For more than three years, the Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage has been one of my…read morego-to options for massage. And after receiving massages for 30+ years, I've experienced many different therapists, techniques, and approaches. As a long-distance runner, I regularly deal with tightness in my thighs and legs and tension in my lower back. I also tend to carry intense tension and plenty of knots in my upper back and shoulders. More recently, my needs have evolved. Since the end of June, I've been recovering from a meniscus tear, and lately another reason for massage has been reducing tension in my neck to help increase my range of motion. Deep-tissue massage, firm pressure, and focused pressure-point work are usually what my body responds to best. When it comes to technique, I appreciate a massage therapist who can identify areas of tension, apply firm and sustained pressure where needed, work through knots without simply going through the motions, and adjust their technique based on how my body responds. That's also why the conversation before the massage matters. Before the session, the therapist reviews relevant health history, current updates, and the areas I want them to focus on. My needs can change depending on running, other physical activity, recovery, and where I'm carrying tension that particular day. The school offers 60-minute sessions: Swedish Massage ($40) Provided by students developing their massage skills and gaining hands-on learning. Advanced Massage ($45) Focused on professional development, with the added benefit of a private room. Every therapist brings a different touch, technique, and level of experience, and that's part of going to a massage school. I've experienced a variety of approaches and some very good massages. The overall setting is professional and no-frills. Check-in is pleasant and efficient. The rooms are clean, and I especially enjoy the privacy of the individual rooms, sometimes accompanied by soft, relaxing music. Booking online is my preference. I generally look about two weeks ahead, although you may snag an appointment sooner, and appointments can be booked several weeks out. I also appreciate receiving a reminder call from staff the day before something I previously suggested to management. A few practical things to know: payment is cash only, usually collected before the session, and there is no tipping. After each session, clients are encouraged to complete a feedback form addressing technique, pressure, comfort, communication, and whether the goals for the session were met. There's also an opportunity to share what the therapist did particularly well and what could improve the next session. I appreciate that feedback is built into the learning process. Kudos to the students. Learning the art and science of therapeutic massage takes practice, patience, technique, and a willingness to receive feedback. I appreciate their professionalism, attentiveness, and commitment to developing their craft. As a client, I benefit from their learning, and hopefully my feedback helps them continue to grow as massage therapists. Affordability is another big plus. Having massage therapists in WDC, MD and VA can get expensive, particularly when massage is part of a regular wellness and recovery routine. Sixty minutes for $40 or $45 gives me another way to incorporate massage more frequently without the cost of a traditional spa or private practice. For me, a good massage isn't simply about relaxation. It's about technique, pressure, communication, body awareness and effectiveness. And after each session, I leave feeling relieved, refreshed and relaxed. The Northern Virginia School of Therapeutic Massage is located in Falls Church, VA. It is not Metro accessible, so keep transportation in mind. If you're driving, there's plenty of parking. After more than three years, I continue to return. That may be the best review I can give.

I made a New Year's resolution to make self-care a priority by having a massage from time to time…read more However, I've always thought of them as a special occasion item and sort of out of my budget. I remember a friend told me about this place, years ago - that you can get an affordable massage done by students in training. I went to the website, scheduled the appointment and I am so glad I gave them a try!! Since they are students, you may get a different person each time - and that is fine with me. I've been two times and each visit was great. They were professional, they asked me questions and asked if I needed attention to specific areas and they ask if you need more or less pressure. I have a sedentary job and carry tension in my neck and back so I asked for attention to those areas. My first massage was done in Feb 2022 and the cost was $35 cash. The pricing has since increased and its now $40 cash. You must bring cash. I also brought enough for a tip as well. I recommend this facility for a massage because they are very personable, they ask how you are doing and provide excellent instructions and take care of you.

Wendy Taylor was recommended to me by a friend. I sought her help after months of Physical Therapy…read morehad failed to alleviate the symptoms from a bulging disc in my lower back. Wendy's manner was excellent. She took time getting to know my history, habits, complaints and lifestyle before every treatment. She explained everything she was doing beforehand which made me feel at ease. Almost immediately, there were subtle, but discernible improvements, in my back and throughout my body as a whole. I would highly recommend Wendy to anyone who wishes to improve their body, maintain their health, or seek relief from a specific injury or discomfort.

Oh my goodness! Where do I even begin? I would give Wendy a million stars if I could!…read more I reached out to Wendy during a very trying time of extreme stress, anxiety and mental struggle, and I am so glad I did. Wendy's help and guidance over the past couple months have truly been an integral part of my healing process. I've been doing a weekly combination of acupuncture and reiki, and I highly recommend it. Even after a just a preliminary reiki session, I immediately felt more grounded and at peace, and my lower back pain was gone. Wendy took great care to thoroughly go over my physical and mental health history, as well as past and current life struggles before we began our sessions. She tailors each session accordingly, and very thoroughly explains her reasoning behind her decisions--it is so interesting and informative! She has provided me many helpful tips and tricks to take moving forward! Along with being an amazing healer, Wendy is such a kind, thoughtful, and caring person--I am truly lucky to have found her in my healing journey.

We are incredibly grateful to have had Katie as our doula. She is professional, deeply experienced,…read morecompassionate, and exceptionally skilled at working with medical providers while always advocating for her clients. As someone of advanced maternal age with a pregnancy complicated by hypertension, I felt supported and informed every step of the way. Katie was a steady, reassuring presence throughout pregnancy, induction, and birth. She helped us navigate complex medical decisions with clarity and confidence, and her calm advocacy made a meaningful difference in our experience. We felt heard, respected, and empowered throughout the entire process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Katie is exceptional at her job, and an amazing human being. My wife and I were both very anxious…read moreeven before we were expecting for the first time. My wife needed someone who could instill calmness, provide information, and accommodate her preferences for labor. I needed someone who could help me be the involved partner i wanted to be through the childbirth process and after. That is why once we found out we were expecting we were looking for a doula to help us sort through the tons of information on preparing for childbirth, childbirth itself and the medical, personal, and other choices associated with it. Katie is an expert's expert, but is able to talk through different topics in a way that helped put us at ease. She's friendly and funny, which helps when she is walking through medical decisions, how to talk to doctors, how to talk to family, considerations and questions we have as first-time parents. She also makes herself available by phone and text when we have questions at random hours with baby. On top of all that, after our baby girl was born, she was able to follow up with us and help teach us a few tricks here and there as well as answer questions we had as things came up.

I am trying out different massage schools. It's a way to get an affordable massage from students…read morecompleting their necessary hours to obtain a license. This is my 2nd student massage. I had one at a different school about 1 month ago. The center is located in Annandale at the Seoul Plaza, inside, 2nd floor. At the time, the elevator was not working, so I took the stairs. There is a sign on the elevator door, but its in Korean. I was wondering if it was an out of service sign...and it probably was, lol! Oncei got to the 2nd floor, I followed the signs and found the center. The staff person at the check-in table was welcoming. I had already registered online over a month ago and received a reminder email 2 days prior. The Masseuse introduced himself and showed me where to go, to get ready and he would be back. The Masseuse was professional and asked what areas needed focus and asked how the pressure was if I needed less or more. I asked for a relaxation massage. The Masseuse found the tight spots without me having to tell him. I literally melted. You never realize how tense your muscles are until you get a massage. I am trying to get them minimum once per month or twice. After it was over, he told me to take my time standing up. The website says pay with cash so I was prepared and I gave a tip. Some things that need improvement, the restroom. It is a shared office building with various businessess so the center does not have a private one. The restroom stays locked so you have to get the key from the massage center. The bathroom is just sadly rundown and needs some attention. Other than that, I plan to come back. I may not get the same Masseuse student, but thats ok. Since they're completing the required hours, they are temporary. If you're stressed out with aches and tension, come and check this place out. #selfcare

Student clinic was amazing & wonderful.. felt so blessed & grateful.. Definitely visit again soon~read more

Shelly Mathews was perfect! I took the day long class, and was worried about being able to stay…read moreawake for that long, but she was so engaging the day flew by. I would highly recommend this class, especially if you're a first-time mom.

Thanks Shelly for the great session. Your session was very informative and helpful. My wife and I…read morelearnt a lot from you.

Udim is an warm, kind, intuitive person and healer. I originally reached out to Udim at Sunny…read moreTherapeutics because there were some things nagging me about my how my body was functioning that were disregarded or misunderstood by chiropractors, physical therapists, medical specialists, personal trainers, the list goes on. I'd sought care for this in so many settings and through so many channels. I had reached the end of my rope with no one really listening to me or hearing me, I was in debilitating pain with chronic headaches, and then enter Udim. She immediately 'got it' and I've been working with her ever since, for going on 8 months. Udim didn't come at me with a plan or a structure, she developed it all by listening to me and by sending what my body needed, hence why I say she is intuitive. Each session is customized to what's going on with me and where Udim can help. Through therapy and reprocessing trauma, I knew how much the body stores and 'knows.' Working with Udim has helped me truly start to connect the mind-body-spirit piece so that I can understand the full picture and work towards wellness in a more holistic way. Pain isn't just pain, anxiety isn't just anxiety. When my body feels these things, there's a reason and it's telling me to listen and care for my body, mind, and spiritual needs better. Working with Udim is teaching me this. And lowering my chronic pain and mostly eliminating my headaches in the process. Beyond working with me on some functional body things, Udim has even worked with me through some chronic health concerns that I've had for 30 or more years. I've had surgeries to address symptomatic issues that haven't actually helped me in the long term. Udim has been able to address these concerns in a non-invasive, gentle way and truly works to get to the root issue, not just the surface symptomatic issue. Literally I can't say it enough, Udim is amazing. A truly sunny being, a lightworker. It's a joy to work with her and be her client. I will be seeing her for a while to continue to unfold all the layers of what is stored up in my body. So grateful to her that I'm finally learning how to hear my body and be present with it.

I met Dr. Udim Isang PT, DPT at another great event a week earlier and she invited me to the Sunny…read moreTherapeutics backyard event. On the evening of the Sunny Therapeutics event I came about 8:30pm. I parked my car down the block and walked around to the safe expansive well designed backyard. Who knew I would be there for the next 5 hours. The event was to officially end when people head home. By 2:15am I stood up to leave. I wasn't the only one. There was structure....with writing down our intentions ice breaker game and then there was good food Inside the house. Even though I got there 2 hours after the initial start there was still some food and drinks. Want to open your chakras? There was a chakra breathing demonstration led by Precious MotherLove. Sit down when doing because you can become light headed. Last but not least were the intriguing conversations around the fire pit. I don't think people wanted it to end. There were a couple vendors there as well so bring a little cash or save for something nice. Not to mention....I was relaxing and looking up at the night sky (not often do I just relax and look up!). I guess I just talked about my night but going back to the people I met. I'm following up. They will follow up and I know for sure we will all be back next month with a friend. It's a no brainer for me. Peace til we meet again. D'mo

I just finished a 3-day Administrative Officer training at this location, which is conveniently…read moreright off of exit 4 of 495 (across from Checkers-slow down or you'll miss it!). The two story building has a nice size parking lot and plenty of room in the training area. When you enter the building, staff is there to greet and direct you. Once on the second level, another member is there to show you around and have you sign in. Super friendly group of people there! The class was full and extremely informative...kudos to the instructor (Carol) for keeping us engaged the entire time. Each day during class we were offered a nice continental breakfast, a full spread buffet lunch that included different selections that was enough to keep us happy as well as afternoon snacks and plenty of water, soda and juice options. I'm not sure where the food was catered from, but it was good! Lastly, I'd like to point out the women's restroom. When you enter, you are greeted by 3 stalls...wait...let me say that in a better way...you are greeted by 3 private styled stalls. Ahh...this impressed me because I dislike using public restrooms...And even though we were all in there together, having true separation eased my anxiety ALOT! If you get a chance to, check out the trainings HRI offers and let's get this business some yelping reviews!

This is one of my favorite training locations. Their instructors are very knowledgable and the…read morecourses are fun. I would definetly recommend them! They also feed you lunch and breakfast, you cant beat that!

We cannot say enough wonderful things about DCBD. This was my/our first pregnancy, and we truly…read morefelt supported every step of the way by their team. Especially in those last 1-2 months, we leaned so heavily on the birth doulas and they responded to all of our questions and concerns immediately. We learned the most about how to care for our daughter and what was happening in my body from DCBD. I went into labor and the birth experience feeling ready and excited, and that's because of the experience, information, and kindness that were shared with us ahead of time. The birth - nearly 4 months later, and we are still talking about Camille! We are going to remember her forever - she was such a wonderful presence during my entire labor and after, and we don't know what we would have done without her. She made sure my husband and I knew what was happening, she advocated for us, she ensured I was comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be in labor), and she really rooted for us the whole time. I felt safe because she was with us. And Ella - we were shocked that someone who didn't *have* to be there, stayed for the entire labor, participated, and stayed after when we were transferred to the postpartum room! She will be (or already is) a phenomenal birth doula. We felt so lucky to have Camille and Ella. Post birth - Lolonyo came to our house the very first night we were back from the hospital, and what a gift she is. She taught us how to soothe a baby, how to change a diaper (I'm sure they showed us in the hospital... but I could not remember haha). We had her for several nights during those first 2 months and we were so, so grateful to wake up the next morning refreshed, rested, and with the knowledge that our daughter had been held in loving arms all night long. She was never judgmental and was always supportive as we navigated breastfeeding, safe cosleeping, and everything else. We also had Joanna for several daytime visits. She always made sure to check in on my mental and physical health, which was so appreciated, and she was so helpful. We always felt like we were able to reset a bit after her visits, because she'd leave behind clean bottles and pump parts and a rested (and sometimes still sleeping) baby, and we would have had time to ourselves to shower and get a little more organized. She made our chaotic lives feel lighter, and we loved her for that. As a DCBD member you'll also have the opportunity to be part of a postpartum circle of other parents going through what you did. Shaleen and Elizabeth gave us space to talk through birth and everything that comes after, while feeling supported and safe. I'm still friends with some of the parents from my circle. In closing - DCBD is worth every single penny. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

Rebecca from DC Birth Doulas was absolutely incredible. From the moment we first connected, I…read moreimmediately felt comfortable with her and the entire team. She has such a warm, genuine presence that made it easy to ask questions and talk through everything honestly. She was always responsive and gave thoughtful, real answers that helped me feel informed and confident throughout the process. I was hoping for a VBAC, and with Rebecca's support we were able to have a successful one. She provided amazing support not only for me, but also for my husband. During labor she was calm, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable, helping us both feel grounded and supported every step of the way. Having Rebecca there made such a difference in our birth experience. I'm so grateful for her care and for the support of the entire DC Birth Doulas team. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly supportive doula