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 have been seeing Karen for massage for many years and have recommended her to friends and several…read morefamily members, all give her rave reviews, including me. She is incredibly skilled, compassionate, and definitely has "the touch." Her new space is quiet and has natural light. The whole experience is relaxing and nourishing. Because of this, you do need to plan ahead a week or so because she books up.

Karen is a real find! Very intuitive, trusted her on the spot. Slept for 10 hours straight after…read moreher amazing massage. I have referred her to many, so book while you can! Pretty soon, she is going to have a waiting list a mile long...and I am not kidding! Specializes in massage therapy, hot stone, energy work and Thai Yoga Massage. You can also reach her at pranamassage@gmail.com

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!

Sara really knows her stuff! I had a massage with her earlier this month & it had to be one of the…read morebest massages I have ever I had. Not once during the massage did I feel like the pressure was too much & she had consistent, firm pressure the whole time which I really enjoyed. She got all my tight spots, & I felt significantly more relaxed after the massage. Sara's new new office space is beautiful, & she provides a relaxing environment for the massage. I highly recommend her to anyone is search of a high quality deep tissue massage!

Sara Akerlund is a spectacular massage therapist! During today's session I was transported into a…read moredeep state of relaxation and comfort. My aches and pains really felt as though they had melted away. She applies as much pressure as you need (even if you need a strong touch). The room is very clean and comfortable. I always look forward to her massages and recommend her highly!

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've received a massage from Jacquie over the last several years, the massage has been a…read moreperfect balance of relaxation and therapy. Jacquie has extensive knowledge on the massage methodologies and always tailors her approach to what your body needs at the time of the appointment. The atmosphere of the massage room is thoroughly relaxing, and booking has always been very easy as the appointment hours are surprisingly flexible. Highly recommended!

I have been getting massages from Jacquie for over 3 years and have never been disappointed. She…read moreis incredibly skilled and comprehensive, but more than that, she has a level of passion and commitment to her craft that is rare among massage therapists. She is incredibly strong and powerful in her work, and balances it with a lot of awareness and attention to what is needed in any particular spot. I always leave her table feeling like a new woman, and will be going to her for all my bodywork needs for years to come!

I've been coming here for over a year now, for monthly massage therapy. I couldn't be happier! My…read morejob takes a toll on my muscles and if I didn't have the care I do here, I'd be in constant pain. I've seen a lot of the therapists here but Alyssa is my favorite by far! She listens to what you are looking for (if your shoulders have been stiff, or if you want a relaxing massage that day), she's really strong, and very skilled at making knotty muscles behave! I love that I can ask her for the sciencey-answer to what she's doing or what muscles are locked up; it empowers me to learn more about my body and how to care for it afterwards! The spa itself offers convenient online booking, it's very clean and peaceful (and looks down onto the ocean!), and their customer service is top notch. I use their Wellness Plan option, which offers a year of monthly massage appointments for a slight discount. Love it!! I hope this place stays here forever. And the fact that it's right beside the ocean means that if you want to continue relaxing after your massage, you can just walk downstairs and sit on the beach.

Hmmmm. Since baby was born I have not had a chance to do…read moreanything for myself. Baby is now 9 months and my husband generously purchased a surprise facial & massage. I left pretty disappointed. 5 Stars facial -- The facial was awesome. The esthetician was so sweet and bubbly. She explained what was going to happen and her positive energy alone was 5+++ Stars. I would go back solely for future facials with her :) The massage: it was by a girl named Jennifer. After reading the reviews I'm saddens that I got a newbie vs. Marisa. It was the worst massage I have ever gotten. When the masseuse came in to meet me after I had spoken to the esthetician she was not warm - and bland. I told her I wanted deep tissue & to not be gentle. It started off ok, but as she got further along I thought "did I pay for a massage or merely to be inadequately rubbed with lotion". You know the massage isn't great when you're left laying there wondering when it's going to be over and it feeling like it's taking forever. I have had better relief when getting out of a long shower. Total disappointment ... :(

A long overdue review in praise of Ellen's deeply intuitive and healing massage…read more I have dealt with Ménière's disease for over 10 years and Ellen is the only therapist who has been successful in helping head heaviness lift. One of the best things about Ellen is she really listens in regards to how I'm responding to treatment. She applies different techniques till we have a breakthrough.

I have been seeing Ellen for massage for about a year. I tried a few other massage therapists in…read morethe area before meeting her, but was never satisfied enough to return. I always enjoy being greeted by her little dog, Tucker, which eases me into the right frame of mind to relax and enjoy the massage. She's very attentive and able to adapt to my latest sports injuries or specific needs with every massage appointment. I also appreciate that at the end of the massage, Ellen always asks if she missed anything and will spend extra time if needed. Her Fremont office is one massage room with a pretty view and a balcony, so no distractions with the comings and goings like in a spa setting.