Back to Center Bodywork

Alex is incredibly knowledgeable about the body/musculature and was able to draw on his past experiences with other clients to give me tons of useful information for an injury I was dealing with. As for the massages, Alex is in a league of his own. I didn't know a massage could be so effective until I came here, and Alex was a big part in helping me recover from an injury. Another perk - HSA payment option is available here

Update (approx. 9 sessions later): Still the best bodywork place I've ever been to. I love that Alex uses multiple modalities depending on what my body needs in that particular session. Alex is stellar at his work and a wonderful human. As someone who holds their stress in their body, I have found these appts to be an important addition to my tools for managing my health. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. I have so many great things to say, I don't know where to start. First, the studio is located right off of the highway which is convenient. There is a parking lot and parking is easy. The studio is a beautiful and calming space. Alex offers aromatherapy with the massage which I always go for. I've had many massages with Alex and each time, it was 10 stars. Seriously. Most recently, I've done a couple of sessions to help with rehabilitating a sprained ankle. It was such a relief to be secure knowing Alex’s knowledge of anatomy and prior experience with sports injuries. He knew exactly when it would be ok to start work on the ankle. I noticed increased mobility and comfort right after each session. He even found a knot in my elbow from a prior injury which he was able to get out. I need a good amount of pressure and Alex can maintain the perfect pressure throughout the massage. If you are recovering from an injury and need a massage, Alex is excellent! Alex is also an awesome listener! He starts each session with a check in which is so helpful to increase my mindfulness of my body. He seems to be in tune with my breath throughout, changing pressure in the more sore areas without me having to say anything, which is so rare. I come away from our sessions relaxed, pain free, and with more awareness of my body. I am so grateful to have Alex and Back to Center. I’m looking forward to my massage at the end of the month. Thank you!!!!

Alex is amazing. In the 2-3 years I have been seeing him, he has helped me work through a variety of physical restrictions and I am much healthier because of it. Alex is not only a great massage therapist, but he is also a good listener and communicator. He is happy to suggest exercises or stretches to help you work through issues that you identify - or that he observes as he is working. He is friendly and mellow and makes the overall experience refreshing and great.

I'm so grateful I started seeing Kathleen. Between a high stress job, unprocessed grief, lots of work travel, regular migraines, and all the challenges of menopause I've had a significant amount of body pain and tension. Working with Kathleen has been very beneficial, to both my physical and mental well-being. Kathleen is prompt, caring, and a talented bodyworker. She identifies where my body is holding tension and pain and brings a firm touch to help release it. I always feel significantly better at the end of my sessions, physically and mentally. After a few months of working together, I consider regular appointments with Kathleen as an important part of my health and personal care. About Back to Center: the rooms are always very clean and comfortable and there's a calm and friendly vibe throughout the center. I had one scheduling mishap when I first started going there and it was easily and gracefully resolved. I'm grateful to be a client of the Center's and Kathleen's.

Alex is THE BEST! He really knows what he's doing AND he listens! He's also super easy to communicate and schedule with. I get deep tissue to relaxing massages, depending on what my body and mind need. He often finds spots I wasn't even aware was hurting and gets them out. He has helped so much with my cervicogenic headaches. Plus, cupping and aromatherapy, enough said! I wish I lived close enough to see him every week. Thank you Alex!

Such a great experience at my first 90 minute massage. Alex is extremely effective at working on problem areas with just enough pressure without causing pain, which is exactly what I want with a deep tissue massage. I enjoyed the peaceful setting and the aromatherapy. Very clean and COVID safe. I’ve already booked two more sessions. Highly recommended!

A friend of mine referred me to Alex a couple years ago because I’m a 51 year old guy who loves to play tennis, hike, cycle, and am always hurting somewhere. I had tried a few places in Oakland but hadn’t found someone who was good at approaching massage in a physical therapeutic way, and needed help with chronic neck, hip, back and foot pain from my many athletic endeavors. Alex is one of the most intuitive, skilled, attentive, and friendly massage therapists I’ve ever seen. I now see him every week. He’s helped me through two hip replacements, neck pain, plantar fascia issues. And he’s always trying to improve his services. Continuing to expand his skills and approach, which is just the right amount of holistic approach. Get Alex while you can. I’ll keep seeing him as long as he’ll let me. It’s one of the best things I’ve done with my money.

Kathleen is BY FAR the best masseuse I have ever had. When I moved to the East Bay out of San Francisco a few years back, which is when I first started working with her, I thought I would never have the pleasure of seeing her again. Thankfully, she landed at Back to Center and we have reconnected. My body is as thankful as my mind.