Somavida Bodywork

I agree whole-​heartedly with the other positive reviews. In my view, the fact that the reviews are very consistent speaks to the superb quality of her work. I don’t often write Unilocal reviews, but I am very grateful for Sarah’s care and I want to describe my experience in detail to give others a sense of what to expect from Sarah’s services.
As a Northwestern PhD student, I need all of the massages I can get. I visit Sarah as often as I can afford, which is usually once every 2 months. If I could book sessions more frequently, I would do it in a heartbeat. The best massages I’ve had in my life have all been from Sarah. She is the epitome of a massage professional, as she is kind, attentive, and exquisitely thorough. As mentioned in other reviews, Sarah’s massages will be especially helpful for those with specific pain or chronic muscle issues (although anyone can benefit from a good massage).
My general experience at Somavida:
The beginning of a typical session will start with Sarah asking about the specific locations, intensity, and frequency of your pain. She takes thorough notes on your responses and uses this information to structure the techniques used in your session.
During the massage, Sarah will focus on the areas that need care while making sure the pressure and technique is comfortable for you. The room is calm, quiet, and gently lit. Sarah is fun and easy to talk to, but if you prefer to relax in silence or with soft music, she is always more than happy to accommodate your preferences. (To be clear: Sarah does not work in a high-​end spa. The surroundings are comfortable and conducive to relaxtion and pain relief, but if you are seeking something very lavish and luxurious, you may want to look for that elsewhere).
After applying firm, steady pressure to your muscle knots (or trigger points), Sarah will check in with you to make sure the trigger points are responding to the massage and that the pain is getting better. (There were a couple of times when the pressure was a bit too intense, and when I told Sarah, she was receptive and responsive to my feedback and changed the pressure to my comfort level.) Sarah is very well-​educated on massage techniques and the intricacies of anatomy. Often I will have questions about the anatomy of a given region (i.e., «Which muscles in this area are responsible for killing my back?») and Sarah will give a detailed, informative answer.
After the session, you will briefly meet with Sarah. She will ask you to describe any changes in your pain levels as she records in detail whatever feedback you have about your pain or your session. If you return for a second session, Sarah uses her notes on your pain (often she will remember your major trouble spots) to guide her work in that session. I think this system works very well because I feel that I am receiving a very personalized experience that is tailored to my specific problem spots, and that feels more meaningful and worthwhile than getting regular massages from someone who is not as aware of your body’s needs.
As for payment, the prices for Sarah’s services are more than reasonable, especially given the quality of her work. If you are student, she offers a great discount on individual sessions and packages.
One last important note: As Somavida is becoming more popular, appointments should be booked farther in advance. If you are considering booking an appointment and have questions, email Sarah — she’s really good about getting back to people in a reasonable timeframe (around 24 hours or so). The sooner you book, the better — though Sarah is also willing to contact you in case of cancellations.
I am lucky to have found Sarah & to be one of her regular clients. I refer friends to her all of the time, and many have become regulars too. My goal in writing this review is to draw attention to and praise Sarah’s great work.

Somvavida Bodywork is as good as it gets. This is not normal massage. Sarah specializes in pain and pain syndromes with her extensive knowledge of neuromuscular therapy and more.
She is smart, talented, and intuitive. Every review on Unilocal is true and warranted. If you have been suffering, I highly recommend her.

I was really pleased to find Sarah. I had a major TMJ injury where my jaw jointed popped and caused tremendous pain. I thought my dentist would be the person to see for this medical issue, but he didn’t really have anything helpful to say. I found Sarah and Somavida on Unilocal.I figured I would spend ~$ 80 on the initial appointment. I was so much in pain and worried about further injury.
On my first appointment, Sarah spent 30 minutes listening to me describe the injury event and all the pain that I had afterwards. She took careful notes. Then she showed me in a medical diagrams textbook where the pain was coming and explained how my jaw works to me. Then she spent 30 minutes massaging all of the muscles around my jaw. After one appointment I felt significantly better. Also, my worries subsided because I felt like I actually understood my TMJ after talking to Sarah.
I work a somewhat stressful job and sit at a computer, so now I see Sarah about once a month to keep my jaw and connecting neck muscles loose. It’s worth the money.

Sarah is a very talented therapist, and listens carefully to your concerns. She has been amazingly helpful in reducing pain in my jaw from clenching when nothing else (including pain meds and a dentist-​fitted mouthguard) helped. She also helped reduce tension headaches and helped differentially diagnosis other types of headaches I have. She has a knack for explaining what she’s doing in an understandable way, and has this calm, soothing presence that makes the massage very relaxing. Thank you, Sarah!

Where do I begin? For years, decades actually, I have had chronic TMJ issues. Within the past year or so it had gotten progressively worse to the point where my jaw wouldn’t function properly and the pain was so intense it was almost unbearable. I had gone to chiropractors, therapists, doctors, acupuncturists, dentists and finally my dental hygienist suggested that I see Sarah. Best advice I had gotten in years. I was amazed at the relief that I felt after my first visit and that it didn’t take her long to give me complete relief. I have been seeing Sarah on a regular basis and while I know my jaw will never be 100% because of years of damage, I no longer have any pain and my range of motion is now normal (I can actually bit into a sandwich!). What I really appreciate is that Sarah takes the time to explain what the issues are and how she will be treating them and even goes a step further to provide resources and instruction on how to treat these issues yourself. I did tons of research trying to find someone to help me and while I’m disappointed that it took me so long to find Sarah, I am eternally grateful that I did. My quality of life is actually better. No more chronic pain and headaches or daily maximum doses of Ibuprofen. I don’t need to see her as frequently as I did initially, but if I have neck issues or joint issues or any kind of pain, she is now my go-​to girl! Not only what she does is amazing, but she is an amazing person. She does what she does because she truly wants to help people. I feel as though I could go on and on about Sarah, but if you take nothing else away from this review, take the fact that she was able to help me when multiple others could not. There isn’t a recommendation high enough for Sarah, she literally changed my life!

Sarah does amazing work. She understands holistically how your body works, and finds the source of the pain. I’ve been seeing her for a year, and have no idea what I would have done if I hadn’t found her. The Unilocal reviews singing her praises are 100% accurate, and she works with you to also talk through plans for how to stay pain free. She is kind, smart, and I would recommend her — especially if you travel and have to fold yourself into those small seats!
Thanks Sarah!

Sarah is amazing. I have been steadily improving my distance for walking. I was able to go 11 miles without pain! She is great at finding my trigger points and disarming them.

Sarah is not only a wonderful therapist, but a caring and warm person. Chronic pain is mentally and physically exhausting to live with, but Sarah alleviates both my physical and mental concerns. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a better understanding of their muscles and the root cause of their pain. Her approach is unique and effective. When I leave Sarah’s office, I feel like a box of books has been lifted off my shoulders.

Sarah is the best! I have been seeing her for a few months now for chronic pain that I just couldn’t explain. I thought I had tried everything and seen every specialist. After giving up and just living with it for a while, I felt helpless and found Sarah on Unilocal.She knows what she is doing. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field and related fields, and I trust her implicitly. We have been on a discovery process together, working through each of my many areas of pain one by one. I remember when I used to rate my pain level high on the scale, and now it is down to minimal levels where I hardly notice. At one point she even told me to see an acupuncturist for my neck because she thought it would address the root cause of that particular issue. I would never have thought to see one, but Sarah put my well-​being first, and knows when another skill is needed. Along the way, she has patiently explained what is happening in my body with pictures, demonstrations, and ideas on posture improvement, too. I feel informed and empowered, and I’m on my way to being a whole person again. For anyone who has chronic pain, or something that won’t go away no matter what you try, I know Sarah can help.

Sarah is a very talented therapist and pain detective. Not only does she treat my immediate discomfort but she also investigates the root causes of pain and helps to implement strategies in dealing with them. I now have a better understanding of my muscles, referred pain, posture and work-​station habits. I have experienced a significant amount of relief in the short time I have been working with Sarah, for which I am very thankful.

I have been going to Sarah for about a year now and she is absolutely an amazing therapist and teacher. I injured my shoulders through years of swimming, weight lifting and water polo and was in pain every day… until I started my monthly treatment from Sarah. I tried everything from medicine to physical therapy, with no avail. Sarah’s treatments helped me realize that pain is not something you have to deal with, but rather something that can be conquered.
Not only are Sarah’s massages helpful in alleviating pain, but they are also educational. Sarah has taught me valuable techniques on self-​care that I have incorporated into my daily life. I am back to my active pre-​injured self, all thanks to Sarah!

I met Sarah last year in September and I have used neuromuscular therapists before and she is amazing. She dedicates herself on keeping up with latest education. When you go there with a pain she will make sure she listens to your needs and try to ensure you are pain free by the time you leave your appt. depending on how severe it could take a few sessions but she won’t stop until she figures out the source of the problem! I am a dentist and come to therapy about 1x month. I have elbow and shoulder pain as well as IT band issues. If I come in with pain I leave feeling almost 100% if not better. She is a wonderful person and makes sure to give her clients at home care instructions. I’m so happy to have found her!

Sarah is a lovely human being. I’m not sure how she does it, but I have had chronic pain for my whole life. I don’t feel perfect, but I defiantly have had so much relief that I almost feel confused on how loose my body is. I decided to work once a week for the summer. Am now taking a break. And I’m looking forward to seeing how much healthier I can feel in the future.

Sarah is an excellent professional!!! She understood what was going wrong in my back and she relived 80% of my pain in the first section!!! Very impressive. Highly recommended!

I am a Chiropractor, and I’ve worked with Sarah for many years. She is really one of the top notch out there. I’ve seen her personally, and also referred many of my own patients for her to treat.
She’s a step above the typical massage therapist. She understands things on a deeper level than just muscles — nervous system, and joint interactions. It’s really great, and helpful to all her patients.
I’ve even taught at a massage school in the past, and Sarah blows all my other students out of the water with her knowledge.
She’ll help you out, and you’ll feel great afterwards!

If you work at a computer daily like I do, then you may have experienced muscle pain in your arms, shoulders and back. Sarah helped alleviate the pain, and also taught me how to relax my muscles on my own. I also expressed interest in strengthening my muscles, and she has vowed to develop her knowledge in that area as well.
She is a knowledgable professional, and I’m blessed to have found her – I feel like, with her help, I can eliminate my pain once and for all.

Everything about my experience at Somavida working with Sarah was absolutely fantastic. Sarah is a friendly face and has a warm personality, and cares deeply about getting you to a place of health and wholeness! I had back pain from working at a desk all day in what can sometimes be a stressful job. After the first session, I could tell she was making a difference! Sarah was very helpful in figuring what was causing my back pain, and was so accurate in targeting exactly where I was having trouble. In just a few sessions, my back pain was reduced by at least 95%. She even gave me some tips on how to keep the pain away. One of my favorites was DoxaSoma, which is basically Christian yoga. I really enjoyed it!
I can’t recommend Somavida enough!

I have been a patient of Sarah @ Somavida for several years now. She has helped me with several acute and many chronic aches and pains. I am always impressed by her thoroughness of diagnosis, but mostly I’m impressed with Sarah’s true healing spirit. She is able to locate the sources of my pain, «round up the cattle», AND GET RID OF THE PAIN. She truly has a gift. Don’t expect a run-​of-​the mill, «typical» type of massage here. Sarah’s style is really more neuromusclular therapy. I would describe it more like a «treatment» than massage. Whatever you want to call it.. . I know it works!
I am also a general dentist and have referred many of my patients who clench and grind there teeth (aka TMJ or TMD) to Sarah for treatment to loosen muscles and to decrease head and neck pain. Without exception, my patients love her and love what she is able to do for them. Several of my staff members with chronic muscle aches also see her with great results. I cannot recommend Sarah highly enough. Thanks Sarah!

Back in the day I used to sing… a lot. From the age of 9 through college I trained & performed as a classical & jazz vocalist. It was awesome, I loved it — but my jaw did not agree. All those years of singing/​smiling/​laughing put a ton of strain on my jaw & mouth and I developed TMJD (Temporomandibular joint disorder), a disorder that causes chronic pain in jaw, teeth, ears, head, neck… pretty much everything attached to the TM joint. After complaining to my dentist about my chronic pain he recommended I give Sarah Lashley a call and I can honestly say she has changed my life.
I went to the first appt knowing a massage would feel great but not having much hope that it would change things for me in the long haul — how wrong I was! I noticed significant differences in my pain levels even after the first 60 minute session, and each time I go back my pain diminishes little by little. 6 months ago I couldn’t go through a day without having some kind of jaw, neck, or teeth pain… now I can go weeks without even a hint of discomfort. My TMJD used to cause awful headaches which resulted in many many ibuprofen pills being popped. I can now count on one hand the times I’ve had a headache since seeing Sarah, and she has also been wonderful about showing me self-​massage techniques so I can avoid taking pain relievers.
On top of her sweet skills, Sarah is a truly amazing human being. She volunteers at several area charities, donates portions of her tips to non-​profits, and is an all-​around great person. Going to see her has become much like seeing a friend — she greets you at the door, always has cold water waiting, and makes you feel incredibly welcome. I can’t say enough great things about Sarah and Somavida Bodywork — do your body a favor and experience it for yourself!

I had a severe muscle spasm in my back that left me sore for days. My doctor recommended a professional massage. Sarah was able to locate and release numerous painful, tight muscles. Did a followup a week later even though I felt great all that week – again found more tight muscles.
I was so pleased I talked my husband – who has suffered a «sore lower back» for months – into making an appointment. The next morning after his first treatment, he said, «My back hasn’t felt this good in a couple years!» (And this is someone who was a bit skeptical about whether a massage would really help.) He plans to return for two more treatments.
Definitely recommend SomaVida BodyWork!