A couple of months ago, my friend, who is a massage therapist, took a workshop on Thai massage…read more Luckily, she wanted to test out her techniques on someone, and luckily, I happened to be nearby. Holy cow. My muscles didn't know what hit them. After that brief introduction to Thai massage, I decided I wanted to try out the real deal. So my search led me to Yelp, which led me to Mark Bonus. First of all, his name. How cool is his name? When you meet him in real life, you immediately begin to question your lifestyle and wonder how can you become more like Mark. He is zen. He is peaceful. He is calm. I adore his aura. Then, there is the massage. It's soothing and therapeutic. I felt like a giant blob that Mark was molding and putting back together. I never want to get up from the mat after he is done. So, the first time I visited, I opted for the 60 minute Thai massage. It is not enough time. On my subsequent trips, I've booked 90 minute sessions, which gives him more time to focus on my problem areas. I believe most Thai massage therapists generally recommend at least 90 minutes, so keep that in mind if you decide to book, which I highly, highly, suggest you do. Your body will thank you.

First, I get regular massages (try for every other month or more) and I get regular body work so I…read morecan tell a good one from a bad one. Second, get the thai to table massage for 2 hours. Its the best of both worlds and it was incredible. Third, $1/minute is incredibly reasonable and I would have paid more than that for this massage. Now onto the review... To call Bonus a magician would be to insult his knowledge, body awareness intelligence, touch, and craft that he clearly has mastered. Its been 2 weeks since my massage and I'm tempted to get on a plane back to Austin just so that I can see him. I spent 2.5 hours with this man and not only did I love his home, love the sacred space he created for massage, and have a great time getting to know him, I left knowing more about my body. I also left walking straighter and taller than ever before. He's incredibly attentive to parts of your body that are tight, for me it was my hips. Which he stretched and massaged in every which way and they felt better for days. This wasn't just a massage, it was a lesson in body mechanics. I learned about pain/tightness usually occurring on diagonals (sore left shoulder, tight right hip, etc.). He massaged the front part of my shoulder, my pecs, which most people forget/don't work on. Most of us spend our life hunched forward in some way - at a computer, hunched back, etc., so its incredibly important to massage a muscle and joint from the front and back. I kinda knew this, but Bonus cemented it. He also taught me a killer massage for the front of my hip flexors, which almost made me want to puke, but I felt like I got new hips. There's nothing to think about. This man is amazing, so go get a massage from him. Oh and sassy miss waxy, his lovely partner, is pretty rad too so take care of that if you need. Hopefully I'll be back in Austin soon or I'll clone Bonus and bring him to SF. Side note: I'm not sure if anyone reading this is nervous about a male masseuse, but let me assure you, you have nothing to worry about. First, Bonus is just a good, kind gentle soul and you see that the minute you meet him. 2, Sassy Miss Waxy and he run their business out of their home and it rocks. And 3, if you're uncomfortable, get a thai massage where you can wear yoga clothes and it will be incredible.

I made my appointment with Dan on his website, and within a day I was getting a fantastic 90-minute…read moremassage. For wellness I get massages every month, and was looking for a provider closer to my house. Dan provided deep tissue where I needed pressure in my back and shoulders, and other modalities as well. I felt relaxed and connected in my own body for the rest of the day. Absolutely no issues at all in recommending his work, and already did so. Do yourself a favor and book a 90-minute session.

I cannot recommend Delashon enough! He looks at the entire picture, not just the injured piece. He…read moretakes his time and LISTENS to you. I never feel rushed, which is rare in the medical field today. I've had chronic knee pain for about a year, and in just ONE session, I felt better. He's extremely knowledgeable, kind, and hard working. I'm so thankful my husband and I found him. Contact him, you won't be disappointed!

Fortunately I discovered Delashon while looking for a therapeutic massage for a sports related…read moreinjury (rotator cuff). His knowledge of the the body and different techniques brings a great approach to helping the healing process. After a few sessions I can feel a real difference and reduced pain. Gentle, clinical approach that I appreciate.

Tucked into a lush and quiet corner of a downtown desert side street, Kneading Bodies (located at…read moreCreekside Whole Health Center) is a wellspring of relaxation, rejuvenation, and joy. Offering a menu of massages at reasonable rates (after one visit you'll wonder why they aren't higher), Kneading Bodies is about to be on your "book this gift for my loved one and myself" list months in advance. Practitioner Amy Myers is trained in at least 6 types of massage and has been practicing for over a decade. Her keen awareness of the working human body, unyielding ability to listen to and digest the needs of her clients (I speak for myself and the folks I know whom have also worked with Amy), and her jovial disposition will have you finally giving yourself the permission to treat your body with the respect it deserves for carrying that big old brain around. BONUS: The Couples Massage Class is a wonderful way to connect and communicate with your partner in an otherwise rush-rush world.

I've had MANY massages over the past 15 years for back and neck problems. Recently, I had really…read morebad pain in my arms, with tingling and stiffness into my back and neck. The pain and tingling lasted for months, and I tried everything to make it go away, including acupuncture and even seeing a neurologist (which included a painful nerve test and an MRI). Then I found Amy, totally by accident.. I had read good reviews about her massages and her office was near my house, so I decided to give her a try. Not only did Amy give me the best massage I've ever had, but all of the pain and tingling I had been dealing with FOR MONTHS went away after just one massage! As long as Amy is in Austin, I will be a loyal customer. I really can't recommend her highly enough!!

I have been getting massages off and on for many many years. I have grown up bodybuilding, working…read moreout and also have been in a few accidents causing some injuries to my lower back. Through my chiropractor in Bee Cave, Dr. Cash, he introduceintroduced me and recommended me to Claire, she has been the most amazing massage therapist I have ever had hands down. I am so happy that I can rely on her every time, the issue in my past was I would find a good massage therapist at a local massage place and before you know it they're no longer there. This is for sure the best bet to go directly every time to a massage therapist that does amazing work.

First time coming here and Jen greeted me and asked what I needed help with. She listened to me and…read morewhat my issues were. She did an amazing job and I felt great leaving. The place was clean and when I laid down the music was soothing. I would recommend this place for sure. I can't wait to schedule my next appointment.

Julie was fantastic! My lymphatic drainage massage was the best I've had since my double mastectomy…read more8 years ago, and believe me, I've had MANY! My only regret is that I don't live anywhere near Austin!!!!

As someone who has chronic lower back problems (herniated L4 & L5, minimal disc space and a curve…read morein my spine), I consider myself to be a pretty good connessieur of massage therapists. I first went to Nina Powers in 2004 when my shoulder, as a result of my back being poorly aligned, tied itself into a knot and refused to come undone. Nina was the only person who could meet me at 8 PM, which was when I got done with work, and after an hour-long massage, I felt like a new person. I went to Nina just last week, six days before my sister's wedding in New Engalnd, because I lifted a heavy table and completely messed up my back. She was kind enough to see me the day I called, worked on me for nearly two hours, until almost 10 PM on a Friday night. I spent the rest of the weekend recovering, but I firmly believe that the only thing that helped me get on the road to recovery and kept me out of the pain doctor's office getting another steroid injection was because of Nina's work! I rode horses for many years and we constantly were evaluating them for lameness issues, trying to find the source of their leg or back pain. I feel that Nina looks at people with the same sort of eye -- you should watch them walk and turn, see how they sit or lie down, and then begin your work. If you are looking for a massage therapist who will truly help you feel and live better, not just relaxed, go to Nina.

Nina Powers is an incredible massage therapist! If you're looking for a knowledge, effective person…read moreto help you feel better, call her. She listened to everything I told her about & treated it accurately. Some of the techniques she used to fix me are at the forefront of the massage community. She was very respectful of my body, mind, and time; she would ask before trying anything new and once my appointment got close to the hour mark, she asked me if I wanted to keep going or if I'd had enough. I felt awesome when she'd finished working on me!! I cannot recommend her enough!! She's fantastic!! Nina deserves more than five stars! She's a miracle worker for the entire body!

If you're searching for the best massage therapist in Austin, look no further--Jeff is your guy…read more I've been seeing Jeff for over six years, and with his 20+ years of experience, his skill level is off the charts. His deep tissue work is exceptional, with a level of depth and attention to detail that's unmatched by any other therapist I've encountered. Jeff's home studio is cozy and welcoming (with easy street parking). Everyone I've referred to him has been blown away, and I hope more people get to experience his incredible talent. Fair warning, though... once you've had a massage from Jeff, you'll be spoiled for life. You'll find yourself comparing every other massage to his, and nothing else will quite measure up (speaking as someone who's a self-proclaimed massage junkie!) I can't recommend his bodywork highly enough--he's truly one of a kind. If you're serious about getting an exceptional massage, do yourself a favor and book a session with him. You won't be disappointed!

Magic hands! Jeff is one of the best massage therapists I've ever worked with - I was so happy to…read morebe introduced to him when I relocated to Austin and I see him regularly for maintenance on my low back and hip injuries.