WHRC Massage Therapy
Massage, the therapeutic use of touch to relax or energize the body’s muscles and soft tissues, relieves stress, improves blood and energy circulation, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain.
One or more of the following techniques may be used during your massage. When booking an appointment, please notify us if you have a technique preference.
Massage Methods and Techniques
Acupressure / Jin Shin Jyutsu
This method of healing seeks to harmonize vital body energy. Acupressure/Jin Shin Jyutsu is based on the Asian systems defining meridians of energy or Chi flowing throughout the body in much the same way that blood flows through veins and arteries. Pressure is applied along the meridians, using palms, thumbs, fingers, forearms or elbows to release blocked energy, alleviate symptoms of pain, and harmonize the body.
Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST)
This technique consists of gentle massage to the head and neck, and base of the spine encouraging the body’s natural mechanisms to improve brain and spinal chord function. The negative effects of stress dissipate, general health is enhanced, and resistance to disease is increased.
Deep Tissue
Pressure is exerted using hands, fingers, elbows, palms, and knuckles to affect the deeper musculo-skeletal system structures releasing chronic tension, soft tissue tension, and pain associated with stress, over-exertion and injury. This technique can be contraindicated with certain health conditions, therefore completion of a special risk assessment is required prior to deep tissue massage. Deep slow breathing is essential to facilitate relaxation and tension release throughout the body.
Prenatal Massage
Prenatal massage is performed in a side-lying position utilizing many pillows and wedges for comfort. The traditional massage table with cutout holes is not used, as laying on your stomach puts an unhealthy strain on abdominal muscles. Any massage technique can be requested, however acupressure is frequently utilized. Post-partum massage for both mom and baby must be requested in advance.
Swedish / Esalen
This is the most common and well-known form of massage in the United States. Oil or lotion based massage, the Swedish/Esalen technique uses long, soothing strokes to aid in blood and lymph circulation, toxin release, ease aches and pains, and to promote deep relaxation.
Shiatsu / Jin Shin Do
Range of motion movements and passive stretches are used along with traditional acupressure as part of this technique. Stretching opens the channels through which Chi energy flows, strengthening muscles and encouraging flexibility. Oil is not used for this technique.
Thai Massage
This ancient form of healing is characterized by rhythmic pressure to the "sen" or energy lines, joint mobilization and deep yoga-like stretching techniques. Thai massage is traditionally received on a soft floor mat placed on the floor, through loose, comfortable clothing. Thai massage techniques may be combined with other techniques during a massage on a massage table.
Trigger Point Release / Myofascial Release
With trigger point release, continuous pressure is applied for up to two minutes on points in the body that refer to and release specific areas of muscular tension.
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Massage Therapists
Women’s Health Resource Center massage therapists are certified and specially trained in:
- Pre- and post-natal massage
- Skilled touch for the elderly
- Massage for the seriously ill and the dying
- Massage for persons undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation
- In-hospital massage for patients with special needs including preterm labor, post-partum, chemotherapy, and post-surgery
Our Massage Therapists
Paule Anneheim has been a massage therapist for more than 15 years and comes to us from the south of France. She specializes in Swedish massage to promote healing and wellness. Paule works with people of all ages, including children and the elderly. In addition, she has worked extensively with women with cancer.
Sharon Brahms’ training as a nurse and a holistic massage therapist enables her to work with people facing a variety of medical and physical challenges, as well as those seeking to restore, rejuvenate and maintain wellness. Sharon customizes each integrative session with a combination of nurturing hands, compassionate heart and empathetic presence. She is skilled in deep tissue, Swedish, oncology, vibrational healing massage, geriatric, infant and massage for children with special needs, reflexology, Reiki and aromatherapy.
Sabrina Easterling, a massage therapist since 1996, specializes in restorative deep tissue integrating stretching with Swedish massage strokes, acupressure points and foot reflexology.
Rosa Kocher, a massage therapist since 1979, combines Amma Shiatsu, Swedish, Jin Shin Do, and cranio-sacral therapy. She can also incorporate hypnotherapy into the massage. She has had special training in working with people with cancer.
Randi Kofsky blends Swedish deep tissue massage with Thai, Shiatsu, trigger point release, and cranio-sacral therapy with the intent of increased mobility, fluidity and integration within the body.
Haru Komuro enjoys combining her native shiatsu skills with deep tissue and Swedish massage to provide both a treatment-focused and relaxing, holistic massage. She is certified in working with people with special medical needs.
Patrisha Lowder has been a massage therapist since 1997. She integrates deep tissue massage with orthopedic techniques, Thai and trigger point therapy.
Janet Stock combines acupressure, trigger point release, and Swedish massage with a compassionate touch. She has been a massage therapist since 1992. Janet is also skilled in massage for infants, children, mom and baby sessions, and post-surgical scar work.
Michelle Taylor utilizes a unique combination of massage techniques including deep tissue, trigger point therapy, Swedish, and Shiatsu.
Janet Um combines Swedish and deep tissue techniques. She also incorporates stretching and range of motion in her work.
**Please note: Massage therapist availability subject to change.
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Rates and Appointments
Call 415-600-0500 for appointments
Women’s Health Resource Center Massage Therapy services are open to the public and provided at 3698 California Street. Everyone is welcome. In-hospital massage services are available to patients on the Medical Center’s California and East Campuses only.
Appointment and Cancellation Policy
- Call 415-600-0500 to schedule or cancel a massage appointment.
- A credit card or gift certificate number is required to reserve your appointment.
- Cancellations must be made by 12:00 noon one business day prior to your appointment.
- You will be charged full-price for late cancellations or no shows.
- Late arrivals will receive only the time remaining in the scheduled appointment.
Rates**
30 minutes $40.00
60 minutes $70.00
90 minutes $90.00
** Rates subject to change, please call to confirm. Gratuities for massage services are not accepted.
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