FAQs Embodied Movement & Massage

Our Policies:

• By appointment only, no walk-ins.

• Payment & Booking: A valid credit card is needed to reserve an appointment, but payment will not be processed until after the session. Cash, credit cards, Venmo, and Apple Pay are accepted.

• First-Time Clients: To ensure a smooth experience, complete the confidential, HIPPA-compliant intake and consent forms before your initial visit.

• Rescheduling & Cancellations: Modify or cancel the appointment without charge by providing at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice will be subject to the full session fee.

• Package Validity: Massage packages are valid for 6 months from the purchase date.

• Discount Policy: Only one discount or promotion can be used per session.

• Refer a Friend: Share the benefits of massage therapy! When a friend is referred, both the existing client and the new client will each receive $10 off a session.

Do I leave a tip?

Tipping is a common practice in the massage industry but is not required or expected. If you choose to leave a tip, your generosity is greatly appreciated. You can add a gratuity when paying with your credit card or through other accepted payment methods, including Venmo, cash, and Apple Pay.

Why a nervous system approach?

Our nervous system, which is comprised of our brain, spinal cord, and nerves, uses 20% of our body’s oxygen and energy while making up only 2% of our body’s mass.

The nervous system is the control center for experiencing the world, from basic sensations to complex emotions. It plays a vital role in processing pain, tension, and even the effects of massage and manual therapy. Instead of solely focusing on tissue mechanics, it's recognized that the nervous system 'runs the show' of these experiences. By targeting the nervous system, the root of discomfort can be addressed, and the effectiveness of bodywork can be enhanced, promoting lasting relief and well-being.


Does massage help long Covid?

Yes, massage can be a valuable tool in supporting individuals navigating the challenges of Long COVID. Long COVID often affects the pulmonary and nervous systems, leading to a range of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, brain fog, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and headaches. Massage has been found to offer benefits for these types of symptoms by helping to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, and reduce stress responses. A gentle approach is crucial to avoid overstimulation and encourage the nervous system to shift into a calm, "rest and digest" state.

Is my posture bad?

While people often worry about having "bad posture," the latest scientific understanding shows a weak correlation between specific postures and pain. Pain is a protective mechanism of your brain and nervous system, and it does not necessarily indicate structural issues or structural damage. With posture, the key is not finding one "perfect" posture but rather incorporating regular movement and changing positions often. Think of it this way: "your best posture is your next posture."

What to expect in massage sessions?

To prepare for your first session, please complete your HIPPA-compliant intake form in advance. Daniel will consult with you about your goals to create a treatment plan.  Privacy will be provided to undress to your desired comfort level and get settled under the top sheet. Professional draping will be provided throughout your massage, with sensitive areas always respected and covered.

You are welcome to remain fully clothed during your massage. Please wear comfortable attire if this is your preference.

These sessions are a passive experience designed for relaxation and therapeutic effect. Techniques such as calming long holds, Swedish massage, myofascial release, PNF, stretching, Thai massage, Shiatsu, reflexology, positional release, prenatal massage, and Dermo-neuro-modulation may be used.

Your input is valued!  Please communicate any needs or discomforts during your session.  Sharing your thoughts and feelings after the session can help to enhance future visits.

What to expect in Massage + Movement sessions?

Experience a personalized approach to well-being with our Massage + Movement sessions. These hands-on sessions utilize a blend of massage techniques, active muscle work, assisted stretching, and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) tailored to your specific needs.


To ensure a focused and effective first session, please complete your confidential HIPPA intake form beforehand. Daniel will then consult with you to discuss your goals and develop a personalized treatment strategy. We recommend wearing comfortable athletic clothing that allows for a full range of motion.

What to expect in Strength & Flexibility training sessions?

Prepare for a session of learning and positive change! In our Strength & Flexibility training, you'll discover movements, exercises, and stretches designed to benefit your neuro-myo-fascial tissue. This approach may feel like a blend of yoga and Pilates, improving your strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness. Please wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows for free movement and stretching.

How is Embodied Movement & Massage different?

Embodied Movement & Massage differs from many traditional massage practices. Our approach is based on current pain science and an understanding of the nervous system's key role in pain and muscle tension.

Rather than "operate" on you, we aim to “interact” with you and your nervous system. You are the expert at existing in your body. We welcome open communication about any relevant sensations or needs that you feel during or after your session.

We focus on the nervous system with gentle, slow, long-holding massage techniques and active manual therapy techniques to help you calm and reduce tension and pain. This gentle approach contrasts with massage that focuses on provocative techniques guided by outdated concepts of “breaking up tissue adhesions”.

In contrast to some traditional views within massage therapy that prioritize posture correction for pain relief, we are guided by a more contemporary approach that acknowledges the complexity of pain and the limited evidence linking posture directly to pain.

Instead of focusing on "bad posture" as the culprit, it's more accurate to consider the role of sustained postures and lack of movement in contributing to pain. Embodied Movement & Massage focuses on interacting with the nervous system to help ease muscle tension and improve movement, rather than trying to "fix" posture.

With over 17 years as a professional ballet dancer/athlete and 7+ years as a personal trainer specializing in assisted-stretch, Daniel provides customized, therapeutic bodywork informed by the latest scientific understanding, particularly regarding the nervous system. His 25 years of experience in dance partnering provides a strong foundation for working with bodies. Daniel addresses muscle tension as a neurological phenomenon. His Massage + Movement sessions use targeted movement and muscular contractions to introduce novel input and output, helping to calm, activate, and strengthen your neuro-myo-fascial tissue.

My last massage therapist went too hard and it hurt!?

We understand! Comfort is a top priority in therapeutic massage sessions. Techniques are used that are effective without causing pain. A current understanding of pain science indicates that excessive pressure that is painful can be counterproductive and even cause more pain. Communication is encouraged throughout your session, please let us know if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Is deep tissue the most effective type of massage?

No. It is a common misconception that massage needs to be high pressure and painful to be effective. In fact, painful pressure can actually increase sensitivity and potentially worsen pain. “Deep tissue” is not as much a specific technique but more the application of firm pressure within various massage techniques. We believe massage should be comfortable and pain-free, focusing on therapeutic benefits rather than discomfort. Understanding that massage does not “break up tissue adhesions” and that the nervous system controls pain, tensions, and motor tone, we use slow work and sustained holds to focus on calming your nerves and nervous system.

Does massage break up tissue adhesions and change fascia?

While this was a common belief, current understanding shows that manual therapy, including massage, doesn't mechanically 'break up' adhesions or 'change' the physical structure of connective tissue. Instead, massage works by influencing the nervous system and promoting muscle relaxation, reducing tension and pain. Painful pressure is not needed and can be counterproductive.

What is Dermo-neuro-modulation?

Dermo-neuro-modulation (DNM) is a gentle, intelligent, and responsive approach to bodywork that considers your nervous system, from skin to your sense of self. It involves slow, light contact with the skin to influence nerve function, addressing issues like nerve irritation or restricted nerve movement that can contribute to pain and tightness. By calming the nervous system, DNM helps promote lasting relief and improved well-being. This approach recognizes the deep connection between your skin and nervous system, which develop from the same embryonic tissue.

Why pain-free bodywork?

The idea that bodywork needs to be painful to achieve results is a common misconception. Applying painful pressure can sensitize the nervous system and increase pain rather than relieve it. Bodywork should be a comfortable and safe experience that supports the body's natural healing process.

Do you offer a referral discount?

Yes, share the wellness! We offer a referral discount on one-on-one sessions. Refer a friend and both of you will receive $10 off. Limit one discount per session.

Do you offer prenatal and postpartum massage?

Yes, Daniel is certified in pregnancy massage and is dedicated to providing nurturing and effective care to help you feel comfortable and supported during this transformative time.

Key aspects of prenatal/postpartum massage:

  • Modified Positioning: After 20 weeks, expectant mothers don't lie face down. Instead, they are positioned on their sides with the support of pillows or cushions to ensure safety and comfort.

  • Gentle Techniques: Prenatal massage typically uses gentle strokes and light pressure, similar to Swedish massage, to promote relaxation and relieve tension. Deep tissue techniques are generally avoided.

  • Focus on Pregnancy-Related Aches: It targets areas prone to discomfort during pregnancy, such as the lower back, hips, shoulders, and legs, to alleviate common aches and pains, including sciatic nerve pain.

  • Improved Circulation and Reduced Swelling: Gentle massage techniques help improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which can reduce swelling in the extremities.

  • Enhanced Relaxation and Emotional Well-being: Prenatal massage promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and can improve sleep quality and mood.

Location?

• Sessions booked online are located at105 Grand St, Brooklyn (Grand Street Healing Project).

• In Manhattan (
upon request) at 736 Broadway (The Curative).

• In-home sessions available upon request for an additional $60.