I was visiting from out of town for a conference. I found Halftime Spa after a Google search, visited the website, and read the reviews on Yelp. I contacted the owner, Nolan by email and followed up by phone about a week in advance of my trip to make my appointment. I'd hoped for an early afternoon appointment, but he was already booked. We scheduled for later that afternoon. I requested a 90-minute massage to include cupping. I arrived in town the day before, and Nolan reached out to let me know the appointment before mine had canceled. He kindly remembered that I had originally requested a prior time, so he wanted to offer me the opportunity to come earlier. The location is very easy to find and was easily accessible from my hotel in Midtown. The business is clean, and the studio room is professional and relaxing. We discussed my particular issues, including a tight shoulder a very recent flareup of plantar fasciitis in one of my feet. He absorbed the information, formulated an approach for my relief, and stepped out so that I could disrobe and get on the table. After working my back for a while to warm it up and get the blood flowing, he proceeded to begin the cupping. While the cups performed their magic, he went to work on my legs, using a combination of trigger point and deep tissue massage, to include therapeutic stretching of my leg muscles. He also spent time rolling my plantar such that I didn't even feel the fasciitis when I left. Afterward, I rolled over so that we could work on the rest of my body. I have to say, the facilitated stretching was an unexpected bonus, which resulted in my hard-to-crack back popping several times. (I didn't know how good it would feel to pop!) The entire experience was very expert and certainly relaxing. Nolan knows his craft after years of experience and is a consummate professional. I can be a talker, so we had very pleasant conversation throughout. Before we began, I let him know that I preferred a firm amount of pressure, and he was more than up to the task. I highly recommend Nolan at Halftime Spa. My only regret is that I don't live close enough to schedule regular sessions. If you're in the area and need therapeutic relief from a sports injury or just day-to-day stress, I recommend that you give him a try. I suspect you'll want to come back. read more

I was in Sacramento for a quick day trip and wanted to treat myself to a relaxing massage. I booked with Nolan through his Square site, and the booking process was super easy. I was able to get in at a time that worked great for me without the back and forth on finding times, which was a great start. I booked a 2-hour session and mentioned upfront that I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck due to work. Nolan really listened and focused on those areas with a personalized approach that clearly came from experience. He didn't stop until those areas fully loosened up, which I deeply appreciated. The entire massage felt thoughtful and intentional, not rushed, and definitely not cookie-cutter. It was tailored to exactly what my body needed, which made a huge difference. I get massages regularly, and it's honestly rare to find a therapist I immediately know I want to return to. But with Nolan, that decision was made within the first ten minutes. His technique, his presence, and the care he brings into the space all set him apart. Nolan also has an incredibly warm and welcoming personality, which makes a huge difference. For me, trusting a massage therapist with my health is just as much about the energy they bring as it is about the technical skill. He made me feel completely at ease, and I was able to fully let go and receive the session in a way that felt deeply healing. Normally, I'm prone to overthinking while I'm on the table, running through to-do lists or replaying conversations in my head. But in Nolan's case, I found myself fully relaxed, with a clear mind. Every time he released a knot, it felt like the stress just melted away, both physically and mentally. It was a rare kind of stillness that I didn't even realize I needed. He was fully present throughout. No distractions, no checking his phone, just grounded, focused work. In a world that's constantly pulling our attention in every direction, that kind of presence is rare and so appreciated. And when the session ended, Nolan didn't just usher me out the door. He made time to chat and connect, which showed that he truly values relationships over transactions. That care and intention continued from start to finish, and it made the entire experience feel personal and meaningful. But what struck me most was that being on Nolan's table felt like more than just a massage. It felt like a metaphysical realignment. By the time I got up, I didn't just feel physically better. I felt like I was stepping back into alignment with my purpose, with clarity and ease. My body felt open and ready to receive all the good things ahead. Nolan is a true professional with gifted hands and an even more powerful presence. He's officially my go-to massage therapist whenever I'm in Sacramento, and I can't recommend him enough. read more

Being a regular patron of massages to relieve aches and a problematic lower back the last 5 years, I have been through more than a few therapists. The ability and experience out there is as wide ranging as the quality. I felt like I was spinning the rolodex of people trying to find a Sacramento therapist with solid skill AND dependable. Nolan is top notch. Within the first 10 minutes, I knew he was well experienced. Before the massage began, he asked me specific questions about what I needed and did an initial evaluation and quickly found I was out of adjustment, making the mechanics of my walk contribute to my lower back issues. Not one person, in all this time, ever figured this out. He spent the session working on the issue, stretching me and focusing on the primary parts of my body that were the problem areas. At the end of the massage, I was wiped out...which is a good thing, as the stress left me and my body was relaxed and fluid again. Well done. He has found a consistent new client. I definitely recommend him. Rick read more

Great massage. Clean and convenient to find. Nolan was Well trained and very personable. Definitely will be returning. read more

I had my first appointment with Nolan today and I will definitely be scheduling more. After caring for an ill parent and spending a month sleeping on an air mattress and doing things my already-bad back didn't like, I was in a fair amount of pain when I arrived. After an hour with Nolan most of the pain was gone, and tonight about 10 hours later I still feel worlds better than I did when I got on the table. He zeroed right in on the worst spots with the right amount of pressure, and the entire massage was just great for me. He even gave me some tips about posture and my IT work to help head off some problems before they start. I just can't say enough good things about the experience. read more

I've gone to Nolan 2 times now and would not be able to recommend him any more than by saying I just signed up for reoccurring appointments. He's professional, will engage in conversation if that's what you want or just stay quiet if that's your preference. For me we have light conversation throughout and it's perfect. The environment is relaxing and professional. The massage is pretty deep (which I both like and need) and he really gets in and works the tight muscles. Nolan is a 10 out of 10 for me and I've gone to quite a few massage places over my years. I sent my boyfriend to Nolan between my first and second appointments. Even he (who is an introvert and has anxiety about people he doesn't know touching him) came home raving about the massage. So, if you are trying to find a masseuse that is professional, pays attention and is fully engaged, and is lgbtqia friendly give Nolan a chance to show you his abilities! read more

Nolan is simply amazing at his skill! As a hair designer, I have battled chronic knee and shoulder pain from standing behind my chair for 25+ years. I honestly thought my rotator cuff and knee would need surgery to correct. Nolan gently, and painlessly worked his incredible (almost magical) techniques, and I am no longer in pain. Parking is easy and room is professional and private. Unlike most therapist, he doesn't rush you through what is needed just to stay on the 90 minute mark. I'm so happy I found him! Thank you Nolan, and I look forward to my next visit! read more

I found Nolan' ad a year or so ago while in I was in town and decided to give him a try. I was not sorry! His massage was by far one of the best I've ever had. In fact, I went back 2 days later before leaving for my second massage with him. Not only did he have a way of making me feel very comfortable, he is also very intuitive on what part of my body needed the most attention. And his technique helped to resolve some chronic pain issues I had been dealing with for some time. I highly recommend him! read more

Nolan is very intuitive with his massage. He is very educated with his massage skills. Always flexible with his schedule to fit me in. I have had many massages with him. read more

Great treatment. Extremely skilled therapist. Friendly. Comfortable. Relaxing! Will definitely return for another session!

What a fantastic place to get a massage by an expert therapist. I currently am recovering from cancer treatments. Nolan provides a calm, safe atmosphere. He is well trained in massage techniques but also understands the healing process and gives me tips for helping it along. Call him and book an appointment and get started on a pathway to health and peace of mind. read more

I have fibromyalgia presumably caused by PTSD, and recently found out about the link between PTSD and physical symptoms in the body. My shoulders have also been ridiculously tense to the point that I can't even sleep comfortably anymore so I decided to book a massage with Nolan, which was well worth the money! He chatted with me before about what I'm going through, and was extremely warm and welcoming. His wife has fibromyalgia and an autoimmune disease, so he really knew how to empathize and totally understood what I was going through and needed. I initially just wanted a deep tissue massage, but he explained that integrating stretches and cupping would be more beneficial, and isn't an extra cost like some other massage places. I could tell he really cares about healing and making his client truly feel better, it's not just a paycheck for him. The best part is usually massages only provide me relief the day of, but it's been a couple days and I still feel less tension in my shoulders. I'll definitely be going back! read more

Nolan always goes the extra mile. He is very attentive to trouble spots and always knows how to relive the pressure!

I visited Nolan a couple weeks ago. I had found his ad and he was very responsive to questions. I went in a rookie and he took the time to explain how the process worked. During the massage he would explain the benefits of the therapy he was using on whichever area he was working on. He had an impressive ability to read my body based on touch (example, he could tell I get the occasional charlie horse). I am beyond satisfied with the experience and I am going to be booking a new appointment with him before long. read more