The best, period. My girlfriend and I have been coming to Aly for a few years now, and it's always an amazing treat and experience. She's extremely knowledgeable, and makes excellent recommendations on the type of massage for you and how to incorporate things in your daily routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As far as the massage and technique/pressure is concerned, I'm pretty sure she's psychic because whatever she does is always exactly what my body needs. My recommendation - book early, as Aly's schedule fills up far in advance and she has a strong client base. Unfortunately for me, I live in Northern VA so I have a hard time finding a slot that works for me, but when I see one I certainly jump on it. All it takes is one session with her, after you will realize why Aly's schedule fills up. read more

To start with; when you walk in - it's a beautiful and a relaxing space. You next sit down and talk about where you are having issues. Alyson will confirm that she understood you correctly so that she can address your problem areas with extra time. The whole experience is Fabulous!!!! read more

My massage was EVERYTHING! I really appreciated that Aly took the time before we began to review my "trouble areas" and afterwards she shared what she observed during the massage. She also provided me with product recommendations to help relieve stress related tension in my neck and lower back. It was definitely an "it hurts so good" type of massage, which I needed. I have already booked my next appointment! read more

Alyson is amazing. She has helped me so much over the past ten years. She is very skilled at deep tissue massage. Just as important, she will tailor each massage to "what's going on." She has helped me through back and hip issues and allowed me to better function without pain. she also has become a trusted resource for overall wellness. Five stars is not enough. read more

I have been going to Alyson for almost a year and couldn't be more impressed with her professionalism and friendliness! I initially found her base on great yelp reviews when I was looking for a masseuse for a day of pampering. Alyson was so great that I bought a six-session pass after my first visit! She really takes the time to ask questions about what is bothering you and how much pressure you want before each session. She is so friendly and makes you instantly feel at home. The best part is she doesn't talk during your massage which lets you totally relax and unwind. I have had massages before where you feel like you are at a job interview with all the questions being thrown at you all for the sake of "making conversation". Moral of the story: if you are looking for a great massage - you've found the right place!! read more

I have never in my life received a better massage than the one Aly provided. She sought details regarding my history and current physical situation to tailor the massage to my needs. She is very observant during the massage to ensure her clients remain comfortable and varies her techniques throughout. I had never received a deep tissue massage before, and I can't wait to go back. I do a significant amount of weight lifting and muscle strengthening as part of my training, so I came in today with severe muscle tension and tightness. I left Not Your Typical Kneads relaxed--but more importantly--loose. My muscles have never felt so loose and knot-free in my life. The extra step that I really appreciated though was how much Aly treats her clients with care and consideration. It's obvious she loves her job and loves helping her clients. She made sure that I not only enjoyed my experience but that I also left with tips for preventing muscle tension in the future. I cannot wait to schedule my next massage with Aly! Thank you! read more

Aly- you are a wonderful massage therapist! Went to see Aly a few months ago with a Living Social Deal I had purchased. I am hooked! This was the first massage I had received that really addressed the issues I have (lower back pain, posture issues). It was really what I needed. Booking online was easy, but she is popular so book early! It is located inside 4025 Yoga Studio, but her space feels very inviting and she seems very interested in helping her customers. Aly also gave me some exercises I could do throughout the day at my desk job to help my posture. That was great. I am trying to sit up straight as I type this review. Hope to see Aly again soon! read more

Reiki with Mary Lee is so comfortable, I fall asleep every. single. time. I can really let go and trust that her energy healing will do all the work. Her presence and touch are warm and nurturing. My sessions fly by and afterwards I feel like I just got a massage, except I'm fully clothed! ;) I usually get the 60 minute which is front and back, from head to toe, but I think if there are several issues you need addressed, you should try for the 90 minute. read more

Not Your Typical Kneads has been upgraded to the top of my gift suggestions for every holiday and birthday! I just had my second massage with Aly today. The word that comes to mind to describe her approach: conscientious. She really takes her time with you both before, during, and after your massage, without going over your allotted time or encroaching on your personal space. I've had many massages with different (10?) therapists over the years. She is the only therapist I've had who seems to be able to pinpoint trouble areas as she's working and finesse the muscle into relaxation. The first time I visited her, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted (e.g.-very deep pressure, certain focus areas). Aly listened, took my suggestions under consideration, and also offered her own take on what my body might need. Surprise, surprise--the professional was right! She adjusted pressure in certain areas where I needed it and my body thanked her not only during the massage, but hours later. My tension headaches, shoulder pain, and tight hamstrings felt both immediate and sustained relief. Her dedication to massage as a form of physical therapy is evident not only in this way, but also in the way that different anatomy posters and devices (canes, myo-therapy balls, etc.) adorn her office space. Like many others have noted, Aly gave me pointers on how to massage certain muscles on my own to help in recovery. Richmond has noticed how magical she is; I waited two months for an appointment that fit with my work schedule and her availability. Go. Schedule. Now. read more

Aly is an amazing massage therapist. I love that she sits down with you before and after your massage to discuss what you have going on, where you want to focus and the pressure you prefer. I've been seeing Aly regularly for over a year and after every massage I feel better, I've never had less than an amazing experience. I'm a personal trainer, yoga and pilates instructor. On top of having an active job, I regularly workout. Whether I'm sore and need a release or have a pounding head ache, Aly knows what it takes to make me feel better. I've sent many clients to Aly for a wide variety of aches and pains. Each client has reported back with glowing reviews and many have become regular clients. Massage therapist seem to pop up everywhere but Aly is one in a million. read more

When getting a massage I pretty much always get a deep tissue massage but no matter how much people assured me they can really get down and in there I couldn't find what I wanted in RVA until I found Aly. She has a tiny stature, and at first glance you wouldn't think her hands are as powerful as they are. But man can she make it hurt so good. This last visit I asked for a more relaxing full body massage instead of my deep tissue, and she graciously obliged. Here is my conundrum with giving her a great review- she deserves every bit of praise everyone gives her, but I don't want her getting any busier.... :( ...selfish, I know! Call he and make an appointment, just not the one I was about to make. read more

There was a major traffic back up today going NB and SB in the interstate today so there was no way for me to get to my appointment on time unless I psychicly knew 24 hours in advance that it would be impossible for me to get to my first appointment on time. I called as soon as I was able to get to my phone which was a 1/2 hour late and explained what happened and showed the news traffic story. I asked if my paid appointment could go toward a new one or could I come later today. I was told they were booked and the money I paid pays for the $70 missed appointment fee. Great way to treat a new customer and you have outrageous fees. No need for anyone who doesn't live nearby to use their services. Even credit card companies waive late fees the first time you are late. read more

Enjoyed a relaxing and well done yoga class!

I have had the pleasure of seeing Aly for a few times. I have received massages for the last 15 years on a regular basis and was in the market for someone who had the ability to do deep tissue massage in relation to a difficult spot on my right upper back. Immediately Aly made an effort to understand what was bothering me and never rushed me. She gave an incredible massage and I even fell asleep during part of it. The pressure was hard when needed and she varied the technique throughout. When she finished she spent extra time suggesting stretches and ways to improve my overall muscle health. The next day I received an email with a recommendation of a device I could use at home to work the problem areas on my own. Aly is an exceptional CMT and she cares about her clients. She is a little on the upper scale of pricing, but you won't regret it. read more

So...I had been on the hunt for a good massage therapist...not your typical cookbook therapist...but someone with anatomy and physiology knowledge who will be caring and sensitive to my needs. Aly was all that and more. Not only did she take the time to get appropriate history up front, but then sat with me afterwards to give me sort of an analysis of my session. No doubt about it...I will be back. Gotta run to schedule my next appointment right now!! AWESOME!!! read more

I've had several reiki sessions with Reiki Master Mary Lee. She is knowledgeable and very comfortable to be around. It's very relaxing and therapeutic - I can feel the energy in some of the areas she concentrates on. She always "finds" my trouble spots without my having to say anything. read more

I had a great experience today with Alyson! She was kind and professional. She asked about my expectations and needs before we began. She then went over the massage afterwards to point out things she noticed and to give me advice about posture. The ambiance in her studio was great. Alyson also doesn't talk during the massage, which I appreciate. She was all about me relaxing, zoning out and enjoying my relaxation. Thanks for a great massage, Alyson! I'll be back! read more

Sara is the best. So far I have gifted my mom and my husband for a massage with Sara and they both can't stop talking about how well she did and they can't wait to go back. My mother said Sara was the best massage ever. She was very detailed oriented. Sara worked with me and some last minute appointment scheduling and made it hassle free. Thank you. See you soon! read more

A wonderful experience! Alyson is everything anyone could want in a massage therapist. I got a great massage and she is a wealth of information on other community resources. Highly recommended! read more

I followed my favorite yoga instructor when she moved her classes to Lakeside Wellness. I really like the yoga space! Lots of attention to little details that make the room very welcoming. I also appreciate that both parking and getting into the building are easy, which was not always the case in other yoga studios I've experienced! Now I'm looking forward to experiencing the massage side of Lakeside Wellness. read more

I've been going to Not Your Typical Kneads for over a year and Aly is the best massage therapist I've ever had. She takes plenty of time before the massage to discuss what issues you are having with your body. She's always willing to adjust pressure during the massage in case what you "thought" you wanted is not really what you wanted. After the massage she always provides helpful stretches based on what tight muscles she encounters during the massage. read more

With a long history of back pain due to car accidents and sports injuries, massage has been a critical part of managing my pain. Prior to seeing Aly, the most effective massage treatment for my pain had been an Chinese technique called tui na massage which while very helpful was quite expensive. Over the years I have seen other massage therapists seeking deep tissue massage that would compare to the tui na massages I found so effective. None came close, until I went to Aly. Aly was able to identify the points in my glutes, lower back and shoulders that were causing me tension and pain and truly work the muscles. The massage was painful but I could tell it was actually working the areas that were causing me pain. I woke up the next morning actually sore from the massage but could feel that the tension was releasing. I highly recommend Aly particularly if you are looking for an intense massage. The location is easy to get to right near the corner of Libbie and Grove with plenty of parking and prices are extremely reasonable. read more

ALY was able to bring relief to my back that no Doctor, Pain Managment, or Physical Therapist could do! I am thrilled to have found somebody who understands how to apply so many techniques in massage therapy. Not only will I return to see her as much as I can, but I am sending my husband as well. Aly also recommended simple online yoga classes, perfect for busy working parents, and an easy to acquire piece of equipment for me to use at home. She has a really relaxing atmosphere and a perfect mix of friendly professionalism. I can't wait to go back and keep seeing improvements. Because of her I am able able to skip 75% of my prescription pain medication for the first time in 3 years. read more

This was my first exposure to Reiki, and I'm so glad I found Mary Lee. Her warm personality instantly made me comfortable and the session was extremely enjoyable and relaxing. I'm sure everyone will experience reiki differently, but I left refreshed with a renewed sense of peace and wellbeing. I look forward to incorporating reiki from Mary Lee into my self-maintenance regimen. Mary Lee has been absolutely instrumental in the development of my intuition and I can genuinely say that I am living my life more fully thanks to her wisdom, honesty, and kindness. I have taken her class on dowsing, received a house blessing, and received my level 1 and 2 Reiki attunements from Mary Lee. These experiences have been nothing short of life changing. Most recently, I completed the level 2 Reiki attunement. I financially didn't know how I'd make it work but I went ahead and just charged it on my credit card because I strongly felt that the weekend of the International Day of Peace and Autumn Equinox was too perfect to pass up. I somehow knew that the money part would work itself out. The whole weekend was awesome - I learned so much about how to more effectively help others and have since applied these new techniques with incredible success. And now here I am, a couple weeks later. I have just learned that I have been awarded a significant bonus at my job that more than covers the cost of the attunement. This is not a coincidence. Thank you, Mary Lee, for helping me see the universal support that surrounds all of us! read more

This was my first professional massage and it was a great experience! Aly was so informative and very concerned with my comfort levels and needs. I left my massage feeling so incredibly relaxed and loose and I could tell immediately that it made a difference. Even when greater pressure was needed, Aly was keen on reading my body signs in case it was too much pressure, and she was great about letting me know which parts of my back and upper body needed the most attention. She gave great advice and tips for other ways to help my body in addition to massages which I had never thought of. Overall, she really tried to offer as much help as possible in making sure I felt better which is incredibly important. Great experience, I would highly recommend Aly! read more

The best! I am hesitant to even rate it because it's already hard to get her time! She is that good.

I am just going to reiterate the previous comments. I have been getting massages maybe 5 times a year per doctors orders to combat stress and muscle tension. I was jumping around trying to find "the right fit". I found it!! Aly is super strong and gives great deep tissue massage...she truly cares about relieving your problem. So much so that I noticed she went over time during our last visit to rid me of a trouble spot. I cannot say enough about her and her caring attitude. read more

For the last eight years, I have experienced excruciating headaches and neck pain. I have literally spent tens of thousands of dollars on doctor and neurological remedies and visits and I have yet to find the cause of my pain or a way to ease it. I was so impressed with my visit to Aly: not only did she work out EVERY single knot in my neck and back, but she addressed exercises and healthy habits that may also help in my treatment. Though I did experience some pain (hey, I asked for it!), the true and exciting result was ironically a pain free couple of days! In all of my experiences with so many different doctors, chiropractors and medicinal doctors, never before have I had someone so passionate about addressing the true problem (not covering it up) and doing so with such compassion and professionalism. I highly recommend scheduling a visit with Aly!! read more

I went to see Alyson this morning for a massage and she is by far the best massage therapist I have ever encountered. The place is very easy to get to, there is really convenient street parking, and the atmosphere of the massage room was perfect. She had light music playing that was totally relaxing, a heating blanket already prepared, and plenty of water, facial towels, and plenty of space to hang your personal belongings. She took in all of my concerns and was very respectful of my specific requests - focusing on my neck, back and shoulders and not touching any part of my face. Another thing I really appreciate is that she is super quiet the entire time - something that should be obviously implied when getting a massage, but I've had some therapists that try to maintain a running conversation the entire time, which is definitely not appreciated when I am trying to relax and clear my already busy head. She really took her time working out every square inch of my neck and shoulders and I literally felt like I was 3 inches taller when I left. She is incredible! Due to my current job situation, I cannot afford to see her as regularly as I would like, but if I could - I would be going at least once every two weeks. She truly cares about her own business and helping people achieve better health. read more