Empowering Your Wellness Through Nervous System-Focused Massage & Movement
Daniel Keene is a New York State licensed massage therapist and certified personal trainer dedicated to providing therapeutic bodywork that is restorative, pain-free, and informed by current pain science. His approach focuses on the nervous system, which plays a key role in pain, tension, and the body’s response to massage and manual therapy.
Drawing from a background as a professional ballet dancer, Daniel brings a unique understanding of movement and the human body to his practice. He specializes in helping a diverse range of individuals, including those with chronic pain, conditions affecting the nervous system, long Covid, and athletes seeking improved recovery and performance. (He also teaches ballet and creates choreography.)
Daniel’s approach to massage and manual therapy is gentle and nervous system focused. His work is informed by Dermo-neuro-modulation, an understanding that pain and tension are perceived by the brain and that the our and brain are deeply connected. Each session is a collaboration, empowering and inviting you to be an active participant in your treatment process. He offers massage, “Massage + Movement” sessions, strength & flexibility training, and Fascia Love Classes.
Sessions booked online are located at 105 Grand Street, Grand Street Healing Project. Contact Daniel to book in-home sessions in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
About Daniel
Daniel is inspired by the transformational and healing power of movement and bodywork, and he is honored to be a part of your wellness journey.
Daniel Mantei Keene (he/him) is a graduate of the massage therapy program at Pacific College of Health and Science. He is a New York state licensed massage therapist, certified personal trainer (ACE), and certified corrective exercise specialist (NASM). His approach to bodywork and training is influence by up to date pain science and Dermo-neuro-modulation. His style is informed by Swedish and Thai Massage, myofascial techniques, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Shiatsu, sports and prenatal massage, and reflexology.
Daniel works with clients across a broad spectrum of fitness and mobility levels, from professional dancers and athletes to individuals seeking support during recovery or with sedentary lifestyles. His sessions are designed to facilitate increased relaxation, strength, movement, flexibility, and body awareness, while reducing pain, tension, and restriction. Daniel also shares his expertise by teaching his Fascia Love class Mondays at 7-8pm est on Zoom. He has taught Fascia Love class at Gibney Dance, Maha Rose, Fluid Fitness, Grand Street Healing Project, Kinespirit, and The Curative.
Daniel takes a gentle, nervous system-centered approach to bodywork, preferring feel-good touch and patience over forceful techniques. This allows the nervous system to calm down and release tension more effectively, as opposed to painful pressure which can excite and sensitize tissue and create more pain. Daniel is committed to providing a massage experience that is both therapeutic and pain-free.
Understanding that our nervous system plays a vital role in our well-being, Daniel incorporates current pain science into his practice. He recognizes that pain is a complex protective mechanism of the brain and nervous system, and that its presence does not always signify tissue damage. By educating clients about pain science, he aims to empower them and reduce the fear and stress that can worsen pain.
The nervous system, while only 2% of body mass, utilizes 20% of oxygen and energy. This network of nerves, brain, and spinal cord is responsible for every sensation experienced. Modern anatomical understanding highlights that the benefits of massage are largely driven by its effects on this system.
With a background that includes 15 years as a professional dancer with American Ballet Theatre, Daniel deeply understands the demands on the body. His experience as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher, spanning over two decades, fuels his passion for helping others recover from injuries, cross-train, and maintain their bodies.
During his professional dance career, Daniel collaborated closely with the esteemed Maggie Black, a renowned teacher who worked with ballet stars such as Natalia Makarova and Gelsey Kirkland. Under her mentorship, Daniel developed a healthy, holistic approach to ballet grounded in kinesiology and functional movement. He applies this perspective to his ballet teaching and choreography, exploring themes of naturalism, humanism, and solidarity. Daniel's teaching focuses on helping dancers cultivate awareness of their unique physicality, enabling them to move healthfully and express their distinct artistic identities. His teaching credits include Gibney Dance and ZviDance at New York City Center.
Driven by the transformative and communicative power of dance, Daniel boasts extensive experience in creating movement and choreography. He has composed ballets for renowned institutions including American Ballet Theatre, The Seattle Symphony, New York Theatre Ballet, Columbia Ballet Collaborative, Avante Chamber Ballet, and The Ensemble for the Romantic Century. His commissioned works extend to students across a wide spectrum of ages and ability levels.