Matthew asked questions before massage and then meticulously delved into area of chief complaint during massage. After massage I got a lot of range of motion back.

After visiting Matthew, I was pleasantly surprised at how much better I felt after one visit. He demonstrated his experience and knowledge of anatomy when he worked on my knee. I described my problem areas, and he was able to quickly identify the issues. I was hesitant at first when he worked on my knee because of the pain I was experiencing, but he worked on it and I experienced no pain. There is more work to do to get better, and I will definitely be going back. I highly recommend his services.

Honestly, I’m really impressed.
I went to Matthew because my back went out while I’m down here from Canada helping with my 5 month old grandson. Not only did he make a huge difference for that issue, he also addressed issues in my knees that I had literally just learned to live with. Over a week later I can feel that I need to get back to him, and I will. Feeling fortunate to have found him.
Vancouver Grandma ??

Awesome service, skilled technique, professional in all treatment methods. I definitely feel better even after one treatment. I plan to keep seeing Mathew and feeling great!

Matthew is a genius. I was having a ton of pain in my hip flexor muscles and my low back. Simply walking was causing extreme discomfort . I'm a personal trainer and therefore very active, so I really can't afford to be in that kind of pain. Within minutes, Matthew immediately knew what was wrong and how to address it. He is a true professional, really knows his stuff, and listened to all the feedback I gave. I was in agony before I arrived and my pain was at least 75% reduced after our session. I will definitely return to Matthew for any/all bodywork needs in the future.

I was visiting Berkeley for two weeks from Michigan. I'm 65 with scoliosis and always schedule massages when I travel due to chronic pain, especially when I travel. I regularly see a chiropractor in Michigan and have had hundreds of fantastic massages in my life. I scheduled time with Matt even though I've never been to anyone who utilizes his technique due to the many reviews I read. I don't fully understand what he does but HE sure does. I have so much pain that I can't walk more than about a block, but after time with Matt was walking about 1/2 mile per day for the rest of my trip. Now I only wish I could clone him in Michigan!

Had an amazing session today with Matthew - he worked through some severe pain I’ve been having in my shoulders. I plan to come back to continue making progress. He’s a really good bodywork specialist.

Matthew was amazing. He is extremely knowledgeable and a real hoot. I feel like I have a new body after visiting him.

Met Matt while working in our booth at the San Jose Renaissance Faire. I guess he could tell I was in pain while we were talking and offered to take a look. I had hurt my right shoulder two years prior taking care of my mother in law and have been dealing with it ever since. Matt worked on my shoulder there in my booth and I immediately felt relief. I was able to work the rest of the weekend without pain. Matt is Incredibly kind and extremely good at what he does. I definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a masseuse.

I've been seeing Matt for six months after moving to Berkeley, and the results have been great. Matt has great attention to detail and works hard to ensure he finds the root of your aches and pains. Definitely go for a sports massage if you are aching- you will soon literally be feeling better.

I don't know why Feeling Better hadn't popped up on my radar before now but I'm so glad it did. I had a headache I couldn't shift and needed some help. After meeting Matt standing outside in the rain to make sure I found the place, I enjoyed not only a fantastic full-clothed massage that got straight into the pain points but got to enjoy an hour of Matt's company and he is so funny! As an introvert, who enjoys the opportunity of shutting out the world during a massage to enjoy the bliss, it was a very unusual experience to laugh my way through it instead.

Matt's a genuinely great person with a real knack for massage and incredible wit.

He's as good for your soul as he is your muscles.

I tried this new place for the first time recently. I was referred by an ex-coworker.

Overall, it was nice. I left feeling better, but not in the way you would with a traditional massage.

He massaged my thyroid and armpit. I had never had either done before. It was a really interesting experience.

He asked me if I liked it, and I was not sure if I did or not, so I let him do his thing.

So, just know he will ask your preferences and he does care what you want.

I assume many might not like the throat massage, but just know it is an option.

I recommend, as Matt is very kind and tries to relate to his clients in a personalized way.

He will even tell you stories and poems.

I recommend giving it a try to see if you like it. You just might. If not, it will be a cool, unusual experience.

Professional and focus on the customers needs. I hurt my lower back when exercising and it got worsen after a long road trip. I cannot bend over my head without painfully stretching my back. Matt was able to quickly found the problem and fix it rightaway. The treatment only took 10-15mins and I am much better. After the treatment I continued to perform stretching and recovery exercises for two weeks and I am happy that I am not troubled by the pain anymore.

Late review but, here it goes. When I first arrived to his location he was dancing outside which already made me laugh. Matthew has great energy, humorous, listens to what exactly you need, and actually gets it done. I'm a body worker so I've been experience some pain and tension in my arms, hands, & shoulders and he was able to address these pains in 60mins amongst other areas. I loved Matt's unique techniques that he uses to distract from the uncomfortable parts of the massage. Still feeling pretty good from the work and intend to come back again!

I had been having a lot of body aches and pain from my very labor intensive new job. I was really nervous about getting my first real massage. I had only ever been to those little massage kiosks at the mall so this was completely new to me. Matthew was recommended by a friend to try. From the moment I arrived I felt so comfortable. It was such a relief to see the environment was clean and welcoming. Matthew made me feel completely relaxed and at ease whilst addressing all the concerns I had about my back pain. This massage was exactly what I needed to work out all the tension I had. He was able to relieve a lot of the aches and made me truly feel like he cared and wanted to be sure I felt better! I will be telling everyone about him, amazing!

Matt has single handedly improved my daily chronic pain levels from a 7-8 out of 10 to a 1-3 out of 10. He's seriously incredible and easy to chat with while he works. Please go see him if you have any pain issues-- he's amazing.

This post is way overdue.

I saw Matthew about a month ago for acute, lower back pain. I had gone through several massage sessions with other massage therapists for a few weeks with little to no improvement. I was even starting to take NSAIDs for the pain as I couldn't lift my left leg to do things like putting my pants on or stepping in/out the bathtub without excrutiating pain. I booked an appt with Matthew, and automatically thought he was going to work on my back. So, I automatically went face down on the table. Matthew immediately said to go face up - the issue was in the psoas muscle (kind of under the ribcage...) and he worked on that and did something by tugging on my leg (making that hip joint sort of "pop") and I literally walked out of these 50% better. I was immediately able to get in my car almost pain free and drive home. I was 100% pain free 2 days later. I need to book another appointment with Matthew for some other issues. BTW... my session didn't even require a full hour. He got me "adjusted" in about 25 minutes. His massage was completely different from what I've ever had. And, he's a nice guy, easy to talk to and he has a really nice massage place and practice. Definitely go!

My experience with Matt was simply amazing. I had serious issues and intense pain with my neck and shoulder after going through a surgery (not related to neck and shoulder). I was expecting some relief and to feel better after my appointment, but instead I was astonished that I was pain free within 20 minutes with Matt. I truly cannot believe the difference in how I feel. My pain went from constant to zero in one session! I highly, highly recommend seeing Matt. A true miracle worker!

Definitely feeling better! I run a lot, and never really had any issues until a month ago when my calf suddenly started to hurt, and I ran 9 more miles on it. After that I tried rest, and ice and ibuprophen, but every time I tried to run it hurt. It was a deep sort of pain and after a week and a half it still wasn't going away.

I booked a session with Matthew and in an hour he was able to work the entire thing out. After that session my calf has been great. I will definitely go back any time I have any other issues. :)

Matthew is a true miracle worker. Ive gone to see him a couple of times for both lower and upper back pain and each time I've walked out feeling nearly instantly better.

Experiencing low back pain for a month that was only slightly better with rest, heat, turmeric etc. Symptoms became instantly better after one session. Finally, I'm no longer feeling that deep dull ache throughout the day and no longer feeling stiff. He responds very quickly to appointment request.

Matt is an actual miracle worker. After injuring my back lifting some heavy furniture, I came to Feeling Better. All it took was one session, and I felt just like my old self again. His style of combining stretching, joint cracking, and massage is incredibly healing, and some of the techniques he used I even was able to do at home after. You would be doing yourself a huge disservice not to try Feeling Better!

Matthew is a skilled, effective, and genuinely kind practitioner. I walked into his practice expecting temporary pain relief, and I walked out realizing that some of my longstanding health concerns could actually be improved rather than just stabilized.

I have suffered from chronic pain for years: two shoulder surgeries, years of neck pain, and widespread chronic joint pain - plus the general aches and pains that come after you leave your teenage years behind. Session by session, Matthew has made more and more progress I thought possible.

Over the years, I have spent thousands on physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists hoping for some relief. In just a handful of sessions, Matthew made more progress than some of my other therapists did in several months. He is great at "working himself out of a job," and he is also working my other practitioners out of a job. Since seeing Matthew, I see my other practitioners about half as often. I expect that percentage to continue to go down until I only have appointments for "maintenance."

A few weeks ago, I did something I didn't think possible - a trip to Europe. I walked miles a day, I carried my luggage around, and I enjoyed every minute. Previously, I would have barely been able to do the trip, and I would have limped home anxious to undo all the damage that travel caused. Not anymore. I felt healthy - and I knew that I was actually healing.

I cannot recommend Matthew enough, and I am so thankful that I wandered into his practice just a short time ago. I am very grateful for his help, and I'm so excited to return to a more active lifestyle with far less pain. If you're looking for an outstanding massage therapist who is also a genuinely awesome human being, I hope you'll give him a try.

There are these moments during massages with Matt where you kind of can't believe how intuitively he's understanding your body. Sometimes he's a step or two ahead; or how he can accurately predict what you will feel which way when he asks you to move an affected area. It's uncanny, and it's a part of what makes Matt's work so uniquely helpful.

I have been to Feeling Better three times now, spaced out over nearly two years. I kept going back because Matt is kind, he's a great listener, and I always leave feeling my body got the focus it needed. I've recommended Matt to numerous people, and felt compelled to do on Yelp as well!

I am extremely pleased. We are visiting Berkeley, my left knee/leg have been bothering me, my wife suggested trying a massage, something I would not think of myself. This half hour made enormous difference. I could use a bit more and if we were not flying out tomorrow morning I would make another appointment, but simply the one appt was extremely worthwhile.

OK, so this review may not sound original - many people attest to the talents of Matt - but what I have to say is deeply heartfelt. I have had moderate to severe pain in my foot and my knee - due to severe arthritis in both - for over a year. Awaiting a knee replacement, I am doing everything I can to manage pain and function and to find ways to experience relief. Now that sense of relief has increased 10-fold. I had my first massage with Matt yesterday. He definitely has a unique approach/technique. Matt moves and works with your body; he mobilizes muscles and joints to both decrease pain and increase optimal function. Not only do I feel extraordinarily better today, I am moving with much greater ease and with the cooperation of my muscles and joints! Just texted Matt and set up my next appointment with him for next week. I plan to book a few weeks in advance and to set appointments to see him once a week... The relief and sense of balance is incredible.

Matthew is a body-worker genius. He can literally find the problem areas that you didn't even know existed and relieve years of pain and issues with his miracle work. This isn't "relaxing take-a-nap" massage; this is serious bodywork (and yes, sometimes it does hurt). But you really are "feeling better" after you walk out the door and over the next few days as your body adjusts to the work. He has given me immense relief with lower back pain and I can't recommend him enough.

I don't know how to place value on Matthew's kindness and intuitive care during and after my stage 4 cancer treatment. Our system defines "care" as complete long before it is, leaving much of a proper recovery process outside the system. Once I was fully poisoned and radiated, the rest was up to me. So Matthew was instrumental in treating a litany of chemotherapeutic side effects, which Kaiser would not acknowledge, such as neuropathy, problems from injections, etc. He deserves a TEN. I can attest Matthew's compassion for his work, technical knowledge, application and dedicated care do yield amazing results. You WILL feel better, so don't deprive yourself of critical "maintenance" - - actually you can't afford NOT to! Things don't just "take care of themselves" and denial is a lot more than a river in Egypt.

It's really true...Matt is a miracle worker and he got further with my plantar fasciitis than 8 weeks of physical therapy and twice daily exercises. Besides allievating the pain he helped me figure out how I was exercising that was causing the pain. That was crucial info that my physical therapist never uncovered! Do yourself a favor and go see this guy!

I am 29 and do a lot of extreme sports, have 2 herniated disks, shoulder problem and bunch of other stuff from contact sports so I've seen who is who and this guy is really good! I mean my toe was jammed for years and barely moved he somehow made it better. My hips, shoulder, back all got corrected. I will be going here all the time in hopes I can continue doing all the sports I love and have someone fix me up regularly.
To add he really enjoys doing it. Like some people do it for money only but he likes helping people and just seemed like a very cool guy with good energy. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

This was hands down the best thing I have ever done for my body. After a bad snowboarding accident in which I landed on my head, I had severe neck and shoulder pain for over a year. Weekly physical therapy appointments were not enough to undo the tension I had stored in my body. I had pain after sitting at a computer for more than 2 hours, riding my road bike, surfing, driving, anything where I held my head up for any prolonged period of time. When I went to see him my neck was hurting on almost a daily basis and my doctor was considering a work restriction for me. After ONE session with Matt rearranging my neck and shoulder fascia I have not experienced any of that pain again. I waited over 6 weeks to write this review to make sure it did not actually come back, and it hasn't. Truly life changing. I don't need work restrictions, I can surf all day, and I can ride my road bike pain free. Plus I learned a lot about fascia and how important it is! Please go see him.

Matthew is an excellent therapist. I had this appointment booked for me as a gift, so I didn't know what to expect. He worked on my problem areas with amazing precision, and I was so grateful for the energy he brought to the massage as well. He worked on areas i didn't even realize i was holding stress and tension in. I came out after the hour feeling amazing. I will absolutely be back as soon as I get a chance, and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a fantastic massage. Worth the money and if I could give more than 5 stars I would!!

Matt is nothing short of amazing! Went in with low back and a "wonky" right hip...walked out feeling years younger and without pain! Thank you!

Do yourself a favor and book a massage with Matthew now!

I called this morning and was able to book a last minute massage with Matthew for this evening. I am so glad that I did. I have been battling intense pain in my lower back and between my shoulder blades the last few weeks but my regular masseuse didn't have any openings until March. I originally had wanted to book a 60 minute massage but Matthew was only able to get me in for 30 minutes tonight. In LESS than 30 minutes, he was able to address all of my problem areas and I left feeling like a completely different person. I am absolutely pain FREE!! I cannot remember the last time my body felt this good. This was not your run of the mill massage. I have had many massages over the years and none of them, even the expensive ones, come close to this one with Matthew.

Matthew is kind, funny and amazing at what he does. He is open to feedback (not that I had any for him because he is so great) and he genuinely wants you to feel better than when you came. The pricing you pay for body work from Matthew is such a steal for what you get. I will be booking more frequent and longer sessions with Matthew going forward.

Matt is a miracle worker.

He has developed a unique style of massage that is designed to provide maximally effective relief for breaking up scar tissue and releasing tight muscles. As a violinist, I am no stranger to scar tissue or tight muscles, and have had a lot of massage therapy work done. Matt is one of the best I have worked with, he gets great results and I would highly recommend him.

I am SO glad I found this. I would give this a million stars if I could. Literally like a miracle massage, omg this massage was both absolute heaven and absolute PURE TALENT. I remember even commenting 5 times during why he wasnt doing sports massages for the olympics. Feeling Better (the name of this place) is beyond what I felt, it was pure talent. Absolutely, absolutely recommend. Why is this guy not famous yet I dont know. He is very humble and funny and doesnt advertise so thats probably why. He is so funny, had me laughing the whole time. Great personality.

I came in because as an athlete I was experiencing tight hamstrings and calves and back, and no matter what I did my muscles were just tight tight tight I guess (and this place was the top and highest reviewed so I decided to give it a try). Matthew changed all that. Im now loose as a bird. And he works SO efficiently and fast, he can completely do an hours work in 30 mins - he is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much Matthew I got exactly what I came in for and it was worth the money. Very very reasonable amount too. This is a guy I can truly tell genuinely, sincerely, and deeply, passionately loves and cares what he does, and cares for the customers' needs - hes not in it for the money or for the business. Amazing experience, yay. Coming back again for sure. Love this guy

Holy cow. Mathew did some crazy facia-bending moves on my upper back and neck. I'm still reeling from the insane experience of having the pain, pressure and energy simultaneously released from my body. Thanks to him, I also feel more educated on why I've had so much pain in my jaws, shoulders and neck. Love the unique and perfected approach of his space. Feeling gratitude and relief today.

Matthew is talented, knowledgeable, intuitive and compassionate. A genius, if you ask me. I've had a LOT of bodywork done throughout my life. Matthew is the best body and energy worker I've ever worked with. He is THE BEST at what he does.

Matthew is amazing! I came in thinking this was going to be an average massage (I've had several from so-called 'experts'), and I left feeling more amazing, like I had a brand new body. As someone who works out frequently, I am aware that I put my body through a lot and therapeutic massage is a must. This session surpassed all the others I've ever had. I definitely feel more empowered going back into my physical fitness routines.

Moreover, his space is very clean, welcoming and peaceful, which helps as he applies his knowledge and training during some powerful stretches. And his personality is equally professional; he's extremely approachable, eager to share his knowledge, and has a great sense of humor, which helps to increase the trust factor when it comes to getting quality massage work done.

Definitely give Matthew a chance. You'll come out feeling super-charged even before you leave his studio!

I don't know if I can call what I had today a massage, or perhaps I might call it a kind of physical therapy that incorporates movement and pressure points, or maybe I should just call it something that was really awesome and worth the time and money invested. I cannot recommend an appointment with Matt enough.

Matt was fantastic. I was in pain and calling all around for help even if for only half an hour. Matt squeezed me in on the same day and his treatment was amazing! I've had a lot of bodywork but this was unique. My neck and shoulders were so relaxed and almost pain free with vastly improved range of motion after just 30 minutes. I'm sold. He's a very knowledgable professional. Really knows his trade and is very intuitive. I'm so grateful he was willing to take me at the last minute. I hope to see him regularly.

The deep pain in-between my shoulders that I've had for years, he took away in an hour. I'm sitting here pain free wondering why I waited so long to have called this therapist.

Thank you Matt. I never realized how bad it was until it wasn't bad anymore.

First massage with Matt (or anyone, ever, actually), and it was better than I could have asked for. Even after a half-hour session, I'm feeling a lot better than I was when I went in. Will definitely be back in the future.

Wow! have had neck/head pain for a few years and haven't had much luck solving it. Went to Matt and loved his approach and creativity in figuring out what was wrong and addressing it. He wasn't just doing some formulaic massage - he used what seemed like all sorts of tools/modalities/knowledge to assess my specific needs (much more specific than I could've told him) and address them. He ended up working mostly on my front-neck/throat (HUH!?), and wow, totally worked!! Have relief I haven't had in a long time and feel quite different. I also appreciated his humility and focus on client experience/needs - and not his ego. Rare and awesome!

I woke up with bad shoulder pain and headache which also gave me nausea. I was desperate for relief and that's when I found Matthew. He was able to squeeze me in and I am so grateful. I have never had a massage therapist find that many knots and worked them out in such a short amount of time. In 10 minutes my left shoulder tension was gone and my nausea subsided. He also did a weird throat massage which left me with what feels like wider airways.

He uses a technique I've never experienced before. It was less of a massage and more like physical therapy. It was a bit uncomfortable but I have endured much much worse with other therapists. He was very aware of my comfort level and encouraged me to let him know if it was too much. My only feedback is that a talk through of the motions he was going to do and what sensations to expect would have been helpful especially during the throat massage.

He is very perceptive on a holistic level. He picked up on my emotional state of mind and also validated my thoughts on buying a new bra that provided more support. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about his work.

I have jumped around from therapist to therapist but I think it's safe to say Matthew is a keeper. I look forward to my next appointment with him.

2nd visit to get rest of the kinks out! So much more effective than regular massages - he really works the movement of your body - feeling zero pain!!

Just like the many other 5 star reviews, Matt was the best massage therapist!! I have been hurting for few weeks - hips/back/ knees and today, I got injured in a dog park and couldn't walk Matt was kind enough to stay late and fit me in. He figured out exactly what was going on and within 15 min of the session, I noticed huge improvement! It was very interesting to experience his technique - he really understands the body!! I was still tight in areas but I was able to walk out with no pain on my own! He also gave suggestions on maintenance and to wait and see how I feel in a few days before making any more appointments. I highly recommend him!!

I had an amazing massage with Matthew the other night. I was in such bad shape and I needed some release and stretching. My hips and lower back were in so much pain I could barely stand it. I was feeling so desperate I attempted to book a massage at a so-so local place I knew of but no one answered when I called (thankfully). I found Matthew on Yelp and he had great reviews so I called him and he called me back within 20 minutes. Within 2 hrs. I was on the table. I could tell right away that he is very skilled and intuitive which is something I value in a body worker. It isn't something that I find in many therapists and because of that often times I don't get long term relief from massages. This was NOT the case with Matthew. I seriously left feeling like I was ready to hit the town, which was not at all how I felt when I showed up. Two days later I'm still feeling so much better. I will definitely be back to see him.

I was in need of a massage, called and was able to receive a same day appointment. Matthew was hilarious to talk to and I left feeling as light as a feather! Thanks again :) Recommend.

Matthew is the real deal. I run to him any time my back goes out or my neck gets into a knot. Matthew always knows exactly how to clear up my pain and send me home feeling much, much better. He's caring and careful. I appreciate his hard work and highly recommend his services.

I've had a handful of massages for muscle pain in my past, but clearly I've never had true massage therapy until now. Historically, after a receiving a massage to treat pain, I'd feel a bit more relaxed but the pain was still there for a few more days. I always thought this was normal, you know baby steps in the right direction, because it's all I have ever known. Then Matthew worked on me; and I kid you not, the acute pain I was feeling was gone after only 2 minutes! I had signed up for an hour massage (what I have always requested from past massage therapists) per usual, which turned out to be overkill when you're being worked on by a magician. He respected my time, and suggested I only get a 30 minute session, and continued the rest of my 28 minutes educating me his craft while working on other parts of my body for fun. Can not recommend Matthew enough. And so stoked to have been enlightened to what true massage therapy can do for you. Don't waste your time, money (or worse, put up with post massage pain) by going to anyone else.

Finding a good massage therapist isn't easy. I haven't had a massage in a long time because I haven't had anyone I felt great about going to for a while. Recently I've been under a lot of stress and have quite a few tight muscles and joints and after some research came across Matthew. He was able to work me into his schedule and I am so grateful that I booked that appointment. I left the session feeling so much more relaxed than when I walked in and he was able to work wonders on both my shoulders and hands. As a full-time graduate student who spends too much time in front of a computer, I can absolutely say that I am already looking forward to booking another appointment. He asked the right questions, genuinely listened to my input, and combined that with his knowledge to perfectly cater the session to my needs.

If you've been on the hunt for a great massage therapist, I highly recommend you give him a try.

Matthew is uniquely gifted at bodywork. Whenever I am in town, I always book an appointment. Highly, highly recommended.

I have been aching due to a severe stroke causing concussion. Leaving half of my body entirely paralyzed, I endure some really bad muscle contractures which trigger aches and pains elsewhere in my body. Matt[hew], the always excellent CMT, finds the pressure point which needs releasing so naturally quickly!! I walk out, after our sessions, feeling a lot lighter and able to move around much much smoother! Very highly recommend.

Matt provided customized care for the pain. I was referred by another doctor from a chiropractic place to work on the neck.

(1) He first checked my muscle (tightness, soreness) on the neck and the shoulder. He found that cause of my neck pain is the front neck muscles (instead of the side muscles.)

(2) He taught how to relax and worked in these positions.

(3) He advised me: [1] for chiropractic and massage, you should relax rather than try to help because any action to move makes the muscle tight. That is precisely what Dr. Laurent Colvin from The Joint wants to resolve, and Matt found the cause. [2] work with my timeout software on my computer -- do three minutes scratch every half an hour, but focus on one area each time.

We finished the session with half an hour.

Matt's practice is different from some general massages:
[1] focus on only one or two of your major problems, so we save the time for both, and the price reduces.
[2] explain the reasons and causes for why it is happening.
[3] more close to a combination of physical therapy.

I am a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at Berkeley, an expert in getting neck and back pain.
I certify this message.

After many years of searching Matt has provided me with the treatment I'm looking for. As an active weightlifter who likes to push limits, I want a massage therapist that will help my workouts whether that's improving range of motion or decreasing pain. Matt identified that immediately, and tailors his sessions to getting results that improve my performance. I consider him an integral part of my athletic regimen, but also know that he adapts to the needs of each individual clients whatever their circumstances.

Matthew is a fantastic healer. I only rarely go in to see him because his body work has actually gone a long way toward solving some of my issues (as long as I maintain the fixes).

My shoulder, hip and foot pain were all greatly reduced and I learned some techniques to lessen the discomfort in the future.

I've known Matt for two years now, and I must say that he is getting better and better! Every time I see him he has a new neat trick for this and that. He is a great massage therapist and an even better person. I can't recommend him enough!

I broke my foot 4 years ago on a backpacking trip. The bone healed just fine but ever since I've had circulation problems in the foot and leg. After letting it heal for some time I tried various forms of acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, PT and stretching, but nothing really helped. I figured there was some scar tissue in there that just needed to be worked out so I looked up a massage therapist on yelp and was lucky enough to stumble upon Matthew.

Matthew worked very hard on my foot and leg while explaining what he was doing and why it would help. I was amazed at the improvement in circulation after just one visit. He also worked magic on my wrist which I had injured in a mountain bike crash...and that was just the first 30 minutes! I am so happy I found Matthew and would highly recommend him, especially to people who have tried massage therapy before without success. Matthew's technique clearly comes from many years of experience but also seems unique to anything I've experienced before.

Just finished an hour session with Matt and I'm super satisfied with the service. I came in with a hip and shoulder issue. My hips have been tight due to heavy weight lifting and my shoulders have had a history of dislocations, feeling tight, and limited range of motion.

Matt really knows where the pressure points are and he's really good at releasing any tightness or discomfort in the joint. During the session he was very communicative and very aware of pains and discomforts. It almost like he was reading my body and could tell where the pains/discomforts were. After the session my hip was no longer tight and my shoulder now has a full range of motion.

I was hesitant at first to come get a massage since I'm on a college budget and massages are generally very expensive. Matt's $40 first appointment really encouraged me to finally get a massage.
He's very knowledgeable about the human body and I'm kinda impress by how much this guy knows (coming from a human biology student at Berkeley).

I would definitely recommend Matt to anyone who needs an experienced therapist to work on them. The guy really knows his stuff. Looking forward to getting more sessions in the future.

Highly recommend. I've been a massage therapist for 7 years, and have worked with some of the best bodyworkers across the country. I have a small number of really excellent people who work on my body.

I found Matthew because I needed some work last-minute when my usual people weren't available. His work is fantastic. In a couple hours he opened up the joints in my feet, ankles, hips, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. My balance improved significantly, and I've been feeling deeply relaxed since. It's much easier to move without feeling anything stuck or pinching.

I'll be back for more!

Matthew is among the best massage therapists I've ever come across. His business is aptly named.

Matthew is an incredible massage therapist. I've been seeing a chiropractor and acupuncturist for a very long time and he was able to give me more pain relief in one hour-long session than I've had in years. I highly recommend him!

Mattew is an incredible therapist. I had a strained back from coughing and I could not even wear my own socks this morning. He pointed out my issue without a lot of explanations and fixed it in 15 min. I am so grateful that I found him in the right moment and still in shock at his skill. He is also very sweet and charming. I will definitely recommend to my friends. Thank you Mattew! You are the best.

This is the first yelp review I have ever written and to me that says it all.
Matthew is one of the best massage therapists I've ever had, and I've had quite a few.
He is also quite different than many other therapists. He's not just a massage therapist, he's a general problem solver.
He genuinely wants to help people feel better in any way that he can.
I was seeing him for a very complicated shoulder and back issue but when I got into a car accident one day and was experiencing concussion symptoms that were affecting my computer work, he did his magic on my head and neck and I was able to go back to work within a couple days.

He is truly results oriented. He wants you to feel better as soon as possible and would rather not drag you along for more sessions than you need (I find a lot of chiropractors out there are trained to do this)

He is also very patient. My issues have been due to years and years of injury and overuse of my shoulder as a volleyball coach. Matthew continues to see me and helps me get better no matter what it takes. This past visit, he finally was able to get my lower scapula to release and I can now reach over my head without catching and pain. Other practitioners: chiropractors, doctors, neurologists, acupuncturists have not been able to offer me any sort of treatment plan that has been this effective. My doctor was even amazed when I went in to see her and that so much of my mobility was back after just a massage.

Before I met Matthew I had lost all hope that I would ever get better and back to my old self. Now I have more than hope, I have confidence that with him in my corner giving his best, I'll be back in action in a matter of months, maybe even weeks if I'm lucky.

Thank you Matthew. We need more good ones like you in the world.

For the first time in years I am standing up straight. I would've never thought that the problem was tension in the front of my neck and throat. And I never would've thought that it could be treated so effectively. Matthew is a genius.

I was desperate when I phoned Matthew this morning. I'm an RN and my back health is critical for my ability to work in my field. Somehow I'd jacked my back at work last night. It had gotten progressively worse during the night until I found even taking deep breaths, painful. He came right over to my house and went to work on me. I'm still in shock at how fantastic my back feels now. His hands were strong and found all my painful spots effortlessly. Thank you Matthew!

Matthew is a wonderful massage therapist. Through his excellent massage techniques, he has helped to improve my posture and release years of trauma and stress from my body, I think we do the myofascial release massage. His caring and friendly demeanor puts me at ease and makes me feel comfortable and safe. He is truly a healer, and has helped me enormously.

Yep--Matthew is outstanding. I've seen other massage therapists whose work was mostly oriented towards relaxation, which is nice, but didn't do much for my neck and shoulder pain. Matthew can do the relaxation stuff too, but he's also a skilled technician of the human body in a way I've rarely experienced before. He zeros in on the knots and areas of tension and works on them until they really release.

He's also a nice guy, great to work with, friendly and caring. Highly recommended.

After one session I feel like new. Had severe neck pain after a car accident ( as well as other stress factors), and Matthew knew exactly what to do. By applying pressure and incorporating certain breathing techniques we were able to release a lot of damage that had built up over a course of 4 months. Thank you Matthew! Very caring and knows what he is doing. I highly recommend.

I was desperate when I phoned Matthew this morning. I'm an RN and my back health is critical for my ability to work in my field. Somehow I'd jacked my back at work last night. It had gotten progressively worse during the night until I found even taking deep breaths, painful. He came right over to my house and went to work on me. I'm still in shock at how fantastic my back feels now. His hands were strong and found all my painful spots effortlessly. I'm never going to anyone else! He's phenomenal! I couldn't recommend him more. Thank you Matthew!

I went in (on a same-day appointment) with 10% use of my left arm, and came out with 90% use. It was incredible. For me, it was an hour of therapy on my shoulder, not simply a feel-good massage. The release of tension was nearly instantaneous...a result that I have never experienced at any chiropractor or physical therapist. I am looking forward to my follow-up!

Two thumbs up! Matt is one of the best.

Whoa..I just came back from my very first session and I can't wait to again!

I've regularly seen chiropractors (my twin bro is one) and other massage therapists for 15+ years. Whereas the chiro and traditional massage had some benefit for my issues, Matthew's method was by far the most effective. This totally makes sense!

Emergency Service Temecula
it's better.

Matthew works so hard to make you feel better he is exhausted and drenched with sweat by the time he is finished with a treatment. I am always much better when he is done. Without reservation I can whole heartedly recommend Matthew to anyone needing massage therapy.

It was my lucky day. I called Matthew and he had an opening today. Everything I want in a massage and nothing I don't want. He is strong, observant, attentive and genuine in his dedication to his calling and his clients. After one hour, I believe that I do not have to live with chronic hunched-up-ness in my neck and shoulders and hand. Thank you to everyone who recommended Matthew. Thank you to Matthew for taking such good care of me.

Matthew is amazing! I 100% recommend him to anyone and everyone.

I have been going to him for almost a year. He is accommodating and thoughtful. Matthew makes sure to cater my appointments to whatever ails me.

He has taught me how some of my physical pain actually results from emotional pain. Matthew gives me tips on what to do between sessions as Well as how to live my best life.

Matthew-- thank you!!!!

Matt's technique is amazing. The positive effects of the massage I had lasted longer than almost any massage I can remember.

Matthew did an excellent job on my shoulder which was irritated from weight-lifting. He was kind and made me me feel very comfortable as a first time client. He also took the time to really understand my pain. I left his office feeling like a new woman after just one visit. He even massaged my mom free of charge for a few minutes after my session was over. The complimentary Roche chocolates he provides are an added bonus too!

Matt does an excellent and unique massage to help address injuries. He customizes treatment and has a polite and professional approach.

I have been going to Feeling Better massage therapy for several weeks now. I suffered a concussion 7 months ago, and went to various different specialists who could only marginally help with the lingering symptoms that I had. I would describe my symptoms, and they would either say there was nothing they could do for me, or would prescribe a certain treatment option that had little effect. Keep in mind that these are specialists that are supposed to be knowledgeable with my specific condition.

When I went to Matthew, all I had to do was describe my symptoms, and he used his unique skill, sense of touch, and robust knowledge of the human body and its interplay between each other to immediately relieve me of my discomfort. Within a week or two, my condition was significantly better, and I was able to begin exercising in a way that I had not been able to for 7 months. He did for me in a few weeks what many other specialists could not do over several months. He is truly competent and knows what he's doing.

TLDR Matthew is skilled and intelligent, and by far my best East Bay masseuse experience.

I had significant shoulder and neck stiffness from months of mounting life and work stress. Additionally I moved recently and the physical strain of doing so while working caught up to me. I'm leery of massage studios since most of my encounters involve outdated countercultural pseudoscience. Being treated by Matthew was a refreshing change from that tiresome experience. He has been able to learn and deploy the best knowledge from the historical science of massage without being swept up in the contemporary culture surrounding it.

I have studied physiology and biomechanics in grad school, and I was very impressed with Matthew's understanding of the body. With just a simple description from me, he was extremely quick in identifying and isolating the right points, and he followed the tension to the right locations. Everything in this 60 minute session felt like case studies cobbled together from things I had learned, and Matthew has mastered. I am happy with his focus - he was not satisfied until the pressure points on left and right shoulder sockets, upper shoulders, neck, and skull base were relieved.

Matthew politely suggested a follow-up - if he does this for you, you need it. 60 minutes was just enough time for in-depth work on my shoulders and neck. I suspect I'll need at least 30 minutes in a week, then hopefully I can switch to maintenance mode afterwards.

Matthew was amazing. Purchased a Groupon and booked an appointment for my partner & me. He is super skilled, knowledgable, and found my points of tension without me having to say much! I definitely need to go back soon! I felt like an hour wasn't enough for me.

I had 30mins concentrated for my tight shoulder & neck at Matthew's  place and I am happy and surprised that I "felt much better" after his skillful massage Within 30mins, he did a great job on my stressed muscles,so he deserves 5 or even more stars and I will get a whole hour one next time!

I went in to see Matthew with neck, shoulder, and head tension. Just like others have stated, he immediately found my pressure points and went to work. I woke up the next morning for the first time in weeks without tightness and am planning on going to back to him next week!

Matthew has helped me with sore, stiff, or just out; back shoulder and leg issues. Each time I go to him for a 60 min session, I come out with several problems fixed. Highly recommended.

I recommend Matthew's massage to everyone, for pain or just for relax!

Emergency Service Temecula
it's better.

Great massage yesterday with Matthew - he is amazing at finding the pain points and immediately alleviating the pain.  He is very good at asking the right questions to get at why you need a massage, and focusing on those areas.  I had tennis elbow pain - which I forgot to tell him - and he found it anyway - and now it's completely gone!  Highly recommended in the Berkeley area.

Came in with shoulder problems that kept me from being able to sleep last night. Matthew was able to target those area's and really open up my range of motion. The only problem I had was not having his healing hands sooner, don't let the pain or body aches get you down, he is here to help you.

Now time for an Epsom salt bath, lots of water and a good nights rest, finally! Thank you so much!

I have never had a masseuse so knowledgeable about every little muscle, who easily figures out the root of your muscle:skeletal problems, and, better yet, knows what to do about it.  AND he tells you what you can do about it later when you're home.  He really "straightened me out" after only one session.

Matthew is awesome.  This was like no massage I've ever experienced. I'm a hairstylist and have constant upper back/shoulder pain from the overuse of my arms at work combined with bad posture.  I've been to so many massage therapists in pain and it has always felt great and helped to some degree. The massage I received from Mathew though was exceptional.  It not only felt great but I could actually straighten my back and move my arms around with NO pain.  His technique is quite unusual and he really has a gift to sense where you're sore spots are and heal you.  I was completely impressed, wish I could afford to go to him every day!!!!

I'm so glad to have found Feeling Better.  Matthew is an insightful practitioner with a wonderful, caring manner.  My massage turned my whole day around..... I am relaxed and invigorated and ready to heal.  Highly recommended !

I had the 60 minute massage, which after a discussion over the phone we decided to split into 30 minutes of Swedish followed by 30 minutes of work in areas of tension. Here's the bottom line: Matthew gives excellent quality massages, and you can tell that he really knows his stuff. He made sure that the pressure was just right by asking a few times throughout the massage whether it was too much pressure or not. I felt very relaxed afterwards, and the areas he focused on (in my case lower back and shoulders) felt a lot less tense. Thanks Matthew, I'll definitely be making another appointment soon.

Matthew was amazing. Purchased a Groupon and booked an appointment for my partner & me. He ex super skilled, knowledgable, and found my points of tension without me having to say much! I definitely need to go back soon! I felt like an hour wasn't enough for me.

Matt was great.  Not only did he work on me so that I felt much better immediately after I went, he also showed me exercises, stretches, and other things I could do on my own to alleviate my shoulder problems.  It's been less than a week, each day has yielded a significant improvement and the pain is almost entirely gone.  I can't recommend Matt enough, his bedside manner was good, he was very attentive to my needs, and he answered all of my questions without any complaint.  I will definitely go back to him if any new problems arise.

I have had massages all over the world. To me the most important aspect of a massages is its lasting healing affects on the body. I can honestly say that Matthew massage abilities are intuitive and run deep. He has an ability to work with the body to target problem areas and provide releases that support the bodies natural healing are extraordinary. The massages  he has given me rank with the best I have ever had left me feeling better.

I went for a deep tissue massage. He listened to what type of massage I wanted and the areas I wanted a massage. He seems knowledgeable and very genuine to help you feel better.  Afterward, he spoke with me and gave me tips on what I can do to stay healthy.

This is the best massage I ever had!!! Seriously, I'm very picky about my massages, but this guy impress me on all levels!!! I strongly recommend him!!! He is worth every penny!!!

I was pleasantly surprised by my visit - both the environment and interaction were professional but comfortable and relaxing.  Not only was the massage a very good one, but he seemed highly knowledgable and focused on accommodating your particular needs.  
I definitely recommend him!

I decided to try massage 6 months after a car accident had caused severe shoulder pain. My chiropractor did a great job of helping me to heal, but I was still experiencing tingling in my upper arm. I thought a massage might help. And it did!
Matt is a very good listener, asking questions about my needs and working with me toward wholeness. I highly recommend him.

I ordered a massage for my best friend/sister for her birthday off of groupon. It was nice talking to the owner straight up and he even scheduled an extra appointment that day just for her despite normally only taking three clients a day.

It was hard to find and we passed by the building probably a good three or so times before we had to call him up and he had to step out in order for us to even find him. The building seemed really sketchy, but the studio he has was very clean and professional. I can't speak for my sister on how well the massage was or not, but she seemed to highly enjoy it and felt great afterwards.

He was funny and relaxed and I knew my sister was in good hands. Just giving this place a 4 star rating based on how difficult the location of the place is, but overall I'd recommend anyone in Berkley to stop by at some point. You won't regret it!

I've had several massages, but this was by far the best. Matthew was very professional and knowledgeable, and gave me some tips on what I could do at home to help some of the problem areas in my back. I've never left a massage feeling so great, and the feeling has lasted throughout the week.  I went in with a groupon, but I will certainly be returning with or without the groupon deal.

Matthew was very attentive to my individual needs, problem areas, and sensitivities. He seems knowledgeable about the body and skilled at noticing what's going on with mine. He checks in to make sure he's giving you what you need and that the pressure is right. I was very pleased with my massage and will be back once I have used some other massage Groupons I already purchased.

Super happy with the massage I got from Matthew yesterday. He loosened up some muscles that have been knotted up for a long time and he did it in a firm but gentle way. He applied the perfect amount of pressure and was completely in tune with what my body needed. Matthew was completely engaged, putting all his energy into his work. Definitely will go back.

I'm not one to get massages very often so I'm no expert, but this guy worked his *** off making sure I had a great experience. He was 100% into making sure my knots and tweaked areas were successfully untied and untweaked. I have had shoulder problems and he really focused on that, working himself into a sweat to get that shoulder back to normal. It was still quite tender for a few hours after and I was a little worried, then later in the evening I realized, "Hey, my shoulder feels great!". So clearly, no pain no gain and he knew exactly what needed to be done. I liked the darkness of the room, the music, the calmness with which he maintained throughout, even when he was working so hard on me. Two thumbs up for Feeling Better!

I did not expect to see just one room because of my past massage experiences but that did not change the excellent quality or experience I received.  
I absolutely enjoyed my massage. He was very personable and exceptionally experienced in his craft. I would refer anybody to him.

Matthew is amazing with his style and his massage. He is the first person to know how to work my problem area and do it well. He talks to you and wants to know how things are going when he is doing his magic. I have been so busy I haven't had time to write this review until now. I will be back as a repeat customer. He knows what he is doing and my back thanks him for me..

Another 5-star review for Matthew! The cramp in my right arm isn't barking at me as it was when I walked in the door and now I'm...FEELING BETTER.  Easy to get to, convenient parking, relaxing Berkeley-zen atmosphere, professional demeanor, knowledgeable in his craft, educational for the user and for sure I'm coming back.  PLUS Acme Cafe is right there for avocado toast afterward.  Treat yourself to a session with Matthew  - -  you deserve it!

Feeling better indeed!  Thank you Matthew for your dedication in helping your clients unlike others.

I highly recommend him!

I met Matthew today, who spent an hour working with me to alleviate major "knots and kinks" that I have been tolerating for a few weeks.  Not only was his technique totally effective but the instruction and education he imparted was very much appreciated !  

Thank you to my son for a lovely gift of appreciation!

I had my first massage with Matthew today. He is a very dedicated healer. He checked in with me often and gave me very informed answers when I had questions about the sources of my aches and pains. He seemed genuinely committed to achieving significant pain relief by the end of the massage. I definitely plan on going back for more massages with Matthew in the future.

I went in for a 90 minutes massage, and Matthew was wonderful. I had a very stiff neck, and was in rough shape when I arrived. One of the first things I noticed was that the lights were brighter than I would've liked, however, once I closed my eyes, I was in another world. Matthew took his time, and focused on my problem areas. I felt very comfortable during the massage, and left there feeling amazingly relaxed. Afterwards, he gave me tips on how to take care of myself to prevent such issues from occurring again in the future. Highly recommend.

I purchased a Groupon for a 60 minute massage, and although I was late, Matthew still accommodated for me with the remaining time I had, trying his best to make it worth while. He offered helpful tips that I could do on my own too! The location was also in a serene setting, which added to to the relaxing atmosphere of the massage.

I had a wonderful 90 minute massage with Matthew this past weekend. It was great. Matthew customized my massage to what I wanted and was very concerned I was having a good experience through out the entire time. He's very accommodating and professional. He also gave me tips on things I could do at home to relax tight muscles. I would definitely recommend him.

This was like no massage I've ever received, it felt more like physical therapy in that Matthew focused on key areas that were bothering me and I left feeling some serious relief, especially in places I didn't realize were hurting. He shares as much or as little as you want, very accommodating, just tell him what's going on and he knows what to do. Unconventional, but in a good way.He also shared some stretches and techniques I can do on my own to feel better which is also very generous and a testament to his commitment that you, um, feel well, better.

I am feeling better, and I plan to continue seeing Matthew as much as I can, his rates are really accessible so common folk like me can afford to get the body work I need. The building is a bit obscure, but the actual massage suite is nicely tucked away in the back, clean and comfortable. I am really happy I took a chance with groupon and found a great massage therapist.

Matthew literally changed my life in one hour. Plagued by chronic pain in my lower back, I was gifted a groupon for a 60-minute massage. Before starting, we talked a little about sleeping habits, activity levels, and areas of discomfort. Was this a medical consultation too? Amazing. I felt very much attended to. Matt is exceedingly calm and collected. The massage began and he continued to ask questions and provide information. Matt pointed out areas of tension, stretching these parts out. It was neat to see how my range of motion before stretching compared to how far I was able to reach following being stretched. Being that this was a full body massage, he attended to all areas - including a head and neck massage! I've been incorporating his tips to alleviate tension and my pain has subsided. Highly recommended. I will definitely be back soon. Thanks Matthew.

I give Matthew Madden-Smith a top rating for the massages I have received so far.  His massage center has easy access; it is well-designed.  Most importantly, he gives you an excellent massage with careful enquiries about the state of your body, how the massage is proceeding and how you feel at the end.  One other nice touch is that he offers you a bottle of water at the end, before you leave in a much improved state of body and relaxation.  That is, feeling better.

I have had many massages and this one is up there with the best. The massage is very therapeutic, but also relaxing.  Mathew knows his craft and cares very much about his clients.  I have a chronic stiff neck and have been to many therapists.  Matthew was able, in one visit, to relieve my discomfort. He provides a clean and calm environment which is always appreciated.  I will certainly return and highly recommend him to anyone in need of an excellent massage.

I went for a deep tissue massage. He listened to what type of massage I wanted and the areas I wanted a massage. He seems knowledgeable and very genuine to help you feel better. Afterward, he spoke with me and gave me tips on what I can do to stay healthy.

Super happy with the massage I got from Matthew yesterday. He loosened up some muscles that have been knotted up for a long time and he did it in a firm but gentle way. He applied the perfect amount of pressure and was completely in tune with what my body needed. Matthew was completely engaged, putting all his energy into his work. Definitely will go back.

I'm not one to get massages very often so I'm no expert, but this guy worked his *** off making sure I had a great experience. He was 100% into making sure my knots and tweaked areas were successfully untied and untweaked. I have had shoulder problems and he really focused on that, working himself into a sweat to get that shoulder back to normal. It was still quite tender for a few hours after and I was a little worried, then later in the evening I realized, "Hey, my shoulder feels great!". So clearly, no pain no gain and he knew exactly what needed to be done. I liked the darkness of the room, the music, the calmness with which he maintained throughout, even when he was working so hard on me. Two thumbs up for Feeling Better!

I decided to try massage 6 months after a car accident had caused severe shoulder pain. My chiropractor did a great job of helping me to heal, but I was still experiencing tingling in my upper arm. I thought a massage might help. And it did!
Matt is a very good listener, asking questions about my needs and working with me toward wholeness. I highly recommend him.

This is the best massage I ever had!!! Seriously, I'm very picky about my massages, but this guy impress me on all levels!!! I strongly recommend him!!! He is worth every penny!!!

Matthew was very attentive to my individual needs, problem areas, and sensitivities. He seems knowledgeable about the body and skilled at noticing what's going on with mine. He checks in to make sure he's giving you what you need and that the pressure is right. I was very pleased with my massage and will be back once I have used some other massage Groupons I already purchased.

I've had several massages, but this was by far the best. Matthew was very professional and knowledgeable, and gave me some tips on what I could do at home to help some of the problem areas in my back. I've never left a massage feeling so great, and the feeling has lasted throughout the week. I went in with a groupon, but I will certainly be returning with or without the groupon deal.

I did not expect to see just one room because of my past massage experiences but that did not change the excellent quality or experience I received.
I absolutely enjoyed my massage. He was very personable and exceptionally experienced in his craft. I would refer anybody to him.

Matthew is amazing with his style and his massage. He is the first person to know how to work my problem area and do it well. He talks to you and wants to know how things are going when he is doing his magic. I have been so busy I haven't had time to write this review until now. I will be back as a repeat customer. He knows what he is doing and my back thanks him for me..

I met Matthew today, who spent an hour working with me to alleviate major "knots and kinks" that I have been tolerating for a few weeks. Not only was his technique totally effective but the instruction and education he imparted was very much appreciated !

I had my first massage with Matthew today. He is a very dedicated healer. He checked in with me often and gave me very informed answers when I had questions about the sources of my aches and pains. He seemed genuinely committed to achieving significant pain relief by the end of the massage. I definitely plan on going back for more massages with Matthew in the future.

I had a wonderful 90 minute massage with Matthew this past weekend. It was great. Matthew customized my massage to what I wanted and was very concerned I was having a good experience through out the entire time. He's very accommodating and professional. He also gave me tips on things I could do at home to relax tight muscles. I would definitely recommend him.

Another 5-star review for Matthew! The cramp in my right arm isn't barking at me as it was when I walked in the door and now I'm...FEELING BETTER. Easy to get to, convenient parking, relaxing Berkeley-zen atmosphere, professional demeanor, knowledgeable in his craft, educational for the user and for sure I'm coming back. PLUS Acme Cafe is right there for avocado toast afterward. Treat yourself to a session with Matthew - - you deserve it!

I was pleasantly surprised by my visit - both the environment and interaction were professional but comfortable and relaxing. Not only was the massage a very good one, but he seemed highly knowledgable and focused on accommodating your particular needs.

I give Matthew Madden-Smith a top rating for the massages I have received so far. His massage center has easy access; it is well-designed. Most importantly, he gives you an excellent massage with careful enquiries about the state of your body, how the massage is proceeding and how you feel at the end. One other nice touch is that he offers you a bottle of water at the end, before you leave in a much improved state of body and relaxation. That is, feeling better.

I purchased a Groupon for a 60 minute massage, and although I was late, Matthew still accommodated for me with the remaining time I had, trying his best to make it worth while. He offered helpful tips that I could do on my own too! The location was also in a serene setting, which added to to the relaxing atmosphere of the massage.

I went in for a 90 minutes massage, and Matthew was wonderful. I had a very stiff neck, and was in rough shape when I arrived. One of the first things I noticed was that the lights were brighter than I would've liked, however, once I closed my eyes, I was in another world. Matthew took his time, and focused on my problem areas. I felt very comfortable during the massage, and left there feeling amazingly relaxed. Afterwards, he gave me tips on how to take care of myself to prevent such issues from occurring again in the future. Highly recommend.

I have had many massages and this one is up there with the best. The massage is very therapeutic, but also relaxing. Mathew knows his craft and cares very much about his clients. I have a chronic stiff neck and have been to many therapists. Matthew was able, in one visit, to relieve my discomfort. He provides a clean and calm environment which is always appreciated. I will certainly return and highly recommend him to anyone in need of an excellent massage.

Matthew literally changed my life in one hour. Plagued by chronic pain in my lower back, I was gifted a groupon for a 60-minute massage. Before starting, we talked a little about sleeping habits, activity levels, and areas of discomfort. Was this a medical consultation too? Amazing. I felt very much attended to. Matt is exceedingly calm and collected. The massage began and he continued to ask questions and provide information. Matt pointed out areas of tension, stretching these parts out. It was neat to see how my range of motion before stretching compared to how far I was able to reach following being stretched. Being that this was a full body massage, he attended to all areas - including a head and neck massage! I've been incorporating his tips to alleviate tension and my pain has subsided. Highly recommended. I will definitely be back soon. Thanks Matthew.

I ordered a massage for my best friend/sister for her birthday off of groupon. It was nice talking to the owner straight up and he even scheduled an extra appointment that day just for her despite normally only taking three clients a day.

It was hard to find and we passed by the building probably a good three or so times before we had to call him up and he had to step out in order for us to even find him. The building seemed really sketchy, but the studio he has was very clean and professional. I can't speak for my sister on how well the massage was or not, but she seemed to highly enjoy it and felt great afterwards.

He was funny and relaxed and I knew my sister was in good hands. Just giving this place a 4 star rating based on how difficult the location of the place is, but overall I'd recommend anyone in Berkley to stop by at some point. You won't regret it!

Feeling better indeed! Thank you Matthew for your dedication in helping your clients unlike others.

I highly recommend him!

This was like no massage I've ever received, it felt more like physical therapy in that Matthew focused on key areas that were bothering me and I left feeling some serious relief, especially in places I didn't realize were hurting. He shares as much or as little as you want, very accommodating, just tell him what's going on and he knows what to do. Unconventional, but in a good way.He also shared some stretches and techniques I can do on my own to feel better which is also very generous and a testament to his commitment that you, um, feel well, better.

I am feeling better, and I plan to continue seeing Matthew as much as I can, his rates are really accessible so common folk like me can afford to get the body work I need. The building is a bit obscure, but the actual massage suite is nicely tucked away in the back, clean and comfortable. I am really happy I took a chance with groupon and found a great massage therapist.