Catherine Cortez, MA, CMT, HWC​​​​

Certified Massage Therapist

Health & Wellness Coach

Movement Educator

CAMTC#72184

[email protected] (510) 932-3291

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Therapeutic Massage and Movement Education

Hourly Rate: $115/ 60min


All sessions are individualized to the specific needs of each client and may include any or all of the following treatments

ART - Active Release Techniques

Active Release Techniques, ART, is the gold standard in soft tissue care and depends on the practitioner's deep understanding of the musculo-skeletal system including fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. It is a movement based massage technique used to treat any number of complaints relating to these structures. Clients will actively participate in the session via specific movement protocols to optimize bio-mechanical release of targeted tissues.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue Massage is a form of bodywork that aims to relieve tension in the deeper layers of tissue in the body. Deep Tissue Massage is a highly effective method for releasing chronic stress areas due to misalignment, repetitive motions, and past lingering injuries. Due to the nature of the deep tissue work, open communication during the session is crucial and muscular soreness is common after the treatment. 

Myofascial Therapy

Myofascial massage is a technique used to treat injuries and discomfort, reducing pain and increasing range of motion by targeting the fascia - the membrane surrounding muscles - rather than the muscle itself. While other forms of massage can overlook the fascia, myofascial massage focuses specifically on releasing tension between the fascia and muscle tissue. 

Gua Sha or IASTM

Implement Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation is a bodywork technique that employs a variety of tools to stimulate blood flow and release fascial adhesions. It is based on the ancient Chinese tradition of Gua Sha or scraping to release toxic energy from the body and reduce pain.

Swedish Massage

Swedish Massage is a very relaxing and therapeutic style of bodywork. It combines oils or lotion with an array of strokes such as rolling, kneading, and percussion to help the body improve circulation. The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels, and overall relaxation.

Movement Education

Muscular discomfort or tension can often be due to faulty movement which causes compensation patterns in other areas of the body. Movement education includes evaluation of movement, mobility, and strength with suggestions and instructions for exercises to improve overall movement performance and body awareness. Review and instruction of client supplied PT exercises also provided.