James
Durham, NC
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Rates
Sessions start at $120 for 60 minutes and $180 for 90 minutes in studio. That's below the Durham average of $160 for a standard hour, reflecting my commitment to making quality bodywork accessible.
| Duration | At studio | At your location |
|---|---|---|
| 60 min Popular | $120 | Ask |
| 90 min | $180 | Ask |
Accepted Payments
Discounts
About
At Asheville School of Massage, I learned the fundamentals of deep tissue work and trigger point release. But it was a month in Thailand at Sunshine School of Thai Massage that opened up something different in how I understand the body. That training wasn't just about technique. It taught me to listen with my hands, to feel where tension lives, and to work with slow, sustained pressure instead of rushing.
I've been practicing massage therapy for over eight years now, and that combination of Western bodywork and Thai wisdom shapes everything I do. When a client comes to me with tight shoulders or lower back pain, I don't reach for the same technique every time. I assess what the tissue is telling me, then move between deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point work, and Thai stretching. Some sessions call for aromatherapy. Others need heat. What matters is that the work matches what your body actually needs on that day.
Right now, I'm offering mobile outcalls throughout the Triangle area, serving Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill from my car with my table or Thai mat. I'm looking for a studio space in Durham, but until then, I come to you. My approach is deep, slow, and nurturing. I check in about pressure. I listen. And I'm willing to adjust on the fly because every body is different.
You'll find testimonials from other massage therapists who've worked with me. That matters to me. When your peers understand the craft, their feedback carries weight. I'm not here to rush you through a session or sell you on something you don't need. I'm here for actual therapy.
Techniques
Testimonials
James brings a focused sense of presence to his touch, which made it easy for me to relax and receive the work deeply. He's intuitive, kind, and communicates clearly about what he's finding. I highly recommend working with him.
This was one of the best massages I've ever experienced. The vibe in James's listing matched exactly what I was looking for, especially his mention of both therapeutic work and Thai bodywork. His space is clean, welcoming, and private. He incorporated intuitive stretches into the table work and we had easy conversation mixed with comfortable silence. His use of his palms, elbows, knees, and forearms was skilled and thorough, hitting areas of tension he discovered intuitively. I wish I'd had time to book a Thai session before leaving town.
It's rare to find a massage therapist who truly knows their craft the way James does. He can work very deep while maintaining complete control. His touch is intuitive and deliberate. You won't regret booking with him.
I came to James with a frozen shoulder and he used his knowledge and intuition to open up my range of motion significantly in a single session. Beyond his skill, he's respectful, professional, clean, and easy to communicate with. I plan to make him a regular part of my wellness routine.
James was extremely welcoming and professional. The space was perfectly temperature-controlled and soothing. He checked in on pressure and how I was feeling throughout. I've had massages at high-end spas and hotels and this surpassed all of them. Best money I spent that year and I'll absolutely return.
James gave an excellent massage and clearly knows physiology and wellness approaches well. His studio is peaceful and well-designed. He's personable, intelligent, and picks up quickly on what his clients need. I came back again the same week because the first session was so effective.
I've been in massage therapy for over 20 years and worked with many practitioners. James stands out for his clear understanding of how the body works and his intuitive ability to choose the right techniques for whatever tissue issues show up. His approach is thoughtful and his energy is genuinely grounded. I'd recommend him without hesitation.
One of the best massages I've received. James relieved significant lower back pain and sciatica from an old injury. His calm, grounded presence made it easy to relax and let go. I'm definitely coming back.
James has a loving presence. The moment he arrived at my home, I felt calm and at ease. His touch and energy created a sense of being somewhere different and peaceful. I appreciated how he mixed stretches into the session and applied deep pressure without causing pain. He focused on the areas where I held the most tension. I'm looking forward to more sessions with him.
Hemasseur's Take
Clients consistently praise James for his intuitive ability to identify and release tension, with specific relief reported for lower back pain, sciatica, and frozen shoulder. His combination of deep pressure with Thai stretching, clear communication, and calm presence creates a session that feels both therapeutic and deeply relaxing.
Other massage therapists and wellness professionals who've worked with him note his strong understanding of anatomy and tissue work, along with a grounded energy that makes clients feel safe and cared for.
Education
Aug. 2017 - Jan. 2018
Massage Certification
Asheville School of Massage & Yoga, Asheville, NC
Aug. - Sept. 2019
Thai Yoga massage certification
Sunshine School of Thai Massage, Lothair, MT
Location
Mobile within 25 mi
Hours
9 a.m. - 8 p.m. every day
Details
Additional Services
Mobile Extras
FAQ
How much does a massage cost in Durham with James?
A 60-minute session is $120 and 90 minutes is $180 when booked in studio. Mobile appointments are available throughout the Triangle at the same rates, with James bringing his table or Thai mat directly to your home or office in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill.
Does James offer mobile massage in Durham?
Yes. James provides mobile outcalls with a massage table or Thai mat within a 25-mile radius of Durham, serving the entire Triangle area including Raleigh and Chapel Hill. He comes to your location seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What type of massage is best for lower back pain?
Deep tissue combined with trigger point release and myofascial work addresses lower back tension effectively. James specializes in this combination and adjusts pressure and technique based on what your specific injury or tightness requires. Several clients have reported significant relief from lower back pain and sciatica after sessions with him.
What is Thai massage and is it available in Durham?
Thai massage is an active stretching practice performed on a floor mat where the therapist uses their body weight and leverage to move you through gentle, deep stretches. James is certified in Thai yoga massage from Sunshine School of Thai Massage and offers it at your request during mobile or studio sessions in Durham and the surrounding area.
Can I book a same-day or early morning appointment?
James is available 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day and works with clients to accommodate early morning, evening, and same-day bookings when possible. Since he's currently offering mobile services, availability depends on his schedule in your specific area of Durham, Raleigh, or Chapel Hill.
Is James a licensed massage therapist?
Yes. James holds a massage therapy license (LMT) and completed his certification at Asheville School of Massage and Yoga in Asheville, North Carolina. He also completed specialized training in Thai yoga massage through Sunshine School of Thai Massage in Montana.
What techniques does James use?
His core techniques include deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, Thai massage, Hawaiian Lomilomi, aromatherapy, shiatsu, sports massage, hot stone, reflexology, conscious breathwork, and Ayurvedic bodywork. He combines these intuitively based on what your body needs.
Does James offer discounts?
Yes. Discounts are available for first-time clients, students, other massage therapists, and birthday month appointments. Contact James to ask about current rates and eligibility.
From the Hemasseur Team
James is a licensed massage therapist in Durham, North Carolina with over eight years of professional experience. He completed his massage certification at Asheville School of Massage and Yoga and earned specialized training in Thai yoga massage through Sunshine School of Thai Massage in Montana, bringing a rare combination of Western deep tissue work and traditional Thai bodywork to his practice. Currently serving Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill through mobile outcalls, James works intuitively, blending deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and Thai stretching based on what each client's body requires. His approach emphasizes slow, sustained pressure and clear communication about what's happening during the session. Clients report significant relief from lower back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, and chronic tension, along with a sense of calm presence that sets him apart from other practitioners.
