Where to begin? I have been living with very real pain that demanded to be heard. Recently, however, things reached a whole new level of "ouch" when I started to recover from wearing a walking cast on one foot that left me with sciatic pain and SI Joint dysfunction on the opposite leg. I have had 2 visits with Kelly Bash, both were the 90-minute "Weekend Warrior" massage. When I first arrived, I noticed the positive, non judgmental atmosphere, perfect for rest and healing! I was greeted with a warm pack for my neck! Kelly is extremely knowledgeable about physical conditions, anatomy, and massage therapy. I found her energy level and excitement to be refreshing as well. I love the fact that she truly loves what she does, and it shows. I would not hesitate to recommend Kelly or any of the professionals at Praxis. Enjoy a "mini vacation" and visit Praxis Wellness Center! I loved the private room, and I was fully draped at all times. Also, there are no "sales pitches" or add on sales! BTW: I drive 30 miles to get to Praxis from where I live in the Northland... that's how special this place is! Thank you Praxis! And thank you Matthew for creating such a peaceful healing place! read more

I am in Kansas City temporarily for work and I wanted to get a massage while I'm here. I googled several places but this one seemed to have the best reviews. Then after viewing the website it just seemed like exactly the kind of place I'd go to at home so I booked a massage with Matthew. Little did I know it would be one of the best massages I've ever had!! So i've probably gotten a couple hundred massages over the years (I spent some time overseas where it was affordable enough to get a massage every couple days -- man I miss that!!) and in half a dozen countries and I'm not kidding when I say this was one of the best ever. I got a combination rejuvenation/zen massage which was really a perfect balance of body and mind relaxation. There were elements of Thai massage, lomi lomi, swedish, and a little Matthew magic! So I left feeling great and today I still feel the benefits of the massage so I am completely happy with my experience. But that's not all -- I just got a follow-up email from Matthew that was personalized and included some additional information about an injury I'm trying to heal! I couldn't believe he took the time to follow up and send this info to someone who doesn't live in the area and can't really refer anyone or bring repeat business. That's when you know you are working with someone who truly cares about their clients and cares about what they do. read more

Oh He|| Yes. Period. Stick a fork in me, I'm done. I've had a couple of dozen massages, in multiple cities...and with ZERO doubt, Matthew blows the curve. If you like intense, he is your guy. If you don't like intense, he is your guy. I was so jazzed, I've not only told people in KC, I've told friends in other cities. As if that does anyone any good. I love massage....and this is the best there is. Tops! As others have said, very thorough. He knows the body. The vibe in the space is really great. Really great. It is a trick to find, but he does send you an email ahead of your visit that is quite clear. This sounds extra kookoo, but I swear that since leaving there, my walking stride is longer. I know. Sounds stupid, right? But I feel like my legs are just moving more freely from the hip work. When I step forward, it feels like my legs are reaching further. Or maybe I'm just nuts. Sidebar....he also takes a lot of notes before AND after the massage. What you liked, didn't, etc. So he's both paying attention, and banking on you being satisfied enough that that info will come in handy next time. AND IT WILL. My broken self will be returning for another dose of goodness. Can I get an amen?! read more

I was visiting Kansas City for a week when a herniated disc took me out. The pain was unbearable. I called Praxis to see if they had experience working specifically with disc herniations. I reached Matthew and he spent 20 minutes on the phone with me discussing not just the services Praxis offers but things I should look into when I return home. I was amazed by his care and attention to detail. He was so full of helpful live giving ideas that I had to start taking notes! And his advice was unlike what I'm used to hearing: "have you ever tried yoga/stretching? etc...) Once I set up an appointment with Jessica for later that morning, Matthew offered for her to come to me for a nominal fee of $25, rather than my plan to take a taxi to the studio. When you're in as much pain as I was and then add in a round trip taxi fare and the stress of finding the place and all that sitting - $25 feels quite nominal. Jessica's massage was awesome. It provided me such relief. My hamstrings were cramping constantly from strain and she worked them out until they had no fight left in them anymore and I was so thankful. She did really great deep tissue work where I needed it and eased up if she hit any of my tender spots. Jessica was kind, graciously showed up carrying her own table and linens and gave a fantastic massage. I liked that she suggested changes to my current stretching routine to try to help lessen my pain levels and target the right muscle group more accurately. If I am ever in Kansas City again - I will definitely be scheduling this appointment again! I highly recommend Praxis and had great experiences communicating with Matthew and meeting and getting a fantastic massage from Jessica. read more

I got a Living Social deal from my girl on my birthday. I scheduled an appointment, and then had to reschedule when I couldn't find the place on my first trip. I highly suggest putting some pressure on the landlord of the plaza to put some kind of signage up for this business where it can be seen from the parking lot. With that said, they didn't penalize me for a cancellation with no notice. A week later I made it back and understood where it was. It is located inside another business...down in the basement. The griping stops here. Justin was my therapist. He was very interested in my medical history and what I expect out of a massage. I was in a bad car wreck two years ago, and the physical challenges I am presented with daily are on the rise. He listened to everything I said, and delivered it on the table. It was a great deep tissue massage with emphasis on increasing range of motion in my neck and right arm. He even showed me a couple of stretches I can do at home to help me feel good and be a little more limber. Justin pulled no punches. I told him I wanted a serious deep tissue massage. Even telling him how I have a friend in Florida who does equine massage, so when he does deep tissue it is an hour of pure hell and pain, but the way you feel when he is done is equal to walking on cloud nine. Justing kept communication open and ask me to let him know if the pain exceeded 8 on a scale of 1-10. It was relaxing and therapeutic. I needed this visit. By far, the best birthday present I have gotten in a long time. I highly recommend Praxis. read more

Courtney just gave me an amazing deep tissue massage. She is the newest therapist at the studio, but she has years of experience, I can tell, because I've been getting massage for years. She knows how to really open up those bound down, spastic muscles in my neck and shoulders to allow healing. I always have pain in my neck and shoulders and it was heavenly, truly healing. Courtney is also super friendly! Praxis Wellness still has my regular business for the last year and a half. I could not even imagine going anywhere else. So pleased and thrilled to have found such a haven: a safe place to go to practice wellness (thus the name), and to take care of myself so I can continue to take care of others around me. Do yourself a favor and go get a massage at Praxis Wellness! read more

When stress from working in an outdoor, physically-demanding job takes its toll on my neck and shoulders, my whole body feels 'off'. I had my first massage with Justin yesterday. After making my list of aches, tightness, and fatigue, Justin systematically dismantled them one-by-one. Justin is professional, kind, welcoming, and seems to delight in customizing the massage just for you. I'm a big guy, and like a very deep, relatively intense massage experience. I got it. This next morning, no aches, no "soreness", just relief. Matthew made himself known while I was relaxing in the soothing waiting area, introducing himself and providing a really great first impression as well. It shows me how much care they both take in providing a quality experience. read more

Matthew is the best massage therapist I've ever been to, full stop. He's extremely talented, thorough, and creative, and you can tell he enjoys his work and is never just going through the motions. I haven't been to either of the other therapists, but if Matthew brought them on, they must be great too. Prices are quite reasonable and reflect actual "hands-on" time on the table. A 90-minute booking reserves you a 2-hour window, and your therapist will use that extra time to get to know you and assess your needs, without any need to rush through the process. Allow yourself a little extra time to find the place on your first trip. It's in the interior walkway of the shopping center, and you enter through the personal-training gym. Well worth the hunt, though! read more

This was one of the best massage experiences of all time. Friendly, professional, caring staff. Justin was amazing, he even provided stretches to help me with my trouble areas. Worth the forty minute drive. read more

Phenomenal work, reasonable prices and very thorough. I got a living social voucher a few months ago for myself, wanted to save it and use it after my knee surgery, 13 weeks later I had my appt today and I loved it! As a health care professional, I've had my fair share of massages-the ones at the mall, the ones from other athletic trainers, the ones from the fru-fru massage places with 3-digit prices but this one was by far the most thorough and most helpful for my situation. Justin was my therapist and he appreciated when I was able to specifically tell him the muscles and areas bothering me. He made some suggestions to my knee rehab-all which I agree with and even gave me a tennis ball to help out with some pressure in my arches. One thing I regret is that I was SO relaxed that I left without tipping him!!! So if you're reading this Justin, it's double tip next time, which I'm about to schedule right now!!!! PS: Go to Fitness Together, Praxis is located INSIDE and DOWNSTAIRS of Fitness Together!!! read more

Love Love Love Praxis Wellness! I drive about 800 miles a week so I get some aching shoulders & neck. I've been going to see Matt for some time who I've found to be one of the best therapists I've been to. He is very intuitive and I can tell he's not simply going through the motions - he responds to what your body needs. I also highly recommend the stone massage as it incorporates both hot & cold stones - increasing circulation & providing a unique & sometimes shocking experience :) More recently I have been to see Justin a few times to mix it up. Justin is also a very skilled, accomodating, and responsive therapist with a welcoming & comforting presence. Both Justin & Matt create a relaxing environment while doing some real work. And get the 90 minute - the 60 minute is just a tease :) Just don't take the appointment time I was going to take - ok! read more

Kelly is beyond amazing. She is more than a great massage therapist, she actually spends time working on your needs. Def recommend her!

One of the best massages I've ever gotten. The whole experience was like none other I've had. Kelly Bash knew where I was feeling pain right when we first met just by looking at me. Then brought some of my other problem areas to my attention, why they hurt, and what to do going forward to prevent pain and injuries. read more

I went for my first massage (not my first massage ever, my first massage at Praxis) yesterday with Jessica. You go through a "gym" like atmosphere (they share the space with a Fitness company), so I was not sure how relaxing it would be. I was pleasantly surprised as I descended the stairs to Praxis. Very intimate, relaxing. I had a wonderful massage therapist who took the time to ask me questions and address my needs. Great massage! read more

I am a professional musician and found Matthew randomly through testimonials and reviews. I was in a lot of pain in the neck, shoulder, and upper back area. I couldn't turn my neck comfortably for almost 3 weeks! I had a 90-minute Awakening massage and it felt amazing. I didn't have to tell him the problem spots. He just found them and worked them out himself. Also, he wants you to feel comfortable expressing your likes and dislikes, if you have any, during the massage. Afterwards, I could already feel more mobility in my neck and the pain I was feeling was so much better. He also took the time to talk to me about healthy life habits that would help the problem areas that I have (posture, exercise, etc..). I felt like I could trust him and I am already going back for my second massage two weeks later! read more

This place deserves 10 stars! My fiancé and I had a couples massages by Justin and Paul. They were both extremely welcoming, making us feel very comfortable. Paul and Justin were professional, sincere, and thorough in assessing our massage needs and did not skip over anything. It was my fiancé's first time to ever have a professional massage and I could not have asked for a better experience for both of us. We recommend this place for anyone looking for a great way to get rid of pain and relax. We will definitely be going back! read more

Kelly Bash is amazing! I have been going to her for years. I have lived all over the US but always loved my trips to KC so I could get a massage by the best! Now that I am living back in KC, I am so excited I can get KB healing anytime I need it. She is not one of those therapists that will "pet you with lotion" she will get in, dig deep, and FIX the issues you are having. Kelly has also given me stretches and exercises to do to help heal my issues. If you are looking for a HEALER, Kelly is your girl. read more

Made an appointment online and was no showed by massage therapist with no phone call or explanation. The location is very strange and difficult to find. I arrived and a gentlemen instructed me that the massage studio was in the basement below a fitness studio and was told "go ahead and turn the lights on someone should be there". This is a 1 room facility and there was no one there to greet or let me know what was going on. I waited for 15 minutes and called the number to see if they were running behind or a mistake was made. I never had a phone call returned or an explanation for the no show. Waste of time! read more

Great massage! I have had several throughout the years from lots of different people, in spas, and smaller locations and this one takes the cake. I haven't been good at returning because I haven't found a place I like well enough but that search is over. Matthew provided the most comprehensive massage and overall experience. The atmosphere is calming from the very beginning and you can tell they are about whole wellness. Matthew asked many questions both in the beginning and end to make the massage great. Somehow, every time he hit a spot that needed worked he knew it before I even said anything. It was all so very relaxing and I can't wait for a return visit! read more

Was looking for a massage, and decided to give this place a try! I an an athlete that plays basketball soccer and tennis, and lots of basketball. I set up an appointment with Paul and he did a fantastic job! My lower back is ridiculously tight, and he did a great job working it out and loosing it up! I would recommend this place to anyone looking to get out a few knots. It is a relaxing environment, but as someone who went there more for results than comfort I can't talk as much in the stress relieving aspect, though it was relaxing! Would recommend to anyone and everyone! read more

Obviously, the posts previous to mine have a lot to say about how awesome Praxis Wellness is. I had my first massage with Kelly and it was wonderful. If you have any hesitations, don't listen to them. Best massage I've ever had. read more

Was thrilled to find a fantastic massage therapist in KC, who helped me greatly through pregnancy. I gave Praxis the opportunity to reply and hopefully correct my most recent non favorable experience and it's been 3 weeks, still haven't heard back. This included scheduling a massage with one therapist (because I knew she was super effective/only booked to get her) - and then without notice another therapist gave the massage. The massage was not great and then the payment processing took nearly 30 minutes outside in the 95 degree weather (no shade) due to wifi issues. Not something you want to endure after a 90 minute massage. Just very disappointed as I spent a great deal of money on several massages & intended on being a long term customer due to chronic back pain. I also have recommended Praxis to a group of friends before this occurrence. But the lack of customer service and communication is something that I can't support & cant recommend to others. read more

Justin, Matt, and Cindy were so helpful to me regarding a gift certificate. They were professional and polite. They really took care of me! I can't thank them enough. read more

While visiting Kansas City, I was fortunate to get an appointment with Matthew Voelker. I chose the ashiatsu (barefoot massage) and it was totally relaxing. Matt did a superb job. Sometimes you go to therapist and you feel like ti's come in...your next...let's get this over with. But with Matthew it was more about your total experience; from the atmosphere, to your physical state and your mental state. He knows how to connect with you. I strongly recommend anyone who lives near the Kansas City area to try him. And also if you are visiting Kansas City. read more

I just had my second massage with Justin. He is the BEST. I have allot of shoulder and hamstring issues and he has provided the greatest relief from these issues I have ever experienced from a massage therapist. This is not your Spa massage - this is the real thing. He gets to the root of the problem and sends you on your way with homework to maintain the benefits of your massage. The prices are reasonable and worth every penny. Please try Praxis Wellness and especially Justin. You will not be disappointed. read more

I have had quite a few massages in the past and they were fine, but they never seem to really get deep enough. When I met with Justin we went over what I was looking for and from the moment I entered the spa (which is tricky to find) I was treated as if every moment I spent in there should be relaxing. Justin warned me he typically does very deep pressure, and I said let's do it! He was not kidding. There were a few moments where I thought I was about to tap out, but just as it reached a peak he seemed to know and started to push the knot which led to amazing relief. I had a 90 minute massage but it felt so much faster because I lost all track of time. Afterwards, Justin spoke again with me to give me tips on keeping away some of the strain I had been feeling. I will definitely see Justin again. He is by far the best massage therapist I have ever gone to. read more