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 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 could not find Wendy's shop, and went to a place that I thought was hers. Afterwards, I left a…read moremessage saying I couldn't find her place, as there was no signage anywhere. So not only did I have to pay for a full price somewhere else, and parking, but she charged me as well, even though she didn't touch me as well. I do not know how she could charge me even though I couldn't find her. would not recommend her name on a sign at all.

Wendy is such a pro and has so much experience under her belt, and it really shows. She always asks…read moreand listens to how I'm feeling and what I think I need worked on, and she takes it from there. Her office also exudes a very calming and welcome atmosphere. Wendy's treatment goes above and beyond just my bi-weekly appointments. She gives great advice on what can be done in my day-to-day life to help minimize my chronic back and neck pain. I feel that she's always looking out for her patients and wants what is best for them. An added bonus is she's so fun to talk with! I always look forward to my visits with her.

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).

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!

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'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!

Justine has worked on me several times throughout the last 8 years or so. As a fellow massage…read moretherapist, my expectations are high. She delivers. Very knowledgeable of her craft and great technique. She's always good with following my lead of chatting or quiet time, always accommodating and has a very kind and gentle demeanor. Two thumbs up from me.