Massage therapy
Therapeutic and meridian massage is used at the clinic for the muscular and soft-tissue component of musculoskeletal problems, generally alongside chiropractic care rather than as a standalone treatment. What is used follows from the assessment.
Understanding the problem
Muscle and joint problems usually travel together
When a joint has been restricted for a while, the muscles around it adapt — some tighten, others weaken. Treating only the joint leaves that pattern in place, and it tends to pull things back towards where they were. Treating only the muscle leaves the restriction that caused the tension in the first place.
So massage here is generally used as part of the plan rather than as the plan. How much, and where, depends on what the examination found.
What a first visit involves
How we work through it
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation — to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not a default for every patient.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything begins.
At the clinic
Treatment rooms and equipment
What may be used
Combined according to the assessment
Not every patient needs every item. What is used follows from what the examination shows.
- Assessment of soft-tissue involvement
- Therapeutic massage for affected musculature
- Meridian massage
- G5 percussion massage
- Cupping
- Heat therapy and paraffin bath
- Combined with chiropractic adjustment where indicated
Fees and insurance
Who usually pays for this
How treatment is funded changes what paperwork you need. Pick the closest to your situation:
Auto accident
The at-fault driver's liability cover, MedPay on your own policy, or on a lien where you are represented.
What you need →Work injury
California workers' compensation — approved treatment is paid by the employer's insurer.
How it works →Private insurance
What PPO plans typically cover, and deductibles.
How to check →Self-pay
Self-pay rates, including initial examination with digital X-ray.
See rates →Why here
A few objective points
1988 — 38 years
Same practitioner, same Oakland Chinatown block since 1988.
Cantonese · Mandarin · Taiwanese · English
From history-taking to explaining the plan, in the language you are most comfortable in.
Digital X-ray, same visit
Where imaging is clinically indicated it is taken here, not at a separate centre.
5 min from Lake Merritt BART
Madison professional building, downtown Oakland. Building and street parking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a relaxation massage?
No. The purpose here is clinical — addressing specific muscular involvement identified during the examination — rather than general relaxation.
Will it be painful?
Work on a tight area can be uncomfortable, but it should not be sharply painful. Tell the therapist and the pressure is adjusted.
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