About Us
Mindful therapeutic massage and cupping specializing in addressing stress, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, repetitive stress concerns, tmj/tmjd, postural imbalances and sports maintenance.
more
Experienced at
treating specific issues such as frozen shoulder, thoracic outlet
syndrome, sciatica, carpal tunnel, post surgery hip replacement,
migraines and headaches, scoliosis, IT syndrome and more.
Trauma informed
LGBTQIA+ inclusive
Black Lives Matter
17 + years experience. Licensed and practicing since 2004
Masks are strongly encouraged for clients.
Your massage therapist will be wearing an N95For more information, please visit starlingbodywork.com Link located at the bottom of the screen
more
Hours of Operation
M
Closed
T
10:00 AM
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07:30 PM
W
10:00 AM
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07:30 PM
Th
10:00 AM
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07:30 PM
F
10:00 AM
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07:30 PM
Sa
10:00 AM
-
06:00 PM
S
Closed
River W.
License: KY #161558
93 Verified Reviews
Bodywork Services
Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional
by
Anonymous
on
Mar 25
My experience getting a massage with River was amazing. The massage and cupping was very relaxing and calming. I highly recommend getting a massage from River and I will definitely be back!
by
Anonymous
on
Mar 21
10/10!!
by
Anonymous
on
Mar 03
River asks about areas of concern but is also intuitive as well as highly professional. I cannot recommend River enough :)
by
Jodi
on
Feb 25
River is wonderful! They are an empathetic & professional massage therapist and have improved my quality of life so much!
by
Jesse
on
Jan 23
River was fantastic. They were very communicative, kind, and gave sufficient attention to the problem areas I mentioned. Highly recommend!
by
Anonymous
on
Nov 20
Fantastic massage!
by
Samantha
on
Nov 18
Best massage I’ve ever had over the last 20 years of getting them. I have already started spreading the word about this amazing therapist.
by
Anonymous
on
Nov 18
Highly recommend
by
Lacy
on
Nov 17
Loved it! The place was so cozy, welcoming and relaxing. River was great and walked me through everything beforehand of what to expect and made sure I was comfortable throughout. Highly recommend!!
by
Anonymous
on
Nov 12
extremely professional and capable.....
MassageBookAverage Rating:
4.94 (Based on 93 Reviews)
98 %
Ambiance
98 %
Professionalism
by Anonymous on Mar 2023
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
My experience getting a massage with River was amazing. The massage and cupping was very relaxing and calming. I highly recommend getting a massage from River and I will definitely be back!
by Anonymous on Mar 2023
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
10/10!!
by Anonymous on Mar 2023
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River asks about areas of concern but is also intuitive as well as highly professional. I cannot recommend River enough :)
by Jodi on Feb 2023
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River is wonderful! They are an empathetic & professional massage therapist and have improved my quality of life so much!
by Jesse on Jan 2023
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River was fantastic. They were very communicative, kind, and gave sufficient attention to the problem areas I mentioned. Highly recommend!
by Anonymous on Nov 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Fantastic massage!
by Samantha on Nov 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Best massage I’ve ever had over the last 20 years of getting them. I have already started spreading the word about this amazing therapist.
by Anonymous on Nov 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Highly recommend
by Lacy on Nov 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Loved it! The place was so cozy, welcoming and relaxing. River was great and walked me through everything beforehand of what to expect and made sure I was comfortable throughout. Highly recommend!!
by Anonymous on Nov 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
extremely professional and capable.....
by Anonymous on Oct 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is the BEST!!
by Julia on Oct 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I had a great experience at massage Starling Bodywork. River did a great job with a full body massage, custom therapeutic massage and cupping concentration on my shoulders and back. River is a wonderful therapist! I would definitely recommend!
by Anonymous on Sep 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
They always do an exceptional job! River is very kind and cares about your overall needs during each and every visit.
by Nancy on Sep 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Lovely space and beautiful massage by River. My first time trying cupping and I will definitely be returning!
by Chad on Sep 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River was great! Thoughtful conversation before the massage to verify the goal of therapy. I had cupping preformed for the first time. I feel amazing and loose the day after. Technical skills were very good. Completely worth the money. I will be a return client!
by Anonymous on Sep 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I am so happy I found Starling Bodywork. River is incredibly skilled and a professional through and through. I hadn't had a massage in years; I came in with neck pain. River was very accommodating to an existing head injury. I left feeling incredible! In addition to River being amazing at what they do: the facility is clean and stylish. The ambiance was top tier. I am excited to continue this healing journey for my neck-- which wouldn't be complete without massages from Starling Bodyworks!
by Anonymous on Sep 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River set a safe, trustworthy, comfortable atmosphere in which I felt I was heard and understood, as well as having my own agency in the session. From the moment I walked in, to the moment I left, the experience was calming and affirming.
by Anonymous on Aug 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is an excellent practicer.
by Anonymous on Jul 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Highly recommended !
by Doug on Jun 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is a skilled professional and provider. Her studio is quiet, calming and extremely comfortable
by Anonymous on Jun 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I was referred to Starling Bodywork in an online forum. Everyone complimented to feelings of welcome and body positivity. I can say without a doubt, River has taken the art of massage therapy to the highest level of inclusion, professionalism and respect. They are very skilled and takes the time to communicate the technique of cupping and how it can enhance the experience to provide the benefit of massage. I had 2 "troublespots" that they took time to really work through with me. I highly recommend Starling Bodywork for both the first timer's experiencing massage therapy and anyone who has worked with other providers.
by Betty on Jun 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Absolutely!!! And I have. Katrose is amazing!!! Her work keeps me going!!
Betty D.
by Emma on Jun 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
This was a great massage/cupping combo. 90 minutes allowed time for a full body release. River was amazing and listened to my hopes for the massage and then provided great care. The studio was lovely as well.
by Anonymous on May 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Wish the massage time had been more evenly spread between back, legs, hands, etc. It was like 70% back and I wished it hadn’t been.
by Anonymous on May 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Very attentive to concerns.
by Laura on May 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
A+++ I always enjoy my massage & cupping sessions with River. Very relaxing environment with a highly skilled therapist. I also appreciate the ability to schedule & pay online.
by Chelby on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River was incredible and informative! Definitely looking forward to my next session!
by Anonymous on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River was amazing! I had some serious tension in my upper back and they worked everything out; I felt so much better after. I'll definitely be back and have already recommended River to friends.
by David on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Great bodywork!! First time with cupping and very impressed. Will definitely be returning.
by Anonymous on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
They were very kind and attentive and alleviated some jaw pain I thought I’d have forever
by Summer on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Fabulous! River really listened to my concerns and had great attention to detail. I felt so relaxed after my massage. I would highly recommend.
by Stephanie on Apr 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I didn't know I had to wear my mask the entire time (minus when I was on my stomach). I'm vaccinated so I thought not having a mask on when I'm trying to relax would be fine. Massage therapist had cold, bony hands. When hands were moving around it was fine however they seemed to hit pressure points, press on them as hard as possible and stay there for too long. I could barely take it. I thought I could muster through it but had to say something a few times. Nevertheless, it just kept going that way. Pain was excruciating when they would linger on one spot. Left more stressed than when I came in. I mistakenly booked two hours which was way too long for a painful, uncomfortable massage. I couldn't wait for it to be over. River was very polite but not as highly-skilled as I anticipated. Lesson learned.
Business response:
It is unfortunate to hear your experience was "excruciating". I wouldn't want anyone to bare through their experience. If I had known everything you wrote in your review I could have adjusted several things. Feedback is crucial during the session. The first thing on the home page of my website is that masks are required. I wish you the best and hope your next massage provides you the relief you're looking for.
by Christina on Mar 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
I recommend River whenever I can. I've been getting massages for 20 years and I can honestly say they are the best massage therapist I've had - their skills are unmatched.
by Kimberly on Mar 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Best neck work I've had!
by Anonymous on Feb 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is a wonderful practitioner, I felt so at ease and their work has already made a huge difference for my chronic pain/tension!
by Anonymous on Feb 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
As always River listens and responds to my needs as I present them. Looking forward to many more sessions.
by Sandra on Feb 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Excellent massage with delightful special touches.
I am a person of few words.
by Kiarra on Feb 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
My experience was nothing short of amazing. Everything, from professionalism to doing amazing bodywork. I am truly grateful I found Starling Bodywork. Thank you, River.
by Anna on Feb 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River is an amazing therapist of highest caliber of professionalism and compassion. I always feel so much better from their work and I appreciate that my concerns are always acknowledged and addressed. I will definitely be back soon!
by Anonymous on Jan 2022
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River listened to my concerns and addressed those areas and gave me suggestions for home maintenance in between sessions.
by Anonymous on Jan 2022
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
The cupping therapy is amazing highly recommend it.
by Anonymous on Dec 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
10/10. Book with River today!!
by Jason on Dec 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Excellent massage with a skilled practitioner in a clean and calm environment.
by Anonymous on Dec 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River is amazing!
by Anonymous on Dec 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Beautiful studio, calming ambiance and skilled bodywork.
by Ruth on Dec 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River provides a comprehensive and thoughtful massage experience. She truly listens to what issues you bring to the table and adjusts her technique and the session accordingly. There is a deep kindness in her work.
by Lue’Verne on Nov 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River, I have already told my friends about you and have recommended you to all of them. You are amazing with an awesome disposition. The “gift” is you. Thank you.
Lue’Verne Hughes
by E'Beth on Nov 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is such a thoughtful and skilled massage therapist. They've helped me with back pain, TMJ, and of course, relaxation since I've been a client. Highly recommend!
by Anonymous on Oct 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Quality. River is in tune….quality experience
by Anonymous on Oct 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River was very professional and friendly. The appointment was designed to my specific needs to work on problem areas. The space was private and restful.
by Karen on Oct 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is the ultimate professional. River not only relieves my back pain caused by numerous medical conditions but makes me feel comfortable. I am so deeply appreciative for River and their work. Nobody, and I literally mean NOBODY, has been able to do what River can. Thanks a billion, River.
by Ann on Oct 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Highly recommend! The best!
by Asope on Oct 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is phenomenal they are so gifted at their work!
by Joan on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Great experience. River performs skilled bodywork in a lovely, soothing setting. This was my first experience with cupping and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
by Anonymous on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Best massage I’ve ever had, the cupping made a noticeable difference for me. I look forward to going back soon. River is professional and very thoughtful, the environment is very inclusive and anticipates needs.
by Anonymous on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River is amazing!!
by Anonymous on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
fantastic and professional
by Mae on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River is always prepared when I arrive, makes me feel comfortable, listens carefully and creates a calming atmosphere. I have a tendency toward awkwardness, particularly in new situations or when things feel Too Quiet... the Starling massage room has soothing background sounds just loud enough to calm that "do I need to tall to fill this void?" worried thoughts. Can't recommend enough!
by Taylor on Sep 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I already did!
by Kirsten on Aug 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I have already recommended River to a few friends looking for a cupping massage :)
by Amy on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
One of my favorite things about River is that they actually *listen* to me when I tell them what's bothering me and what I want worked on. I really appreciate being heard and cared for.
by Anonymous on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River was able to fit me in because of a cancellation, and I am so glad they did!! It was an amazing experience, and I look forward to booking with River in the future.
by Anonymous on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is the best massage therapist I have ever known. They focus on areas that are tense, and you leave feeling so relaxed. I also appreciate the option to have cupping at no extra cost.
by Anonymous on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
River was attentive and professional. I felt like a new person when I left.
by Maggie on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is the first massage therapist to actually reduce my headaches. They have a very thorough and knowledgeable approach. I look forward to our sessions!
by Chelsea on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
This was by far the best massage I have had! River made me completely comfortable, and they found all the areas I didn’t even realize were tense.
by James on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Amazing cupping massage.
by Anonymous on Jul 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is incredibly personable and professional. I haven’t had a massage in years and I really saw what I was missing with this experience.
by Anonymous on Jun 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Wonderful, skilled professional who made me feel very comfortable. Definitely booking again.
by Valerie on May 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Always a relaxing experience
Very professional
I highly recommend Starling Bodywork
by Jenifer on May 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is absolutely amazing! They were very thorough and thoughtful in the intake to understand my problem areas and to understand what I was needing. During the massage itself, River was very skilled and almost seemed to be able to intuit what was needed at various places. This was my second visit and both were equally awesome. I love out of town, but will absolutely come back when traveling back. Thanks, River!
by Moira on May 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. After training hard for a competition, I was feeling a little broken going in. River listened to my needs and tailored my experience. River has expert skills and I appreciated the compassionate and warm environment. Highly recommend.
by Laura on May 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Amazing! I have finally found my bodywork person in Louisville! River listen carefully to my concerns and needs and combined modalities to create the perfect therapy for my issues. Can’t wait for the next appointment!
by Meaghan on May 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Wonderful and exactly what I needed. I floated out of there. Worked through some tough knots and TMJ issues I was having with pressure but not painful. Relaxing and such a treat. Highly recommend.
by Kathy on Apr 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is a skilled practitioner of massage therapy. I would encourage anyone who would like to feel better to try her services!!!
by Amanda on Apr 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is an exceptional body worker and Louisville is beyond fortunate to have them here! Every appointment is rewarding, and their space is clean, relaxed, and comfortable. Absolutely 5 stars.
by Meghan on Apr 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Amazing! So impressed with their professionalism and skill. I left feeling ready to tackle a coming sports event and on the path towards sustainable recovery.
by Anonymous on Apr 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
River is the best massage therapist in town! River's skill is unmatched and the massage space is very relaxing and very clean. River has taken a lot of great safety precautions and I felt very safe and relaxed during my entire massage. I have been seeing River for my massage therapy since 2017 and would highly recommend them for anyone needing stress relief, pain relief or sports massage! Also, definitely try the cupping - it's a very therapeutic addition to the massage.
by Shannon on Mar 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Best massage ever! I was anxious since this is the first massage I have gotten since my diagnosis of fibromyalgia....but River has a great intuitive sense of their work....and I was really able just to breathe and rest.
by Karen on Mar 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I experienced more pain relief after 1 massage than I have in 4 weeks of physical therapy and chiropractic appts.
by Christina on Feb 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Would highly recommend
by Anonymous on Feb 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I thought the experience was done with great care to me.
by Anonymous on Feb 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
highly recommend
by Anonymous on Jan 2021
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Absolutely!
by Capper on Jan 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Fantastic experience in every way.
by Anonymous on Jan 2021
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Absolutely!!!!
by Raegan on Dec 2020
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
This was by far the best massage I have ever received! I felt super comfortable from the moment I walked in ! Absolutely amazing !
by Sandra on Dec 2020
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Excellent deep tissue massage, with warm towels to the feet and under the neck.
by Alyssa on Nov 2020
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
This is my second time going to Starling Bodywork. KatRose has a wonderfully warm and inviting space that immediately makes you feel relaxed. She asked for and listened to my needs when I shared a bit about the specific areas I wanted to address in our session together. And she delivered! I felt amazing after our session and had some relief in tight areas. I will be seeing her again for sure and would recommend her service!
by John on Nov 2020
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
If you want a great massage see KatRose. I've never been a person who gets massages but my wife talked me into it and now I'm hooked. Great experience.
by Anonymous on Nov 2020
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
Outstanding service, highly recommend.
by Anonymous on Oct 2020
Verified
Service Received: Bodywork with River W.
Kat Rose is wonderful and has an amazing intuitive knack for finding all the right places.
by Sara on Oct 2020
Verified
Service Received: Custom Therapeutic Massage, Cupping Optional with River W.
I am so blissed out after my massage and my super tight muscles finally feel some relief!