I just had the best massage from Michael! He is an amazing massage therapist! I love how the massage is very customizable and catered to you, you can even choose what type of sheets you want! Michael is very knowledgeable about the body and even suggested what to do for my tight muscles! He does a great job of checking in and explaining what he is doing! My body feels so much better from the massage! Such a kind person I can't recommend him enough!! I will be back for sure!! read more

Bodywork By Michael - Cute space! - Massage Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Best Massage Ever! Michael is professional, experienced, educated and has a six sense - just knows how to heal your body and relax your mind. I weight train 6 days a week so my body needs the therapeutic benefits - after 90 minutes goodbye pain/stress and hello strength/energy. You also deserve to be healthy/happy so pamper yourself and book a massage with Michael today! read more

Michael was an amazing massage therapist. He creates a very welcoming and calming atmosphere. I loved that there was an option for adjustments for laying on my chest (never experienced that before) and that there was a heating pad available to make the massage extra cozy. The massage was also very customizable and he made sure to check in if any areas needed some extra attention. Highly recommend if you're looking for a massage in the sf Bay Area. read more

I cannot say enough great things about Michael and his massage therapy practice. He has created such a peaceful and calming studio that just allows me to exhale and relax. Walking into the historic Flood Building I thought it would be more of an old-school studio to compliment the marble, iron and rich dark woods of the historic building architecture but once he opened the door of his suite, I entered a unique oasis of peace. It is very cool! He is an expert at tailoring his services to my aches and tight muscles and really listens to me and makes adjustments that compliment my goals. He is strong, focused, and nurturing all at the same time. This guy is truly gifted in massage therapy. In my almost 20 years of getting massage I have been treated by approximately 15 different therapists and I can say without hesitation that Michael is easily the best I have experienced. I wish I would have discovered him from the start. I cannot recommend him enough and if you see him regularly, he rewards you! Give him a try, you won't be disappointed but know that he is really popular in San Francisco so he books up quickly! read more

See all

I'm generally a restaurant yelper but I'll make an exception when I receive outstanding personal care services. Michael was recommended to me by a dear friend who just keeps raving about the outstanding massage she gets every time. My friend introduced me to Michael and I was lucky enough to get an appointment for an introductory 90 minute message the next day. Michael is an excellent communicator and very professional when scheduling the session. His studio is centrally located at the Flood Building downtown (same building as Anthropologie) and easily accessible. He is very intuitive in terms of technique and it's a perfect blend of firm and relaxing. He was able to quickly untangle the knots on my shoulders and I was relaxed in no time. I also love that he spent some time on my forearms and wrists. I've been lucky to have had great massage therapists over the years and Michael is up there in terms of quality. Definitely recommend the 90 minute session!!! I'll be back for sure. read more

I'm so glad I found Michael!  I'm super picky when it comes to masseuses; they're often not experienced & skilled enough to give an up to par experience or not attentive enough during the massage. With Michael, I didn't even have to think about those things. It was the smoothest & best massage experience I've had in awhile. From the get go, Michael made sure to explain the abundance of safety measures he is taking...i.e. leaving 1hour or more between clients to clean, aerate & thoroughly sanitize the room & massage bed for the next massage (all cushions even under the clean sheets are sprayed with sanitizer). I can tell that his client's safety is a top priority to him and he makes sure to ask if you have any questions and is more than happy to answer them before the session starts.  Masks are worn at all times. I felt very safe and comfortable getting a massage with Michael. I also loved the space. It was bright, airy, clean & made for a very calm relaxing environment. :) He even asked for my music preference. During the actual massage I could tell Michael knew exactly what he was doing. Sometimes masseuses have a hard time finding and applying pressure to the exact right spots on your body but I felt Michael was able to pinpoint these spots effortlessly (even though it's my first time seeing him) & move about on my body in a very knowledgeable way. He has 13 years of experience (1100 hours of training) and it definitely shows! The massage bed is heated to the temperature you like (he asks you) and he only uncovers the part of your body that he is working on. He focuses on different parts at a time. I got a full body massage which I prefer and loved but he will ask you in the beginning if you prefer that he focuses on a certain area of your body...so you can definitely specify as needed. He also asks what your preferences on pressure are at the beginning. I felt very relaxed the whole time. I also felt comfortable speaking up if needed but I really had no need to at all as he was doing an amazing job. I felt Michael was very thorough in all of his movements and applying of pressure throughout my body. He is also very thoughtful and will ask if you want him to spend longer on an area before moving onto the next. I felt great right after the massage. With everything going on this year, this was such a treat for myself and much needed. I highly recommend seeing Michael for your next massage if you haven't already. You won't be disappointed. He is well worth visiting and I can't wait to book another session in the future with him! ps. Michael is also a lgbtq-owned small business & legally blind. He is kind, thoughtful & easy to talk to. This makes me extra happy to recommend him to all my friends in the Bay Area. read more

Michael is an intuitive massage therapist. He has rehabilitated my body many times in the past and I can't wait to book another session when I am back in San Fransisco. He is professional, patient ,very understanding and welcoming. I first went to see him with a very sore neck and upper back pain. He has treated me many times to help manage pain and I am so impressed with how much it helped. Again, so impressed and grateful with how much it helped. Whatever your symptoms are, Michael does thorough consultations and can help. Thank you for being you, Michael ! read more

I booked an appointment online with Michael based on the reviews here. He was able to see me in less than 3 days. I needed help relieving a painful knot in my back. The pain was acute for about 2 weeks, and in a difficult place to reach. I tried heat patches, Ibuprofen, Voltaren, IcyHot, tennis ball pressure, etc. Michael asked some great questions prior to starting the 90-minute massage. It just seemed like he knew exactly what he was doing to identify and treat the pain. In addition to the massage, he gave me advice on other I can do to help relieve the pain and speed my recovery. Two days post-massage, and the pain is nearly gone! What I appreciated most - Michael texted me within 24 hours to check on my progress and reenforce his advice. Michael's studio is easy to get to in Union Square and super serene/comfy. I will definitely be seeing Michael for a massage again! read more

I thoroughly loved my massage with Michael (and just booked my next session). He is attentive, thorough, considerate and his pressure was perfect for my body and just what I needed! He is a delightful individual and an excellent massage therapist!! read more

Really wonderful. Michael is excellent at massage and both friendly and professional!

I was so impressed during my visit to Bodywork by Michael. I was greeted by Michael who has such a warm calming energy about him that I felt right at home. He listened to me describe the areas that were causing me pain and asked a number of questions so he could help tailor the session to address those areas. What followed was an amazing massage where he expertly combined a variety of techniques. He really tailors the session to the individual person gently checking in when needed to adjust pressure or focus area. When I went in I had a stiff pain in my neck that was making it really hard to turn my head towards my shoulder and by the time I left it was so much better. His new office is also beautifully finished and has a lovely zen feeling with green walls, plants and calming decor. The location is very convenient to downtown. I'll definitely be back! read more

I've been getting massages from Michael for several years now. He continues to do an amazing job. He's extremely intuitive and has helped ease my ongoing back pain. Oh and the most amazing part, he comes to my house! I'm pretty sure he might come to any spot in the city. Do you know how awesome that is?? read more

I found my new favorite massage in San Francisco! Michael is skilled in multiple different massage and bodywork techniques and knows how to draw from his experience to personalize your massage. He is very kind and easy to communicate with. I'll be back for another session. read more

A great experience throughout, starting from making an appointment to all the way checking in after the massage. I visited him twice for my lower back and sciatica pain, he did a great job of relieving the tension and pain. Highly recommended! read more

I do boxing so I really need someone who is good at deep tissue and sports massage. I've tried many different masseuses and spas but it's rare to find someone who is aware of body mechanics. Michael is amazing. He can somehow tell what your body needs, even if you don't. He'll find that knot deep under your shoulder blade and coax it out. He also doesn't just do a smash and pound approach. He really thinks about the gradual pressure your body needs to actually shift into a better position. He thinks long term. That being said, he's great at deep pressure when needed. My neck and shoulders are always in a constant state of tightness, to the point where my jaw clenches and I get slightly dizzy. The only time I get ease is right after Michael's massages. So. Great massages. His professionalism is also impeccable. He's on time, even a bit early. He comes to your home with a travel massage bed. I thought it was a bit weird at first, but now I can't imagine ever getting a massage otherwise. It's in the comfort of your home, you don't have to worry about undoing all that relaxing with a commute right after. He also super sweet and caring. :) read more

I found Michael from a great review on TikTok and am thrilled! I got an amazing deep tissue massage for 90min and he fixed all the knots in my upper back. His office is super clean and he takes his time explaining how he takes all the extra precautions to be Covid safe. I am quiet the massage addict and have always done at least a massage a month prior to the pandemic. He is now the only person I will ever go to for massages! What I also appreciate and loved about his service was that he takes the whole 90 min to massage. I've gone to many places and spas that end up cutting about 10-15min for changing and talking. He also offers great deals for frequent members which is unheard of anywhere else! See you soon Michael! read more

I had a great experience with Michael. He is an excellent massage therapist and a very friendly guy. His place, at the historical Flood Building, is cool and clean with the right temperature and a soft music to relax best. I highly reccomend him, and I'll be sure to visit him again in my next trip to San Francisco. read more

I was fortunate enough to have a 2 hour massage by Michael after 6 long months. I didn't have the benefit of having my massage in my living room as usual, but having such a much needed massage at all and by this skillful gentleman makes up for it. Michael immediately made me feel secure and safe and explained how he now carries out his thorough cleaning processes post COVID. I didn't know how tense and tight my muscles were until I got up off the table. I was pleased as always with how I felt and will of course be back in the future. read more

I see Michael for out-call massage on a monthly basis. I used to go to spas, but I love that he brings everything to me. After my massage, I'm able to relax at home instead of having to travel home. His massage style really is a perfect balance of deep tissue and relaxation. He starts off with a light/medium pressure and builds into the deep tissue sports massage stuff. Since I travel multiple times a month, his deep pressure in the neck, shoulders and back is exactly what I require. He also reminds me to use the foam roller, tennis ball, and to stretch out my target areas. Actually fitting those things into my daily routine... now that's another story. His prices are also great, and the $60 Reward-Session is a fantastic deal! If he's still offering the New Client Special, take advantage of that! I can't recommend his work enough. I've had a lot of massage and he's one of the best! read more

As someone with chronic back pain, Michael did an amazing job of relieving tension. Extremely skilled and focused therapist.

Michael is not only an amazing masseuse, but does a phenomenal job all around from setting up the appointment to explaining the post-treatment care. He has options ranging to the amount of pressure applied, music, and amongst others that made me feel very comfortable and customized to what I needed. With sciatica, it can be tough to find someone who can really locate where my pain is coming from, but within minutes Michael was able to pinpoint where my stress was and I instant felt the pain release. He creates a wonderfully calm and peaceful environment along with aroma therapy, a heated massage bed, and used optional textured gloves that felt great! I'm thankful to have found such a professional in Michael who provides outstanding care and attention to detail. I will definitely be back and highly recommend him even if you haven't had a massage before. read more

Michael is amazing. He has been providing me with amazing bodywork for several years. I love that he will come to my house in SF with his table and supplies. So convenient. And if you prefer the spa or a downtown studio he can work with that too. He is truly a skilled therapist that knows how to get at your trouble spots. Polite, professional, and skilled. Triple play! Oh yeah, and very reasonably priced. If you're looking for an amazing massage therapist for great body work, look no further. read more

I have worked with Michael since 2010, he is hands down the best massage therapist I have had. He is great at understanding what is up with my body and adjusting accordingly. I cycle a lot, so some sessions he is able to isolate muscle groups and go deeper where it's needed with a sports style approach. Other times, I just need to chill or relax and he is able to adjust to that. His pandemic protocols are great -- I felt safe in his space and knew that he was taking all the appropriate measures to keep his clients safe. read more

After seeing multiple chiropractors and massage therapists who couldn't help fix my broken back, I went to Michael. He is phenomenal!! Empathetic, kind, and experienced with healing the body. He took the pain away in a couple of sessions. Highly recommend Michael. I look forward to my next massage! read more

I booked an appointment with Michael as a gift for my husband. Both him and I couldn't have been happier with the experience. My husband really enjoyed the massage, it was strong enough but at the same time relaxing and he felt so great after. He also looked like a different person, so much more relaxed and at ease. Booking the appointment and communicating with Michael has been so easy and he made himself available at a short notice and during the late evening, which is extremely helpful. I absolutely recommend Michael and will definitely use his massage/ bodywork services again. read more

This was an excellent massage. Michael has a great touch, and increases pressure gradually so that he goes deep without triggering undue pain or guarding in the body. I also really appreciated how collaborative he was, often checking in how things were going and making room for feedback, and some of the extra touches he uses like the textured gloves for a rich sensory experience. Definitely recommend. read more

Michael is fantastic. From the moment I walked in, he welcomed me into the space and attentively listened to my needs. He spent A LOT of time on my shoulders (where I needed it most) and was able to do the rest of my body without making it feel rushed at all. When I asked for more/less pressure in spots he immediately adjusted. I would recommend him to anyone seeking relaxation and tension/stress relief through body work. I can't wait to go back! read more

Michael came highly recommended from a friend and I can see why. I scheduled a 90 minute session because I know how long it takes to relax and warm up the muscles enough to budge. He came to me for the session which is great. He's very professional, easy to talk to, and witty. We spent a few minutes going over all my issues and then started treatment. I love that he uses aromatherapy to begin the session, essential oils really bring me to my zen quickly. We probably spent 10 hours on my back, jk. It was a good long while he worked into my neck and locked muscles. I opted for medium/firm pressure and it was perfect. I didn't flinch once! It's no fun when you lock up because the pressure is just a bit to much. He's an expert in really reading the body, your energy, how your feeling, etc. He made sure to check in a few times to see how I was but honestly it was really perfect. The 90 min session was the ideal amount of time to work problem areas but still do a full body massage. 60 mins are never enough when you really need thorough body work. I really like that he incorporates a light exfoliation on the back and gives an amazing foot massage. So often the feet are glazed over and I feel like your feet hold everything. So so happy he worked into my feet and toes. I could tell from his technique that he is a seasoned therapist, he knows exactly what he's doing, isn't scared or timid to work into the body and knows exactly how to read the situation. It's difficult to find a good massage therapist and when you do, don't let them out of your sight. I booked my next appointment because I'm committed to the continued work of self care and longevity. I'm worth it and so are you! Book an appointment NOW! You won't regret it. read more

I've tried many massage therapists over the years, and Michael is one the most intuitive that I've encountered. With just a small amount of direction he is able to hone in very accurately on problem areas and find what needs to be worked on. He's also willing to accept any amount of direction, and either focus on specific areas you ask for, or explore on his own. Each massage is very customized, and he never goes on autopilot doing a set routine. In short, he's very adaptable to each person's needs, and every massage I have with Michael is a great experience! read more

I love Michael. I've been seeing him regularly for years. He fixes all my aches and pains, creates a welcoming space, and is generally just fun and interesting to talk to and be around. I'm continuing to see him even though I'm only occasionally in San Francisco. read more

I've been going to Michael on a monthly basis the past year and can't say enough good things. Michael really listens to what I am looking for in a massage, and creates a very comfortable environment (especially as a queer person). Seeing Michael is the highlight of my month - highly recommend! read more

TL,DR: Michael is a MAGICIAN! Don't hesitate to book an appointment. He knows your body better than you do and will leave you feeling on Cloud Nine. I have been going to Michael for a few years now and he's the best masseuse in the business. My first experience with massage was a at mall in in the Philippines. I came out crying, in pain, and feeling abused. I swore I would never get another massage. I just didn't see the appeal. In contrast, my partner loves massages so I bought him a gift card to Burke Williams for his birthday. This is where he met Michael. He raved and raved about receiving the best massage in his life (and he gets lot's of massages). With that endorsement, I booked a massage myself and I discovered a new world! Let's call that world NIRVANA. I suffer from chronic back and knee issues and he is able alleviate that pain better than anything else I've tried. I've had several massages whenever I travel and none can hold a candle to Michael. He is extremely attentive to my needs and knows exactly where my body needs attention. To top it all off, he is extremely personable and is a great communicator. My entire household now sees Michael regularly. He is an addiction we refuse to quit. Be warned, after you receive a massage from Michael, you will be HOOKED. read more

Michael is super intuitive! I gave him a quick rundown of some past injuries and let him know I'm on my feet all day for my job. I love to exercise and push the limits and I'm often sore. He focused on the dense muscles that we're giving me trouble and gave me more flow and relaxing on spaces that didn't need a ton of attention. I love how he massaged my elbows - which I didn't even realize needed any love. I ended up feeling so relaxed and taken care of that I fell asleep! He was so great helping me breathe through the sore muscles until they didn't have as high a pain threshold. I ended up booking with him at the end of the month when I know I'll need another rub down! Highly recommended!! 5 stars! read more

The Highlights: Michael is a gifted massage therapist... It's like he has these tiny microscopes in his fingers that help him find the EXACT spot that needs attention. The Details: I've got a really funky back and have had scoliosis and a kyphosis for years. As a result, I have a lot of neck pain. I also had a car accident and sports injuries that left me with low back pain and an almost constant charlie horse in my thigh. So, working on me is no picnic. Michael was able to loosen up my neck and shoulders by working on my chest in a way that no one else has ever done. And, it was amazing! I met Michael at the Burke Williams spa, which was very posh. Sauna, whirlpool and steam room were included. I know he does in home massage too, and I'll try that next time. Quality: 5 Price: 5 (wow!) Attitude: 5 Overall, a 5-star massage! read more

I have been training for various endurance sports for a while. Last year, I did the SF marathon. This year, I am training for a 100-mile bike ride in Moab. I routinely need deep tissue massage to untangle my tense muscles. Michael is definitely the best. He's super strong and thorough. He is very attentive to details and works on every sore spot carefully. After a massage, my legs will feel so light that I can ride my bike for an entire day without feeling any pain or experiencing any cramp. Michael also provides good advice on nutrition, stretching techniques and steps to ease pain/soreness after exercises. Highly recommended for athletes, active people, and office-prisoners alike! read more

I have been seeing Michael for almost 10 years now, at first in Spa, then at my home. Michael is always here on time and ready to give me a great massage. I can point out areas of need and he will pay special attention to them. I truly believe that Michael has helped me to avoid further neck injection procedures, which I am grateful for. I highly recommend you giving Michael a try-;) read more

Michael is a phenomenal massage therapist! As a massage therapist myself, I am very picky when it comes to getting massage. Recommending Michael is a no brainier. Every time I travel to San Francisco (I live in Las Vegas) I ask for him to work on me. Every time I have a client from the Bay Area-- I give them Michael's phone number because I know that they will be happy having someone they can see that's been recommended to them from me. If you're looking for someone who truly cares and is incredibly talented; please see Michael. WARNING** After receiving a massage from Michael you will be spoiled and nobody will be as good as he is. read more

I almost don't want to write this review because I don't want you to make it difficult for me to get an appointment with Michael. He and my knots know each other really well and it would be a shame for you to disrupt that relationship. My roommates and boyfriend first started going to him and kept raving like he was the best thing since double cheeseburgers were invented. I was skeptical because I've had really painful back knots since high school and absolutely nothing has worked to make me feel better. Just the first 10 minutes alone into our first session made me a believer. He has some sort of sixth sense superpower that guides him to the exact spots that are causing me pain, even if I'm kind of vague about where exactly it's hurting. He even gave me tips on home remedies for my issues. Not even exaggerating when I say he's by far the best massage therapist I've ever had. Highly recommend, 50 gold stars! read more

I've been seeing Michael for about 4 years, and I'm ruined for any other therapist! My wife and I love that he can do house calls in SF - it's so convenient for us. He continues to be the best deep tissue masseur I've ever worked with. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone! read more

As a Personal Trainer (BSQUARED Fitness), I recommend all my clients to Michael. Most of my clients have desk jobs. Sitting for hours and being in front of the computer can lead to bad posture. Bad posture can alter your movement. You will compensate while performing an exercise/movement, and compensating can often lead to an injury. If my clients are hurt, they can't achieve their fitness goals! I work out 5-6/week, and I put my body through a lot of stress. I've had bicep tendonitis, tennis elbow, tight hip flexors, sciatica, runners knee (just to name a few). I always leave our sessions refreshed, and feeling like I have my old body back. I highly recommend Michael. I'm going to go on a record here -- Michael is the best massage therapist I've ever worked with. read more