Therapeutic bodywork for people who need a gentler approach.

Thoughtful, individualized care, whether you're managing chronic pain, tension, stress, or seeking lymphatic support.

Each session is shaped around what your body needs that day. Sometimes that means slow, focused work to address an area of pain, tension, or restricted movement. Other times it means a more soothing and restorative approach using techniques like Swedish massage. In some cases, it means a more specialized approach for specific health conditions using Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), a gentle manual therapy technique that uses light, rhythmic movements to support the body's natural lymphatic flow.

The goal is never to force change, but to meet your body where it is.

About

I’m Karen Davison, a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) 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 experience is part of what led me to complete my certification in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, a specialized and gentle approach that can be appropriate for certain types of swelling and for people living with chronic pain or other health challenges. It has also deepened my interest in working with people who may need a gentler, more responsive approach to hands-on care.

The desire to have a direct and meaningful impact is 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 philosophy. Slow, attentive work that responds to your body’s needs and supports a more regulated nervous system.

My therapeutic bodywork is integrative, drawing 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 techniques may be used individually or combined within a session.

Myofascial Release (MFR) works with the body’s fascial system, a continuous, web-like network of connective tissue that surrounds and connects every structure throughout the body. The work uses slow, sustained contact and is typically performed without oil or lotion, with the practitioner often staying on an area for several minutes rather than moving continuously from one stroke to the next. The approach can feel more like hands-on physical therapy than traditional massage, and may incorporate active movement or participation when appropriate.

Deep tissue massage is a more focused approach that uses slow, concentrated pressure to address areas of persistent tension and muscular restriction. Rather than continuous broad strokes, the work may focus on specific areas to access deeper layers of tissue.

Swedish massage uses flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and rhythmic movement to ease everyday tension and encourage relaxation. It offers a more soothing and restorative approach for those looking to slow down, unwind, and support overall well-being.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization that uses very light, precise, rhythmic movements to support lymphatic function and promote the movement of lymph fluid. It can be especially appropriate when a particularly gentle approach is needed or when lymphatic support is part of the session’s goals.

Techniques, pressure, pace, and positioning are adapted to what is most appropriate for you rather than following a predetermined sequence.


Session Rates

Sessions are currently offered at a professional treatment space in the Los Angeles area.

Availability varies from week to week. Your specific day, time, and location will be confirmed when your session is scheduled. Longer sessions can allow more time for focused work, multiple areas of concern, or a slower pace when appropriate.

Therapeutic Bodywork

A personalized, integrative session drawing from massage and manual therapy techniques to address areas of pain, tension, restricted movement, or general stress. Techniques may include myofascial release (MFR), deep tissue, and Swedish massage.


60 minutes $100
90 minutes $150
120 minutes $200

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

A gentle, therapeutic form of soft-tissue mobilization that uses light, rhythmic techniques to support the lymphatic system and promote the movement of lymph fluid. MLD is a specialized approach that differs from conventional massage and may be appropriate for post-surgical or post-traumatic swelling, sensitivity, or when a particularly gentle approach is needed.


60 minutes $130
90 minutes $195
120 minutes $260

In-home sessions are offered on a limited basis for established clients and by referral only. Rates reflect the additional travel time, mileage, equipment transport, and setup required for in-home sessions. Availability depends on location, accessibility, and whether the space is suitable for a professional bodywork session. Please contact me to inquire.

What to Expect

A few things to know before your session.

Scheduling a Session

Start by sharing what you're looking for.

Submit your preferred session, date, and time, along with a little information about what you'd like to focus on. I’ll review your request, confirm availability, and follow up with the next steps.

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.