Brian
San Francisco, CA
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Rates
Studio sessions start at $150 for 60 minutes, $200 for 90 minutes, and $250 for 120 minutes—below the San Francisco average of $154. Brian also accepts FSA and HSA cards.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min Popular | $150 | Ask |
| 90 min | $200 | Ask |
| 120 min | $250 | Ask |
- Longer sessions available.
- Amounts listed are base rates only. Actual rates vary based on distance travelled, services provided, etc.
Accepted Payments
Discounts
About
Twenty-one years ago, I started trading massage with my swimming teammates and coaches in fifth grade—I didn't know it then, but I was already learning the language of the body. Back then it was intuitive; now it's informed by real training and thousands of hours of hands-on work.
In 2005, I became Reiki certified through multiple lineages (Usui Shiki Ryoho, Karuna®, and Holy Fire®), studying with teachers at Auralux, Rooted Life, and Vision Quest in Chico, California. That energy work grounded me in something deeper than muscle and tissue. Then in 2016, I completed my 200-hour Alignment Yoga Teacher Training at Desert Song Healing Arts Center in Phoenix, Arizona—learning how the body moves and holds itself in space. And in 2020, I formalized my massage training at San Francisco School of Massage, completing 600 hours of clinical study.
What all those years have taught me is this: your body knows what it needs. My job is to listen—both with my hands and with what I sense in your energy. I blend Swedish and Lomi Lomi rhythms with deep tissue work, trigger point release, myofascial work, and acupressure. I use yoga stretches and alignment cues. I bring Reiki and polarity healing into the session. I work the whole body—the physical and the energetic—because you can't separate them.
I'm a tall, athletic guy. I work out of two San Francisco locations: a professional studio in Castro and a dedicated in-apartment studio in Nob Hill. I also travel throughout the San Francisco area for out-calls within a 25-mile radius. I keep my studio warm, the table heated, the air clean, and the sheets fresh cotton flannel. I use aromatherapy because scent settles the nervous system. I'm vaccinated against COVID and mpox because I take your safety seriously.
My clients come to me with back pain, shoulder tension, sports injuries, postoperative recovery, and stress they can feel in their body. They leave feeling whole again—pain-free, lighter, genuinely cared for. Text me your name, session length, ideal date and time, and let me know how you found me. Recently shower before we meet. I'm here to help you feel the relief you deserve.
Techniques
Testimonials
Since we started receiving massages from Brian, we have felt significantly better. I'm able to do intense workouts without any nerve pain, and most importantly I can move freely without worry. We both sense that Brian has exceptional healing instinct and unparalleled skill and knowledge. Honestly, he is the best practitioner we have encountered. Thank you, we feel fantastic. Steve and David.
Brian is the best massage therapist I have ever worked with. I have received more than a hundred treatments from him and he is unquestionably the most skilled. He comprehends both the physical body and works with remarkable intuition. – Brent M.
Brian has the striking gift of knowing what your body needs in any moment during a massage. It goes far beyond physical improvement. He intuitively recognizes which areas require focus and delivers excellent work. – Carlos B.
Thank you for yesterday's massage Brian. I'd been holding tension and buildup in my lower back and neck from poor posture and a high-pressure job. The force you used through your elbows and forearms greatly relieved the discomfort and repositioned my body where it needed to be. Your space is impeccable and designed for peace and ease, and your central location is very accessible. I'll definitely be back because you've shown me how good my body can actually feel. Thank you. And to anyone reading: he's strikingly handsome and a genuinely kind person. All the best, Patrick.
Brian has the exact ability to know how much pressure and where to apply it so my body returns to balance. His grasp of anatomy extends beyond muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons—it reaches further than what his science, massage, and design education gave him across multiple Anatomy courses. His skill for returning wholeness shows in how he senses the body's resistance, as if he recognizes what balance looks like in my particular body and guides me toward it. Feeling good has been a long process for me, and I'm grateful to have Brian supporting me along the way. – Cody C.
The best shoulder work I've ever had. The entire experience was excellent. The setting is very soothing and Brian was very responsive to what I needed. I fully recommend trying a session yourself. – Andrew M.
Brian offers healing massage for athletic injuries. I had two problem areas: my right shoulder and left quad. After three sessions my quad was healed and my shoulder was recovering significantly. The space is great, the aromatherapy is wonderful, and his hands are excellent. – Peter U.
I came to my appointment exhausted from several stressful days and had been counting down to this massage for a week. Though it wasn't fair to place so many hopes on Brian, he surpassed them all. Ninety minutes with him was precisely what I needed. Within minutes I felt I could trust him completely and my body started unwinding. I left completely refreshed and able to face my obligations. His space feels both professional and welcoming, and his work on my shoulders and lats was exceptional. I've had many massage experiences and I recommend Brian without reservation. Thank you, Jay.
Brian is a caring, attentive, and compassionate professional with excellent massage abilities. I had a thoroughly calming experience. I've struggled with complications following surgery. My time with Brian accelerated my recovery in exactly the way I needed. Many thanks, Steve.
Brian is the finest massage therapist I've ever experienced. He conducts himself with professionalism and respect at all times. My body feels noticeably better for days following each session, and my back issues have genuinely improved. I enthusiastically recommend him. – Jason O.
I had a wonderful massage experience with Brian. His location was convenient, and his studio atmosphere and table comfort were outstanding. He is extremely skilled and confident and addressed every part of my body with complete attention, checking regularly to ensure the pressure felt correct. He's very approachable and personable, and while his photos are attractive he's even better to meet. I regret not booking the 90-minute option but definitely will next time. Thank you, Lee.
I've worked with Brian for a couple of years and he is an outstanding massage therapist. He has remarkably strong hands that locate the deepest knots in my back, shoulders, and legs. I walk out of every session in a state of complete relaxation. His approachable nature, streamlined scheduling, and convenient location make the experience even better. – Joey J.
Brian gave me the massage I didn't know I was missing. Hands down the best massage I've ever gotten and I've had plenty. He's helped me recover from softball and weight training injuries this past year. You can feel the atmosphere and energy he brings to his work. It's wonderful to find someone who can deliver a serious massage. Many Thanks, Matthew P.
I had a wonderful massage experience with Brian. His location worked well for me. The atmosphere of the space and the comfort of the table were superb. He is highly skilled and sure of himself and worked thoroughly through every area of my body, checking in regularly to confirm the pressure was right. He's approachable and personable, and though his photos are great he looks even better in person. I wish I had scheduled the 90-minute session, but I will next time. Thanks, Lee.
Brian does transformative work with the body and energy. His studio is clean and welcoming with dedicated massage space. He delivers excellent work, applying focused pressure when the body calls for it, and he operates from deep intuition. I have been his client for two years. He adapts his approach according to what my body requires. I highly suggest him for some of the most excellent body and energy work available in San Francisco. – George L.
Brian is honestly an exceptional massage therapist. He has powerful elbows, a beautiful studio, and the best atmosphere for unwinding. It should also be noted that he's remarkably attractive. – Pete.
Brian is a remarkable Massage Therapist. I was passing through San Francisco and booked a 90-minute session with him and he is a genuinely kind and patient individual. His studio is spotless, peaceful, and very welcoming. He started by asking where I held the most tension and then knew exactly how to work out tightness with the right amount of pressure. I relaxed deeply and felt wonderful. His hands are gifted and I cannot recommend him strongly enough. Thank you Brian. – Robert M.
Brian is absolutely among the finest. He has everything. I can't recall the last time I had a session this flawless. It's both relaxing and helpful. There's something satisfying about watching Brian locate knots and then release them. Every moment was excellent. I look forward to many more. Thank you, Ni P.
Wow, Brian delivers a superior massage—a rare mix of strength, deep body knowledge, and sensitivity to energy. Booking was straightforward through his calendar link and his follow-up confirmation was clear and thorough. The benefits lasted for days afterward. I booked my next appointment right away. I prefer strong pressure and long full-body strokes, and he brought everything together seamlessly. He incorporates energy work that lifted me up at the end. I felt some nervousness before meeting him (he's fit and attractive, I'm not), but he showed zero judgment or hesitation. Thank you so much Brian. – Geno.
My experience with Brian was extraordinary. I came to him with a compressed nerve in my arm and cervical compression causing serious pain. I was anxious about anyone touching my neck, but the pain had gotten so bad I couldn't turn my head or sleep. Brian listened closely to my concerns and assured me he could help. He was careful with my neck but also used traction, which I hadn't tried even in physical therapy. By the end of a two-hour session, I had full neck mobility, zero pain, and no numbness—and I slept soundly that night. Two months later my symptoms haven't returned. The rest of the session was just as impressive. Brian is a master at what he does. I wish I lived closer so I could see him regularly. – Brent K.
I cannot speak highly enough about my session with Brian. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and supported. His understanding of how the body works is striking. He didn't just address my pain—he helped me see what was causing it in the first place. Every technique felt purposeful and matched to exactly what my body needed. Brian is attentive, respectful, and genuinely committed to his clients' health. I left noticeably lighter, more relaxed, and with less pain. He also checked in days later to see how I was doing. If you want someone who listens, comprehends the body fully, and gives real care, I strongly suggest booking with him. A true healer.
I return to Brian whenever I need a serious massage. His space feels warm and welcoming. He has an instinctive sense for healing and is deeply knowledgeable about how the body is constructed. He's helped ease soreness and pain throughout my body. I see him regularly and consider him essential for managing pain. – David W.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently highlight Brian's exceptional ability to locate and release deep tension using strong, precise pressure—particularly in the shoulders, back, and neck—while his intuitive understanding of the body helps him address root causes rather than symptoms alone. Many report sustained relief lasting days after sessions, with particular success stories from those recovering from surgery, sports injuries, and postoperative pain. What sets Brian apart across reviews is the combination of his technical skill, energetic sensitivity, warm professionalism, and the serene, welcoming environment he maintains.
Education
Jan. - July 2016
Alignment Yoga Teacher Training 200-hr
Desert Song Healing Arts Center, Phoenix, AZ
Oct. 2020 - Aug. 2021
Massage Therapist 600-hr
San Francisco School of Massage, San Francisco, CA
June 2005 - June 2025
RMT - Karuna®, Holy Fire®, Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki
Auralux, Rooted Life, Vision Quest, Chico, CA
Location
Powell st & Bush st, San Francisco
Mobile within 25 mi
Hours
| M: | 12:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tu: | 12:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. |
| Th: | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| F: | 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. |
| Sa: | 12:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. |
| Su: | 12:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. |
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
Mobile Extras
Affiliations
FAQ
How much does a massage cost in San Francisco?
Brian charges $150 for a 60-minute session, $200 for 90 minutes, and $250 for 120 minutes in his Castro or Nob Hill studio. He also accepts FSA and HSA cards to help offset costs.
Does Brian offer mobile massage in San Francisco?
Yes, Brian provides out-call massage services throughout San Francisco and surrounding areas within a 25-mile radius. He brings his massage table, music, and full skill set to your location.
What techniques does Brian use for deep tissue and sports injuries?
Brian combines deep tissue, trigger point therapy, sports massage, and myofascial release with Swedish and Lomi Lomi styles. He also incorporates acupressure, neuromuscular work, and energy techniques like Reiki and polarity healing to address both physical and energetic imbalance.
Can Brian help with back and shoulder pain?
Yes, Brian specializes in relieving back, shoulder, and neck tension using strong, precise pressure from his forearms and elbows combined with stretching and alignment cues. Many clients report significant pain reduction lasting days after sessions.
Is Brian available for same-day or evening appointments in San Francisco?
Brian offers flexible hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Text him directly to request same-day availability.
What makes Brian's approach different from other massage therapists in San Francisco?
Brian combines 21 years of bodywork experience with formal training as a Reiki Master Teacher (certified through multiple lineages since 2005), a 200-hour Alignment Yoga Instructor, and a 600-hour licensed massage therapist. He reads both your physical and energetic body, using intuitive pressure and healing touch to address root causes, not just symptoms.
Does Brian work with postoperative recovery or healing?
Yes, Brian has worked with clients recovering from surgery, using gentle techniques and his intuitive healing touch to accelerate recovery and reduce postoperative pain and tension.
What amenities does Brian's studio include?
Brian's studio features a heated massage table, aromatherapy, soft music, clean cotton flannel sheets, an air purifier, a private restroom, and metered parking. His space is designed to be warm, serene, and inviting.
From the Hemasseur Team
Brian Lubbs is a Certified Massage Therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, and Alignment Yoga Instructor in San Francisco with 21 years of bodywork experience—starting as a competitive swimmer trading massage with teammates in fifth grade. His formal credentials include 600 hours of massage training from San Francisco School of Massage (2020–2021), 200-hour yoga teacher certification from Desert Song Healing Arts Center in Phoenix (2016), and multiple Reiki lineages (Usui Shiki Ryoho, Karuna®, and Holy Fire®) certified since 2005. Brian operates two in-studio locations—Castro and Nob Hill—and serves the greater San Francisco area within a 25-mile radius for mobile appointments.
His sessions blend Swedish and Lomi Lomi rhythms with deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release, acupressure, and yoga stretches, anchored by energy work through Reiki and polarity healing. He reads both the physical and energetic body using intuitive, strong pressure. Clients most benefit from working with Brian if they carry chronic pain, sports injuries, postoperative tension, or stress held in the body and want a therapist who understands anatomy deeply, listens carefully, and brings genuine healing presence to the work.
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