I have been looking for a place to get massages for awhile now ...actually a long while now. I am just not really that big on going the overpriced Dosha route when generic massages really just do not address the purpose of getting a massage. Carrie was wonderful and is genuinely concerned for you as a person and your health. She even gave me followup instructions. I found her through Groupon and even her regular pricing is very reasonable. . I will definitely be back! read more

Yesterday's massage from Laura was a welcome combination of therapy and relaxation (perhaps the latter because it was therapeutic). I've been looking for some time to treat leg, hip and lower-back pain related to running (I think). When this week it finally became too painful to put off doing anything, I decided to pore through yelp for an affordable and effective massage therapist who might be able to help and who had availability soon. I was happy to find Laura. When I contacted Laura to make an appointment, I'd erroneously read that she had an available time slot yesterday and called to make an appointment. Even after I'd realized my error, Laura offered to fit me in to her afternoon schedule. Laura warmly welcomed me to her studio and took considerable time before the actual massage to learn about my current condition, particular areas of concern, and to allow me to ask questions. It was clear from her questions that she is well-informed about the kind of conditions she treats and what might cause them. Her attentiveness did not wane during the actual massage. While I was able to largely zone out during the massage, I could perceive Laura's attentiveness to trouble spots. I appreciated her methodical approach and her ability to read my body closely. She used a significant, but welcome, amount of pressure, yet not without checking to be sure it wasn't too much. It's clear that Laura cares about her clients' well-being beyond the massage table. Her studio was pleasant, quiet despite the busy street outside, easy to find and warm. Meanwhile, her rates were more than reasonable for the level of professionalism and care she took with the massage. I was also pleased that after the massage, Laura took additional time to show me some stretches I could do at home to alleviate the pain I've been experiencing. I welcomed her willingness to suggest ways to prevent or correct problems in the first place. Best of all, I went home with the pain I'd been experiencing greatly diminished. Since my appointment yesterday, I've been able to walk around with much greater ease and sit down to work without the same discomfort I've been experiencing for months. I'd happily recommend Laura to anyone in Portland looking for a massage, whether to treat a specific condition or for general well-being. read more

I've gotten a lot of bodywork from a lot of different people and Laura is one of the best I've ever seen. Her space is relaxing and quiet. Usually I find that therapists are either deep tissue or relaxing, but rarely can people do both, which is what I like. Where I need strong hands to work out knots and sore spots she does an amazing job. I've found almost no one who can use too much pressure on my back, but most people just aren't strong enough. Laura is. On the other hand, I generally don't like people to work on my feet because they're too sensitive, but if you go see her, and you should, have her work on your feet. Very worth it. Laura is the real deal. She's very intuitive about what your body needs and I always feel amazing after seeing her. I just wish I could afford to see her more often. read more

I have had several 60 minute therapeutic massages with Laura Starr. She is wonderful! I left each time feeling not only improvement in my pain, but general relaxation and peace. I've had many massages over the last 10+ years, but never have I had better results than I do with Laura. Before my most recent massage with her, I couldn't turn my neck to one side, and had difficulty raising my arm high enough to put on a jacket. Afterwards I was able to do both with ease! I am always amazed at how gentle and intuitive she is. She can tell where it hurts without causing pain and without asking. I have never experienced a technique quite like hers, and would recommend her to anyone seeking relief from pain or just in need of relaxation. Laura takes the time beforehand to really assess any pain/mobility issues you may have, and even asks what you're looking for in your massage that day. She also checks in with you during the massage to assess how much pressure you prefer. She is incredibly calm and caring, and takes great care to keep you warm and to maintain privacy--exposing only that part of your body that she's currently working on. The price is about what you would pay anywhere, but for the quality of massage I'd say it's low! More than worth it!! I can't say enough about Laura, she is truly skilled in her profession! read more

Laura was awesome! I loved the massage and it was exactly what I was looking for - relaxing and working out some tense areas. Will definitely be back. read more

This place is a real gem. I was able to book an appointment for the following morning and be in bliss. The masseuse, Laura, intently listened to me about sore areas and worked on them without missing a single one. She was super kind, able to get very deep and receptive if I needed something specific. I hope she remains easier to book than other masseuses of her caliber. I'll definitely be back for more massages! read more

Great LMT! I highly recommend her! I have seen Carrie a few times now for knee pain from a sports injury. She did a great job with myofascial release, effective without being painful. My knee pain has decreased and I am back into my workout routine. No problems at all. I now have seen her for relaxation and "getting the kinks out". She is great. Her space is cute and calming. She is a very caring, highly professional, genuine and friendly person. Her technique is experienced, with a wide range of body and injury knowledge. I would recommend her to anyone (for a first time massage experience or someone who needs more technical body work done) Her prices are also very reasonable, making massage not just a one-time "luxury" but a part of your health and wellness care routine. read more

First, I am thankful to Yelp reviewers for directing me to Balanced Bodywork. Recently, I met with massage therapist Carrie Struss for my first massage experience. Upon arriving to her office, I was very pleased with not only the relaxing environment but also her kind and personable demeanor. She quickly dissolved any nervousness I had. She is excellent at her craft and provides a caring and comfortable experience. I left feeling extremely relaxed and I look forward to making this part of my health care repertoire and kick myself for waiting this long to try such a wonderful treatment. read more

My initial visit with Laura was to address severe muscle tension and head aches. The treatment was a complete success. Headaches resolved and I feel human again. I have been back for another treatment since. I will definitely be back again. I would recommend Laura without hesitation. read more

I recently went to see Carrie Struss for Myofascial Release Massage and LOVED it. I've had a recent knee and hip pain that has made it difficult to exercise. After 2 visits the pain was gone. I'm grateful to her for her expertise and ability to explain in detail what was happening for me personally. read more

This was my first massage ever, and I have to admit, I was a little nervous. I wasn't sure what to expect, but figured I'd give it a shot. Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed! Carrie was professional from the start, and helped me feel at ease. We spoke for a few minutes about what areas I wanted her to work on, and then it was go time. I climbed into the heated massage bed (nice touch), and Carrie put on some relaxing music and went to work. I swear, she found muscles I had no idea existed, and massaged the pain right out of them! She was even able to find the exact spot where I carry the most tension, and worked it the most. It was absolutely amazing. It was clear to me that Carrie has studied her profession extensively, as she was incredibly well versed when telling me what she was working on or finding. I was able to relax and feel comfortable knowing I was working with a true professional. Her prices were easy on my wallet, and I feel more refreshed today than I have in a long time. I recommend her 100%, and will definitely be back! read more

Laura took over the business a while back and is a very skilled practitioner for deep tissue, cranial for your various problem areas. She is wonderful. read more

Laura is an excellent masseuse. I have never felt so good after just one treatment. I awoke the day after my massage feeling completely invigorated, present, and alive. I'm excited about going back and can't wait to buy sessions for my loved ones. read more

Laura is the best LMT I've ever been to. She expertly analyzes the areas of my body that are in pain and I always leave feeling 100% better. I would recommend Laura to all my family and friends! read more

Laura is nothing short of amazing. Found her on Yelp when my stubborn neck and shoulder repetitive strain injury started flaring up last year, and she has worked wonders on me ever since! She is super friendly, great at listening to your complaint and figuring out the root of what hurts... and when she gets in those sore muscles, you will be ever so happy you made that appointment. read more

Today I received my second massage from Carrie. What makes her so amazing at what she does, is her ability to address any issues you are having with your body and also put you in a complete state of relaxation. Everything she does has meaning and I can tell the work she does will have long lasting effects. She shows compassion in wanting to further work with you in feeling better. Carrie is the only massage therapist I trust. I highly recommend her!! :) read more

I had such a great experience here! I went for a half hour infrared sauna and 1-hour massage. The rooms were peaceful and private and set the perfect mood for a relaxing massage. I was thoroughly impressed with the entire visit. The woman who worked with me, Sue, was very nice and professional and I can't wait to go back! read more

Carrie has created a welcoming, peaceful, relaxing atmosphere in her new space. Oh, and she is also a wonderful massage therapist! I've had terrible lower back pain for years and Carrie worked wonders. Oh and a heated massage table, too! Mmmm, so nice. An awesome experience. read more

Laura was amazing! I bought the yelp deal and paid the difference for a 90 min massage. I get bodywork weekly, but Laura sent me to a zone I usually don't reach. She allowed me to stop thinking and really relax. This is a gift few masseuses have. I would recommend her wholeheartedly and happily pay her reasonable regular rate. read more

I have received several massages from Laura Starr. I have had many different massage therapists in the past and by far Laura is the best! Laura is great about checking in to ensure that I am receiving the massage I wanted. I have had a general relaxation massage and massages targeted to treat an injury and for both types of massages my expectations were exceeded. Laura has a great space and she provides a comfortable and relaxing environment. I appreciate that Laura spends the time to talk with me prior to the massage to determine what I would like done during the massage. I highly recommend Laura as a massage therapist and will be back to see her again! read more

I have tried a couple different types of massages here and have found them to be very helpful.

I couldn't have found this place without all the great YELP reviews, so I'd like to contribute to all the praises here. Carrie is a true healer and very present/in the moment while she gives the best massage I've ever experienced. I could even walk better after she worked on me! She wanted to figure out the way my pain works, and she did! I cannot wait to go back! read more

Excellent bodywork. Wish that I lived here so I could visit often! Highly recommend.

Laura is amazing. I went in depressed and in considerable pain and left feeling completely refreshed and happy. She's extremely intuitive and takes great pains to understand your body issues. I can't recommend her strongly enough. read more

Awesome, awesome, awesome. I have been having debilitating pain in my neck for days. Shooting into my jaw and down the length of my back, nausea inducing pain. Carrie walked me through finding the source of the pain and then worked on muscles I did not know I had. Left her office feeling almost like a real human again, and equipped with tips from her on how to continue the healing at home. She is kind and accommodating and excellent at what she does. read more