OK, so first of all, I missed the Yelp Deal here, bummer! I need to check out the site more regularly, now on to the review.... Wow! Is it too much to start out by saying that this was the absolute best massage of my entire life? I hope not, because it definitely was. There are a number of reasons for this, but first let me tell you how I found Joe and Touch Factor. I bought a groupon on a whim for a couple's massage workshop that Joe and his wife Wendy teach at the massage school in Kirkland (Power of Touch Workshops and Northwest School of Massage). It was really great, my boy and I learned a lot and had a great time with Joe and Wendy. They both come around in the workshop and demonstrate different techniques. Joe was incredible at showing my partner how and when to work deep and how and when to be gentle. I could tell that he really knew what he was doing and he loved what he was doing as well. So I booked an appointment with him at the massage school for a deep tissue massage the following week. But then I looked at his website and saw his description of his "hot" (as in temperature) massage and could not resist. I went to his home studio in Magnolia (which I might not have done if I had not met him and his wife at the workshop, but I am glad I did). Nice house, nice treatment room, separate bathroom and shower for clients, nice music, nice lighting, nice relaxing atmosphere, pretty much really nice everything. But then there was the heat and the massage, Wow! The heat in the room is so relaxing it is amazing. I kept wanting to fall asleep, but I did not want to miss the massage. The massage was amazing. Joe goes very slow and works very deeply without actually hurting you (unless you ask him specifically for deep tissue work). He is really good at making you feel secure under the sheet because he makes it like a cocoon (except for his Lomi Lomi) He has what I guess you would call a very natural or intuitive style and seemed to know exactly where I needed the most work and the most pampering. After the massage he has water or tea for you. Let's you take as long as you want to get up and moving. Towels and robe are ready if you want to freshen up in the bathroom. You have the whole upstairs to yourself, so it feels very safe and private. When you are ready, you go downstairs, find Joe and reschedule!! :-) PS - I have been back a couple of times. It just gets better each time because Joe asks about the last massage; what did I like the best, what did I like the least, what do I want to different, etc., and he actually listens and adjusts his style each time. My suggestions: Try the hot massage at least once Try the Ultra Relaxation massage at least once (at least for women, my boyfriend says that he would get bored, I think he is scared :-) Try the Lomi Lomi (but not on your first visit because you are not covered as modestly as his other massage styles, but it is the coolest, most soothing massage I have ever had). read more

I have had a few massages in my life but absolutely nothing that compares to the experience of the body work, the art form, that is what Joe creates. There is no set routine to his work or feeling like he is fitting a massage into the time frame. His work resonates with the muscles themselves, deep but not too deep, always perceptive to what I want and what my muscles will need... and it winds up feeling like an out-of-body experience. I went from one massage a year...on a stressful day maybe..to weekly massages...he is that good. It isn't just the time that is relaxing...it is his knowledge of working with the "raw material" of whatever tensions or muscle tightness one brings...no matter what they might be on a given day. Joe is in constant touch with the pressure I desire, always using different techniques to accomplish a goal way beyond relaxation. No talking if you don't talk. Quiet chat if you do. He is intuitive about so much, inventive in his use of different styles of massage to accomplish complete relaxation and freedom from thought. As a way of being free from thought, I think of a massage by Joe as mindful meditation after which I feel completely without pain and can easily move all of my body for two days. Best massages of my life. read more

In a word: WOW! My partner is an avid runner and he keeps his body in awesome condition and he really loves regular massage therapy to soothe his muscles and ease his aches and pains. I really want to help, but I get bored and tired of it very quickly. I decided to see what I could find to help teach me/us some technique that makes it more interesting for me and actually help him. After doing some online research, I found Joe and his reviews made me realize that I had found exactly what I was looking for. I couldn't have been more correct! We showed up and he made us feel right at home and as if we'd known him forever. Joe is very charismatic and warm and he really enjoys his work...he's funny to top it off! He showed us both how to really enjoy ourselves and never to miss an opportunity for "free touch". I highly recommend one of Joe's workshops to anyone (two-some, couple or whatever) who would like to learn the essentials of great massage technique and the general closeness that it brings two people, not to mention the sensuality. One more added bonus...I was getting some great yoga-type stretches and became totally engaged in the massage, even though I was the one giving it. It's a total Win-Win! read more

Unbelievably Relaxing Massage! Really unbelievable... I am a full time student, waitress and single mom. I live in stress and do not relax well at all. At least I used to not relax at all, until I went in for a relaxation massage from Joe Lavin. Joe's table is soooo comfortable, the room is delightfully warm, the music and lighting are perfect and Joe is absolutely the best massage therapist in the universe (at least my universe :-) The work was really deep but never felt painful or threatening (in fact just the opposite). He has this really slow, sedating style that just seems to go and go and he never seems to transition from stroke to stroke or from one part of the body to the other, it just flows together. It is really incredible and it is really different from any other massage therapist I have ever gone to. After 90 minutes I did not want to move or even talk. Joe left me to myself in his treatment room (relaxation palace?) for about an hour and then I peeled myself off of the table and got freshened up in the bathroom (there is a shower available for clients). Downstairs there was more relaxing music, water, fruit and best of all Chocolate!! read more

I had a great experience with Joe. He is very professional and has the qualities I look for in a massage therapist. 1) He listens; he will take the time to talk with you before the massage and figure out really what you are looking for and also explain what to expect. 2) He cares; Joe went the extra mile (literally) and came over to my house when I was unable to walk due to a lower back spasm. We had never met mind you, my wife had been to see him once and I emailed him. I live in Magnolia which is where he lives and he stopped by that day to help me out. That was really impressive to me. 3) He knows; Joe is an expert and he is very thourough. After a massage he showed me some stretches that would help me and took the time to make sure I was leaving feeling better mentally as well as physically. My wife has had pinched nerves in her neck for a few years and knots in her upper back/shoulders. The first time she came home from a massage with Joe she was elated. I remember her saying "I found the person I was looking for"! I haven't tried the hot massage yet but I plan to! This guy is great. read more

Joe has given me several amazing massages! He is very strong, listens well to what you need, communicates with you about comfort and pressure during the massage and is just wonderful to work with. My favorite massage is the Hot Massage! Think hot yoga room and deep tissue massage all in one! The hot, damp room allows you to relax and to do much deeper work then you would ordinarily be able to do. I was a little bit sore afterward but felt amazing for the next week! I also recommend him as a stretching coach! I invited three of my girlfriends over and Joe led us in couples stretching exercises that were wonderful! He even left us with literature so that we could continue to help one another out after the class. It was fun to do as a girls night in activity and it would also be a great way for a couple to learn new ways to take care of one another. All around, I highly recommend Joe. He has made me feel comfortable, taken care of my physically as well as checked in with me around how stress, hydration and diet can impact my body. Two thumbs up and all five stars! read more

My wife and I recently visited Joe for a private couples lomi lomi massage workshop. First of all Joe is very friendly and professional and took time to understand exactly what we were looking for. His studio is on the upper floor of his house and was all set up, with a nice warm room temp, candles etc. He left us to get changed using the adjacent bathroom. My wife was receiving the massage and Joe was teaching me lomi lomi technique as we went along with both of us massaging her. He did a great job of helping me understand the basics of the strokes and frequently checked in with my wife to get her feedback. We had a great time and she really enjoyed Joe's firm yet soothing techniques. I would highly recommend a session like this for couples who enjoy giving each other massage. Afterwards we had plenty of time to relax and shower etc using the adjacent bathroom with nice fluffy towels. read more

I've been an LMP for nearly 14 years, and thought I'd had some decent massages in my life. However, when I experienced Joe's Deep Lomi work, I was truly blown away by how gifted he is as a massage therapist. His technique, skill, and intention were spot on, and left me feeling fantastic after the massage. I live on the Eastside, but it was worth the trip to Seattle, and am willing to do it again! I also attended his Deep Lomi workshop. Not only was it reasonably priced, I got what I needed from the class in spades--I immediately started incorporating many of the techniques I learned in his class, and continue to do so, practicing it with other classmates. I have even blown away clients I've had since I've started as an LMP with my new tools! Take his class, and get a massage from him--from a massage veteran, it has changed my work to something even greater! read more

A friend recommended Joe to me, and he did a great job start to finish. He is an excellent communicator, and was very thorough in determining what I did and did not like in massage therapy. He really put into practice everything I asked for in terms of room and bed setup, lighting, massage style and pressure, etc. He was also great about checking in throughout the massage to make sure I was getting what I needed, but not so much that it felt intrusive, The massage itself was outstanding. His style lets him go over problem areas a few times in succession, each time helping them release a little more. He also has the strength and know-how to provide really deep, targeted pressure without it being painful or "poke-y", which is something I really appreciated. I felt the benefits of his work for days after, and I'll definitely be back for more. read more

Mr. Joe Lavin of Touch Factor Massage has an amazing style that is like no other. He is professional and knowledgeable about the body and has an innate sense of what is needed to get stubborn tight muscles to relax! Joe used a cupping technique that was able to release muscles on my left side that never seem to relax, even with deep tissue massage. Amazing! The space was lovely and warm with the perfect music for me. I felt safe and well cared for. I walked out of Touch Factor Massage feeling great. I am a retired Massage Therapist and it is not often that I find a therapist that provides a thorough full-body, gentle yet deep massage, that relaxed me AND was able to completely ease the tension of my left side. I look forward to my next session. Joy Bird Wilson Drink Coffee, Get Healthy healthycoffee99@gmail.com read more

I really needed a massage for a very sore back though was dreading having one as I'm fairly inhibited. I read the reviews on Joe and was so impressed by the fact that everyone seemed to feel so comfortable with him. I bit the bullet and went to see him. From the very beginning, filling out the questionnaire right through the entire massage to the very end, I felt so at ease. This is truly a gift that Joe has! The environment was so peaceful and relaxing and the massage quite amazing. Joe is so incredibly attentive, asking every now and then if the pressure is appropriate etc. and although he applies pressure, it felt so amazing just feeling him gliding over one's body! I've never known anything like it. I cannot say enough about this wonderful experience and can't wait to go back to Joe. read more

I am a full-time student and commute from Portland, Oregon. I was in much need of a massage and found Joe 1 year ago. It was the best massage I have ever had, so much so that I don't want to go to any other massage therapist in my area! I will wait for months to until I am in the area to come back to see Joe! I agree with all the qualities I have read in the previous reviews. He is passionate about his work, very intuitive, caring, great in giving the right amount of pressure for problem areas, and makes you feel welcome and comfortable. I haven't had the same experience anywhere else where I have come out of the massage time relaxed and rejuvenated! I sit so much for school and a lot of driving every week and he has helped me immensely. I can't say enough good things about him! read more

I moved to the area, and I found Joe to help me relax after such a stressful, life-changing event. I couldn't be happier. He is a consummate professional yet very approachable. With every massage, he doesn't assume he knows what may be hurting, he always asks to ensure he's in tune with what you ask for, as well as what his detective insight reveals. I always feel like a new person after each of my massages, thanks to his multiple massage methods to ensure I'm relaxed. Due to travel, I wasn't able to see Joe for a few months. I tried others, and I always ended up saying "he/she was no Joe". I can't speak highly enough of him. So glad I found a regular massage therapist--I think you will too, after seeing Joe. read more

A massage therapist who truly gets the importance of tailoring the massage experience to a client's needs and preferences. Joe goes above and beyond what I've seen of pretty my any massage therapist. His approach strongly supports a client's personal space, as much as they're inclined to take, while remaining attentive. The room is very cozy - if you're claustrophobic it might feel a bit small but I liked it. The place has stairs so if those are an issue make sure to arrange with him beforehand to accommodate that. An excellent experience - I've recommended him to many friends and strongly advise people check out his website for all the great insights and information there. Worth it! read more

I've received a "Deep Lomi Ultra Relaxation" massage from Joe, and last weekend I attended his "Deep Lomi 101" massage CE class. 5 stars to both! The work is deeply relaxing and feels fantastic to receive. I love the way Joe opens his heart and mind - I enjoy him. In the classroom Joe is both enthusiastic and relaxed, available yet never invasive. I am a massage therapist who has practiced lomilomi for 18 years, and taught lomilomi for the past 8 years. It's my life path. I don't personally experience the work Joe practices and teaches as lomilomi, but I do experience it as wonderful work. I'm looking forward to learning more from him. I highly respect Joe. Thank you, Joe. read more

Incredible massage and overall experience. Joe was professional and incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend getting a massage from him. It was different from what I have often experienced at other massage places, in the best way. Instead of being still the entire massage my body was moved and twisted to release hidden stiff muscles and create more movement and range of motion throughout my joints. My visit was due to migraines brought on by muscle tension. After my massage my body and mind was relaxed, relived, plus felt energized for the rest of my day. Energized after a massage is not a feeling I've often experienced and am grateful to have felt that way. read more

Joe was incredible. I've had a lot of different massage therapy and body work done in the past, but nothing like the work that Joe performed. I've had chronic shoulder and neck pain for the past 6 years and he was able to make progress on this pain in just one session - incredible! Aside from his massage therapy work, his demeanor, care, and customization is unmatched. You can tell that he really cares about your health and well-being. A refreshing experience compared to other massage therapy clinics. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, effective, and renewing massage experience, go to Joe! read more

I have never experienced anything quite as relaxing as Joe's Hot massage. I did the 120 minute massage for my birthday this year. We started with a few minutes of Thai massage (which is like having help doing some great stretches) then moved to the massage room. The room is really warm and it helps relax all your muscles. I love Joe's massage style it is perfect. I like a good deep massage so when I am done I feel fully relaxed. I told him what I liked and he was perfect! It was really the best I have ever had. I have to drive almost an hour to get to Joe but it is worth it, I will be back! read more

Last week I had my first -- and most definitely not the last massage by Joe. He is a therapist without peer. A massage with him is different and feels spontaneous. Joe really does take massage to an artistic and transformational level. His massage sessions have a meditative quality to them because he is so focused and attuned to your body. Joe is definitely an exceptional massage therapist and this was hands down the very best massage I've ever had. Amazing is not a description I use lightly, but is the best description of Joe's considerable talents. I would highly recommend him to anyone! read more