Yes, Licensed by the California Massage Therapy Council, Massage Therapist since 2018 

https://www.camtc.org/

Yes, through ABMP

https://www.abmp.com/

I have clients who have successfully paid for there sessions using there FSA credit card account, so yes but you may want to check with your provider to be sure. All Square Receipts note “Massage Therapy” if you need something specific please let me know and I will try to accommodate.

No, my body, my choice. I have a pretty good diet and I get a lot of exercise with both running and working and if I hardly get sick and have something that works for me, why change. If you need a vaccinated massage therapist then you should look elsewhere. 

Yes, in January 2022 & February 2023 I tested positive for COVID and had a soar throat for a few days and ran hot for a day or so. I quarantined, slept and watched a bunch of TV series and movies. It took me about 2 weeks before I tested negative, second time with COVID I tested negative after 5 days.

I can wear a mask during the massage and have no problems doing so, if you would prefer I where a mask please let me know or leave a note when booking your appointment. I would hate to pass something on to anyone.

As a client its optional, some wear a mask the whole time or only when faceup or not at all, it doesn’t bother me if you do or not, however you feel most comfortable.

No, your body is most likely in a weakened state let it heal or recover. Massage can help with circulation and recovery but can sometimes prolong sickness and there’s a definite risk of spreading what ever you have. I would rather you cancel or reschedule then risk passing on something to me or through me to other clients seen throughout the day.

Yes, I give myself time between sessions to clean and disinfect the room between visits. Wiping down table, stools, benches, door knobs, mopping floor, etc.

Yes I have hand sanitizer, tissues and usually provide a towel to wipe off any excess lotion after the session. 

Maybe, maybe not. I’ve worked for a lot of people and some not, you really just have to try me out and see. Just like some people don’t get along or work well together, same can be said with your massage therapist. I try to work for everyone but there are going to be people who just prefer someone else, all I can do is try and give the best of whatever version of myself that shows up for the massage. 

In short yes but if your pregnant I would recommend you see a massage therapist that has been trained for pregnancy massage. I have worked on a few pregnant women in the past but I’m really not set up for it. Some places have a table that is adjustable and puts you in a slightly seated position or a wedge, and various pillows to accommodate. My table lays flat, has an adjustable chest plate and headrest and I have 1 pillow and a few bolsters, just a basic setup.

Yes, some people cannot go face down or just more comfortable in a sideline position, although I do no typically work on clients in a sideline position just let me know and I can improvise. 

Once you come in, I’ll ask if you have any issues or focus areas (if there are areas you would prefer not to have worked, let me know before we begin). I’ll confirm the work for the session (full body or just focus area or areas). Most people start face down and I’ll work the neck and back, then below the waist one leg/side at a time. Then I’ll have you flip over faceup and work one leg/side at a time, then each arm at a time, then chest (about 2 ribs down from collarbone) and finish with neck or scalp or both depending on preference and time. During the session client is draped and I’ll cover and re-cover each part of the body as I move along.

Some people prefer not to have there hair/scalp or face touched, most clients do not have there stomach worked on but those are all areas that can be worked. It takes time working through the body and some areas just need more time and work, not giving a therapist enough time and adding to much to a session can leave you feeling incomplete. Make sure to give enough time for the work you want to have done. 

Most of my clients want a combination of relaxing and therapeutic massage and usually ask for a full body massage with focus on 1 or 2 areas (like neck, back, low back, glutes, hamstrings or feet). 

Some clients only want the the back and neck worked on or just the backside of the body (facedown only).  Some clients dedicate the whole session to muscles or muscle groups to assist with specific issues, scar tissue or injuries and operations (examples: headaches, sciatic pain, pains in general, back/hip pain or ache, problems or stiffness with replaced shoulders, knees or hips, etc.).

Usually yes, massage can help with circulation, freeing up different kinds of build up, lactic acid or problem areas of overworked or tired muscles and help stimulate the lymphatic system (body’s waste system) to keep things moving freely.

We all recover differently, some respond better to different methods, such as:  more exercise, yoga, rest/sleep, meditation, recovery tools, foam rollers, massage guns and Epson salt baths to name a few.

The best recovery method is the one that best works for you and however much time and work your willing to dedicate to it.

Depends on what you have going on and what you want done.

60 min – if you just want a general full body massage and don’t have any real issues or if you just want to focus on the back, backside of body or other specific spots or areas.

90 min – if you want a full body massage with detailed work on a few areas or adding hot stones or cupping in addition to the massage.

120 min – if you want a full body massage with detailed work or head, scalp, face, abdomen work or want to add any of the extra services like hot stones, cupping or massage gun.

First timers – I recommend 60 min, if it’s your first time your probably not used to having some areas touched or worked on, you may be ticklish or sensitive in certain areas but with more massage the body gets accustomed to touch and your able to relax and enjoy it more in time and then there are some that take to it first time around 🙂

I can work on clients clothed or unclothed and even through a sheet, however you feel most comfortable. Feel free to dress down to your comfort level, unclothed clients will be draped and I will only undrape what ever part of the body I am working on in the moment.

Past clients have left there underwear on or off, I have worked on females with a sports bra or bra, just keep in mind if I’m working over the skin with lotion or oil your bound to get some on whatever articles of clothing left on.

Everyone has there own idea for pressure but most of my clients prefer firm to deep pressure and only a few clients that prefer my light pressure, if you prefer really light pressure I may not work for you.

I’m about 170 pounds, I work slow and use my weight and technique to apply as much pressure needed for the session. If ever more or less pressure is needed just let me know and I’ll make adjustments (anytime). I’ve had some people who I’ve questioned if I’m even enough yet they end up coming back but if you need super super deep pressure then I may not work for you.

No, you can text but by creating a login you take the load off me. By creating a login you can check availability, schedule, cancel or reschedule an appointment at any time and it frees me up to work or have a life without the constant back and forth dealings with schedule changes, cancels and eliminates the need to hire an assistant. I usually respond to texts within a day, most times sooner but I may be in back to back sessions all-day, trail running or just disconnecting to enjoy some time to myself.

I could be in back to back sessions all day or on a hike/run or simply have my phone off to disconnect. If I’m free I’ll usually respond once I get the message but sometimes it could be hours or a day before I can respond. I’m usually pretty good about getting back to people but it’s not uncommon for me to take a while to respond.

Yes you could use “Question and Suggestion” form below, email gabe@mtgabe.com, text or just let me know. I’ll take feedback into consideration.