Michael
Los Angeles, CA
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About
Twenty-eight years of hands-on work in massage therapy and sports medicine have taught me that skilled touch is a language the body understands before the mind catches up. I've spent nearly three decades learning to listen through my fingertips, to find the knots that hold stress and pain, and to work them out with the kind of depth and care that actually sticks.
I trained at Spectrum School of Massage in Minot, North Dakota, then earned my BA at Minot State University before going deeper into sports medicine with my Master's degree from AIU in Chicago. That background isn't just credentials on a wall—it's what lets me read your body, understand where the real tension lives, and explain exactly what's happening beneath the surface.
My studio in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles is private and quiet, with free parking, heated tables, hot towels, and aromatherapy to make the work feel complete. I also offer mobile massage sessions to your home, hotel, or office throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas within a 25-mile radius. Whether you book in-studio or at your place, you'll get the same level of attention.
I work with deep tissue, Swedish, sports massage, and Thai techniques, often layering in assisted stretching tailored to your body's unique needs. I focus especially on athletes recovering from intense training, desk workers carrying tension in their shoulders and neck, and anyone seeking the healing power of skilled, mindful touch. Whether you're managing stress, easing post-workout soreness, or just craving real relief, I'm here to help.
As a proud gay male therapist, I've built a studio where gay, bi, and straight men feel welcomed and respected. Confidentiality is absolute—I honor NDAs without question. You deserve more than a quick massage. You deserve a therapeutic experience that actually restores your body, quiets your mind, and leaves you feeling whole.
Techniques
Testimonials
Michael gave me an excellent massage. I'd mostly recovered from a lower back strain, but my muscles were still tight and knotted. He found the problem areas immediately and used stretching along with deep tissue to work out the knots. When I asked about extending to two hours, he was already booked, but we'll plan for longer next time. Finding a therapist with his skill level and medical rehab background is rare. The warm coconut oil and hot towels at the end felt like melting. A week later, I still feel the calming effects. Book extra time before you go.
I've been getting massages for twenty years and tend to stick with someone once we connect. After my long-time therapist retired, I had to search again, which is always risky. One session with Michael and I knew I'd found my person. We communicated beautifully in advance about scheduling, logistics, and expectations, and he sent a final confirmation the morning of the appointment. He arrived on time and really listened when we met in person. My two-hour deep tissue massage ranks among the best I've had in two decades. Michael listened, followed the energy, read my body accurately, and checked in to make sure he understood what I needed. He did significant stretching throughout and finished with focused work on my back, neck, and shoulders where I hold most of my tension. It was excellent and I can't wait for the next one, which I've already booked.
Michael completely eliminated my migraine and back pain in one session. He was cordial and professional throughout, making me feel comfortable and checking in constantly about pressure and comfort. Hundred percent would recommend and already have my next appointment scheduled.
As a professional athlete, I found Michael's approach unmatched. From the first text exchange, his professionalism was clear. His sports medicine background paired perfectly with his technical skills. The combination of deep tissue work and stretching provided real relief after days of intense competition and training. Michael explains exactly what he's doing and why, showing deep knowledge of muscle groups and injury patterns. The warm oils, hot towels, and private, comfortable studio all added to the relaxation. I'm already planning my next appointment and highly recommend him to fellow athletes.
I was a little nervous meeting someone new, but he put me at ease right away and showed up prepared and professional. I'd tweaked my back and had a painful knot in my left hip that made it hard to get in and out of bed or walk. He worked on my whole body but zeroed in intensely on where I needed it most, giving me real relief over the following days. I can get in and out of bed easily now and I'm taking two walks a day pain-free. He can work out your pain issues and leave you deeply relaxed. I'm booking again for a session focused purely on maintaining that relief.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently praise Michael's ability to identify and relieve specific pain—migraines, lower back strain, hip tightness, post-workout soreness—with deep tissue work and stretching that produces relief lasting days beyond the session. His sports medicine background and transparent communication about what he's finding in your body set him apart; he doesn't just work muscle, he explains the root of the problem and why his approach addresses it.
Athletes, desk workers, and long-time massage clients all note that his skill level is rare, his professional demeanor puts nervous first-time visitors at ease, and his attention to detail—from hot towels and warm oils to session confirmations and pressure check-ins—makes the experience feel genuinely restorative rather than routine.
Education
Dec. 2008 - Dec. 2010
Masters #1
AIU, Chicago, IL
May 1993 - Dec. 1996
BA
Minot State University, Minot, ND
July 1993 - Jan. 1994
Massage Therapist
Spectrum School of Massage, Minot, ND
Location
Mobile within 25 mi
Hours
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. today
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Mobile Extras
Affiliations
FAQ
What's the difference between deep tissue and sports massage in Los Angeles?
Deep tissue targets chronic tension and muscle knots using sustained pressure, while sports massage focuses on preventing and recovering from athletic strain. Michael combines both approaches depending on your goals—athletes often benefit from sports massage with assisted stretching, while desk workers typically need deep tissue work on areas holding stress.
Does Michael offer mobile massage in Los Angeles?
Yes. Michael provides mobile massage sessions to your home, hotel, or office anywhere in Los Angeles and surrounding areas within a 25-mile radius. Mobile sessions include heated table, aromatherapy, hot towels, and music, with parking and mileage fees calculated separately.
How far in advance should I book a massage with Michael in Los Angeles?
Michael accepts bookings a week or more in advance and is responsive with scheduling details, confirmations, and logistical clarity. He also accommodates last-minute reschedules if you're unwell, so reach out directly to discuss availability.
What medical background does Michael bring to massage therapy?
Michael holds a Master's degree from AIU in Chicago focused on sports medicine and has 28 years of combined experience in massage therapy and athletic recovery. This background allows him to identify the root cause of pain, explain what's happening in your body, and adjust his technique to your specific needs.
Is there a safe space for gay men seeking massage in Los Angeles?
Yes. Michael, a gay male therapist, offers an affirming and confidential environment for gay, bi, and straight men. All sessions are private, NDAs are honored without exception, and the focus is entirely on your therapeutic needs.
What discounts are available at Michael's massage studio?
Michael offers discounts to active military, veterans, healthcare workers, police officers, first responders (EMT, paramedics, firefighters), dancers, entertainment industry workers, massage therapists, airline crew members, and AIDS ride participants. Proof of profession is required. Prepaid bodywork packages are also available at a discount.
What's included in a massage session at Michael's Silver Lake studio?
Sessions include heated massage table, aromatherapy, hot towels, music, private restroom access, bottled water, and free parking. Assisted stretching is incorporated based on your body's needs and the type of massage you book.
Can Michael help with lower back pain or hip tightness?
Yes. Michael specializes in locating and relieving tight knots in specific areas like the lower back, hips, and shoulders using deep tissue work and stretching. Clients report significant relief within days and often return for ongoing care to manage chronic tension.
From the Hemasseur Team
Michael is a licensed massage therapist in Los Angeles, California, with 28 years of expertise in massage therapy and sports medicine. He trained at Spectrum School of Massage in Minot, North Dakota, and holds a Master's degree from AIU in Chicago, giving him a rare combination of athletic recovery knowledge and hands-on skill that informs every session. Operating from his private studio in Silver Lake and serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas within a 25-mile radius, Michael specializes in deep tissue, Swedish, sports, and Thai massage with assisted stretching tailored to each client's body. He is especially skilled at working with athletes recovering from intense training, desk workers carrying chronic neck and shoulder tension, and clients seeking mindful, therapeutic relief. As a proud gay male therapist, Michael provides an inclusive, confidential space for gay, bi, and straight men. His attention to detail—from heated tables and hot towels to clear communication about root causes of pain—makes him a trusted choice for clients seeking genuine restoration rather than a quick session.
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