John Donohie

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Massage Therapist

I came to massage therapy in 1987 as a person concerned about the lack of touch that people with AIDS were experiencing in the early days of the epidemic. I was certified in 1987 and worked with people who were affected by the disease. After practicing for a few years, and seeing so many people die, I reached a point of exhaustion and stopped practicing massage. In the ensuing years I pursued a career as an educator.

I’ve returned to the field of massage with a renewed focus and a renewed cert...

I came to massage therapy in 1987 as a person concerned about the lack of touch that people with AIDS were experiencing in the early days of the epidemic. I was certified in 1987 and worked with people who were affected by the disease. After practicing for a few years, and seeing so many people die, I reached a point of exhaustion and stopped practicing massage. In the ensuing years I pursued a career as an educator.

I’ve returned to the field of massage with a renewed focus and a renewed certification. My current work focusses on specific issues and utilizes deep tissue techniques, myofascial opening, stretching, and joint mobilization to achieve the goals of a session.  

Trained in the following techniques; Swedish, clinical massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, stretching and mobilization, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point release, pre-natal, and lymphatic massage, I offer a firm, confident, nurturing touch with a  focus on pain reduction and increased range of motion. The most rewarding work comes from looking at specific issues and working with the client to find ways to problem solve. Sessions that involve assessing posture, work habits, recreational activities and holding patterns, as well as clear communication and feedback from clients can be of great benefit. 

 I'm available days, early evenings and weekends. I also do out calls. Feel free to e-mail me from this site or directly to or call………

A strong belief in the importance of physical and emotional health led me to practicing massage. As an avid outdoorsman and a very physically active person,  I know what it is to feel the stress, tension and pain from working, playing and living a rich, full life. 

I spent many years as an educator, both outdoors (Colorado Outward Bound School) and in the classrrom (4th, 5th and 6th grade). Solid evironmental ethics and a committment to the natural world remain central to my core values. I still spend time outdoors, hiking, mt biking, trail running, and sea kayaking. 

A variety of different jobs: working at a spa doing massage, substitute teaching, driving for Lyft, Guiding for a sea kayaking company at Point Reyes, keep me plugged into various communities and allow me to enjoy life on many levels.

 

MEMBERSHIPS AND CERTIFICATIONS

     CAMTC - Massage Therapist Certification # 16644

     ABMP member

 

EDUCATION

San Francisco School of Massage, SF, CA Certified Massage Therapist: 500 hours of training in: Swedish massage, clinical massage, deep tissue, myofascial release, stretching and mobilization,  pregnancy massage, neuromuscular therapy, trigger point release and lymphatic massage

New College of California, San Francisco, CA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential 

Prescott College, Prescott, AZ Bachelor's Degree: Education/Counseling 

The Body Electric School of Massage, Oakland, CA Certified Massage Therapist: 100 hours of training in Swedish, 80 hours training in Shiatsu

 

Book a massage with me today

Where I Work
Available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

John Donohie
17

4320 Salem Street

Emeryville, CA 94608

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Available Sunday, Thursday, Friday

Summertime Chiropractic & Bodywork

1

230 Grand Ave

Oakland, CA 94610

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Licenses
Massage

CA # 66144

Education
2014

San Francisco School of Massage

500 Hour CMT

Experience
Bodywork

Deep Tissue

150 hours of continuing ed credits in: Deep Tissue Trigger Points Joint Mobilization Advance Neck Work

REVIEWS for my massage services

by Anonymous on Jan 24
John is an amazing therapist whose knowledge of anatomy and physiology combined with his training provides an incredible massage and healing experience. John is the "best of class" in the Bay Area!
by jamie on Jan 11
I've been getting massage for almost 50yrs now and this guy is in my top 3 favorites off all time!! Not only is he skillful but he's intuitive which is a perfect combination. That coupled with his physical strength and endurance allows for a stronge consistant massage time after time. Peolpe like John are few and far between so take advantage of a great opprotunity for excellent consistant bodywork at a reasonable price!
by David on Nov 06
Great experience
by Anonymous on Oct 31
John was thorough with his work hitting every single thing we talked about in my intake.
by Ken on Oct 11
John listens closely and knows anatomy well. He pays close attention to problem areas and did an overall great job at getting in there and really digging into the tight muscles. Thanks John!
by Luke on Oct 10
John was warm and friendly and the massage was superb. I will be returning soon.
by richard on Oct 07
A beautiful experience. John was incredibly attentive and professional.
by Robert on Oct 02
Sometimes being of a certain age has its advantages. My problems range from the arthritic to the neurological to just the aches that come from being sentient. While the problems remain the same, I've become much more discriminating about the solutions. Pharmaceuticals have limited utility. Massage is much better and the relief much more enduring. The problem has always been in finding the right practitioner; no small feat, believe me. When met John, I was impressed by his friendly, open approach. During our first session in the comfortable studio at the back of the home he shares with his partner, I began to feel that maybe my problem was finally solved. It was. John is always open to questions, willing to offer suggestions, but is always focused on the work. He encourages feedback but is comfortable with silence, too, which is very important to me. His professionalism combined with his technical proficiency - he has an innate ability to move from one modality to the other - are such that now, several sessions later, I have no doubt that they have significantly improved the quality of my life.
by Anonymous on Sep 06
Excellent therapist - communicative, friendly, asking of the right questions in terms of areas to concentrate on.
by Anonymous on Jun 29
John - really enjoyed the session. You have a great touch an your style really works for me. I will come and see you again soon.

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