Wow. I think that's the word that keeps dropping out of my mouth every time Stephen and his massages are mentioned. I gave his massages as presents to both my mother and fiancé over the holiday season. Both of them have had chronic back pain--my fiancé for over 20 years and my mom for a few years now. My fiancé has been checked out by 3 medical doctors, none of whom knew what to do for him or what the problem was. I gave this to them hoping to give them both a day of relief...what I got was much more. Neither of them have had back pain since. It's been about 3 weeks since my mom got hers and a couple weeks since my fiancé had his. They both keep telling me how amazed and relieved they feel. My fiancé told me Stephen knew exactly what the problem was right away and got to work on it. And wow did it work. It is well worth every penny. Even if the pain came back right now (which it doesn't show any signs of doing), the weeks of pure relief that came with the massage is worth so very much. And even as a bystander, just waiting for them while it was done, I felt relaxed and at home in the space Stephen has set up. He has a beautiful home and a calm demeanor that you will love almost as much as the massage itself. HIGHLY recommended. read more

I sought a massage therapist recently to help me with an injured neck and back, and was SO lucky to find Stephen through the review above on Yelp. When I got to his place I found out that he's been named the best LMT in Santa Barbara by the SB Independent for fifteen years in a row -- so he came with good recommendations! Everything the previous reviewer said is true, and more. His house is surrounded by wonderful gardens full of darting birds and trickling fountains. The massage room is a tranquil space in the backyard, dappled in sunlight. And Stephen is a true healer. He has years of experience and skill, and his massages are just wonderful. Even more importanty, he greets his clients with an open heart and spirit; his generosity comes through in the massages he gives. Previously, I might get a massage once a year, but I got so much out of the first that made a second appointment for the following week. I'm so grateful to have found him and look forward to more massages in the future! [And P.S. Stephen's rates are amazingly reasonable, despite a clientele that includes rich and famous Montecito-types. As a graduate student, I appreciate his student rate, which will make it possible for me to get a massage more than once a year!] read more

Thank goodness we found Stephen on yelp! My husband and I were headed to Santa Barbara for some much needed R&R. We kicked off our visit with massages by Stephen at his lovely studio attached to his home. Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by Stephen and his adorable Tibetan Terrier, Dorje. Stephen's home is lovely and peaceful, tranquil music was playing, the stage was set for relaxation. My husband went first and I relaxed comfortably in Stephen's front room. Dorje left me to bask in the sun, but later returned to cuddle with me on the sofa. Missing my own dog back home, I found this to be just perfect. My husband returned an hour later looking rejuvenated and happy. He had thoroughly enjoyed his massage. My turn...Ah yes, Stephen is wonderful. He is a good soul with a calming presence and very skillful hands. The studio is peaceful and calm and during my massage dappled sunlight filtered into the room. Stephen started by asking if there were any areas that might need special attention and then set to work. Pure bliss. I felt lighter, walked taller and had a beautiful sense of serenity when we left. We both enjoyed the experience very much. We feel like we have a new friend in Stephen and will definitely return. read more

Stephen is really as good as it gets. I live in Connecticut, but was in California for a wedding in October. After traveling with a herniated L1. to LA and then having to drive north to Solvang, I was in a lot of pain. I went to Santa Barbara after a google search for a good massage therapist. I found a great one. Stephen fit me into his tight weekend schedule twice. After my second session, I was completely pain free. It was unbelievable to me, because I have never had so much relief from massage therapy. I not only enjoyed the wedding, but flew home, and returned to work with little to no pain. It wasn't until I got home that I realized that I never told Stephen I had a herniated disc. He just kind of found the issue in an intuitive way, or in a muscular way- who knows! He is kind, and thoughtful and extremely good at what he does. As an added bonus, he also recommends great restaurants! read more

Have you ever had plantar fasciitis? Over 6 months of suffering had me limping to my first massage appointment I had tried everything my doctor and chiropractor had told me to do, exercises, orthotics, special shoes,with no relief at all. Stephen worked patiently and carefully and managed to do what no one else had been able to do. It has taken a few sessions but I am almost pain free. This kind of injury is so difficult to treat. Stephen knew the proper approach and worked hard to help me. Thank you Stephen! And I hope anyone suffering from this foot problem will find their way to him. They will be grateful too. read more

Stephen is very good! And his place is very relaxing. My boyfriend and I were taking a quick weekend getaway and felt lucky to have had such a wonderful experience for our first massages with Stephen. All the reviews were true! He has a fabulous view of Santa Barbara, relaxing music plays, and it's very calming to watch his turtles roam in the backyard. Stephen was also wonderful to point us in the direction of wonderful restaurants to try since he's lived in SB for many years....he did not disappoint. I have had many massages, he is definitely a seasoned masseur and offers his services at a great value! read more

Had some serious issues from years of golf that I had let go neglected. Got to the point where I was barely able to play one round without being in bad pain. For the first time with any massage therapist, and I have been to many, I have been able to play full rounds virtually pain and stiffness free. He goes very deep and has a way of "unlocking" my problem areas and it has lasted. I am grateful to have found his services and be a regular client. I strongly recommend him, especially if you have chronic areas that need the proper attention, he's the one to do it. read more

My daughter and I saw Stephen this past weekend for massages -- He was AWESOME! So happy we found him! Stephen was not only a great massage therapist -- but a kind person. Both of us loved our massages and only wish we lived closer to have a massage once a week (at least!). He is very intuitive to what your body needs and makes you feel comfortable from the moment you meet him. Do your body AND mind a favor and make an appointment with him...We definitely will anytime we are near SB! Thank you Stephen! read more

I booked a massage with Stephen after the Santa Barbara Marathon in Nov 2011. He arrived on time was professional courteous and fun the chat with. Not only was the massage perfectly therapeutic he was full of tips on visiting SB. The marathon was Saturday and by Monday I am barely sore. I had a targeted sports massage for running , which he said was a combination of techniques. He is excellent. I highly recommend him. read more

I have been going to Stephen's for several years and his massages are by far the most rewarding. I have tried a couple of spas in town and still love coming back to his charming studio. I love his technique and how thorough he is. His prices are affordable, and would advise looking into package deals when they are available. I would highly recommend Stephen as a massage therapist, his prices are affordable for the value and quality of service. You will not regret it! read more

Stephen is the best masseuse I have ever had. Many deep tissue massages are useful but painful. Stephen is able to relieve the tension in muscles while at the same time the massage is enjoyable. About 6 months ago I had a strained right shoulder. It was not getting better. Having Stephen work on it once a week for a few weeks enabled the shoulder to feel good enough to begin trying to strengthen it. Lastly, Stephen is a very nice person and very professional. read more

As a division 1 baseball player, my body is beat on day in and day out with practice and wieght training. Stephen's massage therapy has helped my muscles recover from week to week and also has allowed me to maintain my strength and flexibility over the course of my season. He is personable, curtious and hospitable with his practice. I highly recommend his massage to all athletes and people who are involved with physically challenging tasks. read more

I injured my back a little over a year ago while on my second deployment to Iraq and was finally fed up with the pain. I found Stephen online, contacted him, and it was the greatest decision I could have made. I have now been going to him for about a month and the pain is almost gone. I went to different doctors and nothing helped but after going to Stephen I am finally getting better. Thank you Stephen. read more

Outstanding Massage and Highly Recommended. I have had chronic lower back pain for many years.I tried Acupuncture,Physical Therapy,Chiropractics,Patches and Cortisone injections.Nothing worked.Yet,one hour with Stephen helped me more than all of my previous treatments combined.I have been pain free since my initial treatment and am anxious to see Stephen again to ensure I remain pain free. read more

I have been going to Stephen for many years and the reason I keep returning is the HIGH QUALITY work he does, visit after visit. You may find cheaper deals out there but isn't the point of a Massage to maintain or fix your body, so is the $10 or $15 you may save really worth it if you don't come out of the massage feeling amazing. Thank you Stephen for making everything feel exemplary. read more

My husband and I both had incredible massages with Stephen. I heartily recommend him! He took excellent care of us and it was wonderful to get a thorough massage and not have to ask for more pressure etc. There was nothing routine about his massage; he focused on the areas in need of attention & gave a very tailored massage. You will not regret going! read more

After suffering months of pain from minor running injuries, Stephen was my cure. Stephen's "magic touch" allowed me to get back to my sport with a new and improved range of motion. Stephen is an outstanding massage therapist who listened to my individual needs. He has a become a great friend of mine and I would highly recommend his services. read more

I came across Stephen Fountain after hearing that he was voted Best Massage in the Santa Barbara Independent readers poll for over 15 years. I'm always a little skeptical of these types of accolades but not only wasn't I dissapointed, I've found my massuese for life! My next appointment is already on the books. read more

Stephen has magic hands! I had one of the best massages by him last weekend. He was great, professional, and even came to my hotel while I was visiting Santa Barbara (for an additional fee). He was worth every penny. I felt so zen-like for the rest of the day. Thanks for being amazing, Stephen! read more