I hadn't had a massage in over 10 years, but when I heard the Erin would be coming to the DC area from the West Coast, and knowing her reputation, I jumped at the chance to get on her schedule. Even after only one session, I cannot recommend her highly enough. I live a pretty stressful life, and managing that stress (so that I don't turn my body into one giant clenched muscle) is always a challenge. On top of that, I have a permanent shoulder injury that I have to be careful about. (To be precise: a titanium humeral head and tabularized glenoid joint, with three of four rotator-cuff muscles atrophied and gone; in short, major reconstructive work.) Erin took all that into consideration in our session. She knew that I would benefit from a deep-tissue massage, but due to the shoulder injury and the fact that this was my first massage in decade, she paced herself and didn't go overboard. She did ensure that she pushed me to the edge of my comfort zone, to maximize the benefit from the massage, but without placing me in a situation that I would be so sore the next day that I would regret it. She asked for, listened to, and responded to my feedback as she concentrated on my shoulders and back. The next morning, I could not believe how well those shoulders and back felt. I'm a pretty scientific guy (with degrees in physics and engineering) and a former Navy Test Pilot instructor, who's also studied anatomy and physiology and emergency medical techniques. So I sometimes view "alternative therapies" with skepticism. But that following morning, I actually WOKE UP with my shoulders, back and chest feeling as though I had just worked out, due to the improved circulation from the massage. My only complaint was that this effect (inevitably) wore off ... but I felt great all over. I can't wait until Erin gets back to DC so that I can get another session on her massage table. Next time, we're going for the extended 3-5 hour session that she has available. She has a new permanent customer on the East Coast. read more

5 months after a severe shoulder injury, and despite intensive PT, scar tissue had built up until I had "frozen shoulder" - very soon after having surgery to remove the built-up scar tissue, I was lucky enough to have Erin work intensely over a couple of days on many of the muscles that had been severely traumatized and had not been used since the injury. Erin's knowledge and experience (and her incredible strength!) were apparent from the first moment she began her work. As a result of her remarkable work, my physical therapy saw marked improvement, and I was able to achieve full range of motion for the first time in 6 months. Erin's knowledge of the body and movement is amazing and she brings a wonderful, inspiring attitude to healing . Her continuing work has brought me back to the point of being able to pursue my usual vigorous outdoor activities for the first time since the injury. read more

During an important transition in my life I approached Erin for coaching. Over the years we'd gotten acquainted through our shared passion for dance, and I'd long admired her zest and exuberance. Something about her invited confidence and trust. My impression proved to be more than correct. Although she was visiting from out of town, Erin chose an appropriately quiet and private place in which to meet. The atmosphere was calm, and so was she as we began to discuss my concerns. Her focused attention and gently provocative questions put me at ease even as they evoked strong responses that helped me find clarity and make connections between seemingly disparate events and the emotions they triggered in the present day. Best of all, Erin offered practical steps that I could apply when those emotions resurface. That's made a palpable difference in my life, and I'm grateful. read more

I really wanted a good massage after my century ride for the Best Buddies benefit in San Simeon last month. With my background as a sports medicine physician, I knew that the best techniques included Activated Isolated Stretching (and Muscle Energy Technique) and was fortunate enough to find Erin who was donating her time and energy at the event. She is an excellent communicator and was quite sensitive to my medical history and receptive to my input in the massage. The result: The next day and the tell-tale day, day after, my legs and spine were completely rejuvenated! This type of massage is not a "shake and bake" but a real, professional, and medically sound method of mind-body connection that few in the profession actually perform. I will be sending her many of my like-minded athletes in the future and highly recommend her. read more

Once again, Erin came through for me! I called her with my nagging neck problem and she made time for me that day. I have seen many, many bodyworkers over the years but no one can compare to the type of intense work she does. She is very intuitive and knows exactly where to focus. I can't say enough about her amazing skills with getting my body feeling healthy again. But that's not all, she is excellent at core strength training, weight loss, and physical alignment. She is so enthusiastic about people's physical well being and is a motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated health care professional. I have worked with her over the past year and have seen an incredible difference in my body. Check her out - you won't regret it. read more

I first met Erin through dancing. It was clear from the beginning of therapy that her attention to the body was incredibly incisive and I was very touched by her determination to connect with me both personally and professionally. Our sessions felt of a very high quality as a result. Her familiarity with and attention to my body and movement was a springboard to a very surprising and unexpected professional intimacy that grew over time. I feel that our interactions have helped me to cultivate physical presence and to bring that presence more readily into any moment. As a professional, her devotion is unquestionable, and her warmth and humanity leaves nothing to be desired. Thank you Erin...for being present for me. read more

Erin has unique gifts as body worker and personal trainer. In our two sessions Erin carefully assessed my ranges of motion and balance, and designed a strengthening and stretching program designed around my specific injuries and situation. After working with Erin I felt empowered and inspired to improve my body's strength and resiliency. Erin is also wonderfully intuitive and a kind, thoughtful listener. She heard my frustrations over certain limitations and injuries, and gave me feedback on how I could work with those difficult emotions so that they do not limit my physical recovery. I left our session with a series of exercises for home practice, specifically designed for my body. I highly recommend Erin! read more

Erin Brandt is one of the most gifted and knowledgable massage therapists I know. In our sessions together, Erin did highly specific deep tissue work on my upper back and shoulders that helped me release long-held emotional patterns. It was her empathic, intuitive nature, coupled with her keen biomechanical expertise, that allowed me to feel totally comfortable and at ease in letting go. With Erin, I always knew that she had my best interests at heart and that I was in good hands. At the end of each session, I felt lighter, brighter and re-inspired about life... Thanks Erin for your amazing work! - Diana F., New York read more

The way Erin combines persistence/strength in her pressure, with stillness and softness in the approach, is healing. Her massage felt like silent, sweet strength of a higher order; a more profoundly integrated amalgam of open stillness and directed purpose than I think I have ever experienced. She makes every moment open to infinity - all and everything is there, still it feels uncomplicated and basically here-and-now. The love and compassion embodied in her touch is overwhelming, yet I was not left needy or too fragile or incomplete afterwards - I felt masculine and grown up even though I had certainly opened up to vulnerability and surrender. read more

Erin has had a profound impact in my life. She gave me hope when I had little to none. I was practically chair bound and had been so for almost a year. After running the gamut of all that traditional medicine could offer (with no relief) I turned to alternative means of treatment and discovered Erin. She provided almost immediate relief and encouraged me throughout my recovery to educate myself regarding my health. Erin was the inspiration for my deciding to become a Massage Therapist. She is a dedicated professional who strives to help her clients achieve health and wellness. I highly recommend her to anyone. She has my gratitude for life. read more

I had a deep tissue massage with Erin recently and she worked specifically on my back and my hands. I do hardwood floors for a living so I am constantly using my back and my hands. When I woke up the day after the massage, I noticed that I could open my hands up without feeling like they were stretched, like they had been lubricated. Very cool. The main difference was how my back felt. When I pulled my shoulders back, my upper back felt loose, I could pull my shoulder blades much closer together than I can remember. In short, I would highly recommend her as a body worker. Her knowledge of the body also was impressive. Craig R read more

Since college I have been continuously seeing massage therapists to relieve back pain from sitting at desk for hours on a computer. However, since college I have not found a massage therapist quite like Erin. I had such a comfort level with her that allowed me to relax which in turn made for a better massage session. She was very good in finding the knots in my back without me having to tell her. All I had to do was close my eyes, relax, breathe, and Erin took care of the rest. I always left her office as if fifty pounds have been taken off my back. I was very lucky to have met Erin and to have had her as my massage therapist. read more

REVIEWING ERIN AS MY BOOTCAMP INSTRUCTOR I followed Erin from another of www.BrienShamp.com Bootcamp locations just so I could have her as my instructor because I found her to be a great motivator and teacher! When I wanted to slow down or quit, she found ways to push me beyond my normal limitations - and got me to enjoy it! She also made me aware of how to properly execute the subtleties of each exercise routine; as such, I got more out of each workout. In the two months I worked with her, I lost 5 pounds - not to mention a stronger and more buff body! read more

I recently participated in a group coaching session with Erin. I have to say, it was a powerful session! Erin's warmth and presence created a space for us where we could be vulnerable and dig deeper within ourselves. Her intuition, unique perspective(s), and her ability to ask the right questions made the process flow even more smoothly. This was my first session with Erin. Yet, she encouraged our contribution(s) to each other giving even my raw opinion(s) some credibility which was empowering. You are an amazing woman! :) read more

I am especially grateful to Erin for her dedication to educating herself and me. Her knowledge of body mechanics and how best to relieve its stresses is extensive and always came through during our massage sessions. Additionally, she taught me how to take care of my body myself. I remember one particular time (Stanford!) my knee was seriously uncomfortable. She showed me how lying on my side on a styrofoam roller could alleviate the tightness until I could get back to her for the deep tissue work. Thank you, Erin! read more

Erin has been extremely valuable in helping me manage a back injury. She created a flexibility and strengthening program that relieved pain more effectively than drugs or cortisone injections. Erin is able to mix and match techniques from a variety of disciplines - yoga, Pilates, weight training, dance / movement, massage, etc. - and develop a customized approach that gets results. Her depth of understanding, strong grounding in physical therapy and exercise, and individualized focus set her apart. read more

Having been a Chiropractor for 10 years, I have been massaged by the best and some of the not so talented. Erin is on the best side of the scale. Her combination of passion, knowledge, and personality give you the focused attention you need without neglected any part of your body. Her ability to customize your session rather than stick to a head to toe follow the formula massage is what I would recommend to anyone. Looking forward to my next appointment. Dr. Joe Musich, Chiropractor read more

Erin has helped me more than any other massage therapist, or for that matter any physical therapist. Her treatments and exercise prescriptions are based on deep knowledge of musculature, the nervous system and overall physiology. On more than one occasion she was able to diagnose, treat and cure what had been quite painful and chronic back and joint problems. She is also a very engaging person who takes great interest in her clients. I can't recommend her highly enough. read more

Just had the pleasure of a session with Erin during her last stint in NYC. She's amazing. I had forgotten how intense she could be. Just what I needed. Although my posture is better than most people I meet as a chiropractor, my upper back takes a beating from bending over all day while adjusting. My arms get tired and sore as well and she just got a lot of my scar tissue broken up so that I could continue doing my daily activities without crying in pain. Thanks Erin! read more