what to expect

session atmosphere


SF: My office in downtown San Francisco is inside the historic Flood Building. There isn't a waiting room, so at the time of your appointment, please knock on the door if I haven't already come out to greet you.   Map

frequently asked questions

Do I need to tip?

I appreciate the gesture, but since I work independently in my own private practice, I don't accept gratuity. Another way to express your gratitude and trust is by booking me again or referring friends and family.

I sometimes feel like making noise or stretching during bodywork. Is that weird?

Not at all. Often, as the body releases (or becomes aware of) tension, holding or stress, the body may feel an impulse to stretch, sigh, laugh, cry, hum... . Since a relaxed state is often accompanied by the nervous system putting more attention on restorative processes, such as digestion, it's also totally common for the body to make digestive sounds.

What is causing this problem I am having in my shoulder?

I'm not a doctor and cannot diagnose what is causing your pain. However, using a combination of my experience and your own body's intelligence, we can work together to correct holding patterns and old habits that may be causing some of the chronic pain. It may take a few sessions and some work on your part, to see lasting results. I can also refer you to a good chiropractor.


hands-on modalities

Sessions draw on principles and techniques from several therapeutic modalities, particularly Trigger Point Therapy, Ortho-Bionomy®, Neuromuscular Reprogramming, and Craniosacral Work.

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Trigger Point Release

When you say you have a "muscle knot", you are talking about myofascial trigger points. There are no actual knots involved, of course — it's just a metaphor. The trigger point is actually a small patch of tightly contracted muscle, an isolated spasm affecting just a small area of muscle tissue (not a whole-muscle spasm like a "charlie horse"). The area of knotted muscle often cuts off its own blood supply, which irritates it even more — a vicious cycle that results in tightly wound, sensitive or painful bands of muscle tissue and can cause referred pain (pain felt somewhere in the body other than where the cause is situated).

Trigger Point Therapy is a deep tissue modality that uses compression to release and unwind the tissue. This specific manipulation of soft tissue is combined with slow, deep pressure to relax, and release holding patterns.


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Ortho-Bionomy® and Positional Release

Ortho-Bionomy is a gentle, non-invasive, osteopathic-based form of body therapy. Gentle movements, positioning for greatest ease, brief compressions and where appropriate, light, active, muscle contractions are used to stimulate the body's self-corrective reflexes. People also experience an increased awakening of inner awareness, allowing the nervous system to re-discover a state of balance and well-being, both physically and emotionally.

As with any of the techniques I offer, Ortho-Bionomy weaves it's way in to the session as needed. For example, even in sessions that are primarily deep tissue or "traditional" massage, I often use Ortho-Bionomy for neck issues and injuries as it can be a very effective but gentle way to work with the sensitive and elegant structures and ranges of motion in the neck.
~ A client describes their experience of Ortho-Bionomy


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Neuromuscular Reprogramming (NMR)

NMR is a detailed and thorough structural bodywork which uses light muscle movement to detect imbalances in coordination, and to correct dysfunctional coordination patterns at their source: the motor control center of the brain.

I'll lead you through some light range of motion at times, so you'll be an active participant in the session. Sessions are often fully-clothed to allow for movement.


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Craniosacral & Unwinding

As an evolution of Cranial Osteopathy, Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports the nervous system, brain and spinal cord. It aims to promote core unwinding and deep relaxation to relieve pain and dysfunction and foster an overall fluid sense of ease.

Sessions tend to be very meditative and slow to allow the system space and safety to reorganize itself. It can be especially beneficial for headaches, TMJ dysfunction, post traumatic stress, tinnitus, and vertigo. Sessions are often fully clothed depending on the inclusion of other modalities.


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Elder Massage

Gentle massage and light range-of-motion movement that helps stimulate circulation, bowels, flow of lymph, and deeper breathing and can also decrease anxiety and feelings of isolation. Studies show that touch and social connection are a key element of good health for older people.

Sessions are geared towards what is most easeful for the elder. For example if there is limited mobility, I come to the home or care facility and work with the elder in whatever way is safe and comfortable for them.

Ortho-Bionomy® is a registered trademark of the Society of Ortho-Bionomy International, Inc. and is used with permission.