Balanced Bodyworks LA
Mar Vista, California, Los Angeles
(78)
Mar Vista, California, Los Angeles
(78)
Balanced Bodyworks LA caters to clients of all types--whether you have back pain from hours of sitting at a desk, or carpal tunnel from typing on a computer, or you have a sports related injury, or you are prepping for a marathon or triathlon;
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78 customer reviews
Molly D.
Run, don't walk, to Ian at Balanced Bodyworks LA. In just 3 sessions, he has given me new hope for how great my body can feel. I've been heavy barbell training 2-3 times a week nearly two years now AND work from home, so my body (back and neck) has taken a toll. Ian's work has allowed me to find balance again. He truly knows his stuff and I feel 100% confident in his expertise. Seeing him once a month is now part of my self-care routine! If you've been looking for a sports massage spot in LA, look no further. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Lisa Miller
Seeing Raul at Balanced Body Works for manual orthopedic therapy is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I have a very physical job and an active outdoor adventure lifestyle so my body can get pretty beat up. Frozen shoulder started setting in on my left shoulder from the multiple injuries/strains I’ve sustained over the years and the numerous bouts of physical therapy I’ve had have never helped. I started regaining motion after one session with Raul and my range and strength in that arm has greatly improved. I’m having him work on the rest of my body now to undo all of the years of physical strain I’ve put it through. I actually woke up with an excruciating strain through my hip and thigh last weekend and could hardly walk. I went in to see Raul and he had me walking again in an hour. So grateful that I found him. I highly recommend him. He’s professional and personable and knows his stuff. He has evening hours too! Take care of your body now so that it still works later! More...
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Jason Lee
Raul is an excellent therapist who will work with you on your targeted area problems. If you are looking to relief soreness or an injury issue with a specific part of your body, Balanced Bodyworks is the place to go to work out those achy muscles
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Adam Raize
I love this place. I have seen Stephanie and Raul several times each. They are both very consistent in sitting down, listening about my resolved/recurring/new issues, recommending a plan and getting to work! I feel like a new person every time I walk out of their office. They have also given me countless recommendations for self massage and stretching at home to manage issues between sessions. These are masters in their field and are born healers. Give them a shot, you will not be disappointed! More...
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ben walker
As a combat athlete, my body is under constant extreme punishment. Ian has been a tremendous asset in helping to repair and fix the many injuries I incur. Really a great person to have on your side to help you perform your best. More...
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Inyoung Whang
Ian was fantastic at targeting my problem areas with a real proper sports massage!
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Matthew L.
I have experience shoulder pain for the last 5+ years and have received countless massages, PT work, chiropractic work, even shoulder surgery. Nothing worked. After one session with Raul I will not lie and say that I was completely healed, but the amount of pain and pressure was reduced DRAMATICALLY.I will definitely be returning and suggesting this place to anyone with reoccurring or constant pain! More...
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Julia
Ulysses is hands-down the best massage therapist I have ever encountered. He's very attentive, professional and knows how to work through muscle tensions to relieve pain and dissolve built up knots. I've had chronic back and shoulder pain pretty much since I can remember and tried many different approaches with little relief. After seeing Ulysses for a few weekly sessions, I felt like a new person. Unfortunately, it gets pricey to get regular massages which is why I had to stop for a while - and my body is not happy about it. More...
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Tara P.
My massage therapist was Ian. I had a pinched nerve a few weeks back and was finally able to get in for a massage. Ian really targeted the points that I needed to release all the tension I had. I have to say, this was the best massage I have ever had and I've had many in my lifetime. I had such a wonderful experience and have already booked by 2nd appointment with Ian. Thanks Ian ... you're truly the best at what you do! More...
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Di T.
Ian was great! I can't wait to go back to my next massage! He really targeted the area I wanted to focus on, so I only KNEAD-ed to take off my shirt. .. 60 minutes of pure bliss! I enjoyed the conversation that we had during the hour long rubdown! I honestly didn't mind, it was something to distract me from the intense pressure.... I asked him to go hard and he really did. I also liked the honesty and feedback he gave me for aftercare and healthy living- the reason I had so many knots! I requested a sports massage, so he merged in some deep tissue with it. I was melting like butter after the massage. I got a groupon, but will be returning after when I wanna treat myself! $100-$125 for 60 minutes massages. I believed they offer some kind of medical deep tissue massage and more. They don't accept health insurance just FYI. Enjoy! More...
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Kently Page
Stephanie is excellent. She is very knowledgeable about the body and how muscles connect, and she is able to find the source of pain rather than merely treat pain in a reactive manner. She’s always very professional and kind, punctual, and clean. Stephanie is rare find, truly. I absolutely recommend going to her! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kate Sullivan
Ian was amazing and really helped me and knew his stuff! Highly reccommend!
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Chris B.
Stephanie Billie Jose is a master manual therapeutic massage therapist. As an athletic person, who frequently experiences pain and injury due to enjoying an active live, I was very surprised by the techniques Billie used to get my injured leg back. Although it can be uncomfortable during the session (this is no fluff and buff massage) she was able to relieve my pain and get me back to motion. Billie is a Serious therapist, most highly recommended. More...
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Shayna Dickstein
Ulysses was great. Very thorough and knew what he was doing. Great for a sports massage. Would highly recommend.
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Kayleigh K.
I had a deep tissue sports massage with Ian. I have a lot of tension in my neck which leads to a lot of pain usually and after 30 mins of him digging into my neck i feel like a million bucks! If you like deep tissue massages look no further! ask for Ian More...
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Chelsea S.
just had a great massage here Ulysses did my massage and was wonderful. he even taught me ways to stretch my muscles afterwards.
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M S.
My daughter purchased groupon for me. They were very understanding and I was able to use the voucher for my husband. Ulysses was incredible.
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Quinn jackson
They did a great job. It is a little cramped in the rooms but they do an awesome massage and are all professionals.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kirsten L.
Outstanding pain relief and I'm so lucky to live down the street from this place. Been coming here the last year and Raul's healing hands are worth EVERY penny!! Just go. You won't regret it.
Reviewed on Yelp
Mary J.
I Purchased this from Groupon for my mom and she loved it so much I going to make her a regular here
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Chloe B.
Loved both massages I've received from Mr. Ian.So thorough, never had a massage like it!!! Highly recommend to all LA people!
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Alex Mohtashem
Great and soothing massage. Very friendly staff who was attentive to my needs. Been having shoulder blade problems and he took the knots right out.
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Tony DeCicco
The best massage therapy experience I've ever had. I've seen Stephanie, and she has always helped me enormously. Highly recommended.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Bonnie Dykes
Ulysses is hands down the best massage therapist I have ever experienced! He even gave me a verbal evaluation of my body after my session was over. .. i’ve already given Balanced Body phone number to two friends and encourage them to request Ulysses. More...
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David Harris
Great INTENSE massage for working out long-standing deep knots and tightness. I came to Stephanie to address years-old knots and she worked them out. It was intense, but she talked me through it and the feeling the next day was incredible! More...
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Greg S.
I realized I have never left a review here. I haven't been back in a while now that I live in Costa Mesa but let me say I have never experienced the quality of massage that I received from Stephanie here. I have been to Stephanie about 4 or 5 times and each time has been incredible. The first time I went to Balanced Bodyworks LA to see Stephanie, I had a major sciatic issue from sitting on a thick wallet during long commutes (I'd forget to take my wallet out until I'd get reminded by it through discomfort). When I went to Stephanie I had no idea the horrible pain in my neck going down my back was a sciatic issue. She determined this by asking detailed questions where she used her incredible experience to conclude it was sciatic related. She didn't go to my back where I felt pain; instead, she went where it originated. She worked her way around knots in my back that I had no clue even existed but let me say once Stephanie found them, they became incredibly apparent. I have never felt such pain relief through induced pain haha. If you request it, she will have no mercy and do what needs to be done to work your issues out. I was cussing, grunting, and even yelling occasionally because the knots were overwhelming. But somehow I stuck it out and the result was me sitting in my car for about 40min before feeling safe to drive because my body was in such a state of relaxation and relief. I went from not being able to turn my head or bend over due to pinched nerves and knots just an hour before to forgetting I ever had the pain, to begin with.To this day, Stephanie was the best money I've ever spent. I had a different therapist at Balanced Bodyworks LA before and it was fantastic. I mention Stephanie because when I lived in the area she was my go-to. Not sure if she's still there but either way, this place is worth visiting if you need real massage therapy and not just some "feel-good" spa style rubdown (though I'm sure that is fantastic too - I have stuck to the deep tissue/sports massages). More...
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David H.
Went to Stephanie for a head and neck massage to loosen up in prep for surgery. The massage was INTENSE (which I asked for). The results were incredible - left feeling like I'd done a year of yoga - a dramatic increase in head and neck flexibility. Highly recommend for anyone with long term stiffness/soreness. More...
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Michael Sneag
Stephanie is a fantastic masseuse.
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J. Santiago
If you need some bodywork done regarding sports or an intense sports massage, Stephanie Billie is top notch. Excellent work. Thank you!
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Pia S
I've been looking for a good massage place for sometime and often been unhappy with the results on the ones I've tried before, since average massage doesn't do much for the back and neck pain I'm having. Luckily I found Stephanie and her Medical Deep Tissue massage, it works wonders every time! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mayra V.
The office is very clean and I had a massage from Ian. He was awesome. I've gotten massages before and didn't feel instant relief like I did during the session. I explained to him the issues I was experiencing and he focused on those areas, shoulders and hips. He released a number of pressure points and after my third massage I can actually see the difference in my flexibility when I'm in yoga class! I can know do a bound extended side angle. That's progress! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Julia Plotkina
Dexter understands that body is connected physically, emotionally and spiritually and lovingly works on all three levels. He is great at combo massages ....trust him he has great intuition. I came away rejuvenated and more centered! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Candice Fliedner-Cuellar
Raul's knowledge base and skill level continues to astound me. The best all the way around.
Reviewed on Facebook
Monica Plaut
Raul has been an integral part of my training program. I have had the best results in my athletic career since he has been my massage therapist. He utilizes both his vast knowledge of functional and anatomical as well as healing techniques to restore the body back to a more balanced state.Raul is always improving his practical knowledge with new and tried and true techniques. I highly recommend Raul/Balanced Body Works LA. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Alan Kanter
My horrible pain and limited range of motion is getting better with Stephanie Billie Jose. She is doing a great job getting me back to health.
Reviewed on Facebook
Randy Lehrman
Raul at Balanced Bodyworks is amazing. He takes so much time and care to figure out what's wrong. He's more than fairly priced and far beyond what others with a mere table may offer. Phenomenal at what he does and a great human being. Someone who really cares about getting me fixes and knows how to do it. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Sochin Lee
Raul has changed my life and the way in which I view massage therapy. I am a pretty active person who enjoys lifting weights when I’m not riding around on my bike.
Until this past summer, I had been indulging in these physical activities without a regular stretching routine or a much needed massage program.
After constant and continued frustration from “back issues” for a year and a half, which caused me to half-ass both cycling and weight lifting, I decided to change things up. My mission was to get better and be stronger. I started stretching 2x/day and instead of going to my usual cheap and generic Thai massages, I started going to Raul for Orthopedic Sports Manual Therapy.
Best decision ever!
Not only does Raul know how to apply the appropriate techniques to address pain and imbalances due to tightness and tension, he helped me learn about the other factors that were contributing to my “back issues”. I learned that my issues didn’t necessarily stem from my back; but rather, from tight hip flexors, quads, hamstrings, glutes, etc. After my first appointment, Raul checked in to see how I was feeling and sent me a few stretches to add to my stretching routine. This beginning-to-end connection was what set Balanced Bodyworks apart from other massage experiences I’ve had.
Additionally, Balanced Bodyworks has other therapists who specialize in different styles of massage ranging from Restorative Therapeutic Massage to Medical Deep Tissue Therapy. So, whatever you need in terms of massage therapy, this should be the first and only place you visit.
Thank you, Raul! You ROCK!
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Gosia Reed
I came to see Raul first because of my sciatic pain that I had for over 4 years almost non stop. I tried many things, and nothing worked for a longer period of time . After my first session I went to my car and realized that driving is not aggravating my pan as usual. Three sessions later I was pain free. My fiancé who is very skeptic , went with me to have a massage couldn't believe that after one session his shoulder pain went almost entirely away . Raul is not only very experienced and talented but has ability to intuitively recognizes the problem and the area that needs to be approached with the right technique of massaging. I travel often for business and stay usually at The Four Season , very often I have a massage there as well, but not a SINGLE time I had a better massage than the one Raul did. Thank you Raul ! I need to come back soon . More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Lori Gordon
I am recovering from a shoulder surgery done 7 months ago. I did a lot of physical therapy and had regained some range of motion but was not where I wanted to be. I started seeing Raul and in 4 sessions have achieved some of my goals. I can now raise my arm almost as far as my other arm and can get my arm behind my back. These were things that I was told ( in physical therapy) that I may never be able to do. Raul has helped restore better blood flow, stretched out all the muscles involved and helped to break up the adhesions that had formed. I am very grateful for having found someone so skilled and knowledgeable. It has really improved the quality of my life. Thank you, Raul!! More...
Reviewed on Facebook
janet l.
Stephanie is an absolute pro who has EXCEPTIONAL skills and knowledge in pinpointing problems and healing the body, particularly from injury or pain. I came to Stephanie on crutches, in excruciating pain from a complex leg injury, barely able to walk. Within one session she had improved my mobility 40% and reduced my pain by 80%. No more crutches. Within three weeks I was 90% better. Miraculous. Stephanie has the rare gift of rigorous scientific knowledge combined with an incredibly strong talent for working with the body, understanding the complexities, how to coax knots and tight areas into relaxation. She is gentle and easy going, incredibly nice, but also super serious and relentless about getting you well. She makes knots her bitch! I love Stephanie and would give her my highest recommendation!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Diana W.
When I called Balanced Body Works, I was in so much pain from the waist down and really feeling afraid. My legs knees,hips and feet were stiff and tight and I was hobbling around unable to walk without GREAT pain. I spoke with Raul and he listened for a long time and really understood what was happening in my body and reassured me that it was temporary and that I needed some deep deep muscle work. He said I would need to start out with several massages a week and taper off as I get my mobility back. I'm in my Second month of massages and I am back to my squirrelly self, bouncing around like a teenager. Raul is a gifted healer and a kind soul and I am so grateful to have found him. I cannot recommend him enough. Without prescription drugs to mask the issues, Raul worked my muscles back to fluid movement and balance. This has been an amazing experience. THANK YOU RAUL!!!!!!!! More...
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Kylie O.
I've worked with Raul in the past and he's fantastic. Very knowledgeable and skilled at what he does. He was able to work out and fix some ongoing pain I was experiencing behind my right knee. It hasn't come back since. I am for sure going back to Raul when the next problem presents itself More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Ernie D.
Raul and his team are the gold standard for body work. I've been going to see Balanced Bodyworks for over 8 years. Raul kept my body finely tuned through my first two LA marathon training programs. His bodywork helped me reach my goal of running two marathons. I had knee problems during the 6 month training process and after seeing my physician and an orthopedist which had recommended I stopped running and prescribed medication. I had the great fortune of being recommended to Raul who diagnosed me on the first session with tight calves and tight IT bands. He worked on me and in two sessions and my knee pain was gone. Since then anytime I have any body pain or soreness my first call is to Raul. At 43 I'm still playing high intensity sports and Raul and his team are the reason I'm able to stay active. I trust his experience and body work that I have referred, colleagues, my sister and mom. So, whether you're an athlete or just a regular person like me that likes to be physically active. If you're hurting go see Raul and his team. More...
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Cindy T.
I love Balanced Bodyworks LA! Raul and his staff are the best! Ian is the newest addition and really knows how to get your body back on track! I highly recommend BBLA for all your body needs! More...
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Krystal Di Stefano
Raul is extremely knowledgeable and gifted about his craft. He always gets to the root of the problem to have you feeling 100%, whether it’s for general life maintenance or overcoming an injury.
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Aline H
Best massage/body work I've had in my life. I have very high standards when it comes to having someone work on me, but Raul does an amazing job every time. Well worth the price.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Allison Wong
Raul is the best! I first visited Raul around 2 years ago when experiencing shoulder pain from my first desk job and related stresses. It has totally relieved that issue, and I have returned every month since. I had never had a massage or bodywork before, and Raul was great at making me feel relaxed - and he is super knowledgeable. It's definitely worth the trip out to the west side despite not being in the area! More...
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Ashlee H.
After having some hip pain while training for a marathon, Raul helped to decrease the pain and give me techniques to strengthen my hip! I did the Manual Therapy and it focuses on exactly where you are having any pain or problem. Raul helped to show me why I was having the pain and how to work to get rid of that. My legs/hips feel so much better after each visit. I definitely recommend the manual therapy for anyone having targeted pain! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Brad S.
Balanced Bodyworks staff knows exactly how to treat each situation that arrives. I came in with so much pain and they helped me immediately treat and cure what I was dealing with. They're fantastic! They know the body and all the intricacies of where your pain may stem from. More...
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J. S.
Massage from Stephanie. She knows the body very well both from a physical and maybe more importantly from an emotional/psychological aspect. She's very active so it helps to hear about her experiences. Consider myself an athlete who puts body under various types of training and mental stress. Was looking for pain/stress relief and body healing/maintenance in shoulder and neck area. She works the body hard. Will concentrate on one area and get deep in the muscle tissue for the full session. Perfect! Instant pain relief, flexibility, and circulation. Some soreness but she explained that it would be there after a rigorous session. Her directions were to rest afterwards. Feeling much better! Thank you! God bless. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
What do you love most about your job?
Helping people live a more pain free life and educating them about how to do self care to stay pain free.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I wanted to give my clients the best manual therapy possible.
Why should our clients choose you?
We are some of the best manual therapists in Los Angeles. We will help you rid yourself of pain and recover faster so you can always be at your best.
Medical Deep Tissue
Medical Deep Tissue is a specialized type of integrated bodywork that uses very deep and specific soft tissue manipulation techniques to help improve muscle imbalances, stiffness and address acute or chronic pain in different areas of the body. By reducing soft tissue restrictions and adhesions, and working on improving joint mobilization, using various types of stretching, the bodyworker structures a treatment plan to obtain specific results. This is an effective and precise deep bodywork session for those seeking to reduce pain and prevent future injuries. Common injuries treated with Medical Deep Tissue are upper and lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Knee pain, Hip pain, Leg pain, Neck pain, Headaches and Migraines, TMJ, Sciatica and Thoracic Outlet syndrome.
Orthopedic Manual Therapy
This specialized type of specific bodywork uses a combination of Orthopedic and Sports Manual Therapy. Palpatory, active and passive orthopedic range of motion and muscle testing are utilized to pinpoint the root of the problem and obtain specific results. Various techniques such as gliding, kneading, compression, broadening, multi-directitonal fiber friction, joint capsule work, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release techniques are used on specific muscle groups to help relieve discomfort or pain resulting from physical activity or postural imbalances. Orthopedic Sports Manual therapy is aimed to normalize muscle tissues, stimulate blood and lymph fluids, increase range of motion, breakup adhesions and resolve muscle imbalances. Common injuries treated are upper and lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Knee pain, Leg pain,hip pain, Neck pain, Headaches and Migraines, TMJ, Surgery recovery, Sciatica and Thoracic Outlet syndrome.
Sports Massage Therapy
This is the traditional Sports Massage which uses a combination of swedish gliding, compression, broadening, kneading, vibration and various stretching techniques. Sports Massage is used on specific muscle groups with light to medium pressure to help relieve discomfort or pain resulting from physical activity. Pre-event or conditioning Sports Massage treatment uses stretching and revitalizing, stimulating strokes administered to specific regions of the body involved in the exertion. Post-event and recovery Sports Massage uses various types of stretching, swift and light swedish gliding strokes, kneading, and jostling to rid the body of soreness in the muscles and increases range of motion. Sports Massage also stimulates blood and lymph fluids to improve circulation and flush the muscles with new oxygenated blood and helps the body rid itself of metabolic waste products following exercise to accelerate the recovery process.
Therapeutic Massage
This type of bodywork uses light pressure to relax and reduce stress, improve circulation, and reduce discomfort and pain. The therapist will customize this session specifically for your body by using multiple massage modalities including long swedish strokes and kneading. This treatment is light pressure and stimulates the body’s natural healing ability to aid in the balancing process of the body to help create a state of deep relaxation.
