Chi-Town BodyWork and Movement
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Massage and myofascial release in Streeterville, Chicago

Hands-on work for pain, tension and recovery.

Every session starts with your goals and the intake form, then Dara chooses the techniques: John Barnes Myofascial Release, deep tissue, cupping, Table Thai and more. Most HSA and FSA accounts cover it.

Dara lifting a client's leg into an assisted hamstring stretch on the table

Bodywork and massage therapy

  • Myofascial Release Therapy

    John Barnes method

    Hands-on work on restrictions in the fascia, the body's connective tissue, to reduce pain, improve mobility and restore function. Especially helpful for chronic pain, postural imbalances and movement limits. Each session follows your body's own patterns.

  • Deep Tissue / Trigger Point

    Specific work for chronic or acute pain using the elbow and forearm, friction and muscle stripping. You may feel sore for up to two days afterwards.

  • Craniosacral Therapy

    A gentle hands-on approach to the cranium that reaches the whole fascial network and nervous system. The spine and sacrum may be included to help with pain, stress and neurological conditions.

  • Cupping Therapy

    Silicone cups create local suction to stimulate skin and muscle, full-body or partial. Stationary and moving techniques increase circulation and help relieve muscle tension.

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

    Light strokes in the direction of lymph flow to help relieve swelling, including after surgery. Can also be done on the face.

  • Sports Massage

    Clothed or unclothed, shaped around your event: before to energize the tissue, after to lengthen, drain and slow the body down. Joint mobilization is always part of it.

  • Pre and Postnatal

    Side-lying or on wedge pillows and props for full support. Postpartum sessions within twelve weeks of birth take your pregnancy into account for pressure and positioning.

  • Table Thai

    Assisted, yoga-like stretching with rhythmic compressions, rocking, joint mobilization and acupressure points. Clothed or unclothed.

  • Reflexology

    Pressure points on the hands, head and feet using traditional Chinese techniques and wooden Thai sticks. A 30-minute add-on or an hour on its own.

  • Swedish Massage

    Rhythmic gliding, kneading, tapping and rolling strokes for an overall sense of calm.

The treatment room with a dark-draped table, salt lamp and soft blue light

Getting the most from your session

  • Hydrate before any bodywork. It helps the body flush afterwards.
  • Fill out the intake form before your first massage so the session can be tailored to you.
  • Table Thai: eat light beforehand.
  • Myofascial Release: wear a sports bra and shorts or underwear so postural landmarks are visible, and avoid a heavy meal right before.
  • Deep tissue can leave you sore for up to two days.
More first-visit answers

Customize your session

Add any of these to a massage to suit how you feel that day.

  • Arnica, analgesic and magnesium
  • Aromatherapy
  • CBD / hemp topicals
  • Dry brushing
  • Face massage and sculpting
  • Feet, hand and neck wraps
  • Foot or hand scrub
  • Grounding mat
  • Hair and scalp treatment
  • Heat therapy pack
  • Himalayan salt stones
  • Hot and cold stones
  • Massage candle
  • Massage and vibration device
  • Normatec compression
  • Red light therapy (face)
  • TENS / EMS
  • Weighted blanket
  • Ear candling
Rows of pale and dark massage stones laid out on a towel
Hot and cold stones
Pink Himalayan salt stones in different shapes laid out on a dark cloth
Himalayan salt stones
A natural-bristle dry brush resting on a waffle towel
Dry brushing

Energy work and meditation

A calm mind and cleansed spirit create balance in one's life.

  • Chakra Balancing

    Massage rate for the length + $10

    Energy work, touch, crystals, essential oils and tuning forks to bring things back into balance, from everyday stress to larger trauma. 45 to 90 minutes, on its own or combined with massage.

  • Singing Bowls / Sound Meditation

    Ask for pricing

    Crystal sound bowls and other natural instruments for a soothing, meditative session. An add-on to any service, or its own session for one person or a large group.

Book energy work
Crystal singing bowls set out in front of rows of yoga mats and bolsters
A rose quartz heart surrounded by river stones engraved with words like Strength and Give
“Dara was fantastic. Seen her twice already. Very professional, punctual and friendly. Made me feel comfortable from the start and a pleasure to converse with as well.”
Ron M.

New to bodywork, or not sure which technique fits? Book a free consultation first.

Book a free consultation

Book your bodywork session.

Sessions from 30 to 120 minutes. In-home sessions are available if you have your own table.