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Bodywork and Pilates in Streeterville, Chicago

Release what holds you. Then learn to move better.

Dara Pogoff pairs John Barnes Myofascial Release and massage with private Pilates and corrective movement, drawing on 15+ years as a licensed massage therapist and certified Pilates teacher.

Book a sessionFree consultation
Dara working on a client's shoulder blade during a massage on the treatment table
BodyworkMyofascial release, massage, cupping
Dara balancing in a single-leg press on a wooden Pilates chair in the studio
MovementPilates, yoga, barre, Eldoa
Dara Pogoff smiling with arms crossed beside a tall window

One practitioner who knows your whole body, table to reformer.

Dara trained in dance before massage, Pilates and yoga, so bodywork and movement inform each other in every session. She works with everyone from first-timers to people recovering from injury, stroke or spinal cord injury, and adjusts for each body in front of her.

  • LMT
  • NCPT
  • RYT
  • John Barnes MFR
Dara's background and training

Bodywork is a key part of recovery and tissue change.

Sessions run 30 to 120 minutes and can include add-ons like hot stones, Normatec compression or red light.

Silicone cups placed along a client's upper back on the massage table

  • Myofascial Release Therapy

    Hands-on work on restrictions in the fascia, the body's connective tissue, to reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function.

  • Deep Tissue / Trigger Point

    Specific work for chronic or acute pain using the elbow and forearm, friction and muscle stripping.

  • Craniosacral Therapy

    A gentle hands-on approach to the cranium that reaches the whole fascial network and nervous system.

  • Cupping Therapy

    Silicone cups create local suction to stimulate skin and muscle, full-body or partial.

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

    Light strokes in the direction of lymph flow to help relieve swelling, including after surgery.

  • Sports Massage

    Clothed or unclothed, shaped around your event: before to energize the tissue, after to lengthen, drain and slow the body down.

All bodywork and add-ons
Dara cueing a small barre class standing at a wooden ballet barre

Mindful movement changes the patterns behind the pain.

Private sessions on the full Pilates apparatus, or small groups of up to six. All classes are 60 minutes so you get real guidance and attention.

  • Pilates

    Strengthen and lengthen at the same time, with resistance and no impact on the joints.

  • Yoga

    Body, breath and mind, flowing through postures and holding them.

  • Barre / Conditioning

    Dynamic and isolated movements driven by form and function, sometimes set to a beat, with bands, balls, blocks, discs and weights.

  • Eldoa

    Specific spinal postures created by a French osteopath that build myofascial tension to open space at a chosen joint.

Private sessions $110 · small groups from $25 per person

Explore movement

A calm mind and cleansed spirit create balance.

Chakra balancing and crystal singing bowl sound meditation, on their own or folded into a massage.

Energy work and meditation
Dara seated on the floor playing three crystal singing bowls
“My whole experience working with Dara was absolutely wonderful. She was on time for our appointment, welcomed me and made sure that I was comfortable. My massage was absolutely wonderful and I have already booked another appointment with her.”
Marilyn F.
“Just finished my first session and I feel amazing. I really enjoyed my time there and learning more about pilates. Dara is amazing, very talented and knowledgeable and has a great setup.”
James J.

Find Dara in Streeterville.

240 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611 · (612) 618-9749

Monday – Thursday 8am – 7pm · Friday 8am – 5pm · Weekends by arrangement. In-home and workplace sessions across downtown Chicago.

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