What a thorough personalized massage experience at a reasonable price. Diane was very appropriately chatty but also supportive of creating a relaxing atmosphere. My sister in law had massages back to back which Diane generously scheduled. Her studio is clean and intimate. She was nice enough to move her dog out of the room when I told her about my allergies. She worked wonders on knots in my neck and offered suggestions. Definitely a hot stone massage with her is in our next future. Highly recommend! read more

I woke up especially sore and stiff this morning after a few weeks of high stress and rigorous exercise. Being a holiday, I wasn't sure if I would be able to book an appointment for a massage in the area. I tried a few spas, but they were indeed closed or booked solid. I contacted Diane and she was extremely accommodating and flexible with her time. As other reviewers have noted, her studio is in the basement of her house and has a very warm, welcoming vibe. It is also very quiet and the privacy factor allowed me to relax much faster than in a busy spa. The massage felt like a blend of many techniques. The intensity of the pressure fluctuated to match the needs of different areas of my body and she performed stretches on my legs, which would have been worth the money alone. It's a cliché, but I feel like a new man after leaving there. She offered me some helpful feedback after the massage and suggested some exercises and stretches to incorporate into my daily life. All in all, a great experience, and I look forward to another visit! read more

Diane's studio is cozy and comfortable and she's always very conscious of her client's comfort. I suffered a nerve injury and have been seeing Diane regularly for about six months now. She's very knowledgeable and has helped me tremendously. She tailors massages to the client's needs. You're not going to get some cookie-cutter massage that leaves you with all the knots and stress you came in with. Diane is versed in many types of massage and combines techniques to give you what you need. I can't say enough good things about her. I feel I owe a good deal of my recovery to her. The only problem I have recommending her is that it might hurt my chances of getting appointments when I want them, but I can't in good conscience keep her a secret if she can help someone else as she has me. read more

I first booked to see Diane at a point where my back was in acute pain and I hadn't had anyone work on it for a couple of years. I had recently reached the point where I was unable to do any exercise and was taking Advil daily just to function. She's a great therapist and I've been really impressed with her - she combines regular massage with deep tissue and sports massage and it's been brilliant. From the first session, my back started to improve and over the 8 weeks I've been seeing her, I have managed to start running again and I'm now living without constant back pain for the first time in months. The only reason that I'm not going to keep seeing Diane is that I'm moving to Chicago next week - I'd highly recommend her services to anyone in the area! read more

It's been a long time since I've had a really good, professional massage as my horse eats up (literally) all of my disposal income. Diane definitely delivered. She spends time asking you about specific issues and what you want to get out of the massage and then she really really pays attention to those areas. Then at the end she provides you with observations on how your body responded and different stretching techniques. It is easy to tell that she really knows what she is doing and understands muscles. The massage was just the right combination of pressures and I really liked how well she handled my hip joints which tend to be pretty awful. I never once felt any pain but I could definitely feel the tension dissipate. She was extremely thorough and hit all of my main issue areas. She was able to fit me in on a same day appointment which I hugely appreciated. The location is in the lower level of her house and is very comfortable. The massage table was warm and and the environment very relaxing. I've had two massages in people's homes and this was by far the nicest spot. I prefer this type of atmosphere to a busy spa, you get to leave in a calm way. Her prices are very reasonable. I'll definitely be back! read more

Diane was great! She really goes all out including stretching. I injured my back some how and had four massages in one week with all different masseuses. I will definitely be coming back to see her. read more

Had a Massage yesterday with Diane. Told her I was have tightness and pain in my lower back and was a little stressed out right now ! The place was clean, comfortable, she had a professional demeanor But she did not address the reason I made the appointment ! Felt her focus was off and she didn't even touch my lower back or sacrum ? All her reviews are great but everybody has an off day . Felt less stress when I left but need to get another massage because of the tightness in my lower back is painful read more

I've been going to Diane/Phoenix Rising massage since 2008 and she is awesome!!!! I go to her for everything, from a relaxation massage to post marathon massage. Diane works for the Four Seasons Hotel spa and Phoenix Rising is her own business she has out of her own studio on Connecticut Ave. Diane is so versatile; I've gotten different types of massages for different purposes and she has done wonders for all! I first started going to her because I had somehow injured one of my lower back muscles, and she help improve recovery by not only working just on my back, but also on the surrounding connecting tissues and muscles that were contributing to the pain and providing stretching techniques to do on my own. What I like most about Diane is that since she is an athlete herself, she understand the types of muscles used and resulting injuries that may occur. Also she doesn't douse you is oils leaving you feeling greasy and icky afterwards. Major plus. And her hot stone massage...just amazing!!! Oh, and did I mention her prices are ridiculously low for massages?? $70 for a hour massage, you really can't beat that. Especially for such a knowledgeable and great therapist. So stop reading this review and make an appointment with Diane!!! read more

Big thanks to Diane for a great massage and putting an end to my shoulder pain! I weight train daily and had been suffering from pain in my left shoulder/scapular area that led to a constant, dull pain and my not being able to work on my shoulders. After taking three weeks off of weight training my shoulders and trying acupuncture (at $90 a pop!), I was still not finding any relief. I was lamenting to a friend about my pain and she referred me to Diane, mentioning that Diane had just solved a similar issue for her. My massage with Diane was fantastic! She was able to get me an appointment right away - she is very accessible by phone. The studio is very comfortable, warm and inviting. Diane asked a lot of questions to better understand what my trouble area was, what my daily activities consisted of, and what could have led to the issue. She also assessed my muscularity and advised me to reduce the amount of chest exercises I was doing and increase back exercises. After that one session (and taking her advice), my pain - which had been present for months - was gone. I have since stopped the acupuncture and resumed weight training. I plan to see Diane every month or two to make sure my pain doesn't come back. read more

Diane helped me out with a bad back not long after I moved to D.C. 3 1/2 years ago. She did stellar work and I have been seeing her periodically ever since. She does a great job at a more than fair price. She has very strong hands, which I appreciate. I've stayed with her, even though I have closer options to my building. Can't recommend her enough. read more

Diane is a 5-star therapist that will help alleviate any tensions, soreness, and stresses you have. She is extremely friendly, personable, and effective. I had shoulder pain for awhile and after one 90-min hot stone session, the pain went away after the session. Highly recommend! read more

This review has been a long time coming (my first yelp review too); I have been seeing Diane on a regular basis for massages for over a year now. She is very professional, very skilled and very involved in with her clients. When I booked her for the first time and we walked through all the issues and pain I was having. She took her time working on problem areas and I felt really good afterwards. What really impressed me was every time I have gone back, she refers to the book and takes more notes - so it is all a continuation of therapy with each visit, the likes of which I have not encountered elsewhere. As far as the massage itself, I usually get a 90 minute hot stone massage. I am what you'll call 'a little more than a Sunday warrior'. I love playing very active sports and I do so about 3 - 4 times a week even though my body disagrees sometimes. My muscles usually end up being very tight and there's usually one injury or the other; not only do I get massages with Diane, but I also get tips on stretching, hydrating and staying healthy / fit in general for the level of activity I engage in. The massages are so good that I sometimes doze off even when she's using enough pressure for a deep tissue massage. Diane's studio is also very cozy and I never feel rushed through any part of the entire visit / massage. I'll say her prices are competitive and on par with what you'll get in the DC / MD / VA area. I wanted to get this review so that others may share the same benefits of having a great massage therapist. read more

There is nothing kinder you can do for your body than getting a deep-tissue massage from Diane!

I had acl reconstructive surgery almost a year ago, and while I am back to running and playing sports, I have residual muscle pain from compensation and weakness. My back is almost always a mess as well. Thanks to Diane, I now feel amazing. I am so excited to continue working with her. She clearly has exceptional knowledge of muscle groups and how the body works. I learned a lot about where my pain was coming from, and where I could improve my body function by stretching and adjusting a few other habits (I asked a lot of questions during the massage). The massage itself was absolutely excellent. The office is peaceful and she even has a heated massage table which was a bonus treat. I can't wait to return. read more

I just love getting massages from Diane! Other massage therapists in town just don't compare. I've been a regular client since 2008 and she has gotten to know my normal issues well but is always mindful to check in with me on what my muscles are currently experiencing. I've even brought in notes from my chiropractor on what needs to be worked on. So, not only do I get delicious massage that leaves me feeling pampered and cared for, Diane has become another member of my interdisciplinary healthcare team. She is the best, seriously. read more

I was given an aroma therapy massage with Diane as a birthday gift from my sisters. I will forever be indebted to them. It is so rare to find such a warm, skillful, and healing therapist. It was uncanny how Diane found all my kinks without me having to tell her where to focus. It's like she just knew. It was such a restorative experience. I left the session feeling balanced and happy. I can't wait for my next massage with Diane. read more

My husband got me a gift certificate for a massage as I work in a semi-stressful job environment. After my initial consultation with Diane where I mentioned that I carry the majority of my stress in my shoulders, she spent a great deal of time on those muscles -- I could feel the tension melting as she worked! She used the exact amount of pressure that I needed and I felt light and rested after my session. I highly recommend her services :) read more

Diane is fantastic. She's a real pro and her services come at a reasonable price. I visited her for the first time about 2 1/2 months ago to deal with some lower back pain and it's now gone. She provides a relaxed, comfortable environment and takes the time to explain everything she is doing. She also has very strong hands, which I appreciate. I'm hooked. I try to see her a couple of times per month and consider myself a client. read more

Diane is wonderful! I was suffering from serious back pain and was in desperate need of a massage. I found Diane on Yelp. She was very accommodating and was able to fit me in the same day. When I saw her, I could hardly move. She did a fantastic job loosening up the muscles. I continued to see her several times for my back pain. She really cares about her clients; takes the time to explain how the body works, how the muscles are connected, and what may be causing the pain. She also showed me stretches that would help my back and tailors our sessions to my particular pain points. I've also had her deep tissue massage and hot stone massage; which were phenomenal! Diane is professional, caring, and accommodating. Her massages are simply amazing! read more

I don't get massages often because I usually end up disappointed. Not this time! Definitely the best massage I've ever had. I may actually become a regular massage goer. read more