Massage therapy for tight and problem areas
Sometimes a spa massage isn't enough. Ben is a certified massage therapist who knows the anatomy, finds the muscles and fascia you didn't know were a problem, and gives you the pressure you want exactly where you need it.
At a glance
- Who it's for
- People with chronic tension, a specific painful area or sports recovery needs.
- Session length
- 60 minutes, enough time to assess and treat a problem area.
- Price
- $210 drop-in, $175 per session in a 5-pack, $160 with a membership. Full pricing
- Where
- Private studio at 3426 20th St, Mission District, San Francisco. Heated table.
- Insurance
- Not billed directly. Receipts provided; FSA/HSA often works.
See the next open times
Choose a service and grab a time. Sessions are 60 minutes. New clients get an intake form by email right after booking.
Open the full booking page or text Ben at 415-518-2125 with any questions.
Massage techniques Ben uses
Most sessions blend several of these. Ben picks whatever will best solve your problem, rather than sticking to one style.
- Deep tissue massageDeep tissue massage targets specific muscles and connective tissue using the depth each structure needs. It's about intent and anatomy, not maximum pressure.
- Myofascial releaseMyofascial release uses slow, targeted strokes with little lotion to grab and move fascia, the connective tissue web around every muscle, so you move more freely.
- Trigger point therapyTrigger point therapy treats tight spots in muscle that refer pain in predictable patterns, so pain in one place can be traced to its real source. Ben uses hands, never injections.
- Active Release Technique (ART)ART pins a specific tissue while you move to lengthen it. It's especially useful for nerve entrapments and adhesions that are hard to reach with other techniques.
- Sports massageSports massage is any massage aimed at helping athletes recover, stay limber and solve the soft tissue problems that come with training.
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue (IASTM)IASTM uses a smooth steel tool to find and treat fascial restrictions quickly, especially in spots that are hard to work effectively by hand.
Why work with Ben
Extensive experience treating pain
Ben has treated everything from bunions to jaw pain. Whatever you come in with, he has almost certainly seen and treated it before.
The technique you're looking for
Certified in deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Active Release Technique and more.
Easy online booking
Schedule, view and manage appointments online, with no back-and-forth over text.
A plan, not just a massage
Every session ends with treatment recommendations. Package and membership clients get self-care plans and email follow-ups between sessions.
The get-better massage plan
Book your first appointment
Book a 60-minute session. You'll get an intake form by email so Ben understands your goals before you arrive.
Your first session
You'll talk through your goals, then start treatment. At the end, Ben recommends next steps based on what he found.
Enjoy the results
Over time your soft tissue health improves, you feel less stiff and achy, and you'll know what keeps your problem areas feeling their best.
What massage clients say
I've been having body work done for years, and Ben is hands down one of the best massage therapists I've ever worked with. Ben has a deep understanding of body and has helped address problems in my neck, back and arms that have been with me for a long time. I'm a repeat client, and with no end in sight to the day-time desk job and the weekend athletics, I'll be seeing him for as long as he has a table in San Francisco.
Prior to seeing Ben, I had been having issues with pain in my right hip. I had used rollers, either tubes or balls, which would help ease the discomfort, but only for a couple of days. He did some very focused work on that hip, which was not really 'pleasant', but with good results. After the second session with Ben, I had pain free mobility!
I'm a long distance runner and have been seeing Ben for weekly sports massages. He has a cozy, beautiful private studio and a heated massage table that feels amazing for a tense body that has accumulated many miles over the week. He knows exactly how to release trouble spots (some of which I'm unaware until he discovers them). I leave feeling lighter and fresher to conquer the athletic demands of the week ahead.
Massage therapy questions
Is deep tissue massage supposed to hurt?
No. Deep tissue massage is about intent, not maximum pressure. Ben uses the depth each structure needs and checks in throughout, so you get your preferred level of pressure exactly where you need it. Read Can deep tissue massage make you worse?
Do the rates include a tip?
Rates are set high enough that Ben doesn't rely on tips. Tips are graciously accepted, but you're equally welcome to treat the rate as flat and come in more often.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for massage therapy?
Often, yes. Check your benefits, as you may need a doctor's approval. See Using your FSA or HSA for massage therapy.
Ready to feel better in your body?
Pick a time that works for you and book online in a minute.