I have been going to see Michael for several years. I suffer from chronic pain and have been through two shoulder surgeries. Michael's expertly applied deep tissue massage has been magic for me. If you are looking to release stress and tension and to heal from chronic pain, Michael is your person. read more

Great massage and Michael is super friendly. My neck was having some wicked issues that were disrupting my days and work. Scheduling online was super easy, and Michael was able to help bring me the relief and flexibility I so badly needed. I will definitely be coming back for another massage, hopefully before I am in pain next time! read more

You would be hard pressed to find a better massage therapist in NYC. I've been to Michael twice now. He is welcoming, funny, and really knows the human body and how to relieve stress very well. He is able to tell how everything is interconnected in the body, and I always feel lighter coming out of each session. I recently had ACL surgery and was anxious about a massage but he made my knee feel better after + also focused on other areas where my body was holding stress. Highly recommend! read more

I came back from Peru having done a few ayahuasca ceremonies looking for ways to continue my growth. If you've never experienced it, the plant creates purging through both ends to dislodge emotions trapped in the abdomen. There has to be a better way and discover abdominal massage from watching a few videos. For an entire hour Michael gently pokes and prods your abdomen stimulating organs, moving gas and creating a deep state of calm. His office is on union square, and even though a Palestinian protest was going on outside for most of my massage, I still nearly fell asleep. Afterwards I could only move in slow motion, as I have never experienced such a deep state of relaxation, even from a full body massage. The future of you mental health is here and now read more

Michael's massages are outstanding. He is exceptionally knowledge about many forms of massage and healing methods. He is kind and communicative. He really cares about helping you heal and has a terrific sense of humor. He welcomes you to check in with him a few days after the massage and he follows up quickly with a reply. I cannot say enough about his massage practice. read more

Amazing. Such a great massage. Had a 90 min shiatsu and felt like I was walking on a cloud afterwards. Michael is very attentive to your needs and comfort and is always asking you if the pressure is how you like it. His space is super clean and serene too. I totally felt safe there during covid time in aug 2020. Highly recommend! read more

I had severe neck and shoulder pain (from a combination of working on my laptop, childcare, travel) when I went to get a massage from Michael. I was pain-free after my massage, and Michael is deeply knowledgeable about the body and how massage can help alleviate long-term stress and pain. Highly recommend! read more

I've known MIchael for 15 years. He is magical and knows how to locate the source of pain or stiffness. His massages are not light, they are not always soothing, but no one can locate the source of the problem better than Michael. Although I no longer live in New York, I make it a point to see him after traveling 2600 miles to fix my body. He does deep body work and has helped me recover from prior injuries over 15 (+) years. I would recommend anyone local or out of town to visit Michael in NYC for a massage. read more

This was my first massage and had really no idea what I was getting into. I felt nervous about the experience. Mr. Hayes made me feel completely comfortable. I got a Swedish massage. The massage was intense at times, with him working muscles/tendons that often are hardly ever used. We chatted throughout the whole massage, he spoke of Harry Potter and his love of audio books, also used some hilariously bad puns as he worked certain muscles/tendons/areas. From the start he asked me where I was having pain; He worked on those sore points. I had issues with my shoulder not feeling like it should (limited range of motion) and my ankle which I fractured earlier this year but I doubt it healed properly. After the massage I felt elevated (Okay, so I said drunk when I was actually there) but you know what I mean. I felt looser and lighter than I had in years. I recommend you get a massage from Mr. Hayes as part of your self care regime it does make a difference in how you feel. read more

If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! Michael is the best massage therapist I have ever know. I have been seeing him regularly for close to 20 years, but no one holds a candle to his skill level. His massage is totally tailored to you personal needs. He finds problems and fixes them. He has a 6th sense about where you are tight and why, and then remedies the problem. He's a big guy, but a gentle soul. You would be doing yourself a favor to being to see him as regularly as you can! read more

I am a massage connoisseur and Michael is the best DEEP body worker I've ever had. He is able to navigate to the deepest layers of relief and restructuring with grace and ease. He has studied with an ancient master I have heard lore of , and it comes through. I give him my highest recommendation , and I don't say that lightly. read more

Michael is the only body worker I've ever seen who truly understands my body. His treatment helps my physical pain and the emotional distress related to it. He has helped me understand my body better. Michael is an all around lovely human, too! So thankful for having him in my life! read more

Michael is an incredible healer and body worker. I have been seeing him for 7 years as often as I can afford. I leave his table renewed, relaxed and open to an unparalleled level, every time. I've received body work from 30+ other people across the country and he is the best I've ever found. Strong if you want it, super knowledgeable of anatomy and energy, and a super warm hearted person. He will change your perception of what is possible on the massage table, and in your body. I've referred countless friends to him and everyone swears by him. Highly recommended folks. Thank you Michael!!! read more

I am a dancer, choreographer, mover Michael Hayes has worked on me for many years He has kept my body fit and assisted me through injuries He also worked on me post hip replacement surgery Michael is one of the best body workers I have ever had the pleasure of working with He is immensely knowledgeable and effectively merges multiple massage modalities He is also a great listener He has great hands! read more

I've been going to Michael for a few years now and he has not only helped me recover from numerous injuries but also made it possible for me to continue to train at a high level and in many different disciplines. Highly recommended read more

Michael is the best masseur in New York! I've been seeing him for more than ten years. He constantly updates his practice, knowledge and skills...he spends at least a month each year in Thailand learning new things. We do a combination of very deep tissue/medical and Thai massages. Michael also has an extensive knowledge of the body and has helped me with rotator cuff injuries, as well as plantar fascitis. Michael's massages rejuvenate my body and my spirit; if I could, I'd see him every day! Sarah H read more

I see Michael a few times a year for massage and his work is excellent. After a session with him, I leaving feeling transformed into a younger and healthier version of myself. In 2012/2013, I enrolled in several of his monthly Yoga classes. I had never taken Yoga before, and his unique approach made me feel safe -- it's a judgment free zone. I have since gone on to take classes at my local studio with confidence. I can't recommend Michael highly enough. read more

Michael is a gentle giant. He is an intuitive healer and he always finds areas that need to be worked out. Even if I don't know they were problem areas beforehand! He has a vast knowledge of different massage/reflexology methods which I find incredibly valuable in a massage therapist. I have some unusual joint and muscle issues (Ehler's Danlos, a rare genetic condition) and had trouble finding a therapist that could actually help my body rather than just a typical relaxation massage experience that goes away within a few hours. He was referred to me about a year ago and now he's my massage therapist for life. He has incredibly powerful hands and he utilizes them in a way that work best for your body. You will absolutely notice improvements right away and they will last you several days to a week. I try to go every two-four weeks as my schedule allows. I'd go every day if I could! He has a lovely demeanor, is a joy to chat with, and will give you the best massage you could ever hope for. Highly recommended. read more

If you are looking for a massage therapist who continually hones his skills, and works deeply and with care, Michael is truly excellent! Also a yoga teacher, Michael knows the body and has helped me to bring my body back to health after injuries. He cured my "frozen" shoulder! I leave his sessions feeling both massaged and stretched. When I am stressed, he always helps restore me. Importantly, he also makes sure there is safety and privacy during each massage. I highly recommend him! read more

I have been seeing Michael Hayes since the late 1990's and, hands down, he is the best there is. His massage work is probably one of the most intense you will experience but it is worth any discomfort you may feel during the session. Sometimes he'll sing silly songs to you to get you to laugh (or breathe) during those moments. He is incredibly attuned to what is going on with my body whenever I see him. In times of emergency with my lower back, he has gotten me walking again. He is a true healer. 5 stars. read more

I've been seeing Michael for three years. He is an expert massage therapist who employs multiple techniques. He listens to my concerns - and he's expert at reading my body's condition and directly addressing the problems. I recently moved from New York to Los Angeles but I make it a point to see Michael whenever I return to town. It's a must. I highly recommend him. read more