play are way more fun. Highly recommend!! read more

OMG. Samantha is the best masseuse I have ever gone to! I'm an athlete and only like sports massages or deep tissue and her touch is perfect. She knows exactly where the pressure points are; literally she was able to make an assessment and then pointed exactly to the pain. She was able to really loosen up my shoulders and my gluteus and hip flexors. I felt amazing afterwards and I wish I could see her every single week. If you are an athlete, go to Samantha. I honestly think she's better than most PT's I've seen in terms of assessing the problem and alleviating pain. read more

I was so impressed with how much Samantha knows about the body. She takes a lot of time to really get to know her clients and figure out exactly what they need. She does way more than just acupuncture. I have been to multiple acupuncturists and with most of them I never noticed a change. After the first session with Samantha I noticed a difference in my body especially in my shoulders. The cupping felt amazing. I teach Pilates and I would have no problem recommending Samantha to my clients. I truly had a wonderful experience and will be going back. read more

I've been seeing Samantha for over a year now and she is wonderful. She won my trust when she was able to help treat my chronic shoulder pain and resolve in weeks what two years of physical therapy and corrective exercise hadn't been able to address. I go to her first for any injuries or pain issues I have. She is deeply personable and knowledgeable, and I can't recommend her enough! read more

I bought a promotional coupon, and have now continued visiting Samantha as a regular massage & acupuncture client. The combination is fantastic. She is very down to earth, has personally experienced pain and injuries through her various sports and athletic activities, so has totally empathy and understanding for various ailments that result from various sports and workout routines. The depth of her practice is more than just a massage. read more

Samantha is a MIRACLE WORKER. SERIOUSLY. My neck has 3 cervical disc herniations, and they are very painful. I have suffered from chronic neck pain for over 20 years, and have even endured having corticosteriod shots in my spine for the pain. These procedures were minimally effective, expensive, and I had to go under a general anesthesia for the procedures. Western medicine has not served me well for this particular chronic condition. Over the past 3 months, the disc herniations became so aggravated that I could not sit down without feeling intense pain and stiffness. Chiropractic was only a band-aid ~ I would get relief for a day or so, then awaken in pain again. Ibuprofen was no longer working, so I asked Samantha if she could help. I could barely move from the shoulders up when I came to Samantha for help. I was SO miserable. Samantha suggested we try a series of acupuncture treatments for the scalene muscles in the front of my neck. It seemed counter-intuitive, since it was the back of my neck that hurt so badly, but I agreed to give it a try. I am still in disbelief, but my pain is GONE after 3 treatments, and I have full mobility back in my neck. I will continue this course of treatment, because it is working really well. I thought I would have to go through surgery to get relief this time, but Samantha has truly saved me a great deal of pain, agony, money and downtime. Don't expect acupuncture to be like massage. Sometimes it doesn't feel great while you're having it, but believe me, the relief from pain you will experience afterwards is worth the discomfort you may feel while under treatment. It's very minimal compared to the reward. Thanks so much, Sam, for giving me my life back. You have a gift. read more

Samantha has wowed me from our first phone conversation. Her skill reading the body and applying her keen knowledge of traditional chinese medicine and acupuncture is impressive to say the least. I have never felt so good leaving an acupuncturist's office. Nor have I ever experienced such immediate results from an acupuncture treatment. Rad woman, great skills. Well worth your time and money. read more

Outstanding! With cupping, acupuncture and massage, Samantha significantly helped ease my back and shoulder pain. I have recommended Samantha to many others and highly recommend her to Yelpers as well. Samantha is as good as it gets. read more

Samantha is amazing. This is the first time that I've had acupuncture and cupping... she took a fair amount of time to really understand my problems and also walked me through everything that she would do. The results have been far beyond my expectations, I would recommend her to anybody. read more

Samantha has magical hands and helped me already twice to get rid of my back pain and tension headache! She really 'worked out' the tight and stiff muscles on my whole body and after her treatment I just felt like a new wonderful person with a new body! I felt very comfortable with the relaxing music and the dimmed light during the massage. I definitely recommend her! Thanks Samantha! read more

I saw Samantha Hodges for a therapeutic massage to help with an old shoulder injury that's been starting to limit my range of motion and impede normal activities (e.g, putting on a coat). She quickly identified the likely source of the problem, which had never been thoroughly diagnosed, when I'd gone to a doctor about it, several years ago. She showed me an anatomical drawing of the structures involved, and told me up front that massage was probably not going to be the most effective mode of therapy, long-term, but she'd do what she could to loosen up the shoulder, in the interim (I'd gotten a Groupon, which stipulated the treatment). And then she proceeded to do the best shoulder-work I've ever had done on me. I won't say I was cured (that wasn't expected, given how difficult connective tissue injuries are to treat), but I've had significant improvement in my range of motion in that shoulder that has lasted for a week since the massage. She's Knowledgeable, forthright, and she has a firm touch when needed. She's also very willing to work out treatment plans for people on a budget. Two thumbs up! read more

Samantha has saved me. On too many occasions I've broken myself with sports here in the Bay Area. Every time my muscles freak out, I call Samantha for help and she sorts it out. Without fail. Thank you!!! read more