Written On the Body Massage and Acupuncture Studio

Katie was so helpful in listening to my concerns about my back and checking in about how I was doing during the massage. Afterwards, she gave me her feedback on some muscular issues I’ve been having and strategies for home care. I highly recommend her!

This is the first time I’ve been to the location at 2808 NE MLK, but not the first time I’ve gotten a massage from Written on the Body. Bethany was wonderful as usual. She’s very responsive to areas that may need extra care while also providing a full body massage. I miss being able to walk to the old location, but appreciate what they’ve done with the MLK location. It feels spacious and calming. I’m looking forward to going back for more massages.

I’ve been to a number of massage therapy clinics in Portland, but Written on the Body is by far the best. The staff are friendly, kind, honest listeners, and ready to work with you on not just feeling better, but healing.

I’ve been visiting WOTB for several years now and mostly see Katie, who shows such genuine care, skill and thoughtfulness in her approach. The studio as a whole has a great «feel» to it, especially since relocating to MLK, and I sincerely appreciate that really good people are behind the operation.

I started getting massages about a year ago in order to deal with chronic back pain related to being hunched over a computer and squeezed in a car all day. The results have been huge as far as my day-​to-​day discomfort level. I’ve had work done by both Julie Campbell and Katie Selin and they have both been fantastic. They both are very responsive to feedback (what areas to go easy on, where to really work on), and they have both found and addressed hidden knots in my back I didn’t even know I have. I find the general atmosphere of the studio to be very welcoming and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone needing a good massage.

I love this place. Everyone I’ve seen here is very attuned to your mood and adjust their interactions accordingly. Feeling chatty? Or more «gimme some peace and let me fall asleep on the table?» They get it. Great ambience, easy scheduling, excellent promotions.

Julie is a miracle worker. I went to her several years back and haven’t been going as regularly as I should. She is professional, courteous and they are extremely well priced for the level of care you receive. They are a fantastic group!

I really dislike giving anybody or any place a 1 star review but my experience was so disappointing that I don’t want others to go through it.
I’ve been going to Written On the Body regularly for the last six months, when it was in the old location in Alberta. I had several massage therapists and I was very happy with them. My favorite MT has moved to a new location so I had to choose someone new. I booked an appointment with Cassandra. I specifically told her where I wanted the focus to be for the session. I have been getting intense back and hip pain and wanted her to work on it. She ended up giving me a whole body rub down but did not work on the area that I requested. And I literally mean a rubbing, as in no technique involved. Anyone can do actin my skin. No need to pay a professional fee for it. There was no effort, no techniques and no pressure. She was only doing minimally just to get through 1 hour.
I was disappointed and frustrated. Seriously, if someone doesn’t like what they do, they should switch jobs instead of giving some half-​effort performance and leave a bad reputation. I have nothing against the business. It, in fact, has a very beautiful atmosphere. You just have to be careful with whom you choose as your therapist.

Just wanted to update my review since they are now in a new location. While it’s a bummer that they’re no longer super close to my house, I must say that the new location is a hundred times better! It looks like a spa when you walk in there and it is so nice and quiet! I’ve been going to Julie once a month for several years and can’t imagine not having her as part of my «team» of people who take good care of me. My monthly massage (I’m signed up for her monthly plan so I get a discounted rate on them) is essential to my well being and I’m slowly but surely got my husband hooked as well. Massage should be a regular part of your health care — it’s fantastic for mental health and overall relaxation in this stressful world, not to mention a fantastic treatment after you have stressed out your muscles as well. While I am dedicated to going to Julie every month, my husband has been to three or four of her other massage therapists (along with Julie) and has said all of them were phenomenal.
Definitely make time to check out Written on the Body!

Three massages with Bethany so far, and my body is singing! Each massage has been a little different from the last because she’s so attentive to how your body is changing and what you need today. Written is in a beautiful, relaxing yet urban space and has very affordable rates – perfect balance between spoiling yourself and being practical.

I’ve seen Katie twice, and I will do my best to visit her every time I’m in Portland! She is knowledgeable and intuitive… throughout the massage she asked me things like, «Do you cross your left leg over your right a lot?» Then she would fix all the problems i create for myself. This is no cookie-​cutter massage. Highly recommended.

I had a wonderful massage here and I thought I didn’t like massages!
The practitioner asked questions to get to know my needs and body. I had just finished a marathon the day before so she didn’t go too deep as my muscles were healing.
I will definitely visit again!

As others have commented, a perfect urban oasis! This is a great studio for many reasons, location, set up, tranquility, plant life (so many great succulents) and most importantly great service! I had a lovely hot stone massage from Katie and I can’t stop telling my friends about it. Come in for a visit and you will leave refreshed and relaxed. Thanks!

Just the urban oasis you have been looking for! This place is a treat yourself and buy a gift certificate that you may or may not share with a friend! I have had more then five 60 to 90 minute treatments that saved my week maybe even month!

Just had a wonderful massage! In town visiting Portland and decided to treat myself to a little bodywork. Absolutely worth it! If I lived here I would definitely be back!

First time receiving a hot stone massage and it was amazing. Had a very stressful week and it defiantly relieved all the tension built up. I just wanted to lay on the table and nap all day. Would defiantly go back. I read that they have rooftop massages I would check out next.

This is the best massage studio I have found yet!
I have had massages with Julie, Katie and Alexandra. All of which were very deeply relaxing and healing, all in their own distinct style. SO GOOD!
The studio is very modern and hip with tons of natural light, even in the winter the light feels good. It is instantly relaxing one you enter through the door. I also love the fact that you climb a staircase, that has a lovely smell, and find this little oasis at the top.
The music choices are always good and never too loud. The smells are pretty and natural and earthy and not overly perfumed.
The massage bed is so incredibly comfortable, especially with the table warmer. I just want to melt after laying down for a few minutes. I love the ambiance, and just feel so cared for and respected each time.
I personally love the hot stone massage, at this studio they massage your body with the stones which feels amazing. I love that they check in at the beginning and ask me questions about my body. Then I love to tell them to do what they specialize in, and to do what they know is best. I get amazing results each time.
I get massage for my chronic shoulder problems, for pain relief, to reset the tissue and to keep myself healthy so that I can continue to do my work as a hairdresser as long as I possibly can without my body giving out.
I am a lifer!

I love, love, love this place.
I recently started having to get chiropractic done because of some bad muscle tension in my neck and upper back… the chiropractor I go to offers «therapeutic» massage, but it almost seems like they are afraid to really get in deep, which is weird.
Definitely don’t have that problem here! Julie and Katie have both proven themselves up to the task of giving me amazing deep tissue massages that finally give my poor neck some relief. Even if you don’t have muscle tension, don’t miss out on these awesome massages – they use hot stones too, which is great.
They also have a membership program where you pay a flat rate per month and get massages, something like that. It’s cheaper that way if you get frequent massages. Check it out!

I originally received a gift certificate from my mom (out of state) who chose Written on the Body based on proximity to my home. I booked with Julie and it was the best massage I’ve had ever.
Ever.
I have neck and shoulder problems that beg for a lot of pressure, working out knots, and generally feel like a mess. I always feel amazing after a massage here and nearly an inch taller.
I’ve also had massages by Moira, who was also amazing, and have heard amazing reviews of the other masseuses from friends. Although I first visited Written on the Body as a gift, it’s now my hands down favorite place.

I had two great massages at Written On the Body; Moira and Sandra are awesome!
Moira has very knowledgeable hands; you can feel her taking in each muscle and almost hearing what is needed. She trained as an ethesthetician and brings her love of aromatherapy, hot towels (awesome for relaxing tight muscles, especially on chilly Portland days!), and attention to hands, feet, and face to the table. I loved her broad strokes and attentiveness.
Sandra does a great deep tissue massage, especially for athletes because she offers stretching in the massage, and is very knowledgeable. She talked to me about my «fascia,» but the main thing I remember was the deeply relaxing and yet therapeutic quality of the massage.
There are other massage therapists there, and I’ve heard great things about them, too!
The service at their check-​in desk is incredibly friendly and efficient, and I felt very welcomed. It doesn’t have a spa-​like feeling, so if you’re expecting that, this is not your match, but it is very comfortable with great massages at very reasonable prices!
Written on the Body is a wonderful experience.
Tips:
You can make an appointment online: YAY!
If you are a Green Microgym member, you get half off the first time, and 15% the next times. It’s a great deal!
Regardless of whether you’re a Green Microgym member, you can get a massage a month for $ 50; you just sign up for 10 consecutive months. It’s an awesome deal!