I cannot express how much hope the relief I've gotten from seeing Kate has given me in my 20+ years of living in chronic pain. Now I finally feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel and I don't have to be stuck like this forever. I thought I'd tried everything in the book: every massage modality, supplements, strength training, PT, dozens of specialists and integrative medicine docs, acupuncture...etc. When a friend recommended myofascial massage, I rolled my eyes at first because I didn't believe it'd be any different. But I was so desperate for any bit of relief that I finally booked an appointment. I walked out of my first appointment with Kate with no to low neck pain. It was promising, but I was cautious. Throughout that week, I found that my pain levels stayed consistently low, whereas with other treatments and therapies, I would've been back in a full-blown flare-up by the end of the day or the next day at best. I hit 4-5 days before the tension, pain, and headaches returned -- a new record! Even though flare-ups still take weeks to correct, the trend is that overall pain is going down. It's given me hope that the rest of my body can get out of pain too. Kate is very experienced and understands how interconnected everything in your body is; she's been able to identify locked-up areas without my having to explicitly ask about it. Seeing Kate has been life changing and myofascial massage has been an effective addition to my existing pain management program (PT, acupuncture, CBT). The only downside is that Kate's availability is so limited and slots go so quickly, which makes it difficult to get consistent care. Highly recommend this practitioner! read more

Kate is an amazing healer and I highly recommended her myofascial expertise! My chronic neck, shoulder, and TMJ stiffness has dissipated with each session. I've been going weekly for a few months and can attest that the pain relief is life changing. I love how easy it is to book a session online and look forward to each one. She is super sought out and booked months in advance but so worth the wait! There is a parking garage close by to the office and street parking all around. read more

Kate is a master of her profession. I've been her client for about 15 years through a complicated rehabilitation, and every step of the way she's given me great treatment and invaluable, spot-on guidance. I've improved far beyond expectations. I cannot recommend Kate highly enough. read more

Kate is an excellent massage therapist. I have chronic problems with mobility and pain in my upper body and neck; she knows just where to target her treatment. I see her about every three weeks and have experienced a reduction in pain and greater mobility. The office is nice and feels like going for a medical appointment rather than a spa, which can be nice, but spa massages have not been helpful for my chronic pain and mobility issues. I highly recommend her! read more

I went to see Kate in order to resolve my unexplained back pain, and treatment of some trigger points. After 4 sessions the back pain remained the same. Kate said that I should see how I feel after 8 or 10 sessions, but the absence of results was an indicator that there is no point in continuing this. Besides, I got very sick at this place. The pros: - She wants you to get better and become independent of her - She gave me some good advice such as: to find a good Physical Therapist (I had seen a few PT prior to seeing her, but they were useless, she inspired me to look further and I found a better one) - she asked the most important question: what could be causing the trigger points to occur in the first place? (which was answered by a great PT I found in the end) The cons: - Although she asks "what could cause this?", she cannot diagnose anything. She can't figure out the cause unless it is obvious, so when you come in you should know what exactly needs treatment. - She isn't responsive by email at all - Difficult in making appointments, requires a ton of paperwork that she doesn't seem to read (asked me to retell her all of it wasting the appointment time on the talking) - I got sick 2 times out of 4 visits (with a cold and a viral bronchitis), which is unacceptable. The office is maintained warm with a humidifier and closed windows, which may be contributing to patient infections being trapped and transmitted. - Because of the lack of profound knowledge like that of a good PT she offers way too many hypotheses (this could be herniation, you may need an MRI, or it could be something else, etc) which leads to unnecessary stress and confusion. And the worst part - on the next appointment she doesn't remember saying any of this! - I had pain running down my color bone and she suggested "herniation" and did nothing about it. Later I found out that it was just an active trigger point that I found and treated all by myself. Overall for me this was a waste of time and money since the cause wasn't treated. She knows muscles well, identifies most trigger points (TP), and can help you if you have a few of those that need treatment, and in case you know what caused them and how to prevent them from reoccurring. Figure out the source first though before coming! read more

Love my sessions with Kate. With her, I discovered each side of my torso had some exquisitely tense areas that responded well to some intensive and targeted massage. (Kate is the only masseuse who has ever concentrated on these areas -- with precision.) Didn't know my right arm/shoulder was limited in movement, either, but now -- all better! Also, Kate uses a computer program for you to color in where you're hurting/are sore. She has great knowledge of referred pain areas. (You have a knot in your upper arm? Try massaging the shoulder joint...) Really needed the extra attention on my body due to pregnancy strain. With these massages and my workbook on home trigger point therapy (basic tool = tennis ball), things are hunky-dory. (Kate will give you some home exercises/stretching, too, if called-for.) I'm pretty picky about my masseuses -- they'd better be precise and technical -- with adequate pressure, or I ain't coming back. read more

I am writing this review less than 24 hours after seeing Kate for a mysterious, vague abdominal discomfort in my left side that has been plaguing me for nearly 2 years. With some scary cancer history in my immediate family, my first thoughts were to rule out colon and ovarian cancers (none) and then look more closely at other major organs (healthy). Ruling out possibility after possibility was great but frustrating, since the MDs were at a point of suggesting it was just "one of those things" that I'd be living with for a while. Then one of them mentioned it might be muscular, and Kate Simmons immediately popped to mind. I booked an appointment right away and as I described the vague (yet maddening) pulling, abraded sensation that seemed to be just on the underside of my skin, Kate's expression instantly switched from inquisitive to confident and she briskly got down to business. In one hour she worked on trigger points in my back, my side and the front of my ribcage, and even though I have been moving very gingerly for fear that the sensation will return -- it is GONE. Amazingly, delightfully, totally gone! I am experiencing relief for the first time in ages and am so unfamiliar with the feeling that I am pinching myself to make sure it is real. Kate also gave me self-care tools in the event of a recurrence, and guided me away from the repetitive motion habits that contributed to the condition in the first place. Best news of all? She encouraged me to MOVE IT a lot to keep the area supple, just in time for my back-to-back dance classes last night, which I thoroughly enjoyed with ZERO discomfort. THANK YOU KATIE!! You are the best. read more

I suffer from a rare movement disorder that causes a great deal of pain, is disfiguring to my appearance, and for which there is no traditional medical treatment. Kate Simmons was able to alleviate the pain immediately, but I was quite surprised when many of my unpleasant, involuntary movements ceased entirely after a few visits. My various doctors were astounded by the results, which have been life-transforming. Kate is clearly a respected expert in her field, and she has done a good job of explaining the principles of her form of healthcare. I was particularly pleased to learn that she was reading up on the peculiarities of my condition, which I do not think many myofascial therapists run across. Even before my awkward movements cleared up, her enthusiasm and tenacity gave me hope. She is affable and has an infectiously good vibe, which we all know are an important qualities for someone to have when you're dealing with sensitive health issues. Kate's office is conveniently located only a few minutes' walk from the Glen Park BART station, in a beautiful and safe part of the city. Results speak for themselves. The quality of my life has improved 200%. I give her five stars only because fifteen doesn't seem to be an option on Yelp! read more

Katie Simmons is the most effective massage therapist I've ever seen. I'm a distance runner and her treatments are a key part of my running schedule. Her hands locate tight/tender areas and release tension so remarkably, and so much more effectively anyone I've been to. She's very knowledgeable, and effectively communicates what's going on with your physiology. Also a plus, she's super cool and engaging, with a great patient manner. I also like that she is passionate about her field, constantly learning and training. It's also a plus that her office is along BART/J Church and bus lines (and parking is relatively easy if you drive). Her rates are reasonable too. Only down side is she's very popular, so it's best to book her well in advance. (On the other hand, she'll make every effort to accommodate urgent scheduling requests.) read more

Scar tissue on the base of my foot has been bothering me for a few years. In a few sessions, Kate has broken up much of the tissue. It feels significantly better. She also taught me exercises to help break it down at home. Looking forward to 1 or 2 more sessions. read more

I kinda can't believe that I haven't already written a review for Kate already! (Must be unconscious possessive jealous guarding of her time, heh heh :P) I have seen MANY massage/bodywork professionals, and in my 8 months of working with Kate, have made much more significant progress than ever before. I had almost a freakin' *YEAR* of almost-daily headaches, related to neck/shoulder/jaw muscle problems, and they are slowly but surely resolving. Bless this woman! She is GOOD. She's likely highly competent with many physical issues, but personally I have to say that if you have TMJ/jaw/head pain, this is your professional. Thank you Kate! read more

Kate has helped me tremendously. Before finding her I had tried chiropractic, acupuncture, other massage therapies but this is it. for me. Her touch is perfect. And if you are a Kaiser member the referral rate is unbelievable. Can't wait for my next appointment. read more

Despite some weirdness where the office was door was mysteriously locked from the inside, once it was straightened out it was a really good experience. Perhaps don't read The Shining before going down the hallway of Mission Medical alone though. read more

Like the other reviewer, I tried acupuncture which gave me a temporary relief, paid numerous visits to chiropractors and other massage therapists to help work on an issue with my shoulder but after 1 visit with Kate, I walked out of her office feeling the best I have ever felt in years! Kate also taught me trigger point techniques I could do at home but I will definitely be seeing her again for maintenance. read more

Kate is like a highly skilled technician when it comes to knowing how the body is supposed to move. I was dealing with an old trauma (bad snowboarding fall) for YEARS and spent a significant amount of time and money trying to resolve the situation, getting more frustrated and discouraged along the way. After getting a sense of what was going on with my situation, Kate quickly zeroed-in on what needed to be worked on, then brought about significant improvement in my condition. Not only that, she showed me things to do at home to literally "help my self" and thereby stay in a more healthy condition. The value of this became clearer to me after a recent series of 3 treatments. I had seen her about a year ago for a series of 4 treatments: after those initial treatments, I basically stopped having painful and debilitating back spasm episodes. The recent treatments were to resolve some residual pain and tightness that I was still experiencing in my left hip. Kate has been a huge help to me and I'll gladly endorse the work she does. Getting this old trauma truly dealt with in such a skillful way (after MDs, massage therapists, chiropractor, etc.) has made a big difference in my life. read more

I started seeing Kate after chiropractic, etc, etc, etc. had failed me. For two years I was having pain that affected my every day life. Since seeing Kate, I have been able to get back to working out and, well, sleeping at night! Try it, you won't be disappointed! read more

My experience with Kate Simmons at Myofascial Pain Solution was not good. First, I had to go online and fill out 19 pages of new patient registration and medical history before making any appointment with her. It takes ages to do it. My appointment was Jan 6th. She showed up 2:05 pm and asked me to point out the areas where I have the most pain, which I had already done in the online registration form. That took up 10 minutes. I have serious problems with my right ankle resulting from an automobile accident. The ankle problems have caused me to develop lower back and hip problems. She gave me a back and shoulders massage. It was mediocre and not worth $150. She taught me how to release my back pain which was useful. However, her printer was broken so she couldn't print out instructions for my repeating the release technique at home. So I had to initiate a request to make a video with my phone of her demonstrating the technique. Even though I wasn't fully pleased with her session, I wanted to find out if my insurance would cover her session so I can have fellow up sessions with her. She told me she doesn't take insurance but she could send me HCFA receipts for reimbursement by my insurance company. I've been waiting since Jan 6th but I haven't received an HCFA receipt She hasn't responded to my email requests. Overall I am very disappointed with my experience with her. read more

I wanted to post to YELP to inform people in need of help with serious pain and associated muscle problems. Kate Simmons at Myofascial Pain Solutions is an excellent therapist that knows her stuff. Myofascial Trigger Point Massage Therapy is a well-established way to lessen and heal pain. I e-mailed Kate last July because I had serious back pain. I was in bad shape with chronic pain. Kate had an idea of what was causing my pain the first time I saw her. It was the first time I had heard anyone in a long time, including my doctors say what they thought might be my problem. Over the weeks and months, having therapy with Kate twice a week, eating well, taking the right supplements and doing the right exercise therapy, I started feeling better. I had my setbacks along the way, but with Kate's expertise and help I learned a lot about my body and trigger points. Kate is a friendly, knowledgeable professional with years of experience working with people in pain. She helped guide me and reassure me when I needed it the most. She helped me through the toughest part of my life and I can't thank her enough. I would highly recommend Kate to see if she can help you. In health, Bill Stone read more

i first came to Kate following a motorcycle accident. The cast was off but I still couldn't make my hands work and they always hurt. Kate not only got them working again, but also taught me how to keep them working and keep the pain away. And, when i don't treat them right, Kate can get them working again. I've gotten much better at taking care of them, through her coaching and encouragement, and now, amazingly, they are pain free. Kate is so peasant and helpful, I see her now for tune-ups just so I can see her. Suffer no longer...go see Kate! read more

Found Kate on Yelp, seeking a therapist who does trigger point work. She's great--smart, friendly, knowledgeable, strong, and always wanting to learn more. Her work has helped me heal and prevent new injury, and she's often sent me away with new stretches and self-care strategies. The office is lovely and comfortable and her rates are very competitive. Hours are somewhat limited, but she's been very responsive to my last-minute requests when possible. Highly recommended! read more

I was Kate's patient a decade ago. I learned so much about my body and the way it works under her ministrations that I was finally able to gain control and ultimately overcome years of chronic pain. Kate saved my life. She taught me to FEEL how my muscles, bones and nerves interact and use that to unpeel the tension layer by layer. Sometimes it's been like a detective tracking down clues to get to the starting point, but because of Kate's care I can do that whenever I need to and keep the pain away. More than 10 years later I am still thanking Kate regularly for the relief and control she gave to me. Thank you Kate. read more