Joe
San Francisco, CA
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Rates
Sessions start at $125 for 60 minutes in the studio. Longer sessions run $145 for 75 minutes, $165 for 90 minutes, and $195 for 70 minutes—rates below the San Francisco average of $154 for a standard hour.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min Popular | $125 | Ask |
| 70 min | $195 | Ask |
| 75 min | $145 | Ask |
| 90 min | $165 | 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-three years of hands-on work has taught me something most therapists learn only later: there's no such thing as a generic massage. Every body tells a different story. Mine started at the SF School of Massage back in 2003, where I learned the foundations of Swedish technique, but the real education came from thousands of hours in the room with clients—learning to listen with my hands, to feel where someone's been working too hard, training too intensely, or just carrying the weight of stress they didn't know how to set down.
I work with active professionals in San Francisco and the surrounding areas, whether you're pushing yourself at the gym, chained to a desk, or managing the everyday tension that builds without you noticing. Deep tissue, sports massage, Thai bodywork, trigger point release, assisted stretching—I combine whatever you need in that moment. After a short conversation about what brought you in, we design the session around your body's actual needs, not a template.
My studio sits in a quiet corner of San Francisco with a heated table, calm lighting, and music that doesn't distract. I'm fully vaccinated and keep the space spotless. I also offer mobile massage within five miles if you'd rather I come to you—same quality work, same attention to detail. And if you're interested in meditation coaching as part of your recovery routine, I can help with that too.
The goal is always the same: get you feeling like yourself again. Not rushed, not overpromised. Just real, results-driven work from someone who's been doing this long enough to know what actually works.
Techniques
Testimonials
I've been coming to Joe since 2021. He first helped me work through some mobility problems with therapeutic massage and targeted stretching, which made a real difference in how I moved. Over the years I've found him more thorough than other massage therapists I've seen—he actually listens to what you need and responds to it. Once my mobility improved, I switched to regular stress relief sessions. I always walk out completely relaxed and ready to sleep. His space is clean and warm, and he's flexible about adjusting heat, pressure, and anything else you ask for.
I emailed Joe to book my first appointment and scheduled a 90-minute session the next evening to address my sciatica. His studio is in a quiet San Francisco neighborhood and the massage room is peaceful—good lighting, the right temperature, calm music. We spent 20 minutes talking through my sciatica and shoulder range of motion issues before he got me started. He had me sit in a lounge chair while he used different techniques on my shoulder and hip, and he showed me exercises and stretches I could do at home. Then I moved to the heated table for the rest of the session, starting face up. He kept checking in on my pressure tolerance and breathing throughout, maintaining a calm atmosphere the entire time. He told me what he was about to do before doing it, reminded me to speak up if anything hurt, and I felt completely safe. He stretched me from head to toe and the experience was excellent all around—I'd give him five stars.
Joe has been my go-to massage therapist and my partner's for over three years. After the pandemic, when we could finally get massages again, we were excited to book with him. He's built safety into every part of his routine and even offered outdoor massage during the reopening period, which was perfect on beautiful San Francisco days—getting a strong deep tissue massage outside while birds sing is something special. He's set up with outdoor heaters and a heated table for cooler weather. My partner likes lighter pressure and I prefer firm work, and we both leave feeling restored. His attention to detail and care shows no matter the conditions.
Massage is part of how I take care of myself. Finding a therapist you truly connect with is hard. Joe is a true professional and genuinely kind. He doesn't rush into it—he takes time to understand what your body needs and builds the massage around that. He started with heat on my shoulders while asking questions. His technique is skillful and the result is total relaxation. He combines massage with stretching for one of the best, most restorative massages I've had. He's clearly committed to the highest quality work. Book with him and you'll be happy you did.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently return to Joe for his combination of expert listening, careful assessment before each session, and ability to address specific physical needs—sciatica, mobility restriction, shoulder tension, sports recovery. His calm demeanor and clean, comfortable studio environment allow people to fully relax, and his willingness to teach at-home stretches and adjust pressure or temperature on the fly builds strong long-term relationships. Across sessions ranging from therapeutic deep tissue to stress relief massage, clients describe walking out refreshed, restored, and confident they're in skilled, caring hands.
Education
July 2003
Certificate of Swedish Massage Therapy
SF School of Massage, San Francisco, CA
Location
Bryant St & 24th St, San Francisco
Mobile within 5 mi
Hours
| M: | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Tu: | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| W: | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Th: | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
| F: | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Sa: | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Details
In-Studio Amenities
Additional Services
Affiliations
FAQ
How much does deep tissue massage cost in San Francisco?
Deep tissue massage at my studio starts at $125 for 60 minutes. I also offer 75-minute sessions for $145 and 90-minute sessions for $165, which give us more time to address stubborn tension and underlying tightness. First-time clients and repeat clients can ask about available discounts.
Does Joe offer mobile massage in San Francisco?
Yes, I offer mobile massage service within a 5-mile radius of San Francisco. You get the same quality bodywork—deep tissue, sports, Thai, trigger point—at your home or office, with a heated table and all the amenities you'd have in the studio.
What massage techniques do you use for sports injuries?
I combine deep tissue massage, sports-specific techniques, trigger point release, and assisted stretching to address sports-related tightness and pain. After a brief consultation about your training or injury, I tailor the session to the exact areas and intensity your body needs to recover.
Can I book a same-day massage appointment in San Francisco?
Same-day availability depends on my current schedule. Text or call to ask about open slots—I'm often flexible with timing. Monday through Friday I'm available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Is massage good for sciatica and lower back pain?
Deep tissue and trigger point massage can help reduce sciatic nerve pain and lower back tension by releasing tight muscles and improving mobility. I also teach at-home stretches during and after the session so you can support your recovery between appointments.
What should I expect during my first massage appointment?
We start with about 20 minutes of conversation so I understand your specific issues—old injuries, current stress, areas of tightness. Then I move you through the session, checking in regularly on pressure and temperature. I explain what I'm doing before I do it, so you feel safe and can relax completely.
Do you offer Thai massage or assisted stretching in San Francisco?
Yes, I offer both Thai massage and assisted stretching as standalone services or blended into a deep tissue session. Thai work is especially good for improving range of motion and releasing tension you can't reach on your own. Stretching is great after sports or if you're managing mobility issues.
What payment methods do you accept?
I accept Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, and cash. Text or call to schedule, and we can confirm your preferred payment method when you book.
From the Hemasseur Team
Joe is a certified massage therapist in San Francisco, California with 23 years of clinical experience. He trained at the SF School of Massage in 2003 and has spent over two decades refining his ability to diagnose and treat the specific needs of active professionals, athletes, and anyone managing chronic stress or pain. His signature approach combines deep tissue, sports massage, Thai bodywork, trigger point release, and assisted stretching, customized after a brief consultation to address each client's exact situation—whether it's post-workout recovery, occupational tension, or mobility restriction. Joe works both in his quiet San Francisco studio and offers mobile massage service within a 5-mile radius of the city. His clients consistently praise his thorough assessment, calm demeanor, and willingness to teach at-home stretches and exercises for ongoing recovery. He is fully vaccinated, maintains a clean private space with heated tables and aromatherapy, and offers meditation coaching as an additional service.
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