Had one of the best massages ever from Tara! I left feeling relaxed as well as she worked on my body where I needed it! I highly recommend Empowering Hands! read more

Love the environment, professionalism and experienced therapist. Easy to book online or call in. Love that they offer from 25 mins and up.

Love this place and love the patience and the attention to detail that we receive when we come here. We have purchased and received gift cards and I would highly recommend this spa. They do not rush you and they are very good with their communication of clients. read more

The masseuse didn't seem to give a message that took care of my issues. There was very little communication and I didn't even feel as I had a massage when she was finished. read more

Years of commuting 70 miles each way left me with shoulder and back pain as well as sciatica. Therapeutic massage has been one piece of the puzzle that improves how my body feels and functions. While massage can be relaxing and pampering, I am more focused on deep-tissue massage to reduce pain and improve my physical well-being. I had regular appointments with an exceptional massage therapist for several years, but when the pandemic hit she retired from massage therapy. I tried another massage therapist in town, but her style was not a good fit for my needs. I decided to try Empowering Hands. I found the online booking on the Empowering Hands website extremely appealing. The booking tool allows you to select the service you want, choose a date, see who is available, make the appointment, and pre-pay. I received immediate confirmation of my appointment through text and email. I never saw the former location, but the new Empowering Hands location feels clean and spacious. My massage was booked with Jennifer. She used the deep pressure that I requested as well as supported stretching to ease muscle tension throughout my body. Jennifer put a weighted, heated pad on my lower back while she worked on my legs and arms. She also placed a warmed towel under my neck and a scented eye pillow over my eyes once I turned onto my back. These were nice touches that aided relaxation and comfort. I felt properly draped throughout the massage. Jennifer also wore a mask throughout the massage, which I appreciated. I would definitely go back to Empowering Hands and I would happily see Jennifer again. The online tool also helps me feel comfortable booking with another therapist to compare their styles. Empowering Hands is a massage gem in our community! read more

Camilla is the BEST!! I have had a lot of massages with many different practitioners. She is the most incredible massage therapist I have ever had! She's personable, intuitive, strong, accommodating, consistent, and actually listens and focuses on your problem areas. I always feel amazing when I leave. I see her about once a month and I only wish I had more opportunities to be a more frequent regular of hers. Absolute goddess! read more

Had a great experience here. Camilla was fantastic! The place has a nice, calm atmosphere and is very clean.

I got an herbal compress massage from Tara and it was pretty much life changing. I normally prefer regular massage, and had never had an herbal compress massage before, but it was amazing. I had an injury and Tara recommended the herbal compress and I'm really glad she did. It was just as relaxing as a normal massage, but the hot herbal compress made it feel both healing AND relaxing. I walked out feeling much better than when I walked in. Highly recommend! read more

New location is really nice and great for parking. Cinda gave me exactly what I wanted in my hour and a half massage. Loved every minute and will definitely be going back. read more

Really nice woman, but a horrible Massage. She didn't listen another my areas of focus and wasn't able to do hot stones because of lack of training. The place is a bit run down also. I was really hoping to find somewhere I could go to regularly, but unfortunately it wasn't here read more

Tara is a master. I've been looking around for a place that does great massage like where I'm from in Canada. I'm happy to say today I finally found it! I've played 160 gigs this year full time musician and all that entails. Tara, thank you. You are a gift to this world full of tense people. You really held a gentle space. I was in great hands. See you again! read more

Camilla is AMAZING! I came in slightly nervous since my last massage at a different place brought me to tears. My muscles have been especially sore and tense lately which made me even more nervous it was going to be super painful. Camilla listened to my concerns and made sure I was comfortable throughout. She has hands of an angel!! I was extremely relaxed but I also felt like she was working therapeutically to relieve my knots and tension. She was so kind and compassionate. 10/10. read more

Jake is the best therapeutic massage therapist I've found in more than two decades. He is trained in several modalities, specializing in trigger points. His gentleness, yet persistence on the pain sources, peaceful atmosphere, and respect have healed and improved muscle tension and pain from decades of stress. I highly recommend him in the team of massage therapists at Empowering Hands. Empowering Hands has a clean, peaceful facility with healthy snacks, water, and waiting area loaded with local artists' handiwork. Check them out. read more

My husband and I both just had the pleasure of receiving one 90 minute massage EACH, as a gift! It was absolutely divine! Support small businesses run by WOMEN and book an appointment here; the vibe is relaxing and healing and I 100% recommend it. After the massage they have water, coffee or tea for you to enjoy as you re-enter the real world. The space was cozy and welcoming. Smelled wonderful. I think I might have drifted to sleep during my massage- it was that relaxing! Thank you so much Emily and her highly skilled staff-- we loved our massages and we hope to be back next time we are in Santa Cruz! read more

Incredible! The Ashiatsu technique -- performed by Courtney using the feet -- was able to reach the deep muscles knots and fascia that have been so problematic for me for many years and that are not reachable by regular deep-tissue massage. I highly recommend to anyone who, like me, naturally has a good amount of muscle! Regular deep tissue massages are great, but there is one massive knot in my left rhomboid area that to date has never been reachable and that has caused me much pain and suffering over the years due to poor posture (rounded shoulder blades/sunken chest syndrome, plus being quite voluptuous). Well, Courtney was able to reach and remove it. Simply amazing! read more

I just had the greatest massage from Tara. I'm a massage therapist myself and the last 4 massages I've had were not relaxing or effective at all. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming to Empowering Hands if you looking for a fabulous massage. read more

I went in with lower back issues and Jennifer & Jake were able to diagnose the issues and use therapeutic massage to improve my issues beyond expectations. Super clean enjoyable experience. read more

I have tried 5 different therapists and they were all good to great. I am always treated with utmost care and respect. Very professional. read more

I can't say enough good things about Jennifer. I had major tension in my neck and shoulders. It felt like rocks in my shoulders. Being a mom of four it's hard to find time to take care of myself. I wasn't able to get good sleep and was having headaches regularly. Booking and paying online with them was so easy with the online option. I walked away feeling so much better!! I'll be scheduling regularly with her. My muscle issues are not going to get solved by one appointment but I'm feeling sooo much relief. read more

OMG...I was in Santa Cruz for five days and a family friend reccomended this place for a massage. My wife and I booked appointments and was greeted by Emily. The location has plenty of parking beautifully set up and super clean. I had the Ashi massage (sorry if I misspelled it) and it really got into some of hard to reach spots. My regret, not requesting if I can do a 2 hour appointment. I will definitely be coming back here next time I am in Santa Cruz!!! Most importantly there is water available after the massage. read more

Recently, I had a unique and effective massage by Courtney! She is incredibly professional and skilled at her amazing technique! I was amazed how deeply she could get into my muscles and release them! Her sunny disposition makes it easy to talk to her and explain what needs to work on! If you haven't tried a massage by her - you're missing out! read more

I've had three amazing massages with Emily so far. I plan to make it a monthly thing!

Courtney gave me what I call a therapeutic AND relaxing massage treatment. I think I might have been in a dream state during the session...I was able to relax but was also walked out of there feeling like my life shifted back in place. I will definitely be back for another session! read more

Very clean, and great ambiance. Had a great experience with Lori. Will be going back asap!

Emily is amazing! I have been getting massages from her for over a year now. A perfect combination of relaxation and body work. I also love her boutique where you can get amazing doterra essential oils and some pretty amazing artwork. Her studio feels like a spa too! Love the extra pampering. read more

This is by far the best massage I've ever received in my life and I've gotten them around the world. Emily has physical insight and intuitively can read pain points. I can't say enough about her ability and professionalism. Thank you Thank you Emily ! read more

I scheduled an appt for my Mom with Emily because she has been having bad neck, shoulder, and back pain and chiropractic care hasn't helped. My Mom said Emily was kind, wonderful, and did a very thorough massage focusing on the areas of pain. My Mom has never been one to prioritize self care for herself but will likely be back because Emily was great ;) read more

I was reluctant to review Empowering Hands. I didn't want anyone finding out about this amazing place. I want it all to myself. I suffer from back problems and shoulder issues due to stress. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and would go back again. This experience was way before covic but I wanted to finish my review. read more

After moving here a few months ago, I was looking for a new masseuse. I have chronic muscle tightness and pain which massage has really only helped. I could not recommend this place more! I've had a few massages with Emily, Jennifer, and Jake. They all have their own techniques and specialties so it's hard for me to pick a favorite. Every one of them has been so kind to listen to where my pain is and to offer advice for long term relief. The rooms are very relaxing and warm. I get the 3 massage package (which you can pay for using your HSA/FSA here) and go every couple of weeks. Very relaxing! read more

Incredible massage therapists! Highly skilled, intuitive, and professional. I've had multiple injuries (back, hip, calf, shoulder) and Emily along with other therapists have been invaluable in helping me recover. Highly recommend! read more

While there are many amazing reviews for Emily at Empowering Hands, I want to give one for Lori. Today I had to drag myself in as I was in so much pain. I had tripped on a branch and pulled something in my buttocks. A few weeks of pain continued to get worse until it affected my whole lower back, buttocks and legs. I had a wonderful chiropractor help me, but it wasn't enough and I was really suffering. Lori gave me the most amazing therapeutic massage concentrating on the affected areas while hitting all the others as well. I've never felt the feeling of electricity going through an area as the muscles let go and relax. The whole space is beautiful, clean, and relaxing. It sounds like any of the masseuses could do a wonderful job, but Lori Atkinson was fabulous! Thank you Lori, I will be back, Judi read more

First of all.. I've had many a massages in my life. Few have actually helped me recover. Even fewer have had the ability to make me feel like the therapist actually cares, and that's i'm more than just another paying client. Emily is not that way at all. I see Emily for chronic migraines on a regular basis. Currently she is the only one who can remember my name, my issues, check in with me based off of previous treatments AND check in with me even when I haven't seen her. She is the only one who actually relives my stress and calms my muscles long enough for my migraines to go away. Seriously best in the area. I see her at her new studio in Scotts Valley. It's the perfect location with easy parking and quite spaces for me to relax. Her doTerra essential oils put me in the perfect mood to accept the epic massage that is going to reset my body the right way. Seriously.. book her.. NOW. You wont regret it!!!! read more

Everything about my experience tonight was A++. I had the pleasure of having a massage by Jennifer. I booked this massage at about 2am this morning. My back was so badly knotted I couldn't sleep. Their online booking system is probably one of the most user friendly systems I've seen (and I book a lot of things online). I also like that they have their prices listed on their website. The massage itself was astounding. She really worked on my problem area and included some hot stones, essential oils, and hot towels. I will definitely come back. I did an hour but I like their option of 75 minutes. A full hour and a half is a little too much for me personally. Jennifer was very friendly and easy to talk to (I like to at least talk a bit during my massage). read more

Emily gave me the best massage I have ever had! She was very thorough and used the right amount of pressure I desired. I was never uncomfortable during my massage and left feeling amazing. Emily was also really nice and lovely to talk to. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to get a massage in the area. read more

Emily is an amazing therapist! She's helped alleviate my lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, and loosening up my muscles that got tight as a result of working out and sitting at a desk all day. She also teaches me stretches and other techniques for keeping my muscles happy in between sessions! read more

I cannot say enough great things about Emily. I have been to many different practitioners, and none are as talented, skilled, and intuitive as Emily. She gives an amazing deep tissue massage that is completely relaxing, yet also works out any knots, strains or tissue tension. I highly recommend Emily to anyone with chronic pain, or in need of a relaxing therapeutic experience! read more

Emily is truly an amazing massage therapist. I suffer from chronic migraines and tension, and have had a LOT of massages trying to find relief. Emily is the BEST at finding all the pain points, and she finds all the trouble spots without me having to tell her. 100% will not go to anyone else now! Thank you, Emily. read more

Emily is quite simply, amazing! I recently moved to Scotts Valley and was looking for a new massage therapist. So I went on yelp... I saw Emily's five star reviews and decided to try her out. I will never go anywhere else. Not only is she sweet, but she is strong! I've had three or four massages with her, and I always walk out of there on cloud nine. Try her out, you will not be disappointed. read more

Emily is "hands down," pun intended, the best giver of massages in my experience. Her technique is intuitive and varied and she listens. Clean and neat! read more

Great massage... 1st massage since lower back fusion surgery and Emily is attentive to needs and areas of concerns and amount of pressure to apply... Has helped lessen nerve pain I have experienced down left leg... Scented oils are a plus too. read more