Danielle is great. I've been getting massages from her regularly for a couple years now…read more I initially sought her out because she specializes in therapeutic massage. Through a few sessions, she was able to help relieve the tightness and soreness in my lower back and shoulders that had accumulated through years of weightlifting. Danielle's general deep tissue massages are top-notch as well, and she's a great conversationalist. I keep coming back because her deep tissue massages are so relaxing, and she's fun to talk to. If you're in the Ballard area and you're looking for a good massage, and you want to support a small business, I would highly recommend Smiling Owl Massage.

If I could give one star, I would. The massage I initially received was great, but after Danielle…read morecancelled an early AM appointment with less than 2 hours notice via email, things became really messy. I work with families and children intimately and I understand cancellations happen, and people become sick, but to cancel an AM appointment with under two hours notice without a call was not a great way to handle the situation. I was already getting ready and on my way to the appointment. Upon arriving I sat there thinking she was possibly late, then I called the number on the door because I figured that was the best option to figure out if the appointment still stood or not which. Then after back and forth email with Danielle she was upset that I had called the number on the door because it was for someone else. How was a client to know that? I waited for 40 minutes and left. When I arrived home I had seen on my desktop the reason I didn't get her email was because It was sent from her personal email instead of her business email which was the one email we had ever used prior. We sent some Emails back and fourth and because I had expressed how inconvenient it was for me she decided she didn't want to see me for my other appointment or reschedule. I had told her many times I understand these things happen and hope she will feel better and was kind, I just wanted her to know that a call for a two hour or less cancellation would be more ideal since clients are likely to be up and already getting ready to leave their homes. She then basically replies she doesn't want to see me as a client anymore while also being smart saying "in the age of smartphones" her email with 1.5 hours notice was appropriate. Especially when people are likely already on their way. Since I had bought 2 massages via Groupon I had asked if she would then work with me to help get a refund, she agreed and even wrote me an email saying she contacted them, and they would be reaching out to me within the day via phone. (Side note she also said she didn't want to see me because she only makes 17 dollars from her groupons, which i though was wildly inappropriate to tell a client.) When I didn't hear anything from them and emailed her back stating all I saw was that my account was flagged and had not received a call, her reply was so rude calling me challenged and whiny. I really don't know how someone would work in this industry and be so rude and able to personally jab at clients but I was completely taken aback by her unprofessionalism through-and-through. I would not recommend her place of business, as when things come up she cannot handle them appropriately, timely, or professionally and will attack you for it.

I got a massage from Tara recently, but it was at the Vital Energy Center in Capitol Hill instead…read moreof this location. I tend to keep a lot of tension in my back, so I try to get in for massages as much as possible. Tara was intuitive and seemed to work a lot with pressure points. The energy in the beginning of the massage felt calm but intense; kind of like forming the intention of creating the space as a healing space. For about 10-20 minutes I was in the "This is nice, but I'm not sure if this is the style for me" space. About halfway through my hour, however, I realized that I had gotten into the state where I'm possibly asleep but feel more like I'm just so relaxed that I'm conscious but only coherent every once in a while. That tends to mean that I am VERY relaxed, and... well... I kind of love that. My back felt wonderful when I left, and the only soreness I experienced was from where she had worked on my chest (and that's just because it's very tight and I don't think it's gotten enough attention in the past). Tara recommended a stretch that should help loosen that up. I felt like my way home was something of a spiritual experience. Every time I get a massage like this I start really looking forward to finally finishing my degree and having a decent income again!

I've had a lot of massages because I get a lot of upper back pain and tension. And there is nothing…read moremore annoying than a light massage. I need a massage therapist who can do deep tissue like they mean it and that is Tara. She seems to have a talent for just knowing where the knots and problem areas are and working on them until you feel like you're in a completely different body. She is very professional, knows what she is doing, explains what she's doing thoroughly, asks all the right questions, and also has great hours and introductory deals to give her a try. Oh and the office is super cute, tidy, clean and relaxing. Can't wait for my next appointment. Oh and she takes insurance including Aetna, but you can pay for an add on half hour if you want to go longer and have her work on parts of your body that are not being treated (on insurance).

Written by Deann Lawson My husband and I moved to the area…read morelast year and I began a new physically strenuous career. I'm a strong believer in the healing power of regular massage and with my new aches and pains I knew it was important to find a great massage therapist. I struck gold when I found Lauren. I've been getting regular massages with her for months now and she has helped me with many different issues. Lauren's massages are not only relaxing but extremely effective in relieving my aches and pains. I would highly recommend Lauren to everyone, whether you have a specific issue that needs addressing or are just in need of some major relaxation. She's the best!

I had some pretty intense back pain from a heavy day of gardening, and finally decided to get a…read moremassage. Booked an hour with Lauren, and felt much better afterwards.

I highly recommend Laura! She's attentive, empathetic, and made our first session together a…read morewonderful experience. Plus, her choice of music was great. I'll def be coming back!

I've tried working with a few massage therapists before meeting Laura. My experience w/ her has…read morebeen amazing. She's extremely warm, inviting and kind making for a super comfortable session. Highly recommend scheduling some time with her.

I love praising good people behind their back and I'm going to do it here so get ready:…read more Tranzend is a woman of color owned and operated small business. A small biz that punches above its weight class and does it all with kindness. I struggled for YEARS not knowing what my diagnosis was and was in a deep struggle with my physical health and mental well being. No one understood me. Health care providers would misdiagnose me multiple times before I found the right fit and would often seek referrals from anyone I trusted to find a massage therapist who could be kind, attune to my diagnosis, and just a good human being. Janice didn't just change my life; she saved it. The work we did together on not just my physical being but my soul was something I can never thank her enough. My financial situation wasn't the greatest either but Janice would insist on making it work and I dare say she would do the same for any of her clients. I don't recollect how many years I would see Janice but it was a lot. Janice is a compassionate and empathetic massage therapist and she has a breadth and depth of expertise that you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. If you're not seeing this woman, what are you doing with your life?

My husband found Janice and booked massages for us for our anniversary (we stayed in downtown…read moreSeattle for the occasion). We each had a 60 minute massage in her cozy little studio with the most beautiful rooftop view of the Sound. The massages were great (my introduction to cupping) and Janice is a lovely person. I get massage and other body work done regularly so I've experienced a wide variety of quality. I'm also not the easiest body to work on (very tight, problem spots). I would absolutely come back again. I can't comment about the value because I didn't pay the bill :-) Hubby said her prices were average, though. I'm not complaining about anything because I enjoyed myself and felt great afterward, but setting expectations so no one is disappointed. The massage studio is in a large professional building and shares hall space with other medical professionals. TrandZend is a single massage room, not a full spa experience. Because it's in a professional building, it's locked on weekends and Janice has to come down to let you in (didn't phase us since the sun was shining, but this could mean waiting outside for quite a while). Janice creates a warm, inviting experience, but take note if you're looking for something different. I debated between 4 and 5 stars because it isn't a full spa, etc. but I figure it's the quality of the massage that matters and that was definitely a 5 star experience.

Whenever I want to treat myself to a massage, I go to Megan. She perfectly combines long, fluid…read moremotions with more specific pressure points too. I prefer firmer pressure, and she nails that as well. I highly recommend getting a massage with Megan!

I just got home from the most fantastic massage! Megan is amazing!…read more I sit at a desk for 10-12 hours a day sometimes. I have very tight shoulders and hips - Megan was able to relieve the pressure and pain that pressure caused. She didn't just massage but also used pressure points, stretching and more to release my tight muscles. The office was very clean, well-kept and relaxing- her practice is inside a chiropractic office which to me is a good sign! She offers great deals for first time clients as well as referral bonuses. Make an appointment with Megan it will make you feel like a regular person instead of a knotted up mess!

I've had two Maya massage therapy sessions here, and both were a really great experience. Heidi is…read moreamazing and helped relieve my lower back pain immediately. This is definitely my go-to place for long-term care. She rocks!

Heidi is intuitive, grounded, and clearly has this skillset honed…read more I came to Heidi with specific issues with my health and felt like my needs were addressed every time. Heidi went above and beyond to understand all of the facets of my life and what could potentially be contributing to some of my issues, communicated with clarity and always matched my energy. I have seen progress around my concerns and am so grateful for the quality of care that I receive time and time again. As a Black woman, finding care providers who SEE me and focus on who I am and not what research and statistics say is invaluable. Heidi is one of those practitioners. Highly recommend!

I had the pleasure of experiencing a full-body massage from Sadiqua…read more I rely on bodywork to release emotional storages in my body. It's more than a relaxation sanctuary for me (although that's important to have, and a place that I appreciate)--it's a site for deep healing of the unprocessed, unresolved, and unmet. I trust few massage therapists to support me in this way, and occasionally, I find people like Sadiqua, with whom I can fully relax, and surrender, in her care. I think that Sadiqua's massage therapy works so well for me because her presence and practice merges three aspects: hands that are so naturally poised for bodywork that you can, by extension, feel her joy and warmth as she works, anatomical knowledge that helps her so easily laser in on misalignment or tension, and therefore, informs her helpful post-session advice, and an emotional intelligence that allows her to have a conversation with your body's physicality, as well as its emotional, and energetic sides, which for me, complete the picture of where I am and what I need in the future. Her hands, knowledge, and insight combines for a deeply-restorative experience, on many levels. I'm looking forward to more massage therapy with Sadiqua. I'm excited to combine therapeutic oils, sound therapy, and other elements that I've wanted to incorporate into a holistic bodywork routine, but haven't found a practitioner with the level of experience or skill. If you're looking for healing massage therapy, with a wholehearted and strong spirit, I couldn't recommend What You Knead any more enthusiastically.

She is excellent. Attentive to the body...and that's saying a lot because I'm quite body aware…read more Great nonjudgmental caring energy. I opted for studio massage. Good location: quiet & with natural lighting. She also does home visits. Will update you when I take her up on it, which we plan to be very soon.