Testimonials

What my clients have to say:

"I use therapeutic massage frequently in my health regimen, so I am always on the lookout for a quality therapist. Diane Stakoe is among the very best I have used. Her hands are very strong, but she adjusts the pressure to your comfort level. She asks for feedback, has a good feel for the muscles, and spends extra time on trouble spots. The room is attractive and the music pleasant. I recommend her without reservation." - Byron

“Diane Stakoe has the rare combination of massage and yoga training. Each enhances the other. She is not only kind, professional and knowledgeable about skeletal and muscular issues, but also knows how to relieve tensions with massage, breathing, yoga postures, energy work and lifestyle changes. She is thorough and, in massage, can adapt to what you need --- light or heavier pressure. These are reasons enough to go to Diane for yoga or massage --- and to go back again and again. But the overriding reason to take yoga or get a massage with Diane is her gentle, open spirit. Diane is so easy-going and friendly that I instantly felt at ease. She listens deeply.   I also know her as a friend, and know that she practices what she preaches --- as in taking care of her family and herself, striving for balance, and taking a holistic approach to all she does.” – Sarah P.

"Working as an Administrative Assistant and a Fitness Instructor demands a lot of pressure on my feet, I suffer from plantar fasciitis.  Because I value my health and know the importance of regular massage, I visit Diane Stakoe monthly for therapeutic massage. I usually have a deep tissue massage in my feet. She is amazing! After my appointments with Diane, I feel like a new person. The pain in my foot disapears and I feel so relaxed. Sometimes, I have to wait a month to get in to see her, probably because she is one of the best therapists in Raleigh." - Vanessa P.

“My initial reason for seeking massage therapy was a painful hipwhich kept me awake at night.    I thought it was arthritis but my physician disagreed and once she located the painful area in my hip she thought small nerve ganglion between neck and shoulder area was the source of the hip pain.”

“While I was attending one of Diane’s yoga classes, some of her massage clients/yoga students highly recommended Diane for therapeutic massage. When I researched therapeutic massage I realized it could actually be medicinal and healing.  I had previously thought of massage as a luxury for relaxation.  After only 2 treatments my hip pain faded to almost nothing and now 12 treatments later a knee injury is improving along with lower back and arthritic hands relief .  The change is more dramatic than I had expected. While some of my ailments were not extreme I feel that massage is keeping the progress of the arthritis in my hands, for example, from restricting my activity.  I notice a difference in how my body feels when I skip a week or two.  I now get a massage weekly. I'll look forward to sharing this news with my physician.” – Janet B.



“Diane has generously donated her time and talent to the North Regional Library (Wake County) for the last several years. She has presented various yoga and massage classes that have been met by our patrons with appreciation and praise."
- Angie Pridgen, North Regional Library


“I just wanted to thank you for having Diane at the Library. She was fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!”
-  North Regional Library patron, attended Introduction to Yoga , Oct., 2009


“I hope you are going to bring Diane back soon. I loved her class – she is an amazing instructor.”
-  North Regional Library patron, attended Back Care Yoga, Nov., 2009

"Diane has that rare combination of gentleness and firmness.  I look forward to my monthly massage as a very special time for healing and relaxation." - Kathy

 
"I injured my back last spring and was getting no relief from traditional physical therapy. On the recommendation of my regular yoga instructor, I went to see Diane. I could tell a difference after only one session of therapeutic massage. I visited Diane once a week and asked her to design a yoga program for me that I could do in 30 minutes each morning to loosen up my back and neck. The therapeutic massage and yoga practice combination made all the difference in the world in my healing process. Not only did my muscle spasms eventually relax, I got stronger in the process. Diane’s approach is calming, which is great for someone with anxiety about getting well. I highly recommend Diane." – Sheree V.
 
 
" Diane Stakoe is a very caring, gentle, and precise massage
therapist.  She knows just how to coax tension from the muscles, and explain what's she's doing (and to what muscles) at the same time.  When she finds a recurring problem she suggests different exercises, and/or stretches to help the body recover more effectively.  I highly recommend her skills, and approach". – Linda B.
 

"I have had the opportunity to experience Diane as both a massage therapist and a yoga teacher. Her calm, reassuring, and nurturing manner is both comforting and inspiring. She makes everyone feel at ease and cared for. Time spent with Diane is always relaxing. Meeting her, has helped change my life."
- Robin S.
 

"I initially saw Diane for tears in my hamstring muscle.  I knew that it would take time to heal.  Diane worked on my quads and in a relatively short time (4-5 months), I was pain free and could walk and bend with ease.  I continued to see Diane for  areas of my back that were painful.  Diane eased the pain and provided me with simple stretches and exercises to relieve the pain.  The holistic approach to my pain issues was very comforting without masking medicines.  Thank goodness for Diane".  – Carolyn W.


“Massage is such a personal thing. Feeling safe and relaxed is just as important as getting the massage itself. Diane Stakoe not only has a healing touch but also an intuitive ability to make others feel comfortable and protected in her care. Diane has the range (and strength!) to deliver really deep tissue, muscle specific therapy or the gentlest of relaxing massages. She doesn’t just massage those muscles; she will even stretch them for you while you’re on the table! My monthly appointment with Diane is one I never miss.”  - Schelli W.