FAQ | Balance Point Massage and Bodywork

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a person get a massage?

How often you should get massage depends on two things:

The quality of the massage
The level of stress or type of lifestyle you lead

If you are receiving massages that are not very good at addressing your needs you will inevitably need more massages. However, if the quality of massage is good then you will need less since the results of the massage typically have a more lasting effect. Secondly, if your lifestyle is very demanding you will require more massage therapy no matter how good it is. A great goal for most people to to lead a healthy, active lifestyle and beat the daily stress is once a month. If your budget does not allow this then we recommend making it at least once every 2-3 months. If you commit to once every 3 months you would be getting 4 massages a year.

You ought to treat bodywork and massage like going to the dentist for your regular cleaning (maintenance) and tune up instead of check up! If you are also involved in sports or any type of training regimen we recommend incorporating massage as part of your regimen to help your rest and recovery, prevent injury and improve your performance. A good guideline depending on your budget and your time is to come in every two weeks and if you aren’t able to come in this often then at least once a month. If this is a stretch, then you should come in at least once every 3 months at the minimum.

What types of massage do you offer?

Rather than offer certain types of massage (the types we learned in school) we offer massage that combines different massage styles and bodywork techniques. We know different kinds of massage styles and we utilize different massage methods and techniques to get results. If we did what we learned in school as a routine massage we would limit our techniques and style to a certain type of massage and thus would limit our ability to effectively get results. Instead by blending different styles of massage you receive a tailored massage specifically geared to address your body needs. As we gain experience we often find ourselves specializing and integrating certain styles, methods and techniques that we may find is both beneficial to our clients and suit are particular energetic style or preference.

I would call this integrated massage therapy style our "Signature Massage" when I first founded Balance Point Massage Therapy Clinic in 2003 and had multiple therapists working with me. A Signature Massage was an integrative method of massage tailored specifically to address your needs. Your massage typically combines a blend of different massage methods according to your needs and the therapists unique style. We each have our own methods of addressing the body with the main focus of achieving lasting results. You could receive anywhere from 3-6 different methods of massage in any single session. Specific skill combined with the therapists intuition would give your massage its own signature.

In 2010, recognizing my own specialization in Deep Tissue, Sports and Trigger Point Therapy I branded my own personal work as the Balance Point Massage by David. I have found these modalities of therapy highly effective at addressing most people and situations.

What makes Balance Point different than other places that offer massage?

Balance Point Massage Therapy Clinic was different than other places that offer massage because I always focused on retaining excellent massage therapists* who not only have proven their educational background but bring to the table a massage that is flowing, high quality and very intuitive in nature. Being able to locate and spend time on addressing the proper areas of your body to give you lasting results.

The evolution of this philosophy and emphasis on the quality of bodywork that I personally provide my clients is Balance Point Massage and Bodywork. A Balance Point Massage by David will not only be skillful but intuitive. Skill and intuition is what separates the average therapist from the best most effective massage therapists. In addition, I find that the therapists background can be an important factor. For example, I have a background in Martial Arts and this really helps me approach the body without reservation. My martial arts training enables me to have a very high level of confidence in my ability to deliver the deeper work for the client without "hurting them". Whereas, many massage therapists are not as competent as they are afraid to hurt you if they apply to much pressure. Not to mention, my background in martial arts has helped me to be able to locate the points in the body that get the intended results without hesitation.

*I no longer contract with other massage therapists.

What is the difference between a relaxation massage and a therapeutic massage?

The differences between a relaxing massage and a therapeutic massage is very subtle and subject to varying opinions. Both massages are actually very therapeutic in that they provide us with relief. In my experience the only way we can relax is knowing that we will be receiving a good massage. This of course is very subjective and depends on the person receiving the massage to judge. Most of us would consider a relaxing massage to be one in which the pressure of the techniques (usually light to medium) are such that you can “relax and enjoy the touch”. Whereas a therapeutic massage has techniques that vary from firm to deep and can often be somewhat intense. I am known for providing a "hurts so good" level of comfort. In addition, the massage or what I call bodywork often entails much more focused breathing to enhance the release of tension, stress and toxins in the body. In addition, the massage can also be more focused on certain areas of the body vs. the entire body.

Many of my clients and I personally feel that getting therapeutic massage and bodywork is both effective and relaxing at the same time. That is to say that after the work you will feel much more relief and relaxed then you realize. Clients cannot believe how relaxed they become after receiving a Balance Point Massage that is often very deep. Just imagine how deeply relaxed you may become from getting a deep tissue massage vs. a regular relaxation massage. Because I incorporate Swedish Massage strokes in the session you get the best of both worlds. Now who doesn't want that?

Can massage help with chronic pain that I have had for years?

Yes, depending on the origin of the pain. Massage therapy and specific bodywork can often address the specific areas that are affecting you and get you immediate relief. I have had clients, who at times have reported that the massage and bodywork completely got rid of the pain or discomfort they have had for years. I find this to be the case when the origin of the pain is from an accident or past trauma.

Sometimes the work can be very painful but the relief you will experience far exceeds any pain that you may experience during the massage. At times the pain that you once experienced before the massage will altogether go away.

Of course, there are many instances when the pain does not go away altogether. If it doesn’t completely go away our goal would be to get you the most relief possible thereby decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of your pain of discomfort and then maintain you at that new level. This plan of regular massage and bodywork will help you to manage the pain or discomfort to more acceptable and tolerable levels so as to enhance the quality of your life.

Can massage therapy help reduce high blood pressure?

Yes, Swedish massage techniques target the parasympathetic nervous system which has a direct effect on reducing stress and eliciting your bodies relaxation response. In turn your blood pressure lowers and is better able to maintain healthy levels. Deep tissue massage helps release tension held in the deeper layers of the soft tissues (muscles) and therefore can also assist in lowering a persons overall blood pressure for longer durations.

Another important benefit that massage offers is by improving circulation of the blood in your body. This increased blood flow helps give the heart a break and thereby lower blood pressure because the heart does not have to work as hard to pump the blood through the body. Relaxation and Deep Tissue Massage can allow the body to be less tense and enhance the bodies ability to create the proper blood flow throughout the body. Increased blood circulation helps nourish the areas of the body that need it most by allowing the cells of your body to reach areas that are often restricted by stress and tension.

Are you licensed and certified?

Yes. I am licensed as a Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) as a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT)

When are you open?

By appointment only. 7 days a week.

Weekdays Mon - Friday 10 AM - 8:30 PM

Weekends Sat and Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM

We encourage you to schedule an appointment in advance to get your preferred times and dates.

Do you take same day appointments?

Yes, however it all depends whether I am already booked. On occasion, there are times when appointments are available or open up. In this case, I will be glad to work with you on short notice. I currently do not allow clients to book same day appointments online. You must call the office (619) 220-5997 and leave a message. I can usually respond within a few hours as I may be in session with a client at the time of your call. I will let you know if I can get you in by texting you. Please get back to me as soon as possible to confirm.

If you cannot get a same day appointment I would still highly recommend booking an appointment online and in advance. My schedule often fills up. Having your time reserved is the best way to ensure you get taken care of. It is often easier to change your appointment if for some reason you have to reschedule or cancel. Also, check the online schedule frequently because my schedule of availability changes often.

How for in advance do I need to schedule an appointment?

In order to get your preferred appointment times, we encourage you to set your appointment as far in advance as possible. If you would like to come in on a regular basis we recommend booking your appointment each time you visit us so you can always ensure that you will get the appointment time best suited for you. I would rather you reschedule an existing appointment then risk not being able to see you because I am already booked.

Can you give me a massage at my home?

It depends. When available, I can offer this service to existing clients who make this request. I restrict outcalls to within a certain distance from my office in Hillcrest. In addition, I have to charge extra for this service to cover costs of time and travel expenses. Simply add on an additional $50 regardless of the length or number of sessions requested. Most economical if you book 2 sessions. One for you and another person. Maximum 2 persons and must schedule in advance.

Do you have gift certificates?

Yes, we actually offer Gift Cards. An excellent gift idea all year long.

3910 Normal Street, Suite D San Diego, CA 92103

(619) 220-5997