Best massage I have had. Worked with me on a targeted spot on my neck which had bothering me for quite a while. Very unique approach. Pain is gone. Very nice and great conversation. Highly recommended even if not from area read more

Allison is a one and only. Her approach to bodywork is unique and rare. I dont even know how to describe it. All I can say is that it works and shes amazing at figuring out whats wrong where. Its first rate bodywork. And she always gives me effective advice on things I can do at home to resolve the pain which I greatly appreciate. Her results show in her calendar. She gets booked up FAST so be sure to schedule ahead of time! read more

I have a small sample size with Allison - one massage - but it was really terrific and just what I was looking for. She was very clear in setting expectations and determining what type of massage would work best for me and what areas of the body to focus on. My impression during and after the massage is that she REALLY knows her stuff, and she found issues I didn't even know I'd had. I will definitely return in the future to work out the many kinks and "Easter eggs" she found lurking in my muscles. read more

Allison is pretty amazing at what she does. She has many massage techniques available in her tool box and is continually training with experts in the field to increase her knowledge and hone her skills. Each massage is tailored to your specific need. She is quite skilled at assessing what is going on in your body and then applying the best techniques to bring healing. She also teaches things you can do at home to help avoid the problems or get relief when you can't. She enabled me to avoid having surgery to fuse my toe joint simply by showing me my problem was an alignment issue, and it could be solved by wearing a toe spacer! Since then I have learned to do foot massage and have not had the excruciating pain that sent me to the foot surgeon. The only problem is it is practically impossible to get an appointment with her. She is consistently completely booked out for 3 months in advance. If you can get an appointment you'd best book appointments for the next 3months while you are in the office. Once you get out of the rotation it will be 3+ months before you might get in again. It's unfortunate that there aren't many people who are as knowledgeable and skilled as Allison is in therapeutic massage techniques. If only she could clone herself... read more

Had a good experience with the doctor and the staff was helpful. They listened to my concerns and explained things clearly. The place was clean and organized. Didn't feel rushed during my visit which I really appreciate. Would come back again if needed and felt they were knowledgable. read more

I suffer from chronic migraines and headaches, and after a particularly nasty flare up that required multiple visits to urgent care, I decided to try the doctors recommendation of massage therapy. I reached out to Allison prior to booking to ask whether she would be able to accommodate my allergies, and asked whether the treatment space was scented and if I could bring my own lotion for her to use. She replied quickly, and provided me a thorough explanation of when and why she might have products with fragrance at her practice and even went so far as to address concerns that I had not specified in my email. I've never had someone provide that level of communication, and it gave me a very good impression before I had even booked my appointment. I opted to spend my full hour targeting the trouble areas, and was very impressed by my first session. Allison explained what she was doing, answered my questions, checked in with me regularly during the massage about how my pain was responding and changing, and we kept up a comfortable conversation about everything from my cat to video games. I knew before my massage was over that I wanted to book another session. Couple logistical notes: Plenty of parking, building entrance is at the back; It's across the street from Zanotto's Market. Like others have said, Allison's schedule fills up very quickly. I was able to snag my appointment by checking the day before for cancellations. Otherwise, you're looking at a 2-3 month wait. If you're reading this - thank you Allison! I'm really looking forward to my next appointment. read more

Allison is the best at her craft. Her knowledge of the human body and how to fix it is beyond words for me. She has fixed my body over and over as I like to be rough on it with the sports I enjoy. She maintains a very professional attitude while being extremely personable and keeps a very clean office. I recommend that everyone sees her to get their body running in top shape. read more

Well one session is all I needed to know if I would be back again or not! I don't usually write too many reviews - and to be honest, I am not sure I want to write this one either because like others have said - it is hard to get in with her because she is so good! If I tell you she is more than good you may take my next spot in May. That's how far out I have to go before I can see her again :( I have been in pain since May 2022 - it took that one visit to begin the process of feeling better again. She really knows the body and how its supposed to work - not relaxing, not a pain free connection but one that I am so fortunate to have had - thank you Allison! Now can you book me for June as well please? Lin read more

First off, Allison is a miracle worker! I wasn't sure what to expect, but with some targeted massage and her magic touch to turn on and off my muscles, I was pain free after! She gave me stretching and foam rolling tips for home too, so I can continue the healing. Know that some of the massaging was very deep pressure(at least for my muscle problems), so it's not necessarily a massage I could fall asleep during, but that's not what I was there for. The next day my hips were more activated, pain free and made exercise so much more enjoyable. I couldn't recommend her more! Thank you Allison! read more

Allison is great. Has really helped me with my chronic lumbar back pain. She's made me aware of muscles that are locking up and given me exercises I can do that are really helping. read more

Allison is the best masseuse in this business she knows your body inside and out! She is truly in the league of her own Looking forward to my next appointment. read more

Allison is amazing! I went in with knee pain that was so bad I couldn't put pressure on it. After Allison did her magic I could walk out. Second appointment I had shoulder pain- she concentrated on the spot and it has never felt better. She truly is gifted. read more

Allison is fantastic! I had reached out for an appointment after two months of neck pain that gave me daily headaches and migraines and she managed to fit me into a cancellation spot. Since then I've been seeing her regularly. On top of the massage therapy, she's also given me stretches to do at home and advice to correct the issue and although I still have some pain, it's improving drastically with her help. Allison is by far the best massage therapist I've ever been to. read more

I've been going to Allison for over a year. She's simply the best! Highly recommend her to anyone with chronic back pain.

I spent 2 months backpacking this past winter, and by the time I returned to California, my back, hip, and shoulders muscles felt completely immobile. I was in a ton of consistent, low-grade pain and decided to schedule my first appointment with Allison. I'd had many past massages, but hers was entirely different. It was definitely *not* a relaxing massage and I was sore for a couple days afterward, but before I even left the massage table, I moved my shoulders and was stunned by my range of motion (and even more stunned that I'd lost so much!). In addition to giving great massages, Allison is a great person. We had a great chat during my massage, she was clearly very knowledgable about the human body, and she was palpably dedicated to giving me the best experience she could. Finally, when I got home from work today, I even found a hand-written "Happy Birthday" card from Allison waiting for me in my mailbox. She's superb--go see her. read more

Arbor Vitae Massage and Bodywork - Massage Therapy Near Me - San Carlos, California

I have been going to Arbor Vitae for over two years now, once a week. She always asks how I'm feeling, adjusts the massage to address the most pressing issue and finds more during the treatment. Before Covid, she had me nearly pain free after a decade of constant pain. Her Covid game is fierce. Masks required for all patients and she wears one, too. Also, recording who has been tested and the result, if anyone has symptoms, as well as temperature at the time before every appointment. They even avoid people in the waiting room by calling people only when the rooms are ready and there aren't lots of people in the waiting room. Allison is good people. She has a truly good heart. She is down to earth and so kind. You're going to love her. read more

I haven't had a sports massage in a couple of years, but I used to get them quite regularly when I lived in New York. I found Arbor Vitae on Yelp and decided to give it a try. I really like the personalization and Allison really listens to what you have to say and customizes your experience based on what you are looking for and where you might need extra attention. The office was a little tricky to find the first time but the massage table is in a private room and very comfortable versus past massages I've had with just a hanging sheet between patients. read more

Allison is awesome! I've gotten a sports massage and deep tissue massage from her and both left me feeling amazing. She's extremely knowledgeable so you can rest assured you're in good hands. Professional and friendly as well. My only criticism is she is always so booked, I have to book months in advance. Thanks Allison I will definitely be back! read more

Allison is incredible! I have been coming here for more than 2 years and look forward to my appointments. She's incredibly knowledgeable and works towards fixing alll my problem areas each time I see her. She's a valuable member of my care team! Thank you so much Allison read more

I was looking for a massage therapist that did deep tissue and Arbor Vitae popped up on Google. I noticed that all appointments for massages were taken for months out. We'll, she must be good if she's booked out months in advance. I made an appointment and was not disappointed with my 1st massage. Allison was able to take care of my shoulder and elbow pain during that 1st appointment. I've had numerous massages since and I'm very satisfied with Allison. She really helps keep my body in tune. read more

I've been going to Allison for over 2 years. She has been helping me with chronic back pain. She is talented and knows exactly how to get to the "good pain" so you leave feeling like the weight is lifted. I always get the 75 min massage! read more

Transformational, expert, and very nurturing environment. I am so grateful for Allison's massage service. Totally professional and confident in her assessment and expertise. I booked again immediately. 5 stars read more

Allison is absolutely amazing and worth every penny! She has more knowledge and credentials than any massage therapist I've ever been to, and is able to minimize or eliminate my aches and pains every time. She also gives clients exercises to do at home to relieve any problem areas in between appointments. It's obvious that she truly cares for her clients and wants them to feel better. She's talkative, which I actually really love and the pressure she uses is perfect. What she does definitely hurts, but in the best way possible, working out knots and using muscle activation techniques to relieve problem muscles. Her office and rooms are clean, the lighting isn't too bright or too dim, and she plays soft music in the background that I hardly even notice any more (not loud or distracting). She has heating pads/blankets to make sure you don't get too cold on the table. TLDR - I cannot recommend Allison enough. Go see her! read more

Do yourself a favor please book in with Allison, she addresses the whole person and really gets to the core of the cause instantly with her knowledge and magic hands. read more

Allison's significant technical knowledge is only bested by her intuition and feel for your specific condition. So highly recommended. Her ability to get to the exact source of pain or the exact cause of a condition is uncanny. I'm fortunate to have ran into her business here on Yelp (for once Yelp reviews were right!), because she is head and shoulders above what I've experienced before. read more

Allison is a pleasure to work with. She listens to my concerns and works from there, with a healthy dose of intuition, as she finds what needs to be loosened and worked in my body. I appreciate her bedside manner. We can chat the whole hour, or have silence as I sink into relaxation. I highly recommend Arbor Vitae for massage or bodywork...even if her waitlist is lengthy. She's worth the wait. read more

I went in my knee pain that was bad enough that it prevented me from running. Allison poked and prodded and stretched and massaged until the knee pain went away. She figured out the problem was actually in my hip, my glute medius was being lazy, which she was able to fix. Its now 3 days after the session, my glute med feels more active, and I've been able to run without knee pain. Going in I was wondering how her reviews could possible be as good as they were. I now understand :). read more

Allison is wonderful, not only when I'm broken ,she can fix me .. professional hands and peaceful soul .

Allison is a patient, caring and knowledgeable bodywork specialist. What she offers is way beyond a massage. As soon as she starts to work with you, she senses the 'state of the body' quickly and accurately. Allison is kind, courteous and very skilled. read more

I desperately want to give this five stars because Allison is a lovely human and the fifteen minutes of massage I did receive were fantastic. Seriously. I went in for an 60-minute active release therapy massage, recommended by my DO. Alas, what I ended up with was 45 minutes of applied kinesiology "muscle testing". Still in the dark about AK, NKT, and similar concepts? These pseudo-scientific ideas are well-documented as ineffective and lacking a basis in biological and medical reality. In the best case, they accomplish nothing. In some truly tragic incidents, AK has resulted in death. The Sawbones podcast has a fantastic episode on the origination and fraudulent practice of AK. There are also great articles on sciencebasedmedicine.org and ncahf.org. To be frank, applied kinesiology is a scam. So, I ended up paying ~$100 for... literally nothing. I'm definitely irritated with myself for not firmly insisting on my doctor-recommended massage. But I'm really, really bothered by what feels a lot like a bait-and-switch from a highly regarded massage therapist. read more

Allison was good and asked me questions to understand my trouble areas. The deep tissue massage was great and she identified many knots throughout my whole body. Didn't live near the area but work there. So I got lucky with the drop in session! Usually you have to pre book before hand. Thanks again Allison! read more

I cannot say enough great things about Allison. I came to her after having significant pain in my body created from work stress. She not only resolved the pain, but regularly checked up on me. My husband and I are now regular clients and wouldn't go to anyone else. I love going to see her and she is the only person who I enjoy talking with during a massage. It's like therapy for my mind and body. Highly recommend Allison if you are experiencing body pain for whatever reason. She knows how to access the pain points quickly and rid the body of them. read more

Allison was very respectful with the time. She checked to make sure I was ready within a couple of minutes, where as some places I've waited much longer. She also made sure I wasnt pressed for time. Pressure was very good, I asked for firm and it was consistent throughout. She also provided tips after the massage to help with trouble areas she noticed read more

Allison is phenomenal. Her knowledge of the body and ability to diagnose complex problems is second to none. In one session, she was able to significantly move the needle on a hip and shoulder issue I have been struggling with for years. She walked me through a series of exercises that will help correct the muscular imbalances, and reduce the likelihood of future flareups. Cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

I have had many different types of massage some better than others. That being said Allison takes it to a better level. She truly passionate about what she does and cares about you. When I came in I had a major issue with one of my arms popping and raising it above my head. When I left I was almost back to normal. On top of that she gave me information to continue working. I'm looking forward to my next visit. read more

My wife got me a gift certificate for Arbor Vitae and I was really impressed with the sports massage - I do triathlon and always have little knots in my shoulders or hamstrings that a regular massage doesn't quite seem to resolve. This was excellent - really professional - and cleared up my left shoulder blade issues. Thank you! read more

Allison is my number one go to therapist when I need to get my body prepared for crossfit competition. I've been a client of hers for over 4 years and while I've tried other therapists, she is the only one I continue to come back to. Nobody else is as dedicated as she is to understanding my ailments and doing what needs to be done to get the tissues/body parts moving properly again. She is always learning new techniques and has a lot of weapons in her treatment arsenal! She isn't afraid to really dig in, it might hurt...alot, but it's always very worth the pain!! Highly recommend Allison! read more

Went to see Allison and I was amazed at the attention to detail that was shown for my specific issue. Over the past 7 years I had a bunch of scar tissue pile up and had generally accepted the fact that the pain would probably never stop. After getting the description of the issue out of the way, she proceeded to work the scar tissue in my ankle. Deep pressure is definitely an understatement here, and it felt AMAZING! After a while of working on it with her hands, she broke out the suction cups to separate the layers of skin so it would allow for more movement. I had never had that done before, but it was equally amazing and made a huge difference because after we were done i could feel blood circulating in my ankle and up the right leg. For disclosure, I had not had that feeling in about 6 years. I would definitely recommend Allison to anyone. Totally would have gone above 5, but alas that's as high as i can go. read more

Allison was amazing.I filled up a simple form indicating areas that need special attention. This is the best massage I have got in many years. Allison was diligent, caring and answered all the questions I was asking during the massage. I would recommend this place to everyone who wants best professional massage!! read more

Allison is wonderful. I'll elaborate: I saw her once while in the area and she was so kind, thoughtful, and very skillful in her work and thorough follow-up(s) with me. I told her of various aches and pains and she had unique and potent techniques for each one of those spots and she was able to manage the time well enough to not feel like anything we worked on was rushed. She even made some time for cupping, which was all I initially wanted until I realized so much more was possible with this wonderful healer! Allison is so open to sharing her knowledge and learning, she's genuine, and genuinely kind at heart. The space she holds is one of healing and love combined with ever-expanding technical skill. I left feeling so relaxed, grounded in my body, and taken care of. A few days later, I received an email from Allison with exercises that would help me, a few tips (like magnesium oil, which has been invaluable for me), and both a holiday and birthday card. read more