I've had several sessions with Nicole, who is hands down THE BEST massage therapist I have ever…read moreseen. She is incredibly skilled and responsive to what my body needs, specifically--whether it is a shoulder tweak, upper back stress, etc. She used a variety of techniques on an area until it responds/releases. I've had many massages across time, places, and people - and Nicole is clearly the most skilled, gifted and effective. So grateful I found her! Definitely seek her out. Although other professionals at Sports Massage also look wonderful from reviews I've seen, avoid Stefan. I booked a 30 minute "fix" with him, when Nicole wasn't available. He was 15 minutes late, worked for over 60 minutes haphazardly (and sometimes painfully) on areas that were not troubling me, and billed for 60 minutes (not the 30 I'd booked). The Sports Massage folks reached out to apologize and kindly provided a refund (that I did not request). Overall, this is a terrific place with mostly awesome people. Just pay attention to your booking.

This place is an absolute dream for those seeking skilled masseuses…read more I had a very warm and friendly greeting! Then, my masseuse Lein took the time to sit down and go over my needs, and discuss possibilities of why things may be feeling the way they do. She had very confident hands as if she knew my body better than I did. Although I would say for some people if they do not like deep tissue the pressure was strong but for myself I personally love that and got exactly what I asked for! She perfectly focused on exactly what we discussed getting rid of any knots in my body and worked parts of my body that I didn't know how much actually affected other parts that were needing help. Definitely some muscles that I've never experienced before that really allowed my flexibility the next day like deep in my arm pits. I certainly felt the effects both immediately after as well as the following day or two and still from being very decompressed. She was able to target and find points in my chest that ran up to my neck and shoulders that I still feel incredible from days later. I will absolutely rebook with her. I know that you asked for ratings based from 1 to 5 but I would say for Lein seems like she could be the masseuse for a professional sports team or something of that nature because she knows how to create solutions not only for problems you're having but also to avoid injuries by helping my flexibility. She mentioned that she started out in her career as a healer and that is very evident. I get massages regularly and am confident that this was the most helpful massage I've had without even knowing it at the time. Can't wait for my next visit!

Best massage ever!! Jim is amazing. My new go to guy in the…read moreSanta Cruz area. Was right on time to set up, professional, very laid back and as someone else said, intuitive. He is literally amazing, and I love that he will come to you ... bonus points! Do yourself a favor and book Jim Doll for a massage!

Jim is The Bomb! He confirms the appointment the day before, comes to the house and sets up and is…read moreready to go. He is Always on time! He is very professional, caring, thoughtful, knowledgeable and he always leaves me feeling so much better. He truly is in tuned with the body and finds/fixes those trouble spots. I have 3 bulging discs in my neck, a very stressful job and a huge commute so he is always a welcome addition to our home routine! Thank YOU Jim!

I recently saw Brandon, because Blu was booked and had an awesome massage with him as well…read more As someone that's had injuries and a fair amount chronic stress, this is my go to place! The therapists are compassionate, skilled and affordable. This is not a place for a fluff massage, but instead therapeutic work! Please support this awesome business. Thank you Blu for my amazing massage today! The wonderful conversations are an amazing bonus.

Hands down the best massage therapist I've ever been to. I've been seeing Brandon (Blu) monthly for…read morenearly two years now to address pain from old injuries and stress-related tension. He's super professional, friendly and collaborative in his approach. I cannot recommend him highly enough!!!

Magical and intuitive hands! I had the honor of a…read more15-minute massage last week...it grounded me, moved some stuck energy, and was beyond what I've experienced with any other massage.

Daniel is a master of his craft. I've never met a human more skilled in massage and somatics. He…read moregave me the tools and knowledge to continue healing on my own, and showed me new ways of looking at the world. He helped me with some severe shoulder and arm tension and gave me techniques to heal it at the source. I haven't slept this good in years or felt this good in years. Thank you for changing my life for the better.

Wow- where to begin?…read more I've experienced plenty of bodyworkers and massage therapists over the decades, but I knew from my first visit that Jess was in a class of his own. He is a highly trained, intuitive and skillful healer with strong hands and an enthusiastic passion for his work in helping people to feel better/integrated in their bodies. I've had a chronic issue with my left piri formis and hip area, which apparently engages other muscles and tendons, creating a complex mess of chronic ache and pain. After my second 'structural reprogramming' session yesterday, upon returning home I found my body felt flooded with what I can only describe as "profound relief". It was visceral. He's a great guy and a dedicated professional. I am SO very grateful to have found him.

I'm so happy I found Jess . I tell him that every time he works on me . I have had body work for…read moreyears and Jess is one of my Eskimos . He is knowledgable about the body and I trust him! I highly recommend him .

We booked (3) massages with the fabulous Lowell ! Unfortunately, our vacation rental lost power and…read moreheat in the storm and we couldn't get all 3 in! Lowell and Tobi, the Bodywise owner, were graciously accommodating switching us to the studio and making everything smooth in a difficult situation! Will definitely use Bodywise in future!

I rarely write reviews, but after my horrific experience at The Bodywise Massage Inc. (1435 4th…read moreStreet Suite F, San Rafael, CA), owned by Tobi Lessem, I feel compelled to warn others. If you're seeking a place for relaxation, healing, or even basic professionalism, steer clear of this establishment. Tobi's incompetence, condescension, and outright dismissal of customer needs turned what should have been a restorative birthday treat into an emotional disaster. I'll detail exactly what happened so you can see why no one should ever trust her or her business with their well-being. In February, I texted Tobi to book a 2-hour massage for my birthday, which I treat myself to annually as a form of self-care. This year was particularly tough; I'd lost two incredibly close women in my life, leaving me in deep mourning, emotionally heavy, and profoundly vulnerable. I was counting on this session to help process that grief through therapeutic touch. Tobi confirmed the 2-hour booking via text, so I arrived excited for some much needed relief. The masseuse was a bit late, but she got me settled quickly, and we began. About an hour in, while I was face down, fully immersed in the massage, feeling those pent-up emotions finally starting to release, there was a sudden knock at the door. The masseuse stepped out, spoke briefly with Tobi, and returned to inform me that my session was over because the next client had arrived. Stunned, I reminded her of my 2-hour booking and offered to show proof from my texts. She stepped out again to relay this to Tobi, only to come back insisting it was just a 1-hour slot and I had to leave immediately. I was furious. Being yanked out of that vulnerable, healing state mid-session felt like a violent interruption to my emotional process. I got dressed and confronted Tobi in the lobby. I explained the booking error and showed her our text exchange proving the 2-hour booking. Even the other client, a gentleman who'd been double-booked over my time, overheard our conversation and graciously offered to reschedule, saying, "I'm sorry, it's your birthday, I don't want to interrupt that." But it was too late; Tobi had already forced me off the table and out of the room. Tobi acknowledged her mistake in booking me for only 1 hour instead of 2, but her response was shockingly condescending. She dismissed my concerns, saying she "had to make the call" and would prioritize the other client, essentially telling me to she didn't care. When I expressed how deeply disappointed and hurt I was, especially given my personal circumstances, she had the audacity to retort, "If this is the worst thing that's ever happened to you, you're lucky." Appalling doesn't begin to describe it. Here I was, raw and exposed, and she minimized my pain with a flippant remark that showed zero empathy. Later, Tobi sent a follow-up email that only compounded the insult. I've attached a copy here so you can see her mindset in her own words. Read that again: "We are not interested in good customer service." She openly admits her business prioritizes some vague "community" notion over basic respect for paying clients. She assumed the other client's "medical massage" needs trumped mine without knowing anything about my own emotional and physical state, as if grief and vulnerability aren't valid reasons for care. I paid for the full hour I received, but the damage was done: my birthday self-care ritual was ruined, and I left feeling more broken than when I arrived. This isn't just a simple scheduling mix-up; it's a glaring display of arrogance, poor management, and a complete lack of accountability. Tobi's actions show she values her own judgment over evidence (like text proof) and client feelings. In a field like massage therapy, where trust and sensitivity are paramount, this level of disregard is dangerous. Psychologically, interrupting a session mid-flow can exacerbate emotional distress, turning a healing space into a traumatic one. If she treats vulnerable clients this way, imagine how she'd handle yours. Do not give Tobi Lessem or The Bodywise Massage Inc. your time, money, or trust. There are plenty of compassionate, competent massage therapists in San Rafael who actually care about their clients. Save yourself the heartbreak, avoid this place entirely. 1 star, and that's generous.

Went back to see James after having nagging hip pain for several weeks. The deep pressure relieved…read moreso many wound up muscles in there, I left feeling so much better. The man is a miracle worker with magic hands. Thank you so much James! I am so grateful to you!

High quality experience , I had very tight arch pain and he relieved it beautifully. Felt so much…read morestagnation release in the massage and better energy for multiple days, thank you

I came out feeling Thai-lightful and tension-free!…read more The easiest 5/5 stars. We were visiting Mill Valley and decided to book a massage on a whim and it ended up being one of the best decisions of the trip. We've tried so many massage places all over the Bay Area, but Pure Thai Acupressure Massage truly stands out. The pricing is unbeatable and the hospitality makes you feel taken care of from start to finish. Right when you arrive, they provide clean, loose, comfortable clothing to change into, which already set the tone for a relaxing experience. We did a couples massage with Ellie and Peter and both were amazing. Ellie asked what areas needed the most attention, and with a job that's very upper-body heavy, my neck and shoulders are always tight. I walked out feeling like a completely different person. My back and shoulder pain significantly decreased and she worked on areas I didn't even know could be relieved. It felt intentional, intuitive, and incredibly effective. I live on the Peninsula, but I would absolutely make the commute just to see Ellie again. If you're in the area and debating it, this is your sign.

I was having severe back pain. Mr. A was not available at first -- but made a special effort to…read morecome in and work on me. He "ironed" out the kinks in my shoulder and back that immediately relieved my pain. He has a strong, patient, healing touch. I am very impressed and grateful. Thank you!