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 specialize in providing pregnancy and postpartum massages to women in the Bay Area and providing therapeutic massage for men and women for health, healing and well being.
Women's Health Resource Center - Massage Therapy
3698 California St., Lobby Level
San Francisco
Call 415-600-0500 for an appointment.
Massage Methods and Techniques
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.
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Acupressure / Shiatsu Massage
Acupressure / Shiatsu massage, is a method of healing that seeks to harmonize vital body energy. Acupressure and 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pregnancy Massage / Postpartum Massage
Pregnancy and 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 massage for both mom and baby must be requested in advance. All massage therapists who provide pregnancy massage and postpartum massage are nationally certified in Pregnancy and Postpartum Massage.
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Swedish / Esalen Massage
Swedish / Esalen massage is the most common and well-known form of massage in the United States. Using oil or lotion, 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.
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Trigger Point Release Massage
Trigger point release involves continuous pressure 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:
- Pregnancy and postpartum 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 at California Pacific Medical Center's Cal Campus with special needs, including preterm labor, postpartum, chemotherapy, and post-surgery
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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. Men and women are welcome. In-hospital massage services are available to patients on the Medical Center’s California and East Campuses only.
Gift cards 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.
Rates
- 30 minutes $40.00
- 60 minutes $70.00
- 90 minutes $90.00
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Caring for San Francisco Women
Call 415-600-0500 to schedule your pregnancy massage or postpartum massage.
