Gentle, effective bodywork for chronic pain, stress, and sensitive nervous systems.
Each session is shaped around what your body needs that day. Sometimes that means slow, focused work with a specific area of pain or tension. Other times it means taking a gentler, more restorative approach.
A slower pace allows the work to engage deeper layers of tissue without relying on excessive pressure. The goal is never to force change, but to meet your body where it is.
About
I’m Karen Davison, a Certified Massage Therapist based in Los Angeles, California.
Before becoming a massage therapist, I spent over a decade working in graphic design and illustration. Years behind a computer left me with a growing appreciation for how deeply stress, posture, and daily habits can affect the body. Massage first became something I sought out for myself, then something I felt called to study more deeply.
What ultimately led me to change careers was helping someone close to me, who was living with chronic illness, find genuine relief through touch. It reminded me that I wanted my work to have a more direct and meaningful impact on people's lives.
That's still what motivates me today. I want to help people move through pain, feel more at ease in their bodies, and leave each session feeling a little more connected to themselves than when they arrived.
Services
All sessions are grounded in the same approach. Slow, attentive work that responds to your body’s needs and supports a more regulated nervous system.
My approach to therapeutic bodywork is integrative, drawing from multiple massage and manual therapy techniques rather than relying on a single modality. Sessions are tailored to your goals, areas of concern, and what is most appropriate for you.
Depending on which techniques are used, some sessions may feel more like the hands-on portion of a physical therapy session than a traditional massage. Rather than continuous massage strokes, the work may involve sustained, static contact with specific areas, active movement or stretching, and changes in positioning. This allows for a more interactive approach to working with areas of tension and restricted movement.
Myofascial Release (MFR) can be incorporated when appropriate, alongside deep tissue and Swedish massage techniques. These approaches may be used individually or combined depending on the session.
The goal is not to apply as many techniques as possible, but to use the right approach for what your body needs that day.
Treatment Room Sessions
These sessions are offered at a professional treatment space, with availability varying from week to week. Your specific day, time, and location will be confirmed when your session is scheduled.
In-Home Sessions
These sessions are provided in your home or another agreed-upon location. Additional travel time and equipment setup are reflected in the in-home rate.
Session Rates
60 minutes
$100
Treatment Room
$150
In-home
90 minutes
$150
Treatment Room
$210
In-home
120 minutes
$200
Treatment Room
$280
In-home
In-home sessions include travel within approximately 30 miles from Lake View Terrace, CA. Beyond this range, additional travel fees may apply.
What to Expect
A few things to know before your session.
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All sessions begin with an appointment request. Choose your preferred session, date, time, and location, and provide the requested information about what you'd like to focus on.
New clients will complete a health history intake and client agreement before their first session. Returning clients will complete a brief health and session update so I can stay informed about any changes in their health, symptoms, or areas of focus.
I personally review each appointment request before confirming it. This allows me to review the information you've provided, make sure the requested session and location are a good fit, and follow up if I have any questions.
Your session is not finalized until I’ve reviewed the details and sent you a confirmation.
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Therapeutic bodywork is an integrative approach to massage and manual therapy that draws from multiple massage and manual therapy techniques rather than relying on a single modality. Depending on what you're experiencing and what you'd like to work on, different approaches may be used individually or combined within a session.
Myofascial Release (MFR) works with the fascial system, a continuous, web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds, supports, and connects every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ throughout the entire body. When you experience physical injury, stress, or poor posture, this tissue can tighten, contract, and stick together, creating restricted "tight spots" that pull your body out of alignment and cause chronic pain. MFR uses slow, sustained pressure, holding specific areas for several minutes at a time without oil or lotion, allowing the bound-up, restricted tissue to warm, soften, and slowly release. Because fascia is a three-dimensional, uninterrupted sheet of tissue that connects the entire body, MFR takes a more whole-body perspective rather than treating areas in isolation. Releasing tension in one area often alleviates pain elsewhere.
Deep tissue massage is a more targeted modality that can be helpful for breaking down persistent knots and releasing chronic tension stored in the deeper layers of muscle. Instead of broad, relaxing strokes, it uses slow, concentrated pressure applied across the grain of deep muscle fibers, targeting specific problem areas and adhesions.
Swedish massage is a relaxing modality designed to ease everyday tension, boost circulation, and calm the nervous system. It typically uses long, gliding strokes and gentle kneading, working on the top layers of muscle tissue. It is best for people who are new to bodywork or just want a more soothing and restorative experience to improve overall wellness.
Depending on the approach, a session may also include active movement or stretching, changes in positioning, or sustained contact rather than continuous massage strokes.
The techniques used, along with the pressure, pace, and positioning, are adapted to what is most appropriate for the session rather than following a predetermined sequence.
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Your first session begins with a conversation about your health history, current concerns, and goals for your session. This helps me understand how to best support you and tailor your therapeutic bodywork approach.
Please complete all required intake forms before your first appointment so I can review important health information and prepare for your session.
Throughout your appointment, communication is encouraged. You are always welcome to ask questions, request adjustments, or share feedback about your comfort level.
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Please arrive clean and ready for hands-on care. A shower or bath before your session is appreciated, particularly after exercise, work, or other activities that may result in sweat or strong odors.
If your session includes Myofascial Release (MFR), please arrive with clean, dry skin free of body oils or lotions. MFR requires direct skin contact, and clean, dry skin provides the traction needed for slow, sustained work with the tissues. For other massage techniques, please avoid applying oils, lotions, or strongly scented products immediately before your session, as they can affect the work and the session environment.
You’re welcome to eat and drink normally before your session, but staying reasonably hydrated and allowing yourself a little time to arrive and settle in can help you get the most from your session.
For in-home sessions, please also have a clean, comfortable space ready for the session and secure pets in another area unless we’ve discussed otherwise.
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For in-home sessions, I’ll bring the massage table and equipment needed for your session. Please have a clean, comfortable space ready with enough room for the table and safe movement around it.
The space should be free from smoke, strong odors, hazards, and other conditions that could interfere with a safe and professional session. Pets should be secured in another area unless we’ve discussed otherwise in advance.
Because I’ll be transporting and setting up equipment, the location must have safe, reasonably accessible, and unobstructed access. A few small steps are generally fine, but I’m unable to navigate flights of stairs, narrow staircases, tight passageways, steep or uneven access routes, or other obstacles that make transporting equipment difficult or unsafe.
If you’re unsure whether your space is suitable, please contact me before submitting an appointment request. I’m happy to discuss the access and setup requirements with you.
For your comfort and privacy, in-home sessions are intended to be a private, one-on-one experience. Children, guests, and other individuals should not interrupt the session unless their presence has been discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
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My approach generally focuses on medium pressure, but pressure is always individualized. If you prefer lighter pressure or are more comfortable with a gentler approach, I will respect that and adjust the session accordingly.
I don't believe that more pressure necessarily means more effective work. When pressure is applied too quickly or aggressively, it can increase discomfort and cause the body to guard or resist. Instead, I use pressure gradually and intentionally, allowing the tissues time to respond rather than forcing them.
Certain techniques may involve firmer, more sustained pressure when appropriate. For example, Myofascial Release (MFR) and deep tissue massage are often performed slowly, allowing me to sense how the tissues respond and adjust the pressure and pace accordingly.
The goal is not to overpower the body, but to work with it. Your comfort and response guide the depth, pressure, and pace of the session, and adjustments can be made at any time.
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Only to your level of comfort. What you wear or remove depends on the techniques being used during your session.
For Myofascial Release (MFR), wear a sports bra or tank top and athletic shorts, and arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotion or oils. MFR requires direct skin contact and does not use draping.
For massage techniques that involve direct work to the skin, professional draping is used, with only the area being worked on uncovered. If you prefer to remain more fully clothed, we can discuss approaches that may be appropriate for your goals.
You are always welcome to ask questions or request adjustments to clothing, draping, positioning, or the areas being worked on.
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Therapeutic bodywork is a professional service, and a respectful environment is expected for both client and practitioner.
Clear communication, mutual respect, and appropriate professional boundaries are expected throughout the session. You may ask questions, communicate your preferences, request changes, or ask to pause or stop the session at any time.
Sexual harassment, sexual or suggestive comments, sexual requests, innuendo, inappropriate touching, intimidation, discrimination, threats, or other behavior that compromises safety or professional boundaries are not permitted.
If professional boundaries are violated, the session may be ended immediately. Payment for the scheduled session may still be required, and future appointments may be declined.
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Some techniques may feel intense or create a strong sensation in the moment, and that can be a normal part of therapeutic work. What matters is that the sensation remains within a level you can comfortably tolerate.
There is a difference between something feeling intense and becoming too much. If a sensation feels painful, overwhelming, or simply doesn't feel right, please let me know. Pressure, pace, positioning, technique, or the area being addressed can be adjusted at any time. You can also ask to pause or stop the session at any point.
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Yes.
Please provide complete and accurate information about your health history, current conditions, medications, injuries, surgeries, and any other factors that may affect your session.
This information helps me provide safe, appropriate care. Therapeutic bodywork is not a substitute for medical examination, diagnosis, or treatment, and you may be advised to consult with a healthcare provider when appropriate.
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Everyone responds differently. Many people feel relaxed, lighter, or more at ease after a session, and you may notice changes in body awareness, mobility, or areas of tension.
Some people experience temporary soreness, tenderness, fatigue, or changes in how they feel, particularly after more focused or unfamiliar work. These responses are generally temporary and may change over the following day or two.
A stronger response does not necessarily mean a more effective session. I aim to work at a level that provides therapeutic input without overwhelming your system. If you experience anything that concerns you after a session, you're welcome to reach out.
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Appointments are reserved specifically for each client. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 24 hours' notice whenever possible.
Appointments canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to the full session fee. Missed appointments may be charged the full session fee.
Exceptions may be considered in cases of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.
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If you arrive late, your session may need to be shortened in order to accommodate the remainder of your reserved appointment time.
The full session fee will still apply, and arriving late does not extend the scheduled appointment time.
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Payment is due at the completion of your session unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
A valid payment is required to reserve your appointment.
Scheduling a Session
Every session begins with understanding your needs.
Submit your preferred session, date, time, and location, and provide the requested information about what you'd like to focus on. I’ll review the details, confirm availability, and follow up to arrange your session.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more?
Whether you’d like to learn more about my approach, discuss your goals, or simply ask a few questions before getting started, I’d be happy to hear from you. Reach out anytime and I’ll help you determine the best next step.