Top notch massage. The masseuse worked muscles in my neck I didn't know I had! Very thorough work and I felt the benefits immediately.

Pain melted away, feel brand new! This is the second time I've come in and seen Brian. A real miracle worker. The first time I had pain in my shoulder area. I'd been carrying heavy loads and traveling and swung one giant suitcase too many onto the conveyor belt which caused extreme pain and stiffness. I woke up one morning unable to move my arm above my head and thats when I went to Deep River Bodyworks. I actually had gone to see other people before, but they didn't really help solve the root of my pain. One session, advice on stretches and I was feeling brand new. The second time I went to see him, today actually, I was experiencing pain in my right hand, right foot (sole) and lower back. I discussed what problems I had, what my past few months were like and 1.5 hours later, the pain is gone. Oh yeah, sure, at first it was intense but over time, it started to feel like stretching and less sore. I walked out without any pain in my right foot, with my hands feeling loss and more importantly, with my lower back feeling actual relief. Twice he's listened and actually worked on the trigger points that cause pain, not necessarily the area where I have pain. He's more than a massage therapist! read more

I've seen a couple providers at Deep River, but this review is specifically focusing on a recent prenatal massage with Brian Bacungan. I booked with him even though I usually see providers of my same gender, and I'm SO glad I did! Brian has an incredible touch, was great at working on some really tough knots that were dogging me. I've seen a few different prenatal massage folks and I sometimes find that folks are a little more gentle with me in pregnancy than I actually would like; Brian had no qualms about going to town on areas where I was super tense! He was also a real pleasure to chat with and get to know, but also comfortable to go silent with if that's what I preferred, with no social weirdness about it either way. I also felt no awkwardness about being nearly nude receiving treatment, which was helpful. :) He's got a super chill vibe that makes it not remotely weird. This is kind of funny too but worth mentioning to me as someone who is a picky massage customer--I've received a lot of massages where I have to deliberately discourage the massage practitioner from talking (even if it might be helpful for me to weigh in about an injury, provide guidance on where my pain is, etc.) because I find they lose their focus/touch when they are talking. That isn't the case for Brian B! His massage technique stayed fully effective even when we were enjoying really engaging conversation. I'm telling you, this is surprisingly rare and really nice as the customer. :) Furthermore, something I love about all the Deep River practitioners is that it's easy to find a broad range of time slots available, often same day or very soon, and it's easy to book them up online. Often when you need massage because something has gotten really inflamed, it's hard to get an appointment ASAP, but all the practitioners here leave a whole bunch of open slots on their calendars and just strategically remove them when they book up enough that they wouldn't be able to accommodate more massages in a day without harming their magical hands. This flexibility ends up making it way easier to get treatment quickly and I like being able to book online but deal with the payment details in person. Lastly, it's easy to get street parking on 56th and the meters there are 4 hours. read more

Fundamentally wonderful massage all around. Booked the second massage the day I got the first. Will follow up with insurance separately as I understand is common for massage practices in general. I could tell Elizabeth was invested in the knowledge and the practice and it was a great first massage in many years. read more

Brian's myofascial release work is second to none. I can't say I've ever had massage quite like it, but it's been extremely effective to relax and release bound muscles. I've had several sessions over a few months to work on muscles that have been tight from years of sports and working out. I'll continue to return for maintenance as needed. read more

I'm sharing a huge, hidden secret... *deep breath taken in through nose* Brian Jose is one of the BEST massage therapists in Seattle. *deep exhale out through mouth* Alright, the secret is now out. After being tired of weak massages with little relief from my burning, tight shoulder and neck region, I had begun a hunt to find the right therapist. After a long, expensive search, all it took was five massage therapists and 6 months! I came across Brian Jose on Yelp and sent him a quick email while I laid on the couch in the 80 degree weather with a heating pad around my neck. He was able to squeeze a same-day appointment in for me. Brian's massage magic may be obvious given the 5 stars, but I normally would only give such a high rated massage review if it ended in a 'happy ending' ... which it technically does by involving full-on body relaxation and euphoria after just an hour appointment. I'm hard to please since I expect my massages to seem like a 50 Shades of Grey trailer: a very dim-lit room with electronic lounge music in the background, synced with deep tissue rejuvenation that triggers a spontaneous response of relaxed muscles and fascia. Brian begins by identifying the individual needs of each client and plans his attack of utilizing deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy and myofascial release. Whatever those therapeutic terms mean, all I know from my past visits is that within fifteen minutes of my arrival, my body is sending green-light signals to relax given the goosebumps and bursts of revival. Brian's quiet demeanor doesn't quite match his inner hidden powers and force. He kneads muscles like dough under his arms, while his long fingers resemble antennas that automatically sense and discover 'that' aching spot and every knot hidden deep beneath. I have now taken a vow to treat my body every other week. Oh ya, just that good. A few tips for your upcoming visit: -Set up your appointment via BookNow, or e-mail/cell phone. -Take advantage of the Yelp Deal of $50 for $75 worth of services. Well worth it! -Find a free 2-hour parking two blocks north of Market Street near the Ballard Commons Park. -The massage room and waiting room are located on the 4th floor of the Ballard Building (contains the Starbucks on the corner) in the east hallway. -Brian offers package deals by paying in advance for 3+ visits. You can thank me later. read more

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Brian is amazing! I have had a few orthopedic surgeries, that definitely has done some damage in my body. He really knows how to work out the extremely difficult spots and I really notice significant improvement every time I see him! read more

I saw Angela for the first time yesterday and she is great! She understands the strains of a desk job and knew all my trouble spots. She does a great job explaining the work she's about to do, so you feel informed and know what to expect. The room is relaxing and calming despite it being on the 4th floor of an office building. (A little difficult in finding it). I bought a 3 pack so I'm excited for how much work can be down in the next two sessions. She's very accommodating, and wants you to feel the best possible. read more

I've been going to Brian for massage once a month and he is an INCREDIBLE masseuse. He always personalizes my massages for what I need and makes sure to check in along the way so that I'm getting the maximum benefit. I've been feeling better than I have in years because I don't have a body full of tensed up muscles and I couldn't be more grateful. Other massages I've had before going to Deep River were very dull but here it is truly a therapeutic experience that you feel long lasting benefit from, not just a temporary relaxed feeling for the rest of the day. Cannot recommend Deep River Bodyworks enough! read more

I had a massage with Angela and she was amazing! I would say it's more like trigger point therapy but my body feels so good after. What's most unique is that I feel both mentally and physically relaxed. read more

I've had a few massages at Deep River Bodyworks and will continue to come back. My issues are mostly herniated disc + sciatica related, which I wouldn't think every masseuse is experienced with working on. Brian is really talented and really helps. I walk out of there feeling much better than I do with physical therapy. He's able to adapt the massage to what requires attention and that makes the massage really useful. Definitely recommend! read more

I've had a fantastic experience here and have become a regular. Brian J. is a highly skilled therapist and a healer who has an amazing intuition for finding trouble spots, unique skill in working out trigger points and a reassuring interpersonal style - and great music. I feel lucky to have found a place that gave me real, lasting results for chronic pain after searching for medical solutions for a few years. Very easy online scheduling, relaxing room, very professional. Really the best bodywork I've experienced. read more

I received a deep tissue massage here in March of this year while I was here for a conference. I liked how the therapist explained to me what he was doing, to help which areas of my body that was in pain. I liked that he told me to breathe into the muscle he was working on (back/arm muscles). It was really good session and I really enjoyed it! read more

Wow, best professional massage I've ever had. Since I was 16 years old, I've had this chronic muscle tightness in my upper left back. Brian not only tuned right into the troublesome area, but really helped to loosen it up with his skilled and in tune deep tissue work. I'm glad I found him. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger The Terminator, "I'll be back." read more

I've been going here and seeing Brian. His attention to detail and knowledge of the human body is excellent. He's helped loosen my body up and relieve shoulder pain that I've been dealing with for years. read more

I had a great massage from Brian Jose after I have been having a lot of back pain. I picked this place based on Yelp reviews and location, and it did not disappoint. It's off NW market and there was plenty of street parking a block over. The door to the building is nestled between a few shops- easy to miss but look for a gym sign. There is a quiet waiting room. Brian arrived early and was able to see me early which was great. A few specific things I liked: - Brian was patient and attentive and took time before, during, and after to check-in and hear my concerns with my pain. He was quick to offer suggestions as well. - I liked the energy of the room. It wasn't dead quiet or just playing typical massage music. There was water flowing and then a really nice playlist going. - I've had probably 50 or so massages in my lifetime but he definitely worked areas in my back and arms that do not typically get worked. I know my body needed that work and it feels so much better now. His technique is great. - Lastly, when I called to book I scheduled the first time customer $65 appt (offered on Yelp), and Brian accidentally charged me for the regular price. I didn't even notice because we were talking during the transaction. But he emailed me later that evening when he caught it, apologized, and said he would reimburse it. That is GREAT customer service and definitely how to build loyal customers!! Great place. I highly recommend Brian for a massage, especially if you need deep tissue work. I know I will be back. read more

I've had countless massages over my life so far, and Brian Bacungan of Deep River Bodyworks is my fave. His style is strong, kind, compassionate and wise. I wholeheartedly recommend you try him out next time your body or spirit feels out of whack. read more

This was my first time at the Deep river Bodywroks and I had a deep tissue massage with Brian Bacungan. Usually i have to tell the therapist to put more pressure on since they always start up gently with me. But with Brian there was no need for it. He worked on my back where i usually have lot of tension build up and I was very happy with his work. Looking forward to the next massage with them. read more

Don't go here. It was the worst massage I've had. The therapist played loud music instead of soft music, kept asking me questions, and hadn't clipped his nails. I ended up with scratches. read more

So happy I found Deep River! Had my first appointment with Angela and was very pleased with her work - I have some weird muscular issues in my lower back, and she seems to be the first massage therapist I've seen who really addressed those issues effectively. Excited to return for another session! read more

Brian is a miracle worker. There was something really funky going on with my shoulder - I couldn't raise it above my head without pain radiating all the way to my forearm (spoiler: it's a nerve impingement). After an hour and a half Brian made me pretty much feel like new. I'll definitely be back! read more

I have had a few massage sessions now from Brian, and all of them have been very helpful to my body. He worked on my shoulder a few days ago and my chronic shoulder pain has taken a turn for the better ever since. Brian is not only very skilled in deep tissue massage, but also exudes a passion for healing that is rare in my experience. His work is thorough, caring and present. read more

I have seen Brian several times for chronic pain. He has really helped my pain, and I also appreciate that he sees my health in a holistic way and expresses thoughtful concern about psychosocial contributing factors. As a woman I also want to speak to his professionalism; female clients should have no concerns about being in his care, he's great. Do know that this is not necessarily a spa-massage experience, he's doing serious work and for me it's a hurts-so-good experience. I assume he would go easier on me if I asked him too, but I don't, because what he does gets excellent results! read more

I've seen both Angela and Brian, and they are both fantastic! They are very knowledgeable and I always leave feeling so much better. Honestly the best massages I've ever had, with lasting pain relief. I highly recommend them! read more

This was one of the best massages I've had. The lady, Angela, even gave me a stretch tip as I was leaving. It wasn't fluffy and sensuous rather it was nicely therapeutic. I loved the service!" read more

Brian is top notch and knows how to communicate with you and your body to get the best out of your deep tissue massage. Highly reccomend!

I feel so lucky to have met Brian, and feel that I have significantly benefited from his gifts and guidance. He is a perceptive, thoughtful, and skilled healer. Brian is helping me get to the root of my pain and physical limitations, so that I can feel like myself again. This past year, my ability to move, including basic motions like walking, was limited, and I was in a lot of pain. Physical therapy wasn't helping in the way that I hoped. Brian gave my condition a lot of thought, and shared his unique perspective based on the information I shared with him along with what he observed in my muscles. His body work was one of the first times I felt significant real pain relief. I feel very lucky to be have pain relief as well as a plan for getting my old life back! Brian is very easy to be around. He is understanding, kind and accepting. He appreciates that there are a lot of emotions wrapped up in the body and physical pain. He has been on the other side of things, on the table and in pain, which is how he got into body work in the first place. I feel his compassion while receiving deep work wizardry. I also appreciate that he is always researching and learning. I will definitely continue seeing Brian, and I highly recommend that you do too! read more

I sought treatment for my stiff neck and lower back pain. Angela was an excellent massage therapist and provided deep tissue treatment which helped alleviate my neck pains. The whole session (which I went back for more!) was very therapeutic and also enjoyable/peaceful. Their space is conveniently located in Ballard and the massage space itself was well appointed and very tranquil. For sure one of the better massages I've had in a while. I highly recommend Deep River Bodyworks! read more

Because of two back surgeries I've been dealing with chronic, often debilitating, back pain for roughly 10 years. I'm not going to say Brian Bacungan has taken *all* my pain away, but I can say that (coming up on my 6th weekly visit) he's gotten rid of most of it. It was actually quite surprising/shocking what hands and a real understanding of the body can do. Brian is true artist and a genuine master of his craft. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Erick read more

Excellent deep tissue work- I have a lot of tightness in my shoulders and hips, and Brian has been able to work those spots and increase range of motion in these joints. Always feel a bit taller and fluid when I leave! read more

Brian is a miracle worker. I had a back pain for a week and could barely walk. He quickly identified what it was and work in the area gently but with determination. I left the place feeling way better and in about two days my pain went from an 8 to a 2. I would highly recommend Brian. He is professional and knowledgeable. read more

I found Brian purely by accident, I bought a Groupon for two massages as a gift for my husband, who didn't use them so I decided to use them myself. WOW. Am I glad my husband was lazy and didn't book the appointment! I've had massages before, hot stone or Swedish massages when I treated myself to a spa day but this was totally different. My Groupon was for 2 massages, I wasn't having any specific pain other than "office worker syndrom", tightness in my neck and shoulders. Brian spent the first massage getting to know me and my body. My previous massages had felt nice, but that was it, nice. The touch always felt too soft and delicate. With Brian I didn''t have this problem at all. Since he has spend the first massage "feeling me out", the second massage was very different. He combined breathing exercises with deep tissue massage and it was unlike any other experience on a massage table Ive had before. It was tailored to me and what I needed. I reached a level of relaxation I did not expect. I will be continuing my work with Brian. I give him the highest recommendation. read more

Sudden back pain sent me in search of a good massage. Brian listens, is gentle, and professional. My back was healed in no time. He also has a cozy little room. read more

I've had a spa massage, massage envy massages, chinese massage, and this is the best I've ever had. He knows how to focus on parts of the body that are overused and build a lot of tension. read more

My massage was both relaxing and therapeutic. Brian is a very skilled "mechanic". He hones in on problem areas and methodically works to fix the problem. He gave me exercises to help with pain related to "office worker syndrome". I highly recommend Brian as a massage therapist. He is a true professional. read more

Excellent massage work, Brian is able to give me the deep tissue work I have long sought but never found in this town. I cannot recommend him enough! read more

Angela's body work is very helpful in reducing pain. But in addition her advice and insights regarding my condition have led me to taking other steps to heal my body. A very supportive client/therapist relationship. I would recommend her if you are considering massage to alleviate pain and assist you on your path to better health. read more

Angela has been great. She really listens to her clients and tries different techniques to try and ease my shoulder/back pain. Will definitely continue to see her as needed. read more