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.

If you're looking for a yoga instructor who is equal parts skilled, compassionate, and genuinely…read moreinvested in your well-being--Jessica is the one. For almost a year now, I've been working with Jessica through private, in-home yoga sessions, and the experience has been nothing short of transformational. From day one, she created a space that felt peaceful, welcoming, and completely tailored to my needs. Her approach is gentle yet purposeful. Jessica has an incredible ability to meet you exactly where you are--whether you're brand new to yoga or looking to build on your existing practice. As someone who started with little experience, I immediately felt supported. Her guidance is clear, her adjustments are thoughtful, and her encouragement is constant. What really sets her apart is her professionalism and genuine care. She shows up prepared, focused, and always brings positive energy into every session. There's no pressure--just consistent, mindful instruction that helps you grow. Thanks to Jessica, I've seen real progress in my flexibility, strength, and overall balance. But beyond the physical improvements, I simply feel better. More grounded, more energized, and more connected to my body. Her support has played a huge role in creating a healthier, more mindful lifestyle for me. If you're considering yoga as a way to move better, feel better, and live better--Jessica is the perfect person to guide you on that journey.

Yoga expert! Jessica is so knowledgeable about yoga and a great instructor. Fun to have her lead…read morea yoga session and push each individual to do their best. Very reliable and communicative. Highly recommend!

Martiza is a very professional massage therapist who comes to your home or she has her massage…read moreplace located in Costa Mesa. She knows where your body hurts and work on it with her experienced hands. She is good for your body and also her vibe is very positive and calming. Her hands are truly magical and always on time. Highly recommend Maritza for your healing time! She brings her own table and fresh linen. She even put aroma to help you relax and play relaxing music to help you relax. Having two little ones in the house it is lovely to have massage come to your home.

Maritza was so sweet and had the perfect pressure during the massage. She makes you feel…read morecomfortable and at ease.

The experience was absolutely amazing. Katie was exactly what she's doing! Looking forward to going…read moreback!

Katie is amazing. She takes care of her clients by making sure they get what they need! She has an…read moreinnate wisdom, ability and intuition to treat you with different modalities like craniosacral, massages and body talk. The office is beautiful and calm, perfect to receive the best service. She also treated my daughters and she was very gentle with them! I definitely recommend her if you need any physical, mental or spiritual extra support :)

My husband and I have been faithfully seeing Terry for the last two decades. She has helped my…read morehusband rebound after major spinal surgery as well as helped me over the years with various structural issues. She has the healing touch and works with you to bring you back into balance. We have referred her to so many people that also keep going back especially when the back starts going... Besides being exceptional at massage she is also kind and intuitive. She meets you where you are. I definitely can't say enough praise worthy words to describe her talents and abilities.

Sometimes streamlining my work and being overly dedicated to my job has set backs on my body (and…read morepersonal life). It was a big scare for me after I pushed too hard to deliver a large deadline and my arm felt numb tingles. This has occurred before but this time the numbness did not go away after a while so I looked into a specialist to relieve my ailments. After much research, I was blessed to find Terri from Body Restore in Yelp. I called Terri and we were able to discuss my condition. She is also very responsive via text. At first she was booked for the dates and time I wanted, but she immediately contacted me when there was an opening the next day so our fates really aligned. Terri was sweet to email me her New Patient Form, Informed Consent of Acupuncture & Massage Treatments and Notice of Privacy Practice (HIPPA notice). On the day of, there was also a release for Team Oyama since the treatment was on their property. On the day of the appointment I arrived a bit early. Please remember to park in the Team Oyama parking lot or there is plenty of street parking. Their neighbors may tow if you park in the wrong place. Upon entering, there is a designated Team Oyama receptionist who welcomed me back to Terri's treatment room. Terri was super sweet and filled with positive energy!! I just sensed that I was in good hands. I brought my paperwork with me and she went over the forms to additional look at my ailments I wrote down. She also gave me a verbal consultant and explained to me what her plans were for our 1 Hour Massage ($99). The massage treatment included hot stones aromatherapy, massage lotion and whatever Terri felt my body needed. As she left the room for me to settle in, she mentioned that I will be getting a full 1 hour on the table, so all of the time we spent discussing my ailments would not be taken away from my treatment time. We started off face down. Terri was so intuitive and her technique is amazing. She applied a firm pressure, but it was effective, not painful. I was able to breath through most of it. My neck, shoulder, low back, and thighs were really tight, so in some spots where it was too tight, Terri would use the hot stones to help loosen up the area before working on it. I have had many massages in my life, but Terri's massage is one of the most effective, if not the #1, massage I have ever received. Terri was able to release the strain on my left rotator cuff and the numb feelings from my forearm, and soreness in my hands. I felt so much better immediately after the treatment. Considering it took years of overworking conditions to lead me to my pains, I was impressed how much improvements I felt after one treatment. I was able to sleep through the night for the first time in a long time. I honestly would have scheduled an appointment to see Terri again if it wasn't for COVID-19. The day after the appointment, Terri was so sweet, she sent me a text to check on how I was doing. In addition, she even sent me an easy youtube video on an exercise to help pinched nerve and neck pain. I can see that she was genuinely trying to help me feel better and improve my condition whether I was at home or coming in for a session. It is very selfless of her, since there are some individuals who would prefer to make you come back for more sessions. I feel so blessed that the universe sent my Terri and she is definitely on top of my bucketlist of people to see when the COVID-19 crisis is over.

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.

Discovered this gem when surfing through Yelp for an acne facialist. Set up an appointment with…read moreCarly and had the most amazing spa session. The acne facial with extraction cleared my acne and the massage pampered my tired hands, arms, neck and shoulder. Will be back for more pampering sessions with Carly. Highly recommend!

I got a dermaplane facial by Carly and it was amazing! My face feels so smooth! Highly recommend-…read moreher home studio is cozy personal experience.

We've been here a few times and my wife and I always enjoy coming back. Super clean, unique vibe,…read moreand the massages are great. Very chill, relaxed atmosphere. Definitely recommend if you want a good massage in a peaceful setting.

Gina has healing hands, if I had time to get a massage monthly with her I would! Her studio is very…read morecalming and shes a breath of fresh air. Highly recommend all her services, especially her massage with a sound bath. Can't wait to be back in the new year.