Sonja makes you see Buddha, Ganesha, Jesus, Methuselah and his papa Enoch along with various deities and all through massage. She has magic hands, for sure. Hey, hey, hey, I mean that in a serious way too. No joking around with Sonja. Don't disrespect her by pulling that 'Happy Endings' crap. I will hunt you down and beat you with my heels if you do. Joking aside, Sonja has done wonders for my body. My shoulders are no longer made out of metamorphic rock. Now, there gradually becoming sedimentary and soon igneous. (NOTE: If you know any of these rock formations, you are a total geek, wait, hold on, that makes me, umm, never mind). Her technique and overall care for her clients is immense. She's absolutely lovely, kind, compassionate, and really knows what's going on with your body through touch. There is something so eerily intuitive about her presence that you just trust her. She also encourages feedback about your experience and tells you what she would like to focus on to guarantee optimal care and attention to problem areas. Another important detail, she has fantastic taste in music and the establishment is oh so wonderfully relaxing. Ahhhh...I wish I was there now... The location is fantastic! Right near Dolores Park and on the same street as BiRite and an ice cream shop across the way. Goodness, if you wanted to treat yourself to an evening of gluttony and massage, you came to the right place. Beware of the parking across the street though, it's a no parking zone during rush hour and your car may get towed. Otherwise, Sonja is so worth the trek! Lastly, she's just beautiful inside out! Please see Sonja for your well being. Trust me, she will definitely take excellent care of you and ensure you take care of yourself!! read more

Sonja is a gem. She is definitely a gifted body worker. I have been getting regular massage for 15 years plus, & am a massage therapist myself (now only use those skills for teaching massage & for doing facials). I am v. impressed with her skill, presence, genuine concern for my well-being, intuition with the body and what I need right then and how she really gets in there and works it out! I highly recommend her work. Dont be afraid of rolfing either. People tend to be afraid of it. I think that is because it can be v. deep work but she interprets and incorporates it beautifully. read more

I have wanted to try out Rolfing for many years, and about four months ago I started looking around for local Rolfers here on Yelp. I was going to go with another practitioner who was a lot more expensive, but after some miscommunications with that Rolfer I ended up shopping around some more and landing on Sonja's Yelp page. I'm glad I came to her instead of the other Rolfer, she is very skilled and a lot more easy-going and pleasant to work with. I just completed my ten-session Rolfing series with Sonja, and I am very pleased with the results of my treatments. I can't fully describe the somatic sense of how the treatments have changed my physical experience of being present in my body, but I will try. Overall, I feel more limber, expanded and buoyant, especially when I'm out moving about, walking down the street in my daily activities. With Sonja's guidance and structural adjustments, my posture has improved in walking, standing, sitting and for meditation. Rolfing was not as painful or as intense as I had anticipated. The pain was never so bad I had to tell her to lighten up, and I only once cried due to some emotions that were being released. On that occasion, Sonja was very kind and comforting and sensitive in the gentle way she talked me through my difficulties. I grew to feel very safe and cared for under her healing hands. And although the ten sessions have ended, I hope to return to her from time to time for adjustments and for the pleasure of being in her care. She is a gifted professional and a real sweetheart. read more

I went through the entire rolfing sequence with Sonja and I can't say enough about what an incredible bodyworker she is. At one time, I did not consider rolfing because I thought it might be intense and might involving molding my body in a way that was sort of cookie cutter...like "one right way to be." But as I studied massage and learned more about deep tissue work I realized that getting rolfed with the right practitioner could be a part of my self-care and wellness. I was referred to Sonja by my chiropractor Eric Rubin (who is also 5 stars), he explained that she did great work yet with a softer, less intense touch. Wow, was he right. Sonja manages to blend her work in a way that results in visible structural change with a relaxing, refreshing massage-like experience. Without hesitation I recommend her to anyone looking for Rolfing, deep tissue work, or massage. Your body will thank you...mine did. read more

Sonja is awesome! she's my first experience with getting Rolfing done (i'm not entirely sure if i'm using the term correctly in this sentence...help.)....i have a "tricky" back (getting old is no joke, people...i think i've told you all this before) and some tricky knees and such. i'm trying to preserve my active lifestyle, and Sonja is definitely a player in this goal. she has strong hands, as evidenced my me tearing up during the sessions. note that i haven't actually cried during any session, because i'm a big boy, and big boys don't cry. seriously though, she has a great touch, and she'll adjust to whatever level of deepness you want. i need her to dig in for my personal goals, so that's what i ask for, tears or not (i'm joking about the tears...seriously. no, seriously.). she is very intuitive and perceptive about the current state of your body, which is great. for the Rolfing sessions, she will spend the beginning of the sessions evaluating certain things (like your posture, stride, etc.), and then she will give you some feedback on these things and then have an action plan on what you might need to do, as well as her role with the bodywork. outside of that, i've found Sonja to be very personable and nice.....i highly recommend her, but don't you dare take my time slots with her.... read more

I tell so many people how much I love Sonja's work, that I thought I already had yelp covered and was ready to move on and insist that Gwyneth Paltrow put rolfing on her blog. Not many people know how wonderful this treatment is - it seems that my peers have never heard of it, and most people a bit older than me think the process involves excruciating pain. Sonia's rolfing is like a deep tissue massage with extra insight and lasting benefits. She checks your posture and has you walk to and fro to check the balance of your new and improved alignment before, during and after each session. I actually stand on my feet differently since I've been seeing her, and I feel noticeably better. She's also a joy to talk to as well, though I've had no problems falling asleep on the table. Can't wait for my next session! ...although I've fallen in love with her neighborhood and must save to move there, so must wait a bit longer. read more

I would give Sonja 10 stars if it were a rating. I did the Rolfing series with her. She kept me in tip top shape during my training. She is professional, experienced, and has a great bubbly personality. read more

Stiff neck, tight shoulders, cramp in your forearms, wrists or fingers gone asleep from being hunched over your laptop? or feet tired from hours in beautiful Italian Shoes, legs burning, pain in your lower back from standing all day at your work? (or in my case, body tangled around my bike as I flew over the handle bars coming down from the Cliff House a few months ago - good thing I wore a helmet or I would have left my face on the concrete) Go see Sonja Yount at "Integrity in Motion". I did today. It was great! Thank you Sonja! read more

I am on the second of the rolfing 10-series, and already I am seeing a major improvement in my posture and back pain. Sonja has an amazing touch and makes the whole experience really wonderful. For those concerned with the pain of rolfing, I do experience some intense moments, but never anything unbearable. The diaphram work she did is great and will help me stand up straighter and sing more fully at my concert this weekend! The location next to Bi-Rite market is an additional plus! read more

Sonja is not only a skilled practitioner but also a genuinely caring person. The massage Sonja gave felt great and helped me to stand up straighter and without the usual aches and pains. I appreciate that Sonja takes the time to talk, observe and listen. She is warm and professional, so I felt comfortable sharing my concerns. I was particularly impressed by the way she was able to take what I told her combined with her own observations and then tailor her work to my particular issues and needs. Whether you are looking to address long-term structural problems or just looking for a little relief and relaxation, I would recommend without reservation that you visit Sonja. read more

I just finished a structural integration session with another therapist (online deal) and I just kept thinking, "Dang. I miss Sonja." Within 30 minutes of finishing that session, here I am updating my review for Sonja. Folks--if you're interested in structural integration, you can stop shopping and contact Sonja now. It's all the little things that made Sonja's experience so pleasurable. Mind you, it's been 2 years since my 10-series and I still remember these things. Now that I've had a comparison point, I feel even 1) Sonja uses lotion. Man, this other lady was yanking on my dry winter skin and it burned at some points. 2) Sonja moves with me. She moved with my breath and her movements felt like extensions of my own body. I missed her long strokes, as well! 3) Sonja is firm, but not painful. Man, there's nothing worse than bony hands and limbs jabbing into your body. Sonja's hands don't hurt. 4) Sonja is extremely professional and reliable. I won't even tell you what the other lady was like. 5) Sonja really assess your body. She has you walk back and forth and do some movement so that she can really see what's going on with your body. Others just make you stand there and guess at your bodily issues. I am going to book my next session with her now! read more

I've been through the 10-series and keep coming back to Sonja every few weeks to keep my back lose. She's been great helping me working though back pain and muscle tightness. Her analysis of my body structure and suggestions to improve my sitting and walking positions have improved my normal patterns. Best Rolfer/massage I've been to! read more

I found her place by accident while parked by her office getting (BI-RITE ice cream) decided to look them up and here I am telling you what an excellent experience it was. I recently had some work done by Sonja, and YES the reviews are real. She did an amazing job, taking her time on different parts of the body, making sure that the muscles get the much needed attention. I look forward to booking her services again. read more

I have been receiving bodywork from Sonja since 2005 or so, and her work just gets better and better - and it was awesome to begin with, way back when. I first came to her for relaxing massages, and I luxuriated in her muscle-melting touch, her genuine and comforting presence, and her non-cheesy vibe. Her mood music is actual, good, mellow music - as in real songs - not just chanting and chimes, although she has that too if that's your preference. Then, I got knocked up and needed more heavy-duty deep tissue and functional support. This lady knows her business - I was totally impressed and reassured by her expertise. She has extended, special training in deep tissue and pre and post natal body work, PLUS she is a certified Rolfer so she can really help with alignment and structural integration. Sonja not only took great care of my body all throughout my pregnancy, she was also an amazing resource and supportive presence throughout the whole, magical, gut-busting, foot swelling, back-aching journey towards motherhood. Now, post-partum, she is helping me and my body recover from the surgery, baby holding and breast feeding slouchiness that has dominated my experience of being a new mom. Over the years, I think what has kept me coming back to Sonja again and again is the respect that I have for her professional diligence and her varied skill set. She always seems to be taking new classes and workshops and trainings to continue to enhance her already stellar work. She is the total package, one-stop-shopping for all of your musculo-skeletal needs! Next, I think I'm going to take the plunge and commit to the 10 sessions of Rolfing to really get my posture and alignment back on track. Or is it just an excuse to see more of Sonja? I don't know, it could be, she's pretty fantastic. read more

Oh. my. gawd. I haven't been rolfed in 3 months and my body was craving it. Sonja is INCREDIBLE. I am not kidding. I feel whole. If I were rich, I would go every frikkin' day. Her office is perfectly situated, the rolfing table was so warm and comfy and her touch is magical. I feel like a different, taller, more buoyant person. GO! (But, don't take my appointment.) Also, Sonja happens to be like an incredibly interesting and engaging person to boot. read more

Sonja is amazing! I've been seeing her since she started practicing and I am a loyal, lifelong client. I've had massages from a variety of other masseuses, including ones at fancy, expensive, spas in the city, and nothing compares to Sonja. She is incredibly gifted. Her strength and skills at massage and her warm, engaging personality make the entire experience lovely and therapeutic. Call her now! Your body and mind will thank you. read more

Sonja is AhhhhhmazingI I highly suggest anyone interested in either receiving massage or Rolfing to stop searching and head to Sonja for body work. I have been receiving massages from Sonja for the last few years and have been amazed in the difference my body feels from when i walk in to her office and when I leave. She has ability to work deeply while being very sensitive to my needs so i feel at ease allowing her to effectively work on knots and tender areas . Being a modern dancer, my body has found some new pains and patterns as I am aging and continue to be active. I began to look into other body work methods as well as receiving regular massage, and knew Sonja was also a certified Rolfer. Although I didn't know much about Rolfing I knew I wanted some help with knee problems and sciatica, so I made an appointment. Sonja is lovely and took the time to explain structural integration, how some of the work is on the massage table but she also gives suggestion for proper body mechanics in your everyday activities. Working with Sonja has given me a holistic healing plan that is not just a quick fix addressing pain, but allowing me to work with my body to address changes as they arise. I also have to add that having these pains and changes in my body is a very emotional and difficult subject for me to acknowledge, I really appreciate Sonja because I felt comfortable, listened to and by the end of my session optimistic and energized. read more

Quite frankly, I don't want to publicly give her five stars because I don't want it to be any more difficult to get in to see her than it already is. But that's just selfish. I've seen Sonja several times for Rolfing Sessions. I've seen several others in the past and she is by far the best in Oakland. She is quite literally helping me get my life back. If you have idiopathic neuropathy and would like some help...come see Sonja!...(just not when I want to see her...) read more

I first started seeing Sonja for the Rolfing® Ten-Series which relieved lower back pain I had been struggling with for years. I can not say enough great things about Sonja! As a bodyworker myself, I am VERY picky about the bodywork I receive. Sonja is someone who I have complete trust in has a touch that feels like she's been doing this for decades. read more

Here is a very gifted healer disguised as a Rolfer. If you want a massage that not only will relieve your ailments but also offers the element of transformation that keeps one psyched about human healing-this is the therapist to visit. Top recommendation! read more

Sonja is amazing. I go limping to see her and walk out with little or no pain at all. She knows how to release my super tight muscles and tight knots. I started feeling the difference with one session. I've had only 8 sessions and feel much better. Thanks to her great technique I can function again like a normal human. Instead of staying in bed all day now I can be independent. Thank you Sonja! read more

Sonja is the best! She is caring, attentive, nurturing, and really great at making a client feel better physically and emotionally. She really listens to what I need from her and tailors our sessions to address those needs, unlike other people I have seen who just want to give me the standard rub-down routine and move on to the next client. I've been seeing Sonja for massage for the last 3 years and I just began a Rolfing series with her and am feeling AMAZING! (Rolfing is a type of body work that helps re-align your body so that it functions more efficiently and effortlessly.) I have had chronic pain in my hips, shoulders, and legs for the past year and went through physical therapy, etc- none of it helped. Since I have been working with Sonja I am feeling sooo much better. Definitely give her a call. If Rolfing isn't your thing I definitely recommend seeing her for massage. Her hands are like magic! read more

Hi Yelpers! Let me tell you Sonja is awesome. I have stress as all humans do, but I seem to carry it in my back. So when I went to Sonja, she felt her way through my tissue/muscle, took out the knots and helped me feel healthy again. She is a wonderful rolfer. I am still going to her for self care. I recommend her if you are looking to do any rolfing. read more

Sonja was great. She has a good technique and is skilled at reading the body for tension areas.

I have been to massage therapists, rolfers and bodyworkers literally the world over, as I travel for work quite frequently, and feel confidant recommending Sonja as one of the best. Sonja was recommended to me by a friend as I began having back pain in my 7th month of pregnancy. I went to Sonja expecting a good massage and a little rolfing but nothing dramatically altering. The results I had after one session with Sonja were really surprising to me though. Not only did I have a wonderful, relaxing massage, I also experienced lasting relief from my back pain and subsequently, could not more highly recommend her! I continue to go back to her and suggest that whether you need an experienced pre-natal bodyworker, are looking for some relief from pain or are just interested in in a lovely, relaxing massage...you should go see Sonja. read more

I just finished 10 sessions of Structural Integration with Sonja and each time I left feeling much better than I did coming in - physically and emotionally. Sonja is not only a superb somatic practitioner, she has presence and the ability to create a space for real transformation. If I walked in feeling anxiety, I would walk out feeling more grounded and whole. The process of structural integration left me feeling more open and connected from the inside out. Sonja's assessments were also helpful, and she gave some micro suggestions for posture over time that really helped me feel more at ease and more open in my body. She's a superb listener - she really got my goals and intentions for the work, and was very attuned in her touch - sometimes beneficially intense but never unpleasant. This was a terrific investment in my long-term somatic health. read more

My wings my wings!!! Sonja helps me fly again!! Seriously folks, I have been to many other masseuses and she is the only one who is able to "release the hounds" of knots and tension! I recommend her to everyone! read more

Best. Massage. Ever. Sonja is amazing! I have had a lot of massages in my time and believe that a truly great massage is incredibly hard to come by and so am always a little bit braced every time I see someone new. I went to see Sonja when I was nine months pregnant for a prenatal massage. She is unbelievably fabulous. She has the rare ability to intuit exactly where my body most needed work, and she used great pressure which I love. I felt relaxed and refreshed afterwards. Plus, it was the total experience. Her presence is warm and welcoming and real, her space is comfortable and light and modern, and instead of woo-woo music, she plays great indie tunes I listen to at home. You will leave wishing you could see Sonja weekly... and then be her friend. I highly recommend Sonja to anyone who wants a great massage by a very intuitive person with truly great hands. read more

For months, I had been having these intense shoulder and back issues which pushed my whole body out of alignment. I tried yoga, basic stretching, professional massage therapy, and even went to some hot springs. While each of these has been helpful, none had any lasting effects. Then, on a trip to San Francisco, I saw Sonja for one long bodywork session -- and all I can say is that it thoroughly rocked me!! I felt amazing not only immediately after, but walked straighter, felt looser, and more at ease in my body for days. Upon arriving, she doesn't just ask you where your tight spots are like other massage therapists, you have a real conversation about your body. She is a wonderful listener, asks all the right questions, and attentively studied my walk and the way I hold myself. She is wise and thoughtful about the practice of rolfing and gave me very helpful tips for continuing my body awareness. She has incredibly strong hands and intuitively found all the knots I had been carrying for so long. Hands down, Sonja is the best masseuse I have ever been to -- and I have been to many and tried all types. I will be certain to see her again on future visits! read more

Sonja is a dream and a lifesaver, or rather, a marriage-saver. My husband and I starting working with Sonja six months ago. We had tried couples therapy before and never found the right fit for both of us. Sonja matched with both of us immediately. She helped us take a step back and walk through some very fragile issues that surfaced recently in our marriage. She is caring, insightful, and helped us get through the hardest parts of our relationship. We initially found her because we were looking for a therapist who used EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy). Both my husband and I recognize now how much she has helped us build trust and connection again. We feel so lucky to have found her. read more