This review is long overdue, like really long overdue. I had seen Sara for the rolfing ten series, which, if you've guessed by now, is ten separate sessions that are supposed to systematically balance and optimize both the structure and function of the entire body throughout ten Rolfing sessions. Sara's knowledge and skill surpass anyone I've come across, and I'm so sad that I no longer live in the area. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to do another ten series session. Her intuition and integrative techniques (massage, rolfing, cupping, and even graston) were all utilized to restore a lot of lost mobility from overuse and injuries. She's caring, generous with her time, and educates her clients so they can maintain/be successful with their mobility on their own. I'm a fan! Now only if I could find someone locally, but if not... I might have to book a trip back to Portland just to get worked on. read more

Sara Petersen is one of the top bodywork practitioners in the world. THE WORLD. She's way too humble to tell you this, but I can tell you that she is the reason I am such a successful massage therapist; I was lucky to be her student in massage training. Her knowledge of the body and musculoskeletal systems and what to do to help restore function and decrease pain far surpasses that of most physical therapists deep tissue massage practitioners. Her approach to bodywork and Rolfing is functional, practical, and most of all, she wants you to understand why you are having pain and what to do about it. Most massage therapists and physical therapists don't know how to relate that information, so even after years of massage or bodywork you will still be mystified as to the source of your pain. Sara cares about you feeling as good as you can, and will work with you to get you there. Sara is the best, hands down. read more

After a lifetime of sports, horseback riding, running, bootcamp... various injuries came and went, no big deal. However in my late 40s, I was in a car accident, which left me with a back injury and chronic pain. I did months of chiropractic, then lots of PT, saw a DO numerous times, and made little progress. Rolfing was my Hail Mary, and turns out Pax is ah-mazing! Their depth of knowledge of the anatomy, body structure, movement, and ability to work with my body as a unique individual is extraordinary. I am not only gaining some relief from the pain, but am relearning how to stand, sit, move and make subtle shifts that will make me stronger, more stable and hopefully lead me back to activities that I used to love and enjoy. Highly recommend! read more

When you have chronic migraines and headaches for a decade plus, you end up with a lot of random junk designed to help and a lot of random doctors that can't really tell you what the source is or how to fix it. If only I'd found Pax ten years ago! Within TWO sessions, the migraines are gone and I'm down to about 1-2 headaches a month, all of which are manageable with half the dose of pain killers I normally take. I also finally, FINALLY have a clear picture of what is causing the pain and the path forward to resolving it because of Pax's doctorate-level understanding of the musculoskeletal system. If you have pain or a history of it or want to prevent it, save yourself some time and go to Pax first. read more

Fantastic work, worth every penny, very generous with time, resources, even gave me a pillow that has been helpful. Came in for torticollis and found my posture transformed when I left, my partner was startled by how much healthier my posture was! taught me a lot about my body and things i can do at home to help continue care. open, friendly person with a good heart who was very considerate of my needs and consent to touch as a person with a traumatic history (without requiring sharing that fact). read more

WOW! I can not believe Sara does not have a million five star reviews! She is usually kept quite busy with clients visiting her for rolfing and massage. Her background as an athlete with several of her own injuries brings an incredible depth and compassion to her practices. I worked with Sara while I was a trapeze performer and instructor. Bodywork is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in that demanding field. Sara met me with the respect and understanding that I know my body very well and the extreme nature of the work I do. I am not your typical client. I am easily brushed off in the western health care world because they see I am flexible and think "what are you complaining about?" This was very frustrating! If you want to perform at an elite level and be understood by someone who can help you get there, talk to Sara. She understands injury and recovery too and wherever you are at in your process you will learn a lot from working with Sara- It's not just a backrub! It's educational. I would never waste my time getting a massage from someone i dont know to be excellent- it can do more harm than good if you are not careful! That said, if you are in portland, consider yourself lucky that you can get a massage from this talented woman! If I get injured again- I'm gonna have to move to Portland! read more

I've been meaning to leave a review for awhile! Because Pax deserves more than 5 stars. I got a series of 10 structural integration sessions, and it was amazing. Painful, but in the best way! There were days I walked out of there moving better than I have in years. She's so knowledgeable and was able to really hone in on spots that I didn't even know were holding tension. I highly recommend Pax!! read more

I went to see Pax for a session over the weekend and was very impressed with the quality of work. They were the first and only Structural Integration practitioner I've worked with other than my long time therapist down in San Francisco. Having moved to Portland recently, I was skeptical that I would be able to find someone whose work I could appreciate. They not only knew the work extensively but took extra time to explain what they saw in my patterns and gave tips on how to work towards a more structurally integrated body. I would highly recommend Pax for body work, you won't be disappointed! read more

Sara is an impressive balance of intuition and science. She listens, explains, teaches, and creates a collaborative healing environment. If you have any stubborn injuries from sports, the cube farm, carrying 2x4's or an unfortunate car accident, go see her!! She's clearly been a life-long learner of how bodies work and has a variety of techniques to draw from -- deep tissue work, Structural Integration (aka Rolfing), myofascial release, sports massage, etc. She's as, if not more effective than PT's I've worked with. read more

I have been going to Sara for massage for about 10 years. 10 years! Each time I leave feeling the perfect mix of relaxed, energized and healed. Sara is intuitive, super strong without being too forceful and knows a lot about how bodies work. If you are looking for an amazing massage therapist, look no further. read more

Never having experienced Rolfing before I was hesitant to try this therapy. If you have the right practitioner this can really be a great experience. Sarah has a wonderful way of explaining your body in plain English. Though not a medical doctor she has some amazing ideas of healing. If you've ever considered Rolfing, Sarah is a great therapist to try an alternative natural art of healing. Stop reading and send her an inquiry! read more

Sara is an exceptional massage therapist. Her knowledge and insight run deep. And she has the mad skills to go with. I have yet to go through Rolfing with her, but it is a goal of mine because I'm pretty sure it would be life changing. read more

Top notch. The bee's knees. She knows body mechanics and how the body works and heals. She takes the time to explain what is going on and answer questions. She listens to you and your body as she works on it. Highly professional,. wonderful massage table manner. The entire place was spotless. I would recommend her to anyone and will. read more

Nice educational massage. Appreciate very much that she could get me in on short notice after a LMT no showed on me. I felt better and not all sore for days like some other places. I will be back. A bit pricey but I think it's worth it. read more

Sara is, hands down, the best massage therapist I have ever experienced. Period. End of story. I have been getting pretty regular massage for the last 10 years. I can tell you that it is not easy to find a therapist who is experienced, knowledgeable, strong yet gentle and a good listener. But Sara embodies all that and more. Her 15 + years of experience working with injuries has made her the perfect practitioner for me. She was eager to treat my injuries from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) 8 months ago and is helping me stay as pain free as possible. And she is happy to bill my insurance from the MVA as well. She knows her anatomy and has many different techniques to go from surface tension to deep tissue problems. She has a beautiful office which is peaceful, clean and private in an easily accessible area of north Portland. Even though I live in Beaverton, I would rather drive 20 miles to see Sara than go to anyone else! read more

I have had many massages from many therapists in the past and I can say unequivocally, SARA IS THE BEST!! I am a group exercise instructor who also sometimes runs half marathons and given the abuse I put my body through, it is extremely important that I take care of my body so it can perform at its best. Sara's massages do just that! Over the last decade, she has helped me through existing injuries, prevented further injury and relaxed my body and my mind. She patiently listens to you describe how your body is feeling, as well as any areas of concern before each session so she knows how to proceed. Her knowledge of the musculoskeletal system combined with her high skill level and the intuitive, caring nature of her therapies create a relaxing, healing and restorative experience for any one she gets her hands on. She takes the time to educate clients on possible sources of injury and how they can be prevented or alleviated because her understanding of the workings of the body is so deep. In addition, she is a Structural Integration or Rolfing practitioner which I have found to only add to her vast knowledge. She can help any injury or issue you are having. She has even recently started taking insurance for motor vehicle accidents. Please do yourself a favor, CALL SARA!! You won't regret it. read more

I have been going to Sara for several years for both Rolfing and massage. She is an exceptional therapist who is able to diagnose and treat problem areas with great skill. She is always doing further study and can utilize a wide variety of techniques in her therapy. She has a very inviting and comfortable space for both Rolfing and massage located just off Alberta. One thing that is very important to me is the cleanliness of the studio and this is another area in which Sara excels. I have known several massage therapists over the years and Sara is the best I have found and do not hesitate in giving her my highest recommendation. read more

I went to see Sara for the first time 7 weeks ago. I was having extreme low back and hip pain due to pelvic instability, hypermobility, and weakness. Sara carefully listened to all of the details about my body and pain and helped me to understand my injuries through the use of illustrations and skeletal models. She not only is well educated and experienced with massage and the musculoskeletal system but also has suffered injuries as an athlete so she can relate to you in a compassionate way and can empathize with your pain. She is very encouraging and not only an amazing LMT but has also helped me (and my daughter!) with my posture and with strengthen exercises. I've had a lot of massages in the past and I can honestly say that NO ONE has ever been able to pin point exactly where my body needed to be touched better than Sara. Each week she checks in with me and at the end the Rolfing session does a little touch up on the area that is causing me pain. She really gets in there and creates space and is able relieve the pain in my hip from a compressed nerve that I have suffered from for over a year with no relief. Each week I look forward to seeing her because I know that I will feel better afterwards and will be one step closer to healing. Sara is a talented healer, she's funny, compassionate, dedicated, and extremely knowledgeable about anatomy, massage, and exercise. I credit her structural integration series with giving me relief from pain that would otherwise prohibit me from doing the exercises I need to do to in order to heal my injuries. Basically, she's a badass. read more