Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Licensed by the California Massage Therapy Council, Massage Therapist since 2018
Yes, through ABMP
Yes — clients have successfully used their FSA cards to pay for sessions. All receipts note “Massage Therapy” and should have my Massage License number if you need specific documentation for your provider, just let me know and I’ll do my best to help.
No. I maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and rarely get sick — so I’m sticking with what works for me. If you require a vaccinated therapist, I’d encourage you to look elsewhere and I completely respect that.
Yes, twice — January 2022 and February 2023. Both times I had mild symptoms (sore throat, low-grade fever), quarantined immediately, and tested negative within 5–14 days.
I’m happy to wear a mask — just let me know when booking or leave a note with your appointment. For clients, it’s completely optional. Some wear one the whole time, some only when face up, many not at all. Whatever makes you most comfortable is fine with me.
Please cancel and rest. When you’re sick your body needs to focus on healing, and massage can sometimes prolong illness. There’s also a real risk of passing something on to me or other clients. I’d much rather you reschedule than push through it.
Yes. I leave time between every session to thoroughly clean and disinfect — wiping down the table, stools, benches, and door knobs, and mopping the floor.
Yes. I keep hand sanitizer and tissues on hand, and typically provide a towel at the end of the session to wipe off any excess lotion.
Honestly, you won’t know until you try. Just like any working relationship, sometimes it clicks and sometimes it doesn’t — and that’s okay. I do my best for every client and will always show up and give you everything I’ve got. If you’re ever not satisfied, just let me know and I’ll make it right.
I have worked on pregnant clients before, but I’m not specifically trained or fully equipped for prenatal massage. If you’re pregnant I’d recommend seeing a therapist with dedicated prenatal training and the proper setup for it.
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! While side-lying isn’t my typical setup, some clients prefer it or simply can’t lie face down. Just let me know in advance and I’ll make sure you’re comfortable.
When you arrive I’ll ask about any problem areas or areas you’d prefer to skip, and confirm whether we’re doing a full body session or focusing on specific areas.
Most clients start face down. I’ll work the neck and back first, then move below the waist one side at a time. You’ll then flip face up and I’ll work each leg, each arm, the chest (staying about two ribs below the collarbone), and finish with the neck, scalp, or both depending on your preference and time.
Throughout the session you’ll remain draped, with each area covered and uncovered as I work through it.
Most clients skip the stomach, scalp, and face — but all of those areas are available if you’d like them included, just let me know.
Keep in mind that the body takes time to work through properly and some areas need more attention than others. Booking enough time for the work you want done will always give you the best results.
Most clients request a blend of relaxation and therapeutic massage — usually full body with a focus on one or two areas like the neck, back, low back, glutes, hamstrings, or feet.
Some clients prefer just the back and neck, or only the back side of the body. Others dedicate the entire session to specific muscles or muscle groups to address particular concerns such as headaches, sciatic pain, general soreness, back and hip pain, or stiffness and recovery related to surgeries like shoulder, knee, or hip replacements.
Every session is tailored to what your body needs that day.
Generally yes. Massage can improve circulation, release tension in overworked or fatigued muscles, help clear lactic acid buildup, and stimulate the lymphatic system — the body’s natural waste-removal process.
That said, everyone recovers differently. Some people respond best to massage while others benefit more from exercise, yoga, rest, meditation, foam rolling, massage guns, or Epsom salt baths — often a mix of several. The best recovery method is the one that works for you and that you’ll consistently stick with.
60 min — Great for a general full body massage with no major issues, or if you want to focus on a specific area like the back or legs.
90 min — Ideal for a full body massage with more detailed work on a couple of areas, or if you’d like to add hot stones or cupping.
120 min — Best for a thorough full body massage with detailed work, or if you want to include the scalp, face, or abdomen, plus any add-ons like hot stones, cupping, or massage gun.
Never had a massage? I recommend starting with 60 minutes. New clients often need time to get comfortable with touch, and 60 minutes is a great way to get a feel for the work before committing to longer sessions.
Only as much as you’re comfortable with. I can work on clients fully clothed, partially clothed, or unclothed — even through a sheet. Unclothed clients are always draped and only the area being worked on is uncovered at any given time.
Just keep in mind that if you leave clothing on, lotion or oil may get on it during the session.
Most of my clients prefer firm to deep pressure. I’m about 170 lbs, work slowly, and use my body weight and technique to apply pressure effectively. If you ever need more or less at any point, just say so and I’ll adjust immediately.
If you prefer very light pressure or need extremely deep work, I may not be the best fit — but feel free to reach out and we can talk through it.
No, all you need is an email to schedule online, the email you receive has links to manage your appointment. That said, scheduling online makes things much easier for both of us — you can check availability, book, cancel, or reschedule anytime without waiting on a reply from me. I’m often in back-to-back sessions, out on a run, or simply unplugged, so I may not always respond right away.
I could be in back-to-back sessions, out on a hike or run, or just taking some time to disconnect. I’m generally pretty responsive but it can sometimes be several hours or a day before I get back to you. Scheduling online is the fastest way to handle scheduling without the wait.
Absolutely. Use the question and suggestion form on this page, email gabe@mtgabe.com, or just text me. All feedback is welcome and taken seriously.
Welcome to being human — it happens and it’s a well-known occupational hazard. Passing gas during a massage is actually considered a sign of deep relaxation. No need to say anything, but if you feel the need to acknowledge it, a simple smile will do. 😄
If you “no show” to your appointment and don’t call or text to let me know your not coming.. I will not work with you.
I’m running a small business and an empty slot with no warning wastes my time and takes a spot from someone else who could have used it. Please respect my time and I’ll always respect yours.
I don’t have one.. if you need to cancel, please cancel as soon as possible to give me a chance to fill the slot.
If your sick, please cancel.
You can cancel anytime via:
- Text/Call: 760-651-2662
- Email: gabe@mtgabe.com
- Scheduling/Confirmation Email
- Contact form on this site
Life happens and I get it — a few times is no problem. But if it becomes a pattern I may choose not to continue working together. Last-minute cancellations and no-shows leave me with empty slots, waisted time and lost income.
Yes! Feel free to play music from your phone or a portable speaker. I just ask that we keep the volume reasonable out of respect for my office neighbors.
All kinds of very human things — farting, drooling, snoring, stomach growling, congestion, you name it. It’s all completely normal and nothing I haven’t seen before. No judgment, ever.
All normal 🙂
I use an unscented Jojoba lotion from Soothing Touch. It absorbs well, provides a great glide, and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy.
https://www.soothingtouch.com/unscented-jojoba-lotion.html
If you’d prefer to bring your own oil or lotion, you’re welcome to — just note there’s no discount for it.
Wear something easy to remove and put back on.
Ladies, a high ponytail works best or you can ask for a hair bonnet. Skip the makeup if you’d like your face worked on.
Please come clean and fresh, bring water, and use the restroom beforehand.
Before your session, think about what areas need attention. After your session, hydrate well and try to get a good night’s sleep.
Yes. I keep it on low by default — just let me know your preference. I also keep the room around 70–72°F.
My table has a built in adjustable chest/breast plate.
The table adjusts in height and headrest angle and can be repositioned during the session as needed.
Keeping things simple and lean lets me stay in business for myself without unnecessary overhead while remaining affordably priced. My room is actually larger than most massage rooms I’ve worked in at other places.
You’ll get more time for your money — no contracts, membership tiers, or fine print. You’re working directly with me, the owner, and supporting a small local business.
At franchises a “60 minute” massage often runs 50 minutes or less once consult and dressing time is factored in. Here, assuming you arrive on time, you get the full 60, 90, or 120 minutes of hands-on work.
Bathrooms are on the 1st floor please see me for access or text or check confirmation email for instructions.
Yes, there are two handicapped parking spaces in the garage level and elevator available to get to the bathrooms on the 1st floor.
Yes, sometimes.
The booking window to schedule an appointment online typically closes about an hour before.
Cash is always preferred
Venmo
CashApp
I use Square/Stripe and you can pay with the following:
Credit Card – Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB, UnionPay
Apple Pay
Android Pay
Samsung Pay
Tip rates for San Diego standard is roughly $10 per half hour:
60min – $20
90min – $30
120min – $40
High end places would typically be more.
Yes, sometimes and if so could be found here:
Recommend or tell a friend, leave a good review with Google maps, Yelp.
It makes a big difference for a small business.
Honestly, I have off days just like anyone else. A rough night’s sleep, a heavy workload, or pushing it too hard on a run can all affect my energy and flow. I’ll always give you the best version of myself that shows up that day. If something ever feels off, just tell me — I’m fair and I’ll always make it right.