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. We are specialists in providing pregnancy and postpartum massage to women in San Francisco.

Women's Health Resource Center - Massage Therapy
3698 California St., Lobby Level
San Francisco
Call 415-600-0500 for a appointment.

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 / Shiatsu Massage

Acupressure / Shiatsu massage, this method of healing seeks to harmonize vital body energy. Acupressure adn Shiatsu are 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. Range-of-motion movements and passive stretches may be incorporated into the session.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) Massage

Cranio-Sacral therapy (CST) massage consists of gentle massage to the head, neck, and base of the spine encouraging the body’s natural mechanisms to improve brain, nervous system, and spinal cord function. The negative effects of stress dissipate, general health is enhanced, and resistance to disease is increased.

Deep Tissue Massage

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, overexertion, 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.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a very gentle type of massage that incorporates light, repetitive, slow strokes to aid in the removal of toxins and excess fluids from the body. This technique is often employed after a surgery or an injury to improve the overall functioning of the lymphatic (immune) system.

Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) Massage

The Arvigo techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (ATMAT) is a gentle, non-invasive massage to help align the sacrum and pelvis, and guide internal abdominal organs into their proper position for optimum health and well being.

Pregnancy / Postpartum Massage

Pregnancy / postpartum massage is performed in a side-lying position using many pillows and wedges for comfort. The traditional massage table with cutout holes is not used, because laying face down puts an unhealthy strain on the lower back and uterine ligaments. Any massage technique can be requested, but acupressure is frequently used. Post-partum for both mom and baby must be requested in advance. All massage therapists who provide pregnancy and postpartum massage are nationally certified in Pregnancy/Postpartum Massage.

Swedish / Esalen Massage

Swedish / Esalen massage 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 promote deep relaxation.

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 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 Massage

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.

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 therapy


• In-hospital massage for patients with special needs, including preterm labor, postpartum, chemotherapy, and post-surgery

Our Massage Therapists

Carla De Martino has been practicing massage since 1995. She combines Zen Shiatsu with acupressure points extinguishing specific congested areas, and incorporates soothing Swedish techniques.

Cathy Fujimoto is a State Certified Massage Therapist and has been practicing massage since 2005. Trained in various modalities such as Deep Tissue, Swedish and Shiatsu, she also specializes in Lymphedema Therapy (MLD/CDT).

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 and 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.

Patrisha Lowerhas been a massage therapist since 1997. She integrates deep tissue massage with orthopedic techniques, Thai and trigger point therapy.

Beth O’Boyle began her massage training in 2005 and is skilled in deep tissue, sports, Swedish, reflexology and lymphatic drainage. Beth has a keen interest in anatomy and seeks out different modalities of massage to accommodate the release of tension from the body and increase mobility.

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. She is a certified practitioner of the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy.

Michelle Taylor utilizes a unique combination of massage techniques including deep tissue, trigger point therapy, Swedish, and Shiatsu.

Please note: Massage therapist availability subject to change.

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.

Gift certificates are also available for purchase call 415-600-0500 for details.

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.

Massages are provided by apointment only: Monday - Friday, 10 am. - 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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 encouraged.