Deep River Bodyworks
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Deep River Bodyworks
We are a collective of advanced massage therapists with backgrounds in various movement practices. Visit us in our Ballard Massage studio in Seattle. Our focus is on you. With a capacity for depth paired with extensive anatomical knowledge and a sensitive listening, we are able to get to the places that hurt and bring relief.

Modalities we employ include Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Prenatal Massage. We have all worked in medical massage clinics dealing with pain management issues. Whether it's repetitive stress Chronic pain, injury, or a desire to improve athletic performance, we can help.
Services
At Deep River Bodyworks we bring mindfulness to the practice of deep tissue massage. We're listening to you and what your body is telling us and moderating our techniques and pressure to best match your needs and optimize results. Deep Tissue Massage is famous for helping to relieve the accumulated aches and pains associated with chronic stress, muscular overload, and injury, but what is it?
Trigger Points are what many of us think of as "knots" the swollen achy cables of muscle that produce pain. Healthy muscle tissue is pliable and soft and underlying bony structures can be easily felt. A dysfunctional muscle by contrast has remained shortened and with time becomes ropy and tough to palpate, underlying bones may be difficult to distinguish.
Myofascial Release is a slow moving and deeply profound modality that involves sustained pressure or slack to a particular muscle group which can eliminate pain and restore motion to stagnant areas of the patient's body. The keen practitioner senses subtle movements within the connective tissue from the skin, through the muscle, down to the bone.
I have a philosophy for what I do when I am working with an expecting mother: whatever she needs. If a mother says that she needs a full body massage, I do that. If a mother says she wants a full hour on only her feet and hands, I do that. The session is yours and you know your body better than anyone else.
Reviews (22)
Kris W.
Kris W.
Oct 13, 2019
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Brian's myofascial release work is second to none. I can't say I've ever had massage quite like it, but it's been extremely effective to relax and release bound muscles. I've had several sessions over a few months to work on muscles that have been tight from years of sports and working out. I'll continue to return for maintenance as needed.
David O.
David O.
Jul 01, 2019
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I've had a few massages at Deep River Bodyworks and will continue to come back. My issues are mostly herniated disc + sciatica related, which I wouldn't think every masseuse is experienced with working on. Brian is really talented and really helps. I walk out of there feeling much better than I do with physical therapy. He's able to adapt the massage to what requires attention and that makes the massage really useful. Definitely recommend!
Rei A.
Rei A.
Jun 06, 2019
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Pain melted away, feel brand new! This is the second time I've come in and seen Brian. A real miracle worker. The first time I had pain in my shoulder area. I'd been carrying heavy loads and traveling and swung one giant suitcase too many onto the conveyor belt which caused extreme pain and stiffness. I woke up one morning unable to move my arm above my head and thats when I went to Deep River Bodyworks.

I actually had gone to see other people before, but they didn't really help solve the root of my pain. One session, advice on stretches and I was feeling brand new.

The second
Alissa M.
Alissa M.
Jan 12, 2019
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Brian is amazing! I have had a few orthopedic surgeries, that definitely has done some damage in my body. He really knows how to work out the extremely difficult spots and I really notice significant improvement every time I see him!
Tc T.
Tc T.
Nov 18, 2018
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I had a massage with Angela and she was amazing! I would say it's more like trigger point therapy but my body feels so good after. What's most unique is that I feel both mentally and physically relaxed.
Me W.
Me W.
Sep 21, 2018
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Don't go here. It was the worst massage I've had. The therapist played loud music instead of soft music, kept asking me questions, and hadn't clipped his nails. I ended up with scratches.
Allison Whitney
Allison Whitney
Aug 20, 2018
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Brian is great- a real problem solver. I came in with a very tight neck and he very thoroughly assessed the muscles/tissue throughout body to understand the cause. Very professional, great technique and really attentive. He even gave me a few extra ideas/tips (and minutes) and I walked away feeling very satisfied.
Michael S.
Michael S.
Jun 23, 2018
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I've been going here and seeing Brian. His attention to detail and knowledge of the human body is excellent. He's helped loosen my body up and relieve shoulder pain that I've been dealing with for years.
Alisha Ritter
Alisha Ritter
Dec 01, 2017
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Brian B is strong but gentle and listens very carefully to what you want from your therapeutic massage. I highly recommend him.
Dilini S.
Dilini S.
Sep 03, 2017
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This was my first time at the Deep river Bodywroks and I had a deep tissue massage with Brian Bacungan. Usually i have to tell the therapist to put more pressure on since they always start up gently with me. But with Brian there was no need for it. He worked on my back where i usually have lot of tension build up and I was very happy with his work. Looking forward to the next massage with them.
Arnica L.
Arnica L.
Aug 09, 2017
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So happy I found Deep River! Had my first appointment with Angela and was very pleased with her work - I have some weird muscular issues in my lower back, and she seems to be the first massage therapist I've seen who really addressed those issues effectively. Excited to return for another session!
Jun Li Z.
Jun Li Z.
Jun 05, 2017
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I received a deep tissue massage here in March of this year while I was here for a conference. I liked how the therapist explained to me what he was doing, to help which areas of my body that was in pain. I liked that he told me to breathe into the muscle he was working on (back/arm muscles). It was really good session and I really enjoyed it!
Charity P.
Charity P.
Apr 22, 2017
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I've seen both Angela and Brian, and they are both fantastic! They are very knowledgeable and I always leave feeling so much better. Honestly the best massages I've ever had, with lasting pain relief. I highly recommend them!
One T.
One T.
Jan 04, 2017
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I've had a fantastic experience here and have become a regular. Brian J. is a highly skilled therapist and a healer who has an amazing intuition for finding trouble spots, unique skill in working out trigger points and a reassuring interpersonal style - and great music. I feel lucky to have found a place that gave me real, lasting results for chronic pain after searching for medical solutions for a few years. Very easy online scheduling, relaxing room, very professional. Really the best bodywork I've experienced.
Lindsey T.
Lindsey T.
Nov 15, 2016
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I had a great massage from Brian Jose after I have been having a lot of back pain. I picked this place based on Yelp reviews and location, and it did not disappoint. It's off NW market and there was plenty of street parking a block over. The door to the building is nestled between a few shops- easy to miss but look for a gym sign.

There is a quiet waiting room. Brian arrived early and was able to see me early which was great.

A few specific things I liked:
- Brian was patient and attentive and took time before, during, and after to check-in and hear my concerns with my pain. He was quick
Andrea D.
Andrea D.
Sep 11, 2016
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I've had countless massages over my life so far, and Brian Bacungan of Deep River Bodyworks is my fave. His style is strong, kind, compassionate and wise. I wholeheartedly recommend you try him out next time your body or spirit feels out of whack.
Ryan W.
Ryan W.
Aug 23, 2016
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Brian is top notch and knows how to communicate with you and your body to get the best out of your deep tissue massage. Highly reccomend!
Hannah L.
Hannah L.
Apr 07, 2016
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I saw Angela for the first time yesterday and she is great!

She understands the strains of a desk job and knew all my trouble spots. She does a great job explaining the work she's about to do, so you feel informed and know what to expect. The room is relaxing and calming despite it being on the 4th floor of an office building. (A little difficult in finding it).

I bought a 3 pack so I'm excited for how much work can be down in the next two sessions. She's very accommodating, and wants you to feel the best possible.
Danielle W.
Danielle W.
Feb 25, 2016
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Brian is a miracle worker. There was something really funky going on with my shoulder - I couldn't raise it above my head without pain radiating all the way to my forearm (spoiler: it's a nerve impingement). After an hour and a half Brian made me pretty much feel like new. I'll definitely be back!
J'Dnt Vega
J'Dnt Vega
Jan 31, 2016
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Brian Jose is by far an amazing massage therapist. He will identify your problem and will make it go away. The place is super clean, conveniently located in Ballard and the staff is great!
Alex Nachman
Alex Nachman
Sep 05, 2015
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Fantastic massage. He really took the time to understand my stresses. He did a wonder job of using deep pointed pressure to relieve my tight upper back, I would definitely recommend him the others and I plan to return for another session. Alex
Richie D.
Richie D.
Sep 16, 2014
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I'm sharing a huge, hidden secret...
*deep breath taken in through nose*
Brian Jose is one of the BEST massage therapists in Seattle.
*deep exhale out through mouth*
Alright, the secret is now out.

After being tired of weak massages with little relief from my burning, tight shoulder and neck region, I had begun a hunt to find the right therapist. After a long, expensive search, all it took was five massage therapists and 6 months!

I came across Brian Jose on Yelp and sent him a quick email while I laid on the couch in the 80 degree weather with a heating pad around my neck. He