Picture
Joy is a return to the deep harmony of body, mind, and spirit that was yours at birth and that can be yours again.
That openness to love, that capacity for wholeness with the world around you, is still within you.
- Deepak Chopra

Massage Clients - Testimonials / Feedback

"I'm a marathon runner and I've been going to John and Maria for a while for both pre- and post-run massages. I just had yet another fabulous massage (by John this time) after a 20-miler and can't recommend them highly enough. Booking on line is easy, the discount packages are appreciated, the studio is quiet and comfortable, and best of all, the massages ROCK!" - Martrese W.
"Love, love, love Absolute Balance. Maria is wonderful and has a great feel for her work. I've been to a number of therapists and she is, by far one of the best. Convenient and relaxing location and reasonable rates." E.A.
"In the past several years I've seen 5-10 different massage therapists, and none has provided the level of service that Maria has. Her calm, and patient demeanor are a pleasure, and she is imminently adaptable to my specific requests and pressure tolerances.  In the past I've had issues with therapists ignoring specific requests to avoid certain areas or techniques. That's never been a problem with Maria.   Her skill level is easily in the upper tier of what I've experienced, and her rates are very reasonable.  She is also very amenable to spending time talking about specific muscle groups and educating me as to their names and locations." J.D.
​"Maria is a skilled massage therapist who takes the time to talk about what is going on with your body and what areas you would like her to focus on. I need a deeper massage and she is able to use just the right pressure to help my muscles relax. She has incredible knowledge of the body's muscle groups & trigger points. I walk out feeling like I have a new body. I highly recommend her or her husband. (who is also very, very good)." - Jill B.
​"When it comes to bodywork, Maria is a detective: I tell her what hurts, and she usesher intuition and knowledge to find the source(s), which may be some distance from the actual point of pain. Every muscle she worked on responded well to her treatment. I left feeling more balanced between my left and right sides, with greater ease of movement while standing and moving in the course of everyday activities. She also provided outstanding customer service." - Justin K.
​"Had an amazing massage with John after injuring my back during a workout. The pain was stubborn and didn't seem to be healing up as fast as I was hoping. John found all of the problem areas in my back, even some I had forgotten about! It's the day after and I'm pain free from my injury. They seem very "in-tuned" to finding the problem and using some massage magic (and amazing skills) to fix it. I can't recommend this place enough! " D.N.
​"I went in for a massage with sciatic nerve issues. I could not lay face down, but Maria did a fabulous job with me on my side. Feeling much better today. She even taped my lower back and gave me some products to use on the aggravated areas from the nerve. Maria, you rock!" - Paul C.
"Absolute Body Balance is great! I had massages from both John and Maria and enjoyed both. I especially like Maria's massages. She works deep, but not too deep (I guess she'll work to your preference). I found both therapists extremely professional. I am also a massage therapist and I heartily recommend them both. They are excellent, caring therapists. " - David Lederman
"The massage I get from Maria is falt out the best I've ever had. She has the most knowledge and strength to get the spots that need getting. I'm a regular now." - Brad Gilbertson
​"I had a massage with Maria yesterday I don't know why I wait so long in between visits. She is wonderful. She always makes me feel better than when I came in. If you are looking for a great massage look no further than Absoulute Balance Bodywork … you won't be disappointed." - Shari Scholz
​"I was very impressed with Maria. She takes pride in her work and it shows! She takes her time and does a great job. She is working for Long Term relief, not just giving a message. Highly Recommend. " - Michael O.
​"John is a Muscle Whisperer! The pain on my upper back has become unbearable and I really didn't like taking so much pain reliever. A PT friend recommended Absolute Balance Bodywork and I'm so glad I took him up on it! John not only got to the real source of my pain, he also showed me some techniques to help prevent the pain from developing again. I am definitely moving more freely and with no pain! I highly recommend Absolute Balance!" - R.S.
"Maria is excellent. I have a lot of pain and a rare nerve disorder and she studied up on the diagnosis and was prepared to work accordingly not just do the same for all. She also was very conscious of preventing or exacerbating pain with positioning and feedback. Best massage therapist I've been to. So organized and kind. Just excellent. Will definitely go back." - K.M.
​"Most amazing experience I have had with a massage! Will return again with Maria! Not too hard and not too soft. Just right! Very professional." - Sandy Crawshaw
_"Maria takes her profession seriously. She is exceptionally knowledgeable about the body's physiology, as well as the metaphysical aspects of health. I highly recommend booking a series of massages, as she works much like a physical therapist with a goal of total health in mind. I feel like I have found the last massage therapist I will ever need." - Vanessa
"Maria's blessed with magical hands! Every touch is healing and soothing. I leave feeling light, refreshed, and calm. " - Jill G.
"First time sports massage session with Maria, and I will be back. I am training for the Portland Marathon right now. She was great working and noticing some problem areas. I also feel the deep stretching was a huge plus. I was very pleased and look forward to working with her moving forward." - Paul Raines
"Had a sports massage by John with a focus on a couple of areas with stiffness and soreness from my workout routine. John was good at identifying the problem areas and massaging to relive tight muscles. Highly recommended. " - Danny S.
"Maria did a wonderful job. She managed to find all the places that were bothering me and loosen them all up. I felt wonderful at the end of the massage. I would recommend her highly." - B.P.
"After my massage with Maria, so enjoyed the fact that the basement stairs seemed less steep!!!!!" - Terril D.
"LOVED my Massage! Maris did an amazing job making me feel comfortable the entire time and she's a doll! I love where she told me I had some tight muscles and how to help myself at home! I didn't want to leave! " - Josie Gardner
​"Great Massage! I had the 1 hour massage by John with focus on areas that were sore from my exercise program. John has the right touch and is able to identify problem muscle areas and help relieve soreness and tight muscle groups. Thank you John. " - D.S.
"ALWAYS AMAZING! Maria is so great! Her massages are different every time, but always intense, hit the spot, and just what my body needs!! Incomparable..." - Jill G.
"Another great bodywork! I've seen other skilled therapists, but what sets John and Maria apart is their knowledge of kinetic influences on the body. I always leave with more fluid and painfree movement, and knowing what I can do (and shouldn't do) to prevent developing muscle pain." - MJ
"Wonderful Massage! I had a full body, 1 hour massage by Maria, and it was great. She used just the right amount of pressure I like, didn't talk through the session (which I also appreciate), and really released a lot of muscle tension. I would highly recommend Absolute Balance Bodywork, LLC!" - JoAnn B.
"Just What My Tense Shoulders Needed! I often go to ABB for sports massage during marathon training, but this visit was for my tense shoulders from too much desk work. Just what I needed!" - Martrese W.
"Best 90 minutes of my month! Maria is one of the most caring and skilled massage therapists I've had the pleasure of visiting. In 90 minutes, she loosened muscles that were causing pain in my body and left me feeling energized and refreshed when I walked out the door. I can't wait until my next visit. Thank you, Maria! " - Dawn Corliss
"Thumbs up! Massages here are good. If I had more income I would get one every week from them. I will recommend them to everyone." - Josh Reed
"Back pain relief! I was referred to this place by a friend and I have been thanking my friend ever since. Great service, friendly staff, great prices what else would you want." - Jen
"I had never had a professional massage before. The environment that Maria provided was so safe and relaxing that I instantly felt at ease and comfortable. The massage itself was perfectly tailored to my needs and I felt really loosened up afterwards. I could move my shoulders in ways I hadn't been able to in a long time. Thank you!" - Emily, Portland
"I made an appointment with John and was pleased to get in so quickly. The atmosphere was very nice and comfortable. John listened carefully to my needs and didn't rush through the session. I am more able to move about without pain and will definitely follow up with him." - Kathie, Milwaukie
"I received massages from Maria through the gym I belonged to. When they went out of business I had no contact for her. Thank goodness I found her on the internet. Her massages are excellent and she has a way of working out those really tricky areas. Thanks Maria!" - Danielle, O.C.
_"I must admit I was a bit apprehensive at first, mainly because of the personal nature of a massage. However, as soon as I met Maria, all my apprehensions went away. Not only is Maria personable, friendly, and knowledgeable, she put me at complete ease. She truly listened to my concerns and what I needed, which reflected itself in the massage. The entire visit well exceeded my expectations. Thanks Maria! Can't wait for my next session!!" - Adrienne B.
_"Maria provides a really wonderful therapeutic experience. She is very knowledgeable about what she does, but the reasons to recommend her go far beyond her skills as a therapist. She and John are both incredibly sensitive to all the details that make an experience enjoyable - from the design of their website and bookings system, the wonderful spa environments they have created, scheduling extra time for every client, to the smallest details of client interaction. Bravo, Maria and John!" - Jennifer W.
_"I moved to Portland a few months ago and have been checking out many different massage therapists to find one that I really like. Maria has many qualities I look for  -- she creates a very peaceful and relaxing space, she really listens to you to understand what the goals of each session is, and her hands work wonders! I've now seen Maria twice, and I plan to keep coming back!" - Hargobind
_"I initially received an awesome deal through Groupon and after the one time I went to see Maria, I was hooked! She knows exactly what do to and I love the breathing and stretching at the end. I also love that she makes time whenever she can to scheduled you in and never watches the clock. She relaxes me when I think I can't relax. I will not be leaving this place for a while, if not ever! " - Bianca
"Maria and John were friendly and professional and proceeded to give a pleasurable and healing massage. John was very in tune to my aches and pains and sore muscles and responded to requests to either ease up or apply more pressure instantly. He was more interested in making the massage a healthy and pleasurable event rather than just doing his job and getting it over with. The next time I go for a massage, it will me with John." - Steve
"Maria truly cares about providing a high-quality experience at Absolute Balance Bodywork. She genuinely wanted to know the areas that I needed extra work on. My lower calf has been bothering me and after a session with Maria the tension was relieved and I haven't felt it since. Will definitely be back!" - Olivia Y.
"I am 72 and have regained strength and flexibility in my neck, shoulders and legs. Maria definitely has a gift. Her massage therapy is so relaxing, from head to toe. Thank You!" - Dennis E.
"I've always had problems with stretching my hamstrings since I was in high school. I'm 50 now and didn't think there was anything that could help. There's a machine at 24-hour fitness that stretches your hamstrings and also gives you a reading on how many degrees you can lift your leg up to the ceiling while lying flat - I was only 30 degrees. The day after Maria worked on my leg and back muscles, I went to the gym and measured my flexibility. I went from 30 to 45 degrees. With this new flexibility, I can now work out with better results. I was so happy with the results that she could have easily talked me into booking every week. Instead she said once or twice a month is fine, as long as I keep stretching so that we don't lose the flexibility that I gained." - John
"After only an hour of session, I totally regained strength and flexibility on my lower back and hip area! I highly recommend an integrated massage therapy from Maria!" - David
"Maria is definitely blessed with a healer's touch! She knew exactly where the cause of my pain originated from and did her magic to get rid of it! I have an active lifestyle - from running, cycling, and mountain hiking. A college friend suggested that I see her after running a half-marathon race, which left me with so much pain in my low back and both legs that I could barely move! In the past, it would take at least a week before I could fully run again. After one session with Maria, I was back pounding the pavement in a couple of days! That's amazing! Now, I see her before and after a strenuous event. If you're an active athlete, I highly recommend an ongoing session with Maria!" - Steve
After every session with my Maria, I always feel a renewed connection with my body which changes my outlook of the day! Thank you for sharing your gift!" - Chris
"Wow! I never knew my body could feel this great after a massage! After a tense week at work, I really needed to just relax and release all the tension I had on my neck and shoulders. Maria addressed my entire body, from head to foot, and by the end of the hour I was in a state of calmness! You are amazing! Massage from you is now part of my calendar! Thank you!" - Rick
"There is no doubt that Maria is very gifted! But what really sets her apart from a lot of LMTs is how genuinely she cares about my health. She explains everything I need to know about whatever is causing pain or stiffness in my body. She recommends stretches that always help prevent the issues from coming back. Probably her most important quality is the intuitive way she listens before, during, and after my sessions. I am always very comfortable and never feel her techniques to be too light or deep. I see  Maria once a month and, with her recommended self-care, the effects of our sessions last a long time! Thank you so much, Maria!" - Sarah
"My first session with Maria was from a chiropractic Groupon special which included a half-hour massage. Even though I decided not to pursue a chiropractic program, I knew I wanted to continue getting bodywork from her. In the 30 minute massage she relieved so many of the achy areas I've had for so long. She is also so knowledgeable and explained things so clearly that I learned so many things about muscles that I didn't know before. I have bodywork sessions with Maria about once a month, and each time I feel better and smarter ... now, that's a powerful combination! Hats off to you, Maria!" - Meagan