Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

  • Schedule your appointment online here. If you’ve tried booking online but can’t find a time that works for you, please contact me at (510) 307-6787. I am sometimes able to offer additional time slots.

  • My hourly rate is $160. I offer prorated 30- and 90-minute sessions—to book a 90-minute appointment, please reach out to me at (510) 307-6787. All other appointments can be booked online.

  • The online booking system will request payment info to secure your appointment. I accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, as well as Paypal, Square, and Stripe.

    After your appointment, I can accept cash, Venmo, or PayPal.

  • To get to my studio, go through the main gate of the North Berkeley Garden Office Suites at 1611 San Pablo Ave. in Berkeley. Go up the stairs in front, then take a right and go around the building. My space is to the right of the stairs that lead up to the 2nd floor. I usually try to meet clients in front of the main gate—I’ll be sitting on the stairs wearing my blue scrubs.

  • Your health and safety is my top priority. I change all bedding and sanitize my hands before beginning work on each client. While masks are not mandatory, I respect your personal preferences and needs. I am happy to wear a mask during sessions upon request and encourage you to wear a mask if that feels right for you.

  • If you’re running late, text me at (510) 307-6787 to let me know. When you arrive, we’ll get to work right away for the remaining time left in your appointment time. Unfortunately, I cannot extend your scheduled session due to late arrival times.

    I have a 24-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please do so at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, the card you used to secure the appointment will be charged for the session.

    If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have been in contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 14 days, please reschedule your appointment. You will not be charged for COVID-related cancellations.

Massage FAQs

mans shoulders full body massage pain pnf stretching massage

  • I pull from a range of different massage and bodywork modalities, including:

    ○ Myofascial Release

    ○.Trigger Point Massage

    ○ Sports Massage

    ○ Active Release Therapy

    ○ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

    ○ Swedish Massage

    ○ Deep Tissue Massage.

  • You'll remain fully clothed and begin lying on your back, face up. I'll ask you to share any specific areas of discomfort or concern. Based on what you need, I’ll pull from various modalities to stretch your tissues and release tension, tailoring the session to provide targeted relief where you need it most. Please feel free to communicate any needs or preferences that arise during your massage so I can adjust my approach to be exactly what you need.

  • I am here for you, so if there’s anything you don’t like, whether the pressure is too much or too little or whether it’s too hot or too cold, please speak up and let me know. The most important thing is that you put yourself first so your needs are respected and met and you feel safe and comfortable during your session.

    Massage therapists are here to provide a service, and it's essential that you communicate your needs so you can get the most out of the session. Doing this benefits both of us because it helps the body and nervous system feel safe, giving the work we do together the best possible chance of easing your pain.

  • While I can often address some of the symptoms caused by injuries, it’s important to remember that massage is not a cure-all. Sometimes, the situation causing the pain or discomfort requires more complex tools than those I have as a massage therapist. When in doubt, please consult with your doctor or medical professional.

  • What I do differs from the typical massage experience because my technique focuses on long-term results and enduring pain relief. In a perfect world, I would love to be so good at what I do that you never have to come back—but of course, you’re welcome to book follow-up sessions if you want.

    I never want you to feel pressured to keep coming back to take care of an issue that you feel has already been resolved. That being said, it's always a good idea to be proactive when an ongoing issue flares up again.

    Some clients come every week to help with more chronic patterns of pain and tension, and others book sessions a couple of times a year on an as-needed basis. It all depends on what works best for you.

  • I do not offer couples massage. While I cannot accommodate couples, I invite you to book two sessions so both you and your partner can enjoy a personalized massage experience.

Experience Custom-Tailored Massage for Immediate, Long-Lasting Relief.

  • Client reviews

    “I cannot recommend Matthew enough, and I am so thankful that I wandered into his practice just a short time ago. I am very grateful for his help, and I'm so excited to return to a more active lifestyle with far less pain. If you're looking for an outstanding massage therapist who is also a genuinely awesome human being, I hope you'll give him a try.”

    —AMANDA S.

  • Client reviews

    “Matthew is amazing! I have an ongoing shoulder issue that is VERY complicated but his knowledge and confidence have done wonders. I’m still a long way from healed but Matthew has done more for my progress in a couple weeks than any of my doctors or physical therapists in the last 3 years!”

    — WOLF C.

  • CLIENT REVIEWS

    “I was absolutely blown away! Matt is an incredibly talented, caring, and sensitive healer. In one session, he brought back range of motion in my shoulders and neck that I haven't had in years!”

    — HAZEL M.

  • Client reviews

    “I ran into Matt at a party. When I mentioned that my back hurt, Matt asked a few questions and then demonstrated why it hurt and how to fix that. I have gone in for a few appointments, and I’ve learned a lot about where I store stress and how to release it. I definitely recommend Matt!”

    — CHARLES C.