Best massage I've ever had. Incredibly thorough, worked out muscles I didn't know I had. Took her time, didn't watch the clock and stop on a dime. Incredibly therapeutic - making sure to figure out exactly what was causing the tension and trying to systematically work it out muscle by muscle and tendon by tendon. Also, good music selection. read more

I am a Linda Crane super fan as well, and have been seeing her for 10 years now. I am a runner dealing with common runner things like tibia tendonitis and plantar fasciitis and I leave her office like I am walking on clouds. She is a true healer. I have referred my own run club, and I think she has seen like close to 20 of them on a regular basis now. She also was a doula and understands pre-natal for any moms to be. In addition she knows how to help those dealing with tech neck and shoulders. She focuses on understanding the muscles in your chain that cause problems. I leave honestly like a new person. Go to Linda, like today! Here's how to book her: https://becausemassage.janeapp.com/#staff_member/1 read more

Linda is an extremely seasoned deep tissue massage person... I've been seeing her for probably two decades and I go to see her two hours every other week and it has helped me exceedingly stay off medication and be more comfortable in my body to the chronic pain issues previously and other issues currently being a 66-year-old woman... I hope you check her out she's the bomb‼ read more

I've been seeing Linda for years, recommended her to my closest friends, and realized I was long overdue in telling the rest of the world how great she is. Regardless of what I go in with (shoulder tension, back pain, knee pain ... I'm a desk jockey + athlete, the worst of both worlds) I feel better when I leave, and even better in the following days. Her technique is the perfect amount of firm, and she works on your whole body in a way that allows the injured part to relax. She's also warm, thoughtful, and just a delight to be around. 5 stars and 5 hugs. read more

So I first met Linda years ago when I was living in San Francisco. I left San Francisco in 2006, but every time I go back to visit (which sad to say has only been a few times since then), besides my old friends that I make an effort to see of course, I always try to make time for an appointment with Linda. When I first met her, I thought she was incredibly gifted and just had an intuition for exactly where I was tense and what I needed. I stopped shopping around for another masseuse. She has such a calming presence I always told her if I was ever in labor-- I would want her to be one of the people in the room with me (yeah kind of a weird jump-- but I guess it's just that she has such a good supportive energy). In the years since, every city I've lived in (New York, LA, honolulu), I've just been searching for someone that is as talented and wonderful as her. And sadly I have to admit-- I haven't found anyone! Anyhow, I was just thrilled to see she is still practicing during my most recent visit to the city. Besides getting a wonderful massage (migraine and shoulder knots all gone!)-- At this point, I feel like I am just seeing an old friend. Linda is truly one of those once in a lifetime people who is just a master at her craft. To me she also embodies the heart and spirit of old San Francisco-- when people stood up for what they believe in and do something because it's just the right thing to do. Thank you so much for existing! Now, if only you would move to Hawaii... :) read more

I think Linda is a caring, incredibly well-intentioned person, and I am so happy that others found her to be a good fit for them. Not a fit for me. I pre-booked two sessions based on the uniformly outstanding reviews I saw on Yelp. Seems I am the lone dissenter. Scheduling was an issue. The registration system was clunky. After waiting a while for my first appointment (Linda was so booked up), it was canceled, but promptly rescheduled. I go to a massage to relax and to feel better than I did walking in. The first session was excrutiatingly painful. I have received rolfing (dozens of sessions from three rolfers over 7+ years), but this was far more intense. During the session, Linda was quite talkative and made a lot of suggestions for other treatments I should pursue, like realignment with magnets (I could conveniently see her suitemate for that). She implored me to do this - along with reading some blog. Honestly, she made me feel bad about myself and like I was falling apart. (Admittedly, my bad in not mentioning how much in pain I was - I grinned and beared it thinking it was good for me.) At the end of the first session, Linda mentioned we were already booked for a second session. I went home, double-checked and we were not. When I followed up saying we weren't booked despite what she had told me, she had no recollection that she had told me we were booked. Anyway, I went ahead and booked the second visit. The second time, I was nervous about and dreading re-experiencing the pain from the first visit. So, we started. I was laying on my stomach. I was in so much pain I wasn't breathing - and bracing for more pain. I believe that my reaction resulted in heart palpitations. I have maybe had palpitations three times in life. I told Linda. It definitely threw me off. Again, not her fault. I should have told her it was too painful. But, the worst thing in the world is feeling judged - sitting there half-naked on a table with someone you don't know. Linda left the table and took a ton of notes. She started to lecture me about being overweight, and suggested I may be diabetic, etc. She told me that I was tense and my body was resistent to her touch. This just made me stiffer and insecure and I just wanted to get up and leave. She wouldn't let it go. I kept on trying to relax and repeating that I was unsettled from what had happened - and she kept on essentially saying that I was in serious and imminent danger of something bad happening to me health-wise. It was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life. I hesitated to write this b/c as I said before I think she is well-intentioned. However, upon reflecting on the way she looked at me - pitifully - as if I were one foot in the grave, I feel compelled to share. I have always been a big body work and massage aficionado - from Bali to Bangkok - I have had all kinds of massages - Thai, Warm Stone, Rolfing, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue - honestly tons. This really was the worst by a long shot. Both times. read more

I've come to the conclusion that Linda Crane, owner of Because Massage, has the hands of a healing goddess. I realize that probably sounds over the top, but I can think of no better way to describe the transformation in my muscles and range of motion after a massage session with Linda. Since the start of my second trimester, I've been discovering the new found feelings of muscle pain in, well, my butt. The sciatic nerve to be more specific. A lively, shooting pain all down my left leg. In a word, Yowsa! The first couple of days were unbearable - walking and sleeping were a challenge - and I made a same-day emergency appointment with Linda. With her time and effort, my back and hip muscles felt brand new. Some soreness remained, as might be expected, but the shooting pain was gone, and I was able to walk and sleep comfortably. I made the decision to go every two weeks for the remainder of my pregnancy, and I couldn't be more grateful. And at her special rate of $70 for 60 minutes, it is well worth the investment. The environment of Linda's massage studio within the Satori Yoga center is soothing on the mind and body too. And in addition to being a highly trained and experienced massage therapist, Linda is one of the kindest souls you'll meet. read more

I hesitated for a very long time to write a review. She is one of the best massage therapists that I have ever worked with. And I have worked with probably over 20 massage therapists in my lifetime. I did not want to add my review since she is also one of the hardest persons to get an appointment with. Sometimes it feels like getting an appointment with the mayor might be easier. She is not locked into one modality and she is not a clockwatcher. she really cares about your well-being and will employ any techniques necessary to get your knots out. She is so gifted that she will find areas that are causing you problems that you were not even aware of. Her pressure is generally very firm, so if you like deep tissue work, you would love her. There is nothing shi shi and hotel spa like about this place. It's a place to get a serious body work done. She is located inside a chiropractor's office but she's not listed separately. So you might get confused if you arrive and do not see a sign that says massage. Again, while she is one incredibly gifted massage therapist, she is also in extremely high demand. The popular appointment times get booked super early. So, if you are wanting a massage after work, you'd better book weeks or even months in advance. Or pray that you just get really lucky. You can book appointments online and pay online, which I love and I think every massage therapist should do. read more

Linda is one of the best massage therapists in the city. I know, because I've cheated on her enough to know. (But, hey, I always come back to her!) What I love about Linda is that she is caring and takes her job seriously. She really wants you to be balanced and pain-free. Her style is to treat massage as a true therapy. So, you don't go in and ask for a shiatsu, or a swedish. She asks you questions about what issues you've got, and then she tailors each massage to your needs from various styles of massage. A few things you should know: Linda is done with you when she's done with you. She doesn't stop until all the knots are out. Most of my massages have run well past an hour (which I'm not complaining about!). So, if you are on a tight schedule that day, let her know in advance. Her massages are meant to be therapy, which means that at times, it hurts a little. (But never for too long... if it really hurts, speak up!) Her space is clean, so are her sheets. But don't expect some well manicured, matching, frilly space (her place reminds me of hanging out at a cool friend's room back in my undergrad days at Berkeley...). Linda practices out of Satori Yoga studio - no showers! But she uses lotion, not oil... but plan for this in case you are heading back to the office or something. She has my highest recommendation. read more

Linda is fantastic! I just got done with a 30 minute massage on my lunch break and I feel so much better. I had some very specific back pain, and she was able to figure out the source of the pain right away. She then when to work to open up the immediate area, as well as any areas that were being affected, or causing the pain in the first place. Linda is first rate, wonderful and has a wealth of information. I would highly recommend her for any body work you might need done! read more

Linda is a truly a gifted healer. I am a person that has gone to MANY places to get massages, and I have found that she is one of the best in San Francisco. Not only that, but it is her energy and spirit, that adds to the experience. I am always greeted by her warm calming eyes and smile. I have a lot of pain from holding stress in my body from various activities, in addition, from dancing. She is able to get all the tightness out and I walk out feeling like a different person. I always look so much forward to her massages. What I also appreciate about her, is that her prices are extremely affordable compared to most other massage therapists. She makes is accessible for the average working person. She does it out of the love of it, TO HEAL. read more

In one word, AMAZING! You have to try a massage with Linda Crane for yourself as words can't describe it. Linda is a true healer! I went to Linda the first time last year when I had been in a bicycle accident and had a really stiff neck and shoulders. Linda not only painstakingly work out the kinks, but found the root of the problem - a misalignment, and helped fix it (along with suggesting some chiropractic care). I hadn't been to her all of 2010 and when I did go few months ago, I decided to get myself the 6-massage package right away. I'm glad I did. With long hours sitting at the computer, my back and arms tend to get sore and tight. Yesterday, Linda spent a long time working on my back and arm, getting the muscles to relax and I feel like I have a new arm today! My arm had been hurting for a few months, and it feels infinitely better today. I couldn't recommend her more. read more

I am reassessing my friendship w/Catherine K. b/c she told about Linda. I introduce Linda to people I know but secretly hope that they keep it to themselves Everyone gives out her info b/c it's elitist. (Oh, that's why yelpers are called that after a certain point) The feeling that I know something great that you don't trumps any threat to give away the best secret in staying sane in SF. read more

Linda Crane Rocks! It wasn't until Linda that I couldn't settle for less than a two hour block. Worth every penny. I've been getting professional massage regularly for about 20 years now and she is by far the best. Her knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics makes working with her so fantastic. I can tell that she really apperciates her work and comes to the work as a healer! She's walking distance from my home and it's always a pleasure to be on the table--and the pleasure lasts--both in my body as well as my relaxed attitude. read more

Linda is amazing!!! I would give 10 stars if I could! She cares a lot about the results. I tore 3 ligaments in my ankle playing soccer in April 2011. I had surgery, to no avail. 6 months later, I still couldn't run, 2 different surgeons suggested another surgery, with no guarantees. I did not want to do it again. I saw 2 Physical Therapy sites. The first (in Marin) gave up on my ankle, the second (in the Presidio) told me I would never find my range of motion again and that I should be happy to be walking without pain. (not good enough for me). oh, I also saw a Chiropractor 4 times, nothing changed. I started seeing Linda in March 2012. While doctors, therapist and chiropractor focused only on the ankle, Linda is the only person who worked from my thigh to my toes, explaining that everything was connected. She mainly did a lot of work on my calves, and under my feet (so painful that I couldn't talk, but totally worth it). She also helped me change some of my diet habits. After about 8 torture sessions of an hour each, I am now able to run, jump, crouch down again! I'm back to where I was before my injury. I still can't believe it today, I've been playing soccer for 2 months without pain. If I had seen her right after the injury, I'm sure I wouldn't have needed the surgery and all that time going to the therapists. I am sad that I can't jump higher than before, I had initially asked her to make that happen... but I'm happy with being back to normal now! :) Thanks Linda! read more

Absolutely amazing! Linda quickly located injuries that other therapists have missed for years. She didn't waste time by minding areas that were not damaged or knotted. This was an intense and therapeutic massage, one that I would recommend to anyone who has felt bored or simply relaxed with other massages. On top of the amazing focus of this massage Linda "is not a clock watcher". That meant my scheduled 1 hour massage lasted 2 full hours. Who does that? I will certainly return the next time I am in town and will be passing Linda's name along to a few friends in the area. Many thanks to you Linda! read more

I'm a huge fan and highly recommend Linda. She has a lovely presence and STRONG hands! I feel lucky to have found her. Its also very convenient that you can book an appt on her website www.becausemassage.com so you don't have to wait for a phone call back. You can see immediately what times she has open. read more

Linda is incredible!! I've been going to her for years! I've had hundreds of massages throughout my life, around the world - she's the best of the best! Diligent, skilled and deeeeep tissue! If you are looking for someone to really work not only on but with your body, look no further! read more

I concur with all the other review that Linda is a gifted healer. They've experienced the blissful coma that comes at the end of this long, effective massage treatment. There's a list of the usual pluses like proximity to downtown worker bees, bus lines, clean & friendly, easy booking, yada yada. But the real reason I gave 5 stars was the treatment. I can tell that she's intent on relaxing all those tense muscles and nerves - she customizes the massage and stops at the knotted parts and goes to town on them! No standard routine massage can really heal you - and she knows this. Other plus: If you're ticklish, don't fear, the healer is here. I'm a ticklish person - back and legs - and she figured out how to get down in the muscle and untighten me without hysterical laughter. I've gone to other specialists who say they just can't massage me because I laugh to easily. And this time I was glamored some magic hands! read more

I've been going to see Linda for almost two years now, and a massage with anyone else just doesn't measure up. Linda is so knowledgeable, so thoughtful, so personal, and much stronger than one would expect. The first time I went to see Linda, I had acute pain in my neck. "You must sit at a desk and look over your right shoulder all day, " she said after touching my neck. She's psychic, I thought. Because she was right! I kept my calendar and other paperwork pinned to the wall to the right of my computer. I left that day with my neck feeling normal, not stiff or aching; I was enlightened. I changed my desk set-up and, in combination with Linda's massage, have not experienced any neck pain since! A massage with Linda can treat pain, but I also see her to relax and detoxify. After her massage, I feel relaxed and rejuvenated. It's a full-body therapeutic experience, and the effects last. My body feels more limber, healthier, more agile (and my mind does too). Her massage studio is conveniently located downtown, in a yoga studio. It's cozy with a relaxing and warm vibe. Just walking inside makes my stress start to melt away. I recommend a massage with Linda for anyone and everyone! read more

LInda is not only a great massager (is that the right word?!) but a fantastic person who takes healing the whole body very seriously. From her knowledge of the body to herbs, vitamins, and alternative remedies, I credit her with extending my pick-up basketball career. Prior to seeing her, I couldn't walk without pain. I would not hesitate to recommend her. read more

Linda's massage is both relaxing and effective. You will feel great when you leave. Hers is practically the best massage I've EVER had, second only to a massage I had in 1999, from a person whose name I long ago forgot at Osmosis. Sigh. But Linda made me feel great on the three times I've seen her and I'm bound and determined to get in there soon and experience her touch thanks to a GC from a loving friend. On-line booking at becausemassage.com which should be ideal, but is a chore for me as I constantly forget my login , but easily worth the hassle. She books up early , so get in there already! read more

Most incredible massage and only a block away from my office. I have been to many places in SF and this is my favorite yet!

Perfect is likely the only word in the known English dictionary that remotely sums up Linda's quality of service. At the encouragement of one of my girl friends, I had the first formal massage of my life (I'm 23) this afternoon. It was a classic case of under-promising and over-delivering. Long hours come with my line of work at a hedge fund, so I decided it was time to care for my body. I requested a $50, 30min back and neck massage - I went in a half burned-out man, but left the room feeling my tightened muscles now loose. She firmly ran her fingers and hands in and through the aforementioned body parts in addition to the forehead/eye area. Yet, she managed to keep me relaxed during the entirety of the session. Further, Linda is a great story teller and an enormously wise woman. She was able to keep up with me in a conversation intellectually while I was receiving the massage; this is uncommon for most. We exchanged views on the importance of life, professions, fitness, etc. Did I mention I was wow-ed? What came as a pleasant surprise was that I did not flinch at all, and that means a lot coming from someone whose friends describe as easily ticklish. One downside: my back is aching, but I did knowingly sign up for it... I suppose I will be brokeback Jack for the next 24-48hrs *shrug* As the saying goes - no pain, no gain ^.^ My advice is that you book early - the slots fill up faster than you can blink. Took me quite a few attempts. On a similar note, I believe the online booking system was malfunctioning when I was trying to make the appointment. I left a VM, which she promptly returned. Oh, and the office is located in the center of the financial district - this is a huge plus for whom time is a luxury. A+ all the way. Will definitely return. P.S. Why in the world does this place have fewer than 20 reviews? read more

Linda Crane is one of San Francisco's best kept secrets. She is not just a massage therapist--a visit to her is like going to a physical therapist and holistic healer as well. She knows human bodies SO well...she is able to quickly find the source of my pain and it's often in places that don't directly help and she's able to explain to me how/why and make it feel better. She works out of a chiropractor office so you're not paying arm/leg for spa environment. Seriously great healer. read more

Linda is a highly professional, intelligent, intuitive, and caring massage therapist. Hands down the best massage that I have ever received. It's beyond feeling good; it's about healing. Looking forward to another one soon! read more

I have an old shoulder injury and was instructed by my surgeon Dr Akizuki to combine massage with my physical therapy. Since seeing Linda I have improved so much it is unbelievable. I am so glad she was referred to me and know that anyone in pain, or just likes to get a massage will improve by visiting Linda. Her prices are extremely reasonable and she has good music to listen to as well, none of the weird stuff that makes you think your phone is ringing while you are trying to relax. Thank you Linda, you truly have helped me gain milestones in my recovery. read more

My husband referred me to Linda after reading some yelp reviews. I enjoy massages generally but oftentimes I don't really feel better afterwards. That's where she stands out. Linda's massages both feel great and provide me with some relief from chronic back pain. In fact, she's the only masseuse I've found who can really isolate the area where I have the most pain. I have to say that she has even exceeded the high expectations I had based on her reputation. I also appreciate her advice on managing back pain. In terms of value for the money, considering she's in the financial district I really think it's a good value too. I'm so happy that I've found my go to masseuse! read more

Linda Crane is one of the best massage therapists ever!!! She was able to isolate the spot where my husband had tension and she massaged the spot until all the tension went away. Linda also gave great advice to help my husband manage his aches and pains. She is really a gem. read more

Linda really is as good as it gets. Her knowledge and instincts are superb. All this and kindness to. Linda's a real healer. She has solved physical problems for me that the doctors and other physiotherapists could not. I really couldn't do without her. read more

Linda is incredible. She has an incredible ability to assess your body, find those trouble spots and make a huge difference in a really short period of time. I don't know how I managed without her! read more

Best massage therapist EVER! Linda can somehow sense where your pain is even before you tell her, and you always leave feeling like a new person. She also has a wonderful personality. read more

I have seen many, many massage therapists over the years. But Linda Crane is simply the best I have ever been to, and is why I have been seeing her for 12 years. read more

Where's the 6 star rating when you need it?! Linda is hands down the best massage therapist on the planet. I've seen her over the last few years when I've pulled a muscle, felt tense due to stress or simply felt like I needed a "tune-up." I've told her that she's ruined any other massage I've gotten, because they never and will never match up to her. I've recommended her to many friends and coworkers who have seen her, and we've given her the nickname of "Magic Hands." If you're looking for the best, go to Linda, and thank me later. read more

I have been seeing Linda Crane for over 5 years now. I only wish I could afford to see her every other day!! On many more than one occasion, she literally has made it possible for me to function physically. If I am in pain that is unusually debilitating, she will tell me what muscle(s) is causing the problem and suggest simple stretches I can do at home. I have been to many, many massage therapists over the years, and she is, hands-down, the best I've ever encountered. Her deep-tissue skills are unparalleled (which is why I go to her). Best of all, she listens and of course will instantly adjust per pressure to either more or less. I have been and will continue to be very grateful when she draws attention to various physical issues (and I have to say I have never for a minute felt judged) that I have and makes suggestions re other modalities that I might want to explore in order to gain even more relief. There will come a time in a few years when I will retire (which I'm looking forward to) and will leave the area, but I am not looking forward to that point in time when I will not be able to take advantage of Linda's amazing skills. read more

Linda is great - very kind and knowledgeable about the body. She went well over my time and really worked to get all the knots out. Highly recommended especially if you want healing as well as massage. read more

I have been getting massages from Linda for more than five years and she is amazing. She always finds my tight muscles and has multiple ways to reduce the tension. Her knowledge of the human body is amazing. A regular visit is part of my well health progeram to counter my desk job. She explains to me the muscle names and why a certain one may be tight, including ideas for stretching. Highly recommend!! read more