Marianne Smith is a gifted massage therapist. She has amazing hands which take away not only my muscle tension and pain, but also my worries and anxiety. Marianne's treatment has a life-affirming effect on me - I feel healthy, rejuvenated, and full of positive energy. I had no problem scheduling a session because Marianne is good about picking up the phone and/or returning the calls. She is a competent professional and a very charming person. read more

Marianne is so talented and just a wonderful person. I first started seeing Marianne a year ago when I started my self-care journey and wanted to improve my overall health. She's very easy to get in touch with for appointments and is a great conversationalist. Marianne customizes her massages based on your needs and has a very holistic view on health - she's made several recommendations that have improved my overall health (like suggesting that I get tested for a vitamin D deficiency). My quality of life has improved so much since I've started seeing Marianne. read more

This review is long overdue. I've been coming to see Marianne for more than a year now. I found her style of massaging is very different from the other places that I had tried. And I'm somehow addicted to it. She's very knowledgeable - energy work, massage and cupping. She knows the best way to treat your pain. Every time I left I feel relaxed and tension free. Marrianne is not only my massage therapist, she's also my consultant. She's not that kind of person who just do their job, giving you a temporary pain relief, and ask you to come back next time. She tries to learn more about you and figure out what's going on in your body, where all the tension in your body comes from and recommends the right exercises (Yoga/Qigong) for you to do. I benefit a lot from that. The location is really convenient too! It's just 1 min walk from Powell St bart station. read more

I wish I could give Marianne a glowing review, because I found her friendly and delightful. I was impressed by her professional manner on the phone and her warm welcome in person. My massage, however, was disappointing. I'm used to deep-tissue full-body massages that unkink my tight muscles. Marianne's approach was more New Age and less hands-on. For example, she began the massage by passing her hands over my body to "read" my energy and see where it was clogged. My neck and shoulders were sore from lugging suitcases at the airport and my legs were stiff from hiking up SF's steep hills. While I felt more relaxed after the massage ended, my neck and legs still ached. My husband received a massage from Marianne before me and was also sadly disappointed. Maybe she had an off day, but at $85 a pop, we expected more. read more

Marianne is who I go to when I have an ache, muscle pain, or need an all over full body massage just to get my body functioning properly. My husband and I got hooked on her after we were given gift certificates and now we see her regularly. When my mom was in town, she pinched a nerve and Marianne was the 1st person I called. Not only that, the location is perfect, down town in an easy to get to location, in the Flood Building on Market, and she is great with referring other intelligent professionals in the field such as acupuncturists and such. Check her out, she knows what she is doing and I highly recommend her and her knowledge. read more

This review is long overdue. I think it's partly because I figure Marianne is above any validation from some yelp review. Or maybe subconsciously I just want to keep her all to myself! Call her. Text her. However you make your appointment, just do it soon. You won't regret it. I try to see Marianne for body work every couple weeks. I was once that person who got a massage only when I was gifted a certificate. But after having been worked on by the best (hint: Marianne), I've cut my spending in other ways to make sure I can go see her at least once a month! Marianne is a pro - she is very skilled and knowledgeable about body work. Above all else, she genuinely cares about your well being, and it shows in her focus. Treat yo' self! Go see Marianne! (Just don't take my appointment slot...) read more

I've been seeing Marianne for about 2 months and I wish I could give ten stars! I found her via a Kaiser Permanente discount program. By the end of each session, I'm practically purring like a cat laying in a sunny spot. I have emotions I'm working through after a really rough couple of years. Marianne is really helping me on my journey, even lending a book and copied article she thinks I'd benefit from. I didn't think I could feel this good again--physically or emotionally. I feel noticeably better and stronger each week. After 18 years of playing violin my neck and shoulders can get a little tight. It's almost like she's "unlocked" those muscles. My posture, intonation and shifting, bowing techniques in concert with breathing and meditation... I am a very happy jazz student. I cried during my first session. The CD with the inspirational quotes is the best thing EVERRRRR. read more

If you are looking for REAL therapeutic massage, Marianne Smith's "Studio M" is the place to go. A few years ago, I was chronically suffering from nagging pain in my upper back area with some nerve issues, but after I started seeing her it improved a lot and gone away finally! She's amazingly versatile and knowledgeable, always knowing exactly what kind of treatment my body needs ....and that feels fantastic! I'm a dancer (and getting older....) and no stranger to physical injuries, but I'm still one piece thanks to her. Thanks Marianne! read more

Marianne Smith is a reasonably priced, accommodating, informative, easy to find, effective and friendly CMT. I would recommend her to anyone. Part of the real value in visiting Marianne is that she always lets you know what she is focusing on and why--A real benefit for the uber-busy. Besides the business part, she is one of my favorite people in San Francisco. Thanks Marianne for sharing all your knowledge and insights over the years. read more

I have been coming to Marianne for a massage every other week for 5 years. She is phenomenal. I have issues with pain that are related to working at a desk every day for 8 hours. I have seen ergonomic specialists and been to physical therapy numerous times. I have the issue now under control but it really is due to the work that Marianne does. The day following a massage, my pain is nonexistent. It is a bit of a miracle. I'll work for 2 weeks and at the end of that time, I'll have pain in my hands, arms, elbows and shoulders. Off I go to see Marianne and viola, the pain is gone. I think Marianne is focused on helping people with issues like mine. She is very good at finding places on my body that are causing pain. Sometimes I will have a sore back or leg from running or biking to hard and I won't tell her that I have that pain. But each time, she will somehow find it and fix it. If you are looking for a spa type experience you should look elsewhere. She is really focused on body work as a means of curing a problem. I would suggest getting an hour and a half massage. The extra half hour is like spoiling yourself! read more

This is a long overdue review for Marianne. I've been going to her for the last few years, generally when I've hit the point where I can't take the back/neck or whatever pain. She almost always fixes me up and sends me out the door with all the kinks worked out. When she can't, she is good about recommending that I see a chiropractor or showing me stretches and helping figure out how to deal with muscle problems. My 2014 resolution - go see Marianne before things become an issue! read more

I've been seeing Marianne for about two years now and think she is wonderful! My body is in a constant state of soreness from weightlifting/crossfit and my sessions with her bring me back to normal. We talk in the beginning about what is bothering me and she focuses on those areas during the massage. She also recommends stretched that I can do on my own to help. I'm definitely glad I found her...Marianne is the best! read more

I checked Yelp for a massage therapist. Vacationing here my poor legs were sore from walking up and down hill. I spent an hour and a half with Marianne. She was very intuitive and found the cause on my pain and relieved it. I .agree with James F. She lets you know what she has found and how she plans on dealing with it. I get massage regularly at home and I'm so glad I found her. Highly Recommend. read more

I've been going to Marianne for a few months now, starting out with back pain that has been shifting from pretty much every place in my back. Though she focuses on the pain and working out those areas, she is very intuitive to what might be causing any stress or tension. I know a few people here have given poor reviews because of her energy work, but as someone who has sought those services as well, I appreciate that she has usually been spot on. She was able to notice right away that my back pain was not due to any type of injury, but rather to stress and emotional pain. As a result I'm now working through that through a variety of mediums, and continue to see Marianne at least 1-2 times a month. I also like that she is professional, we have a good rapport, my health insurance gives a decent discount (how I found her to begin with--Kaiser) and she is close to my work so I can head over easily pretty much any day. read more

I couldn't recommend Marianne enough and I wish I had her in New York! She not only is amazing with her massage therapy and working out tight muscles, she also is very acute and aware of your energy, your being, and does everything she can to de-stress you and readjust. This review comes from a girl who's head was about to pop off and Marianne helped me in so many ways to keep it on.. not only in our session, but also going forward with how I need to stop and take care of myself and just breath sometimes. You will not be disappointed and will be doing yourself a favor by going to see her! read more

I found Marianne through my insurance and have now been going to her regularly for about a year. She uses a combination of massage and energy work (plus patient input of course) to address my areas of pain and misalignment. She truly has a gift with energy work and she really cares about her clients' health. I'll often come in and she'll have been thinking about my chronic pain and have read up on a new approach to treating it, or have a recommendation for a book or another type of practitioner whose treatments might be a good addition to the solution. She is affordable, caring, conveniently located...a great person and massage therapist. read more

I found Marianne about 6 months ago through my insurance and as a way to spend my FSA. Thank God! She is a true message therapist, a true healer. I now try to visit her every other week so she can heal my aches and pains. If you are looking to incorporate message therapy into your life with out the bells and whistles I recommend visiting Marianne. read more

Marianne is wonderful and I always feel incredible when I leave her office! She is warm and welcoming and I always enjoy my visits with her!

Found this nice therapeutic massage therapist on my company's American Specialty health network but she is open to the general public too. Her prices are great - don't have to tip. She does solid overall body work, is gentle, yet accurate to your body issues. Her touch & feel is different than other numerous massage places - in a great way. She doesn't go through the routine motions of "Swedish or deep tissue". Her deep tissue doesn't feel like someone is just kneading your skin/flesh like bread & where you still feel the pain day after. She really targets problems areas & examines how all your pain are related and make you feel great overall. Her location is super convenient - right by Bart & Union Square/Market. Private studio & super easy & personable to book. She even remembers to check up on you days/weeks after to see how your body is doing. With all the intense jobs & employment in this SF mecha, my body needs to be able to walk over to get a refreshing massage, release all the tied up energy (though I've sunken into deep sleep on the table numerous times) and then continue to march through daily stress factor of life afterwards. I have tried numerous massage places, where I wont return after the first try - simply it wasn't memorable. But Marianne is worth a repeating customer. Great location! Right by Bloomingdales. read more

I love Marianne! Can't recommend her highly enough for massage therapy. Holistic approach, incredibly convenient location @ Powell BART, and very, very reasonable prices. Sweet, caring demeanor and great sense of humor. She has a little space in the historic Flood Building, which I love. It's not a sprawling day spa, but that's not what one wants when it's all about swooping in for a great hour of therapeutic bodywork with no fuss. This is it! read more

I highly recommend Marianne as a highly knowledgable CMT with an amazing touch. As a Certified Massage Therapist myself, with over 20 years in the field, I am very picky and demanding about who I go to. Marianne is definately the professional's choice. I no longer work in SF but will happily drive from the East Bay for her therapeutic work. I have often skipped getting a massage at a vacation resort because I know I will get a better value and much more satisfaction by getting a quality massage with Marianne. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for deeper work or a different style if that's what you need. want. She is well trained in many techniques and will happily adjust to meet your needs. read more

Marianne is the best! I had an industrial accident twenty five years ago. In the that time I have seen everyone under the sun, i.e. doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.; you name it. I can tell when someone knows their stuff. Marianne is a true professional. Don't let the price fool you. read more

I've been going to see Marianne for almost two years now. I found her through my insurance website. I was looking for someone who could speak English well and help me fix my pain problems more permanently. Marianne is a native English speaker, so she's really easy to understand. She can tell me why my muscles hurt and picks techniques from different types of massage based on what my body needs. When I asked for additional help, she gladly referred me to a chiropractor and a personal trainer, both of whom are also excellent. Before I started seeing Marianne, I was taking prescription painkillers daily and wearing a wrist guard while I worked at my computer. Since then, I've stopped both. read more

Marianne is one of those gems in the city that you feel lucky to know about. It's just such a lovely and personal experience. Plus, she gives you a full 60 minutes -- such a treat! -- but time still goes by way too fast. I love how her studio feels like you're walking into quiet, cozy, spa. It's such a nice change from the assembly line, sterile feeling from massages I've received at various gyms and hotels. The first time I saw Marianne, she even told me that the curve of my neck was off and my hips were out of alignment -- thanks for the heads up Marianne. I'm feeling super great and can't wait to get back in to see you again. I love the location too -- Right in the Flood building at the Powell/Market St. cable car turnaround. So convenient! read more

I have been going to Marianne for years. She is reasonably priced and does massage because she wants to make you feel better. She spends time looking at and thinking about your body and how best to improve it. She will talk to you about changes that you can make. She realizes how you shift to the left or to the right and how off balance it can put your body. She cares about her client's. She is located in the Flood Building which is just off market and easy to get to. You should check her out! read more

Marianne has been great - I go to her weekly for general body maintenance and find it to be really helpful. Being on the computer all day really runs you down and she helps fix me back up. She was especially helpful with improving strange nerve pain I had in my arm. Affordable, friendly and highly recommended! I've checked around the city plenty for massage therapists and its incredibly hard to find one with all three. read more

I have been seeing Marianne for over 8 years and she's always taken good care of me!! I go regularly just to keep my body in great shape, Marianne is also really resourceful, if there's something she can't do she will refer you out I.e Chircopractor or acupuncture!!! I love her she's the best!!! read more

I have been getting massages from Marianne for over three years. She is extremely knowledgeable about the body and intuits what I need. For example, she figured out quickly that releasing my QL relieves tension in my low back; this has helped to counteract the long hours I spend standing at work. Plus, I find her massages totally relaxing and I'm disappointed when the hour is up. "Studio M" is comfortable and the location can't be beat if you work downtown. I'm picky when it comes to massage and I think Marianne is top-notch! :) read more

Marianne is a very experienced, professional and caring massage therapist. She has been giving massages for more than 20 years. She combines many different methods of massage and adapts the methods she is using to each individual client, based on what the client needs and wants and her own thorough assessment. She is always reading new books, attending meetings and trying out many different types of body therapies to be up to date and current in her field. She cares about her clients - she will call sometimes just to check that everything is OK and has offered to see my daughter for free (my daughter receives physical therapist because of developmental delays). I get a discount since I have insurance, and pay 50 dollars for an hour long session. It is worth the money and I make it a priority to go once a month, even during this tough economy, since it makes me feel more relaxed and be more productive the rest of the month. It is just as important to feel physically relaxed through touch as it is to exercise and meditate and do other things that make us feel better and be healthier. read more

Marianne is MY therapist. Whenever I get a serious athletic injury, I see Marianne; three to four days later, I'm HEALED! Additionally, I continue to see Marianne for monthly 'tune-ups,' just to keep my body 'in tune.' She is truly a wonderful and knowledgeable therapist, who I recommend ENTHUSIASTICALLY! read more

Marianne is terrific. I was having some complications due to foot surgery and she took the time to listen to my issues and come up with a plan to reduce my pain and increase mobility. The sessions have been unbelievably helpful and Marianne's concern for my well being has been consistent. Just let her know your issues and she will work with you to get things back on track. read more

Wow! Marianne is one of the best massage therapists I have encountered. She knows the body very well and uses her energy to find any adjustments she may need to make to your body. I still remember the first time I saw her 4 yrs ago. she is amazing as a person and in her profession. She is great at finding other areas in the body that may be inflamed that u didn't notice and she helps to heal these areas so other parts of our bodies don't become infected. Marianne has and still to this day saves my body and I am truely greatful I met her and not someone else. She is reasonably priced and she carries an amazing energy. Take it from me if u want more bang for your buck please go to Marianne Smith! Thanks for all you have done for me I am forever gratful. Thank You! read more

i've been going to marianne for a while now....she's so informed about the body, inside and out ....she even discovered a kidney problem before my own doctor !!!! she gives good advice about body care and keeping you healthy !!! after a session, you leave refreshed and alive.... read more

this review is long overdue, but she was always kind and considerate for her client. thank you!

My sister and sister-in-law are both massage therapists on the East Coast, and have told me that I should always warn a therapist about my liver condition before they start work on me. However, after telling dozens of masseuses at really high-end spas/resorts and them subsequently shrugging me off, I neglected to say anything when I visited Marianne for the first time. Within 5 minutes, she was asking me questions, wondering if I knew my liver and spleen functions were poor - and all she had touched was my back! That was more than 10 years ago, and Marianne has been working on me ever since, mostly using deep tissue massage. She is constantly reading up on ways to help manage my condition through alternative methods, all on her own time. She also can tell very quickly what part of my body is tense or strained from physical activity, and she recommends exercises to relieve those aches and pains proactively. She has a friendly and nuturing personality that puts you at ease. I recommend her as highly as possible, and if you have special medical concerns or massage preferences, I can tell you I have never met a more diligent and accomodating massage therapist. read more