Meet Ada Zerhouni: Q+A with a Chicago Massage Therapist
Meet Ada, a licensed massage therapist practicing in Wicker Park, Chicago.
I often say Ada is our “celebrity” massage therapist because her waitlist is miles long (and probably lined with fancy red carpet)! Anyone lucky enough to make it onto her schedule feels like a VIP. It’s no surprise why she’s such an in-demand practitioner: she’s skilled at her craft– however, it turns out her technique is only part of why she’s skilled!
In this month’s In the Clinic and Beyond, Ada gives us an insider’s look at the woman behind the legend, and it’s clear her skills come from knowledge that goes beyond massage technique. Read on to learn more about Division Chiropractic’s celebrity, Ada Zerhouni.
What’s your role at Division Chiropractic?
I’m the body whisperer. My toolkit stretches from clinical massage therapy and kinesiology to yoga and lymphatic drainage. Basically, I help untangle knots both muscular and energetic so patients can move like their best selves again.
What makes Division Chiropractic the best chiropractor in Chicago?
Because we’re not a one-size-fits-all clinic. Everyone here brings unique skills and passion, which means patients don’t just get treatment they get a customized roadmap back to health.
What brings you the most joy at work?
Watching a patient’s face light up when they realize they can move without pain. Helping people reconnect with themselves. Watching them walk out feeling whole is what I live for. Guiding people back onto the road of wellness is soothing to me.
What are some of your hobbies or interests? And do any of your hobbies ever make a positive impact on your life at work? If so, how?
I’m powered by music. Metal, EDM, R&B, classical, rock, Yoncé ….you name it. Music guides rhythm, which shows up in how I flow through sessions. A little yogic Drishti and a LOT of Pilates-I’m currently in the middle of teacher training. They aren’t just hobbies, they’re part of my toolkit, reminding me to balance strength with ease. And, of course, movies with car explosions and zombies? They remind me that bodies, and life, are built for resilience under pressure.
Any good book(s) you’ve read recently?
Right now, a ton of required reading for my Pilates certification. I fit in some re-reading of The Body Keeps the Score. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and neurological, too. Every knot, ache, or posture has a story behind it.
What does self-care look like for you during the autumn?
Pilates, with golden light streaming into my window, kittens, cozy sweaters…LOL. Nah, just kidding. Hopefully, some travelling, we’ll see!
If you had to make up a whole new astrological sign, what would your sign be called and what would its most distinguishable trait be?
As a Virgo, I really dig the traits of my sign: practicality, meticulous attention to detail, a strong sense of responsibility and a desire for order. However, there’s more to my astrological identity than that. I’m drawn to Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer. It’s a mythological constellation linked to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, who learned healing from a snake. I’d like to see myself as a VirgOphiuchus, blending the best of both worlds (Britney Spears holding that albino python at the 2001-MTV VMAs).
If you could have one brand-new invention added to the office for both our patients and coworkers to use, what would this invention be?
I’ve recently become a certified Sound Bath Healer; I think I’d love a sound bath chamber. Just step inside, and your whole body gets tuned by frequencies. Instant vibe, instant reset for patients, for me and my coworkers.
Forget the rules of nature for a moment– which plant would you most like to see added into our office?
A tree that generates fresh and yummy green salads and salad bowls rivaling the ones at SweetGreens. I spend way too much money there!
What’s one interesting thing about your role within the clinic that you wish more people knew?
As a massage therapist, my job isn’t just about, relaxation. It’s neuroscience, movement, breath work, mind-body connecting and healing touch all rolled into one. I’m not just dropping an elbow on muscles; I’m helping to reset the whole system.
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Huge thank you to Ada for taking the time to chat with us!
Have you had a chance to make it on Ada’s schedule yet? A system reset sounds like just the thing I need for the start of the season. After all, sometimes all you need is a good power cycle to get everything working as it should be, whether you’re a computer or a human… Not that we’re planning on doing clinical massage therapy for AI robots or anything like that— but if anyone could do it, it would be Ada. In fact, perhaps she’ll be the one to save us all from an AI takeover. ChatGPT will feel so relaxed, it will decide we can live together in feel-good harmony.
If you have any other questions for Ada, shoot us an email at schedule@divisionchiro.com
You can schedule with Ada using the link below. Interested in getting on her waitlist? You can do this via the Jane App, or by giving us a call at 773-276-2801.
