Grace Bender, CMT

Grace was everything I could have hoped for in a Doula. She was present, purposeful, supportive in the ways I/​we needed, and completely non-​judgmental.
She took time to get to know us before the birth, and did an amazing job of gauging our needs on the day of. She explained things when things needed explaining. She advocated for us when appropriate, and without alienating the hospital staff. She was hands on when I needed her support, and also willing to step back and help my partner support me in other moments.
I am so happy to have found Grace, and so grateful for her role in the great birth experience my partner and I had!

Grace is AMAZING! I had the best massage from her ever. She really addressed my needs since I had some severe lower back pain. The pressure was perfect and she finds ALL the knots and painful areas and work thorough them. I feel totally safe and comfortable under her care while she does her magic with her strong hands.
I felt SO great afterward I was tickle pink. If you haven’t had a massage from her
I highly recommend her. She has great energy, strong hands and she reallly knows her craft. Karen C.

I have had at least a dozen massages over the years with Grace, her touch and skill are exceptional. I always leave feeling relaxed head to toe and that my muscles were worked the appropriate amount for my body tolerance which is always appreciated. I’ve experienced many body workers over the years and I believe Grace is one of the best around. As a chiropractor with a focus on pregnancy and pediatrics I have always had full confidence referring my pregnant mamas to her for pre and post natal body work as well as her doula services. Thank you Grace!

Purchased a Living Social deal for a 90 mins pre-​natal massage and glad I didn’t pay for the full price as I was rescheduled twice. The first she had hurt her back (understandable) but didn’t get the cancellation notice sent via email till I had arrived the next day and time of my appointment. Second time around, I had met her outside to find out that she had been locked out of her office. One would be appreciative of additional time given as a customer service gesture for the inconvenience, but this wasn’t the case. Massage was alright but no attention had been given to the back of my legs which is always helpful for an expectant mother. Noisy environment by Bart tracks, bus lines and traffic noise.

Today was my first pre-​natal yoga visit with Grace at Alive Chiropractice. She was friendly and welcoming at greeting and checking in. I used my living social purchase and was looking to relax which my body desperate needed. Prior to coming to here I have a membership at Massage Envy in Alameda which claims they also have therapists specialize in prenatal which I have been rather unsatisfied.
Grace was in tune with my neck and back and focused there. Her pressure was not too light. It actually was perfect! I look forward to seeing her again despite her limited availability. Her presence is calming and made me very relaxed

Best massage I have ever had. I got a prenatal massage and found Grace through Living Social. The space was really nice and Grace was amazing in every way!

I had the best massage I’ve ever had when I went to Grace. She was very calming and checked in about pressure and how I was feeling. I think I fell asleep a couple of time and I believe I may have even drooled because I was sooooo relaxed. The environment was very relaxed and I clean and I felt very comfortable. I’ll recommend her to everyone. She was A-​M-​A-​Z-​I-​N-​G!

I have had a few massages with Grace. She knows exactly just how light or deep to go by feel, and she asks as well. I have NEVER let someone massage my calves as it’s too painful, they’re too tight. I let Grace, and I have to say when I left, I felt like I was walking a lot lighter then when I walked in. Relaxing, healing, with great communication both verbally and through her hands and arms, Grace gives a great massage experience. I highly recommend her to anyone needing a healing massage, a relaxing massage. I have recommended Grace to many people I know, both in Oakland and elsewhere.

Receiving a massage from Grace Bender is the complete relaxation my body needed. As a social worker and student, I carry my stress in my shoulders and neck. Grace seems to be in tune with exactly how hard to press and how to release the tension. I have also never felt so comfortable as I did with her. She made me feel free to communicate what I preferred and checked in throughout the massage to make sure my experience was comfortable.
I always recommend Grace to anyone who is looking for the best massage experience.