I'm reluctant to spread the word, but I can't keep Ed all to myself. By far the best massage I've ever had. He can find the pain and work on the exact spots to relieve my back and shoulder pain. I can't recommend Ed more highly. Love his garden location and vibe. Very relaxing. read more

Amazing, magical, and well worth it. I've had shoulder pain for the longest and feel great after a session. Definitely one of a kind experience and I'll be back again very soon. Highly recommend if you need to some serious body work done from a person who knows what they're doing. read more

I threw my back out (again) and he helped me tremendously! Ed exceeded my expectations in every way. His attention and focus on my symptoms were systemic and cut my usual recovery time to less than half of what it normally takes! I am grateful for his advice on how to take care of myself and reduce the chances of this happening again. I appreciate his guidance on how many times to see him and his approach of only continuing treatment as long as it was beneficial for me. I'm so glad I chose him, I would definitely see him again if I needed to, and I would highly recommend him! read more

I have been a client of Ed's for several years now and he has always been a stellar body worker. Over years, Ed has continued to hone his craft and mastery for healing the body. He has a passion-driven curiosity for this work and because of that, he is always pushing himself to learn new and more effective forms of healing. During my last visit, he did some work that he calls "P-DTR and working on pain receptor thru central nervous system resets" ... well, okay, but I just I call it magic! Probably TMI but my arthritic soccer feet haven't been without pain in years - until last week after Ed worked his MAGIC! I can't recommend his work more highly. He has become my go-to resource for injuries and pain management. read more

Yes, Ed is a healer.....quite extraordinary really! After waking up one day in August with incredible ab/hip/back pain....that only worsened as the days progressed....I sought the "normal" medical route. This included a barrage of tests that resulted in....no diagnosis...they couldn't find what was wrong. As the days progressed and walking became difficult including 5 weeks of being bedridden...I looked to my alternative "healer" who had previously helped in another matter using ART. Unfortunately, she was no longer in the area. I found Ed online who practices in ART as well as other modalities. A gift....I gave....myself! I had my 6th session today and the difference between the 1st time and now is phenomenal. He not only realized there was a hip flexor issue, but.....that a foot surgery I had years ago had contributed to the problem. Bottom line....he's all about finding the core of the problem, and....working on that to find/relieve the issue. His knowledge of the body....how each part relates to another....how areas that have been compromised even years ago contribute to a current problem in another area of the body.... is amazing as is his technique. I'm grateful to have found him! I'm enormously thankful to shed the debilitating pain! I sigh with relief.....finally! read more

Ed is a rockstar! He is honest, funny and punctual. He helped me with a hip issue and tennis elbow! The pain decreased significantly after treatment. Important: go more than once! Rome wasn't built in a day! read more

Ed Rockowitz is the real deal. I have recently had a tough bout with sciatica that induced plantar fasciitis. I was able to get it under control with stretching, swimming, walking and some medication (prednisone) and pain meds but could not seem to get over the hump of the deep ache and tightness in my leg and hips. I was walking like an old man and using a cane in the afternoon when my back was tired. I almost called a chiropractor but luckily found Ed here on Yelp!. After one session with Ed and the Active Release Technique (A.R.T.) I felt like I had my foundation (hips) back in a good solid place. A few days later and I reduced the amount of pain meds I was taking by 1/2: 4 times a day instead of 8 times a day. It has progressively gotten better. Yesterday I took a 4 mile hike. I saw Ed again today for more work. Every time I get off the table I feel like energy has been released in my body. My hips feel aligned and the residue pain and deep ache that has been with me is reduced. I hope if you are reading this and you have similar issues: please give Ed a call. It is pretty incredible what he does and not similar to any other type of massage or PT I have encountered. ART addresses the structure, muscles, tendons and fascia. It is exactly what I felt needed to happen but did not know existed. read more

Eds bodywork is nothing short of unique and amazing!  I had been experiencing a lot of back pain for many years. After watching me walk, he saw noticeable issues with my hips.  He then began testing certain muscle strength and used various massage techniques to get strength back. He then asked if I had has any surgeries, this is where it gets interesting. I told him I had a C-section with my child 25 years ago. He then began working on my scar and I literally felt my hips and low back become more stable.  By the time I left, my back pain way 80% better. Ed has real skills. I highly recommend his work! read more

I have been going to Ed for a few months now. every session i have improved. being in construction and working out constantly takes a big toll on my body. Ed is always so quick to assess and attack the issues. I leave each session with a great relief. i appreciate him and look forward to continues progress! read more

Ed is NOT an ordinary massage therapist. In fact, I consider him more of a physical therapist. For over a year, I've been fighting neuromuscular impingement in my right leg. It got to the point that I lost a good percentage of my range of motion. Aside from walking, any other activities were difficult and painful. I've even approached my primary and she prescribed pain killers and physical therapy but with Covid, the PT was virtual AND ridiculous and costly. My chiropractor, Dr. Richard Burg, recommended Ed several times but I ignored it until finally I was in such pain and despair that I decided to give Ed a try. Why had I not gone to him sooner is beyond my reasoning. Ed is amazing. He won't pamper you. The work is not rainbows and unicorns. Ed recognizes your desire and coaxes the body to align as long as you are willing. After my first session, I was flabbergasted at how my muscle spasms subsided. After a few more sessions, I'm now riding my bicycle with confidence again. I've a long way to go but I owe Ed for giving me back my mobility and love of riding again. Ed is worth his weight in gold. read more

Ed is super skilled and if you are reading this you should just make the appointment. I have been plagued with back issues for decades and have seen many different practitioners over the years. Ed ranks in the top tier. He is thorough and communicative. He got into the nooks and crannies of my tightest areas and provided some much needed lasting relief. I am eagerly awaiting my next visit. read more

TL,DR: Ed has got some sort of secret time machine in his backyard, because my legs feel a decade younger after *one visit for one hour*. The man is a wizard. Go see him! Longer: I'm all about cardio, I do it all the time. (Not well, but often.) I was never a good athlete, though, and I'm tall and lead-footed to boot, so my legs were pretty ramshackle in the first place and have since been run half to stubs. Went to see Ed and gave him a vague, unhelpful description of the problem ("This calf feels depleted, and whatever this muscle is just aches. Something's off with this thingy here too"). He then went to work on me like some sort of human piano tuner, tinkering with different muscles all over my body to try to find the ones that were causing my legs to misfire. I kept waiting for him to play the piano too - isn't this supposed to be a sports massage? doesn't he have to wrench and unkink something and leave me writhing in agony? - but he never did: he just tapped and plucked and flicked, tested my muscle resistance, then tapped and plucked and flicked some more. Have to say that it felt kinda like quackery while he was doing it, but HOLY TOLEDO did I ever wake up the next day in a new set of legs. (Honestly it even started working that night: I don't know if he released my chi or what, but I had this crazy surge of energy and didn't fall asleep until a couple hours after my normal bedtime.) Went out to train as soon as I hopped out of bed and not only had the best day I'd had in months, but felt like I could've gone twice as long as I usually do. Ed is a bonafide healer. Cannot believe he is chilling in suburban San Leandro and not working for the US Olympic team or something, but their loss is our gain. See him! (And say hi to his awesome dogs!) read more

Ed is amazing! I felt more improvement in my body after two sessions with Ed than I did after ~6 months of PT, acupuncture, and doctor's appointments. I now have a much wider range of motion and the constant, nagging pain is gone. I'm now able to enjoy exercise and sleep through the night! It's really incredible what Ed is able to do in a short amount of time. read more

An absolute professional at body tune-up! Not a massage, more like physical therapy. He read my body diagnostics, then dove in deep to heal the injury. It took a few days to heal from this deep therapy, but then I was back to normal. I absolutely recommend him for anyone suffering from a sports injury or muscle chronic issue. His style of healing felt nothing short of magic. read more

I Highley Recommend Ed. I went to him thinking that I might need surgery on my shoulder. After several appointments, the pain was manageable and my range of motion was starting to return. It has been a couple of months since seeing Ed. I have a full range of motion and the shoulder is doing great. He really knows his stuff! read more

I ran a half marathon and was having knee troubles after. A runner himself, Ed promised to take care of me - and he did. He knew EXACTLY what he was doing and I feel so confident he's put me on the path to pain-free movement. I've set up a series of appointments with him and am so excited to see the progress and get back to running health. In addition, he recommended exercises and YouTube videos to follow to help my recovery. So helpful to have an expert sift through all the noise out there and point me down an actionable path to recovery. Exactly the type of therapist I wish HMOs covered! Worth every penny! read more

Contacted Ed for a session. He's a super chill guy, set-up is great, and rehab work was worth the money. Coming off of ankle surgery, he made sure to focus on that, before moving onto to anything else. His knowledge and ability to explain certain functionality is what really stood out. Looking forward to more sessions in the future. read more

Ed saved me. Seriously. I'm writing this review so Ed's name will pop up for the next person seeking some serious help. I wish I would have found him before I spent all that money and time on various other body work and chiropractors... I had been suffering for over 6 months with pinched nerves in various places (neck, shoulder/back) from an old snowboarding accident and had reached the point I could not sit down at work, could not carry anything and *gasp* could not dance. I tried everything and anything: chiropractors, yoga, massage, doctors, medicating, banging my head against the wall--and nothing worked. In fact, I got worse. I couldn't sleep much. Sometimes I would wake up and couldn't get up. Very scary. My point is, I tried many professionals and no one could help me. Finally, a friend recommended I talk to Ed. He has several location options and an incredibly flexible schedule. He got me in the next day at his home studio in San Leandro. Very chill, easy parking. A few weeks later I got an appointment with him at the Oakland Crossfit gym the same day! So make sure to ask about other locations... In 30 minutes, he adjusted me in places and ways I've never experienced in my 10+ years of chiropractic and physical therapy for various injuries. Immediately, I noticed major changes. Ed also talked me through the process, answering any questions I had, making suggestions for a speedier recovery. More importantly, after only two sessions, a month later I haven't woken up in pain or felt the need to go back! AND I can go dancing, workout and started running again!!!--all without pain or worry. Thanks, Ed. Ed is a true professional: knowledgeable, effective, efficient, honest--and a cool, approachable dude. Call him. Your body will thank you. read more

Ed is the real deal. My back went into spasms and I was in serious pain. As a yogi I needed to get back to mobility soon and was willing to try anything. I went to see Ed and had IMMEDIATE relief and the next day I actually felt better than pre-back going out! I don't really understand what he does but it worked! He is professional and responsive. So glad I found him! read more

Ed did a fantastic job diagnosing and treating my shoulder pain! Having separated my shoulder a few years back, being a competitive triathlete, and now, getting very involved in CrossFit, I have found that my shoulder was a weak point in my chain and starting to hurt following some particularly heavy use. After ice, NSAIDs, and mobility on my own didn't really do the trick, I called up Ed. After just one session, which involved more twisting and bending than I thought was possible in one joint, I felt so much better. Ed also applied his new skills as a Rock Tape "Rock Doc," and I am now able to get right back in the gym and move big weights overhead without pain. Ed gave me lots of tips on continuing to take care of and diagnose myself, and refreshingly, was not pushy about booking a whole series of appointments (like so many massage therapists do). Instead, I feel like I truly want to get back on the table so he can help me maintain the strength I have and unlock even more mobility! read more

I've been going to Ed Rockowitz for four or five years to address specific injuries and sprains such as those involving my back, knees, wrists, elbows and shoulders. His sessions relieve pain and address muscle weakness/non-firing that limit or reduce my enjoyment of the many sports and cross-training activities I participate in. In a session yesterday Ed spent most of the hour working on a rotator cuff problem that, over the course a month, made it increasingly painful for me to swim. I already had greater shoulder mobility and reduced pain by the time the session was over. And tonight (28 hours after yesterday's session) I swam over a mile with no pain and at my pre-injury speed! This is but one example of how Ed's sessions have helped me. Thanks so much Ed. read more

I found Ed through extensive research in sports therapist in the East Bay. Had my first session with Ed this afternoon and have to say it was an amazing experience. I'm a private trainer and fitness professional of 4 years. Have been lifting for a little over 5 years so I have incurred many injuries along the way. Ed was extremely informative and direct with the issues I was facing. My biggest issue was an overactive front deltoid. Ed quickly accessed and educated me on how I can prevent this problem from happening in the future. My girlfriend Jessica was joined with me to see Ed right after my session and she loved him just as much. We will definitely be returning to see him again. His vast knowledge and ability to communicate to his clients are just the tip of the ice berg on why Ed is great at what he does. We are both now very excited knowing we have found Ed. Can't wait to be back! read more

I just had my initial assessment with Ed and it was hands down the BEST hour of body work I've ever had. I've tried many things for back + hip pain and chronic headaches (chiropractic work, acupuncture, massage, cupping, etc etc), but nothing has compared to one session with Ed. Highly recommend! read more

i don't care to receive A.R.T sessions from anyone. i don't care if they are done by physical therapists, massage therapists or flunky chiropractors. The best attribute of Ed Rockowitz is he has ability to do a generalized massage without attempting focus work and he produces results without creating bruises or overwork muscles. i was first introduced to Ed years ago when he was new out of massage school and he did high quality bodywork on me. later as he developed his techniques further into rehabilitative work he really helped me with muscles that had knots. instead of digging into the knots he was able to back away and stretch the actual muscle tissue for me without injuring me. i appreciate his ability to massage my aching muscles without making me uncomfortable. he has good boundaries and is excellent in not overstepping my boundaries. Ed's only problems though he does not take time to review the entire rating prior to me finishing the rating. slow down Ed. Be very very very incrediably nice to me and smile. you haven't worked on me for some time due to COVID issues. I was in process of writing and wasn't completely done with my thoughts. now I am done! have a nice weekend and I will see you around town soon I hope. P.S. Ed I was certified in A.R.T. prior to you. Let me repeat, i don't care to receive from anyone the technique. however, you have other massage techniques that are equally effective and useful for someone like me. Ciao read more

I have received both relaxing massage work (Lomi Lomi) and therapeutic work (sports massage with active release therapy) from Ed and am extremely happy. I have been struggling with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and neck disk degeneration for years. When I started to see Ed I was waking up every morning with my right hand numb and fingers locked in a curled position. Within 3 sessions I have full range of motion back, feel physically better then I have in a long time. I have recommended him often and I will keep coming back! read more

I recently saw Ed due to experiencing pain from my neck, shoulder and down my right arm. I'd been off work as I could not type for my job. PT did not solve the issue and so I wondered if Ed could help. Three sessions later, I am fixed. No more pain in my arm. I still get a flare up in my neck once in a while but it never goes beyond my shoulder. I am stunned! I was so worried about being able to do my job without accommodations being granted. I'm so thankful to Ed for fixing me and will be back for a tune up soon. If you're experiencing pain and disfunction in your body, Ed can help you. He's the best! read more

Ed is my favorite massage practitioner, and everything the other reviewers say is true. I recommend him all the time, and I go to him whenever I can. I first went to Ed after I'd had abdominal surgery in 2005, and I was bent forward like an old woman and having a lot of pain because my psoas was so tight. Ed released my psoas and the pain stopped immediately; I felt like a new woman when I got off the table. I also like seeing Ed because he's such a sweetheart. I've always felt 100% comfortable and safe with him. And his new massage studio is beautiful, with big french doors opening out onto the garden. Relaxing, knowledgeable & deeply therapeutic. Your body will thank you. read more

I've had back problems increasingly for the past few years, and seen a variety of massage therapists, trainers, and other specialists, who've been somewhat helpful. I saw Ed after throwing my back into spasms so severe that I couldn't function 4 times in 8 days. I couldn't drive or sit for more than 15 minutes without being in intense pain. Ed had me do several motions and tested my strength to determine that the problem was largely with my hip. After adjustments and tissue work lasting about 40 minutes, I am soooo much better, no spasms, no pain, and I can feel how limited my range of motion was before. And he's a really nice guy, totally professional, and gives great explanations for what he's doing. I highly recommend him! read more

I received a Gift Certificate to go see Ed Rockowitz from my sister. I called him up and made an appointment. At first, he said he did not remember giving out certificates but made the appointment anyway. On the day of my appointment, I had a last minute schedule change at work, which prevented me from attending my appointment. I called Mr. Ed to reschedule and was surprised to have been meet with a lot of attitude. I understand that last minute schedule changes cost money but his demeanor on the phone was not professional. He immediately asked for my credit card so that he could charge me $180 for the missed appointment to which I reminded him that I had a gift cert for the visit. He then asked me to rip up my certificate & rescheduling the appointment would cost regular price. At this point, I did not feel comfortable trusting him with my wellbeing and I told him that I was good and did not wish to schedule another appointment. I am sure Mr. Ed is a good therapist, (I would not know) and I will not score him low on this survey because that would not be fair to his business. All I wanted was some "Fairness" & understanding on my situation so that I could rescheduled without the attitude and him dishonoring my gift certificate. My sister paid good money for the certificate which is now lost. Also lost, is future business and referrals from me. Too bad read more

Ed Rockowitz brings legitimacy to massage therapy! I've had many massages over the years, and Ed is one of the few therapists I feel has had comprehensive training, is truly gifted and knows what he's doing. He's also a genuinely nice guy. All of the muscle aches and tension I felt prior to the session were gone within 24 hours of my session with Ed - and I had many. I also had a great ART session with Ed on a previous occasion. During both therapies, true healing took place in my body. I look forward to many more sessions with Ed. read more

As a former competitive triathlete, current endurance athlete, and all around non-compliant patient, I have found Ed to be very skilled at dealing with people who fit my profile. In addition to being an excellent and focused practitioner, he is down-to-earth, accessible, honest, authentic, and efficient. He holds highly professional standards and is honest and forthright if he doesn't have an answer to causation of a particular injury or ill. As far as his functional body work, he knows his stuff, has very strong hands, is highly skilled at problem identification, and thinks outside the box. If you are looking for a 'feel good' overall body massage, this ain't your man (but I'm sure he will have a great referral). If you are looking for highly intense, functional, and localized work, he is the bomb and will do you justice. read more

Just finished a session with Ed...all I can say is Ahhhh! Every time he works on me (I mean EVERY TIME) whatever ailment I come in with, I leave without! I wish I could have a session every week. Thanks Ed...you're amazing!!! read more

In need of body work and ART my girlfriend HIGHLY recommended Ed. As a triathlete with a long history of injuries, multiple surgeries (knee, shoulder, c-sections, foot) and military service I have had a ton of scar tissue build up and muscle compensation. I have now seen Ed for about two months including an "emergency" visit due to intense pain and numbness in my hand stemming from my shoulder. Ed works magic with steady pressure and active release, all while listening to you and what you feel is helping or isn't. He thinks outside of the box and fully understands the human body and musculature to ensure a successful session. I have had other therapists who had released muscles and scar tissue creating instability and I felt worse the next day. Ed's steady and gentle approach allows the body to heal and realign giving strength back to the muscles. The scar tissue work Ed has done so far has been amazing! The weakness resulting from scar tissue has started to fade and is slowly being replaced by strength. Simply phenomenal! After 10 surgeries and copious injuries I have never felt as stable in my lower back as I do now. My range of motion in my shoulder has increased significantly, and my daily pain is slowly dissipating. I cannot say enough great things about Ed. He is easy going with a gentle and warm spirit that provides for a healing environment. read more

Ed is the real deal. By using ART he had helped me over come some injuries and generate more power on my bicycle. His studio is comfortable and easy to find. I recommend him if your an athlete and want to be better balanced. read more

I started seeing Ed because my personal trainer recommended I see someone trained in Active Release Technique (ART). I found Ed and have seen him only 2x. After the first time, my right leg sciatica improved within seven days to the point where I almost forgot I had the problem the last two days before I went back for a second session. I'm going for a third visit just to be safe. I'm a strong believer in alternative methods for healing the human body - there's no doubt massage therapy, ART, pressure points, etc. can help! Try them first before going to extremes (if you can). Go see Ed! read more

After a pretty major car accident it was apparent that I needed further treatment, and after glowing personal reviews by friends that had seen Ed I set up my first appointment. I immediately felt better after the first treatment. Although this is the first of many, I am beyond thankful for his skills and hope to continue down this road to recovery. read more

Recovering from a spine injury that had me sidelined for a year, turning 50 -- and now hitting PRs in lifting/CF and dropping substantive mile times on long runs???? And -no more pain, increased sensation in my arms and hands - and I feel awesome!!! How is that possible?? Ed Rocowitz!!!! Ed is a scientist and a healer - he knows his anatomy! The past year has made me a frequent flier in spinal rehab medicine programs (PT/massage/ART/etc) - I have to say the one thing that pushed my recovery over the edge is working with Ed. Ed is not only a gifted body worker, but a great communicator who has partnered with me to help me reach my goals. And as mentioned by others- he is a really nice guy!!! and utterly professional! Without Ed there is simply no way I would be this active, nor would I be in shape to compete! My form is the best its ever been!!! My lifts and movements at their most efficient! And that is only after three visits!!! Looking forward to having years of injury stuff unlocked and resolved!! read more

Ed is amazing and truly has healing hands. I brought my 63-year-old Chinese mother to him and after just 2 visits, she immediately started feeling better. My mom has worked and and toiled for the last 50 years of her life and has never had anyone work (massage) on her, EVER. She's recently diagnosed with cervical spondylosis so she is constantly feeling tight and has knots that had been forming for the last few DECADES. Ed managed to loosen some of these monstrosities and my mom now raves about how much looser she feels. I can see that she has a lot more range of motion in her neck; truly visible progress. Thank you so much Ed!! read more

Hands down the best sports massage therapist in the east bay. I've had some minor aches and pains through running, Ed really listened and helped to get me back to form. read more

Mr. you ROCKowitz!!!!! You are an amazing healer!!!! Master miracle-worker!!! THANK YOU!!!!! HUGS!!!!