I highly recommend Judy for deep work. I've spent several months having her help me obtain fascial release on a 20-year-0old injury, and general releasing a lot of fascial freezing in other areas around the injury. My desire is to avoid any type of surgery and she provided much needed knowledge and expertise to help in my goal. read more

Judy Ko is a body worker's bodyworker. Extremely skilled in multiple modalities- including a powerful command of energy healing, fascial release, trigger points, deep. T tissue work as well as refined intuition to find the deep spots holding deep tension. She listened when I asked for less pressure and was adept at finding alternative points and spaces to release stuck painful muscles. Judy is also a great communicator who is generous with her knowledge and her gifts. You in excellent hands with her hands! read more

I am really grateful I found Judy! I hurt my shoulder pretty badly and could barely lift my arm over my head, and was looking for somebody who could handle an injury. She did an amazing job and when I left I could easily move my arm over my head and my shoulder felt way better! I also hurt my back and came to her for that and similarly she worked wonders for me! I came in pain and left feeling way better and she recommended one more visit and after that I basically walked away pain free which was incredible! She has a diverse toolkit, using acupressure massage, cupping, these special Japanese "needles" that aren't sharp but hurt if you have blockages and she knows how to figure out what's actually causing your pain, often finding a problem in an area that seems unrelated like shoulder pain coming from you adductors for eg, since the body is all connected. She works from a studio in her home, she has two amazing dogs and a few cats, the energy is great, and her animals are all friendly. Highly recommend her! read more

"So I'm on 3rd Avenue, mindin' my own business, and, yada yada yada, I get a free massage and a facial." Marcy, Seinfeld Da Scene: Tweaked my shoulder, doc says rotator cuff, shoots me up w/ cortisone... not much help, so I turn to Judy. I don't do bodywork regularly, but when I'm hurtin', Judy to da rescue! Da Work: I explain my situation, then Judy gets to work. Very intuitive, I lost count of the modalities used in my 2 hr. session, maybe 5. Since she explained a couple I was not familiar with, I left not only feeling better, but informed. Da Result: I'm spent, but can reach up & back again after our session. 2 weeks later, still good and my range of motion has improved. F a cortisone shot man! Tips: Judy's got pets, let her know of any sensitivities and she'll adjust. Cool w/ dogs, but cats GET me so she runs the air filter before our session. Get there 10 min. early to search for parking, but don't head up to the door until post time. Pound lots of water the day before! read more

Judy is a true wonder when it comes to locating and releasing trigger points and breaking up myofascial adhensions. With her knowledge, experience, and creativity she uses a combination of modalities that lends to a healing experience. Her treatments are unique, intense, and most importantly effective. read more

I have been working with Judy for over a year now and I am in awe of my progress over the past year! I've sought out a lot of bodywork over the years and my work with Judy is far and away the most healing. I'm so grateful and relieved for the drastic decrease in discomfort - including migraines that plagued me! It's really incredible how intuitive Judy is when it comes to what the body (and it feels like spirit!) needs. She is also such a pleasure to chat with! I am excited to continue to work with her on my healing journey. read more

Great massage. She works wonders and listens to what you want. Shes going to be taking leave soon, so get your appts in before then. Lots of knowledge to share and has an intuitive touch. read more

I haven't had a massage in a long time, but have been suffering from extreme back pain for months. I have done acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical therapy and nothing has really helped. I did a little search and found Judy. My impression is that Judy has a keen sense about people and that she really cares about helping you to feel better. All the months that I have spent doing what my doctor recommended, I never felt better cared for or understood until I saw Judy. I will definitely continue to see Judy for bodywork! read more

Judy is a true healer that finds areas of your body you didn't even know needed attention. She listens to what you need physically and emotionally. If you are expecting a "spa style" massage, this is not for you. Her work is deep and can be uncomfortable at times but it is worth the result. If you are wanting to release deep held emotions and trauma in your body Judy knows how to get in there and provide relief. I have been working with her for over a year and she has gifted me much needed healing. read more

As several of the reviewers have mentioned, there are some important considerations before working with Judy: * If you are looking for an elegant, Zen-like, spa experience, then Judy's not for you. Judy's works in her home and she has many pets. Her massage studio looks like a cluttered mad scientist's laboratory filled with every kind of device for working on the body that you can imagine. * If you are looking for bodywork that will be relaxing and soothing, but may not have lasting results, then Judy's not for you. While Judy is deeply caring and attentive in every aspect of her work (i.e. she has soothing music playing in her studio and will adjust temperatures as needed), a session with her is more like going to a bodywork version of Navy Seal training. It will be intense and often painful. But the results will be nothing short of awesome and amazing! Those caveats aside, I say with no hyperbole whatsoever that Judy is the most amazing bodyworker IN THE WORLD. Period. She combines so many different and incredibly powerful modalities and techniques, in such a unique, deeply skilled, and incredibly intuitive way, that I am certain there's no one else like her in the world. She will literally throw the kitchen sink at you and you will be SO HAPPY that she did: * Deep Tissue Massage * Acupressure / Shiatsu * Acupuncture * No-puncture Japanese acupuncture needles with sonic toning * Hot stones * Cupping * Gua Sha * Hypervolt - a sort of massage version of an electric jackhammer * VortexHealing® Divine Energy Healing - an esoteric and incredibly powerful form of energy healing that works extraordinarily deeply. if you have deep, chronic, intractable body pains and issues, and you want to heal them, more than anything, then Judy is a Godsend. Believe the reviews. I am about to turn 50 and I've spent most of my adult working life sitting at a desk starting at a computer screen. I've had chronic neck and especially shoulder issues that have been almost entirely eliminated by working with Judy. A few months back I started to feel some painful pinching in my groin that one often associates with sciatica. I knew I wasn't going to get anything useful from Western doctors, other than a steroid shot. I started going to Judy this summer averaging a session or two per month for the past 5 months. Judy worked super deeply. It was intense work and not easy. But the results from each session were immediate and noticeable. And, the cumulative effect has been astonishing. I have a range of freedom and relaxation in my body that I thought I had lost forever, and that imagined was just a part of getting older. To heck with that! With Judy, you can seriously turn back the clock on your body, releasing tensions and traumas that you've living (or suffering) with for years. I cannot recommend her highly enough. read more

I met Judy around 3 years ago and have been getting massages from her periodically when I get back from traveling and especially when I get back from a snowboarding trip or some other extreme sport that has me in pain! She focuses attention to the problem areas. She never rushes her massages always is in-tune with your body's needs. Judy is always detailed oriented when it comes to specific areas of your body and always uses the right technique to make your body feel good again! I would definitely recommend her. Try her out for yourself and see what she can do for you! read more

Judy Ko, CMT - BLISS MASSAGE THERAPY - Massage Near Me

Judy relieved a great deal of my shoulder and neck pain but more importantly she taught me things I didn't know about my body such as my tight hips, chest, and armpits. She felt my jaw and immediately knew I had tmj. Now I know where to focus on when stretching or massaging myself. Unfortunately I found out I was deathly allergic to her cats, luckily Judy was prepared with antihistamines and lidocaine spray when I broke out in gives on my neck and chest. It's with great sadness that I can't see her again because I really believe she can fix me for good! read more

I can't say enough about the merits of this highly talented, skilled, and intuitive healer/ body worker. As someone with a major chronic pain issue due to a lifetime of compensation for an injury-gone-wrong, I have seen many healers. Judy Ko is special. Her unique method encompasses a variety of techniques. Judy uses her feet and hands and stones to massage and knows her way around a body. The sky was the limit during my 2 1/2 hour treatment- cupping, hot salt stones, needles, sound vibration, trauma energy release - the whole gamut. It was very therapeutically effective and healing. Her website is blissko.com and I really did hit a state of bliss during treatment. Not like, I'm having a spa treatment and it's lovely and soothing - more like, I'm experiencing a trip through a waterfall, up a green mountain full of nymphs and trickling back down in a stream type of bliss. Thanks Judy! I will be back. read more

Awesome. The body work that she provided was absolutely top notch. While the cupping left me looking like I got beat up, how I'v felt since our session together is the complete opposite. Back, shoulder, and leg aches/pains are all subsided drastically and I'm already feeling more limber. She is a true expert at her craft, and explained all the details as to what she was doing, why she was doing it, and the effects it has. So it wasn't only a great place to get body work done, but I also learned a ton. Highly recommend! read more

After a long and exhausting week at work that included some schlepping for two work events, I was in dire need of a massage. Although I really should get massages more often, I don't think about it until I'm experiencing discomfort or pain. And when I'm in especially bad shape, I know I need to see Judy. In addition to being achy, I'd been feeling that my blood circulation needed some help, so I mentioned that to Judy. She decided to give me some cupping and hot stone therapy in addition to the ashiatsu. An hour and a half later, I felt better than I had in a very long time. I left Judy's studio feeling wonderful, and now I know I have to remind myself that I should schedule more regular visits. Next time I schedule an appointment, I think I'll see if I can schedule time with her adorable Samoyed as well. Some mental health therapy to go with my physical therapy. read more

Judy is in one word... A Healer. Seriously, does it really get any better? I have had many, many massages from a number of professionals, and none have come semi close to the experience I have with Judy. Seeing her on numerous occasions, she is consistent in all she does; whether always on time for our appointment, setting up a calm, inviting atmosphere or applying the perfect amount of pressure in the exact place of need. Judy just knows. She intuitively knows what your body needs in order to leave feeling completely light, fluid and rejuvenated. Do your mind, body and spirit a favor and invest in seeing Judy. After doing so, I highly doubt you'll ever feel the same. read more

I work a sedentary job, and my hadn't received body work in over a year. Needless to say, I was tight everywhere. I had concerns there wouldn't be enough pressure applied, as I am a big guy with a high pain tolerance. However, Judy put those doubts to rest in the first 5 mins lol. Her techniques are unique and intuitive. I really didn't have to say much throughout the massage & but Judy was still able to find my problem areas. During the massage, I felt pressure release from my lower back and calves and my circulation improving real time in those areas. After the massage, I was sore for a couple of days, but my flexibility improved with each passing day. Lastly, the massage was a little pricey, but I feel like it was worth every cent. I will definitely go back for maintenance work throughout the year. Thanks Judy! read more

Well...It took me almost a year to write this review. While Judy has amazing technique I can't help but feel like I was only a number. I was looking for a session today and remembered when I saw her yelp page. On two consecutive sessions I got part of her attention. The first time I felt shorted, she was reading an operating manual for a new gadget while working my hamstrings. I asked what she was doing and she responded sorry, just got this and I'm trying to figure it out. I totally get it. New toy, inner child excitement. No harm. She dropped the manual after my question and sunk in. Since the work was so solid I decided to go back. The next session she was texting. Now don't get me wrong we all have busy lives and schedules. I can certainly appreciate the desire to do more than one thing at a time. But, for real? With all of her skills I was shocked and bummed I only got part of her attention. Needless to say that was the last time. Bottom line if you can get her attention there are few who can do what she does. Good luck with that?! read more

I have to agree with the cons of Natalie's review. The room where the massage takes place is so cluttered. The bathroom is equally as cluttered and, overall, the place just doesn't feel that clean or relaxing. Additionally, as was mentioned in Christ's review, Judy is not 100% focused on the massage--outrageous considering the amount you pay. She was listening to something while I was getting a massage, which was totally distracting for my relaxation. I could hear a bit of it over the music she was playing so she obviously had her headset volume on pretty high. She was also reacting to whatever she was listening to at times: additional distraction. I actually found someone in San Francisco who does the same type of massage for HALF THE PRICE. This massage was not worth the money. read more

Judy is the best. I've had two 90 minute sessions with Ms. Ko, so it's time to write a review. My mother taught me to keep my mouth shut if I didn't have something nice to say. Consequently, I don't write too many Yelp reviews. It's easy for me to follow this philosophy and be totally honest about Ms. Judy Ko. Let's be clear, my poor body is really messed up. I was a gymnast for a decade and rode a skateboard for 20 years. I will grudgingly admit I've totaled 2 motorcycles (one at 60 mph) and broken half-a-dozen bones while testing the limits of various activities. Even worse, I was severely injured 13 years ago in a brutal car wreck. I broke 2 vertebrate, crushed lumbar discs and damaged many of the joints in my right leg, and did something really, really terrible to my sciatic nerve. Consequently, I have spent at least $100,000 on body work because I suffered from chronic, severe pain for a decade. I believe I've tried most modalities, mostly out of desperation- Rolfing, craniosacral/myofascial, chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, Swedish/deep tissue, shiatsu, pressure point . . .honestly, I can't remember it all. Personally, I believe that the type of bodywork is much, much less important than the quality of healer who works on me. Simply put . . . I have had amazing results from 4 different people who worked on me, but they all follow different disciplines. When I moved to Oakland last year, I was determined to find a local healer who could work with me when the going gets really rough. Part of my profession involves research, so I attacked this issue like any other. Yelp, Google searches, etc. My search is not focused on saving money, since you can get a tepid massage for cheap all over town. Folks rave about Judy, and it's clear there are only a handful of people who can do what she can do. Every personal connection is unique, so who cares what the internet says. At least for me, Judy is NOT an aesthetician. You can't make me pretty, anyhow. That's a lost cause. Judy is a healer. Her studio is quiet, clean and informal. Judy is a dynamic woman with a healing touch. She will quietly inquire about your needs, and then get right to work. She discovers issues when I am unaware of them. She communicates clearly and offers a wide variety of approaches to ferret out my knots. She is able to ease my chronic, long term injuries from high speed collisions and also work out the new horrors that seem to come out of no-where. I couldn't look left for a week before I met Judy. I think my pillow stabbed me in my sleep for some reason. The day after I met Judy . . . all gone. Let me sum it up this way. Screw MasterCard . . . Priceless is when I can sleep and concentrate again. Thanks, Judy Ko. I am grateful we met. read more

Judy Ko...what can I say about her that doesn't make me sound like a completely devoted new client???? Okay, who are we kidding?? I AM...a devoted new client. :) So my back and neck were killing me and I couldn't stand it anymore. Had to get the back fixed, so of course, I checked Yelp for good CMTs around the Oakland. And here is where I found Judy Ko. She's got an awesome little studio inside her 2bed/1bath house. She's got these awesome pets that greet you as you walk in the door. I love her Samoyed...he's soo cute! Anyways...back to Judy. She's this itty bitty chick, I'm wondering,....how much damage can this chick do? I was pleasantly suprised. Judy has a really nice way of making you feel welcome and comfortable in the environment. She's a really nice person and helps you relax and boy, does this girl know what she's doing! I decided to get the 1 hr. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy massage. Totally worth it. Judy listens to your issues and addresses them all and works on what you ask her to. She's very considerate of your comfort level as the massage transpires. She makes she you've got enough pressure and she's working the right areas. I am a massage snob, I've been to CMTs all over the Bay Area, and by far, she is one of the best. I have given her cards to all my friends. She's THAT awesome! Thanks Judy, I'll have to come visit you again soon and try the Hot Stone Massage!!! Wee!!! read more

If you want ambiance, go to a spa. If you want to feel relief from chronic pain and learn how to fix yourself; invest in time with Judy. I'm a massage snob and a high demand client (I.e. I need LOTS of pressure and have been fired by another 5 star Yelp deep tissue therapist b/c my knots took too much out of them). In 1 session Judy was able to alleviate 12 years of shoulder crunch that months of massage, yoga, & foam rolling missed. She's motivatingly passionate about health and lifelong student of her craft. It's obviously apparent by her technique, intuition, and transformational results. Long story short, she'll fix you and you'll be a better person by just being in the room with her. She encouraged me to peruse professional dancing despite my cushy FiDi gig. #I'llBeBack read more

Authentic I truly believe that Judy Ko is some sort of angelic superhuman creature, sent from somewhere else, specifically to help people. You'll believe it too, after merely one visit with her. She will do EVERYTHING within her power to make you - better. I've been there twice now. And I will tell you that for the first time since 1986, I feel like I may actually see some relief from some of my chronic pain issues. (I've had a constant headache, every second of every day since 1986, and in 2008, I was hit by a truck). I'm used to doctors who want to pump me with meds (which only keep you sicker, and keep you coming back for more visits). You can tell, without reservation, that Judy's goal is to cure you of whatever ails you (physically, mentally, spiritually) as quickly and effectively as humanly possible. And she seems to be the ONE person that would be genuinely happy if she never had to see you again. From her freakishly strong hands, her deliberately placed elbows, (her feet, which may venture to and fro upon your back), her unusually large heart, to her open soul and giving spirit - Judy is a healer. She is on a completely different level. There are massage therapists who can dig around and eventually find some of the knots you may have hidden down in there - somewhere, but Judy just KNOWS where they are. And where those knots are connected. And why they're there. She's intuitive ... wondrously at one with the beings she heals. You'd think I was speaking of some wise, almost scary, little old 96-year-old woman. But she's young, energetic, full of life, totally down to earth, laid-back - and is even a huge animal lover. (She has one of the most beautiful Samoyeds I've ever seen). She is very comfortable, professional and kind. She is authentic. Not something you run across nowadays. Upon my first visit, I said to Judy, "Wow, I can't even imagine what it must be like being able to help people like this everyday - as a living." She happily responded, "Yeah, helping people is really cool." read more

Judy says that she works intuitively, and she did exactly that with me. Here's a brief summary: - Easy, cooperative, convenient scheduling - Easy, convenient parking; close to freeway access - Quiet space, comfortable table - Excellent verbal communication during session - Very responsive to requests / concerns - Thorough, efficient, effective bodywork Here's a lengthier summary: I have seen two other therapists for Thai massage and liked them both a lot and rate them both highly. Judy did everything that they could do and more. She incorporated fabulous stretching moves (with breathwork) into Swedish / deep tissue work, and the combined results were remarkable. I scheduled a 2-hour session, loved every minute of it, and was glad that I had a longer session. I did not partake of Hot Stones or the Ashiatsu Oriental Bar work, but I would consider bar therapy next time. I'm 60. Like a number of reviewers I'm active in sports, and things can get tight from use / over-use. I saw Judy right after a long-distance event and I slept better that night and felt better the next day than after any previous event. Two comments re Judy's studio, in relation to what a couple of other reviewers have noted: I'm not allergic to animals, and I found the resident cat and two dogs sweet, charming, and friendly. They were in a different room/area throughout the session, I saw no evidence of their presence in the dedicated massage area, and it was a NON-ISSUE for me. However, as noted by somebody else, if you have allergies you might discuss that with Judy before scheduling. I was seeking premium, effective bodywork with someone whom I could trust, and not a spa-like experience nor necessarily a super-tidy workspace. I got great bodywork and rated Judy with a "5". For prospective clients to whom super-tidiness matters, I would still give a rating of "4.5" IF I included that in the calculus because of the superior quality of the therapeutic work. I appreciate what all of the other reviewers have said, I am still feeling positive effects from the session four days later, and I will schedule again. read more

Judy deserves 10 stars! I had some pain in my upper back and it was starting to move in my arm. In the last couple weeks I got massages at two reputable spas in palo alto and san francisco. Both massages provided only temporary (1 day) relief. I called Judy and she was able to fit me in that day for 1 hour. I explained to her my pain and she got right to work. My massage included the use of needles also which worked wonders on me. After the session, the pain in my arm disappeared and the pain in my back subsided. Judy suggested that I come back as soon as I could to continue the work on my back. I went back 1 week later for a 90 minute session. After the session, the pain disappeared completely. I have been getting massages for 10 years at spas around the Bay Area but Judy was the most effective in working out my knots and tight areas. I will not be going anywhere else to get a massage from now on. read more

Thanks to Yelp I found Judy. Believe the outstanding reviews. She deserves them all! I have lived and traveled the world my entire life and have been lucky to have some extraordinary healers/bodyworkers work on me... and I am gong to say that Judy is one of the absolute best! She is truly a gifted and intuitive healer. You think you need to tell her where all your ailments and weak spots are, but before you have even gotten to telling her about them she has found them... and even the ones you forgot to mention, she just found! She is sweet, upbeat and clearly cares about helping and healing to the utmost of her capacity. Quite frankly I am fascinated by her techniques. She has some I have never encountered. Her needling technique is incredible and so effective. I left with my body feeling looser and better than it has in years! I would recommend anyone who needs any sort of body work as she can solve a myriad of problems. She worked on at least 5 ailments of mine and the release of pressure and pain is amazing! Rock on Judy! read more

When I saw Judy's 5 star Yelp status with 100+ reviews, I naturally scrutinized it. However, after evaluating a few of our fellow Yelpers reviews, I told myself "why not?," scheduled an appointment and tried the deep tissue massage. The entire experience was very relaxing, calming, and soothing. Judy fixed plenty of knots and a weak shoulder I had for years. Waited a few more days to see how my body feels and it was definitely a change. Will use Judy for future massage therapies! read more

Its not often that one sees this many 5 star reviews without being suspicious....If all of the reviews had the same experience as me than they are all 100 percent deserved. I have had back and neck pain for the last few years mostly due to old injuries, poor posture and sitting/driving a ton for work. Normally Yoga and some self massage do the trick but I was in a bad way and Judy came to the rescue. I had a lot to go over in the 1.5hrs and she was honest about her ability to be effective with some many problem areas. Regardless she went after it with some serious enthusiasm and got right to the problem areas that were causing most of the pain. It wasn't easier and it was painful but i feel better this AM than I have in weeks thanks to Judy. She also was great at going over after care and discussing some self massage tools she finds effective for in between visits. Thank you so so so so much I will be coming back soon! read more

I am so fortunate that my husband discovered Judy. THANK GOD, I can finally heal!! She definitely has this innate ability and knows where your aches and pains are. I told her where I needed work and immediately her hands went right to the source of each spot, I was so amazed! Like gretchen p says, she's an angelic superhuman gracing us with your presence and healing hands. I have lots of aches and old injuries, so I have gotten tons of body work from many masseuses and massage therapists, and no one compares to Judy. She truly has a gift. And she is doing exactly what she loves and you can feel it. I've had this back issue for a couple of years and I've seen so many specialists and they could not figure out what it stems from or what kind of back injury it is. I've had CT scans, MRI, X-rays, doctors telling me let's shoot some cortisone in there. Noooo, thank you! And just after a couple of times of her working on me, she figured it out! It was coming from my inner thigh muscle. I was so ecstatic! Up until now, I had come to accept I will never know why I have back pain and I will always have this pain. I had pulled my inner thigh/groin muscle in yoga about 3 years ago, and it took about a year to heal or so I thought, but with her work on me, she noticed it didn't fully heal and she attributed it to the cause of pulling on my lower back, causing this chronic pain. I love Judy and I highly highly recommend her. Initially, part of me wanted to be selfish and not write a yelp review, but the better part of myself realized the word needs to get out. There are so many people that need to get healed and be healed by someone amazing like Judy. She's truly a warm, radiant, and full of positive energy, and she is truly the best healer I have ever met! read more

I met Judy at Wilbur Hot Springs at a workshop and she did a vortex healing on me. It was to strengthen my voice as a singer. But I am also working through some emotional stuff and I think it was the perfect healing to dissolve obstructions in my heart and throat chakras. I can't wait to see what pathways this opens up. I was delighted to hear she has a practice in Oakland and I can't wait to check it out. I appreciate when a bodyworker 1) draws from various modalities, 2) has strong pressure, 3) can go between the practical language of anatomy and musculoskeletal knowledge and the language and intuition of alternative and energy healing. read more

Being short + basketball doesn't pay off. You get an elbow in the head or neck from a center, slamming you to the floor, or get run over by a 6'2, 280 pound big boy that thinks he's a guard. We've all seen them playing pickup-up ball...you know you have. Just imagine Cedric the Entertainer thinking he's a point guard, as funny as it is, it still hurts when he trips over his own ankles and barrels into you, yelling at the ref to call something on me. Yeah...at least I got the charge. Right... I end up hitting the floor 6-10 times a game. There are two ways I've found to fix the bumps, bruises, strains, sprains, and spasms that are just attached to me like pitbull on Michael Vick's ass: Acupuncture, and good, deep tissue massage therapy (notice no Kaiser inserted here--fascists). Judy, is by far the best I've come across in the latter. It's taken me 8 years to find someone I regularly go to after I find ways to hurt myself, so I'm glad I finally found Judy. She's definitely the best I've been to as far as holistic body work goes. Ashiatsu and thai deep tissue really gets in deeper to fix the problem areas, which renewed my range of motion, flexiblity, and overall health and energy level. You do need to be vocal though, about what hurts, and what stretches push too far. If you push a little more than you think you can handle each time, it really improves. She definitely knows where that always mentioned "awesome button" is on my arm. I see colors...then I fell better. She's also really cool, someone you'd actually want to hang out with. She won't give you lectures about going vegan, only eating "white" foods (example from one Berkeley therapist), or how IKEA is trying to take over the world. Well....I guess that could be true. She's like the rest of us. She's very intuitive, and attentive, making her an excellent communicator during the session. She's also really strong, and knows how to use leverage well. She can probably kick the crap out of 9/10 guys not named Bruce Lee...or Ryu...okay maybe Ryu but not Dhalsim. She also teaches Yoga. Plus she's right in my neighborhood in Harri-Oak/Lake Merritt. Holla. Also, very flexible in terms of scheduling appointments, and appointment times. read more

Where's the 6th star! Judy is GREAT. I had sore back muscles (from weekend warrior activities) and couldn't sit on Monday. Went to Judy on Monday evening for 90 minutes. cured. I'm definitely going back - she diagnoses your problem immediately and then uses her knowledge and tools to fix it. Amazing. This was the most effective message I've ever received. She's super nice and her dogs and cat are cute. read more

Based in Oakland, just off the I-580 Freeway, near Lake Merritt, Judy Ko, CMT, is very gifted, highly skilled in her craft, intuitive in being able to detect the problem areas in your muscles and joints, and responsive to customer needs. She did an outstanding job of alleviating the pain (sharp at times), soreness and stiffness in my neck and upper back, which had been bothering me since Tuesday and was not getting better on its own. Muscle relaxant medications and Tylenol were providng me with scant relief. I woke up this morning in considerable pain. Finally, I had to get professional help! I found Judy at 2:30 today on Yelp, gave her a call because of the rave reviews by Yelpers and because she's open on Saturdays. Much to my pleasant surprise, she was able to see me in at 3:45 p.m and spent the next 90 minutes using her hands and feet to work out the kinks and sore muscles, careful to explain the various therapeutic techniques she was applying and asking me at appropriate times if the pressure was too much or too little. She has a good intuitive sense, honed by considerable experience and training, of what techniques to apply. As one Yelper wrote, "Her hands know just where the problem areas lie." I left feeling much, much better. The persistent pain I was feeling at the base of my neck, radiating throughout my shoulders, making it painful to even turn my head slightly is gone. Several months after my first visit, I had another case of a stiff neck and persistent pain in the shoulders, and Judy worked her magic on me again. I highly recommend Judy and her rates are reasonable, too. read more

I'd been living with a stiff neck for years. Every time I would twist or turn to look at something, I would feel it various tweaks and twinges that I just put up with and ignored until eventually, (after a car accident)I lost full range of motion. At that point, I decided to see Judy and honestly I haven't felt this good in years. I have full range of motion back in my neck, my back and shoulders are looser. It took two 90 minute sessions to get everything worked out and yes, it is a little expensive but it is so worth it. I recommend the needles--I skipped them the first time but had them the 2nd time--they really help loosen up muscle knots. Also, just for coincidences, this is my 99th review and her 99th review. I couldn't break up the 5 star parade. But really, she's great and totally worth every penny. read more

I just visited Judy for the first time yesterday, and I don't think I can ever go to another masseuse again, she is amazing! Much like everyone else said, if you want to relax and ambiance is more important to you then this might not be the place for you. But if you're looking to fix any aching parts of your body, Judy is your woman. She is extremely in tune to what you need and where you need it and gives suggestions on what you can do to help with your issues post massage. If I could go see her weekly I would in a heartbeat! read more

The massages are good and you can read the other reviews for that. This review is about the LIGHT MACHINE. The first time I used it, I saw instant results. I started breaking out on my jaw line and neck (places that I've NEVER had acne before). My skin was super itchy for two weeks so I decided to try the light machine. About 4-5 hours later, the visible results were: - 80% reduction of swollen skin due to acne - smaller pores - far less irritated skin So then I decided to do the light machine treatment five more times and now my skin is the clearest it's been since 5th grade (basically before acne entered my life). The light machine treatment I did: - 45 minutes under Red and Blue light at the highest setting I was skeptical but I was desperate to stop the itching. And now I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the light machine therapy! Also, you can take a nap or listen to music or an audiobook. I just nap. =) read more

Amazing healer. Words can't express the bliss I am experiencing right now after just having my first massage from her. Wow.

I'm not sure what happened here. I gave Judy a try based on all of the rave reviews here, and left upset, with a headache, and several sore spots on my body. My first impression walking in was that the place didn't seem very clean with lots of clutter around, and I wondered if she even changes the sheets in between clients. The massage went from weird to disappointing to unacceptable. I'm 51 and have had my fair share of deep tissue massage which is what I asked for. The first half involved her mainly just finding a spot and pressing on it endlessly. I've had therapists zone in on knots before, but this just went on forever. Then she put me on each side and got me into some strange positions. At times it felt like she was just squeezing my biceps for a while. When I got on my back, she really irritated my thighs and then moved to my feet. It felt like she had one finger on one of my toes, and after what seemed like an eternity I looked up to find her on her phone!!! She admitted after that she had been on her phone for 15 minutes at that point. Which explains all of the pauses and clunking noises throughout the massage, I think she was checking her phones the whole time! I think she's gotten pretty adept at using it with one hand. I had noticed one under the table and another one on the shelves behind it. I still can't get over it, she charges $100 an hour! I left angry and feeling like I'd been scammed. I even asked her if she's actually certified, which is a first for me. Don't waste your time and money. read more

There are massage therapists and then there are masters. Judy is a master healer. She has honed and fine tuned her craft to tailor her ken for the benefit of her client. In laymans terms she is . If you are an athlete or someone with a high stress lifestyle, who needs a lot of bodywork, Judy is who you need to see. It may not be easy to find an appointment with her, however it will be well worth it when you are able find the time. She is one of the most intuitive therapists I've encountered so far. She is MY therapist as far as I'm concerned. Judy leaves me healed every time I see her. read more

Judy Ko, CMT - View from the hot tub - Massage Near Me

I had my first massage with Judy 3 or 4 years ago when she worked out of San Jose. I was and still am extremely impressed by her talent and skills. I am a kickboxer and active soccer player and with these activities comes many injuries. I have seen many massage therapists and sports therapists and none of them have impressed me as much as Judy. Judy has a special gift. She is truly an expert in combining the various massage techniques to cater to your needs and requests. She is also very talented in locating and eliminating knots and highly stressed areas. I don't even have to tell her what's wrong with me. She usually finds them herself. Thanks Judy. I appreciate you! read more