(he/they)
Massage With Matt
I organize my practice to help my clients restore and maintain comfort, freedom of movement, and range of motion.
I use a therapeutic application of deep tissue, orthopedic, and myofascial release techniques, as well as neuromuscular techniques and facilitated stretching. My sessions are specific and targeted, while integrating that focused work with the client’s whole body.
This work shouldn’t be painful. It may be intense at times, but we don’t want to work in pain - the body rejects the progress we’re trying to make together.
This work should feel safe. Not just for your muscles, but for your whole self. My practice is antiracist and antifascist. I welcome and celebrate all bodies and want to work with you as you are. Queer/NB/trans folk, differently abled bodies, fat bodies, aging bodies, people experiencing chronic pain - I am committed to your wellbeing and feelings of comfort and safety.
Decades of experience teaching and directing actors in movement and physical theatre have taught me to listen deeply to people and their bodies. Using clear and consistent communication, we will work together towards your personal goals for the session – and over time. In addition to my professional practice, I provide massage for my unhoused neighbors by volunteering with Care Through Touch Institute (CTI).
When not practicing massage, I am a theatre artist and musician. Currently I teach Movement, Clown, and Mask in the theatre department at Stanford University. I am a parent and play guitar in the Oakland punk band The Big Forgive.
ACCESSIBILITY: Unfortunately, due to a lack of elevator, our space is not accessible. If you have difficulty with stairs, I have access to another space - contact me and we can set it up!
MASKING: Immunocompromised folks use the space, so masks are required in the common spaces (i.e.: waiting room and bathroom). I can provide one if you need it.
My Modalities:
Our session may include several of these, depending on your body’s needs.
Deep Tissue
Although I absolutely can apply heavy pressure when the time is right, deep tissue is not necessarily about that. Deep Tissue massage is about working with muscles and tissues that are not right at the surface – getting at those hard-to-reach spots.
Orthopedic Massage
Orthopedic bodywork focuses on treating (and preventing) musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction by addressing soft tissues. It often utilizes a variety of techniques - including those on this page - and is useful for aiding healing from injuries, surgeries, or dealing with repetitive motion difficulties.
Myofascial Release
This is an umbrella term for techniques that affect the muscular fascia – the connective tissue that directs and separates our muscles. MFR can be long, light holds that encourage the superficial fascia to reorganize, or deeper, targeted pressure allowing a muscle to let go.
Trigger Point Therapy
Sometimes hyper-irritable or tender spots develop in a muscle which can refer pain to other areas of the body as well. Trigger Point Therapy works to address these myofascial nodules through compression, and can often bring great relief.
Facilitated Stretching
To bring joints into a fuller, freer range of motion, a practitioner may employ assisted stretching techniques - moving your body with you. It’s a fast way to get great muscular release and to maintain easier movement.
Swedish
For generating release through relaxation, ease, and comfort - Swedish is incorporated into most sessions. It’s the pleasant and calming strokes that help the body feel integrated and relaxed. If you come looking for a relaxation session - it’ll be largely this.
Contact me
Interested in working together? Got some questions? Fill out some info and I’ll get back to you shortly.