Myofascial Pain Solutions

I am writing this review less than 24 hours after seeing Kate for a mysterious, vague abdominal discomfort in my left side that has been plaguing me for nearly 2 years. With some scary cancer history in my immediate family, my first thoughts were to rule out colon and ovarian cancers (none) and then look more closely at other major organs (healthy). Ruling out possibility after possibility was great but frustrating, since the MDs were at a point of suggesting it was just «one of those things» that I’d be living with for a while. Then one of them mentioned it might be muscular, and Kate Simmons immediately popped to mind.
I booked an appointment right away and as I described the vague (yet maddening) pulling, abraded sensation that seemed to be just on the underside of my skin, Kate’s expression instantly switched from inquisitive to confident and she briskly got down to business. In one hour she worked on trigger points in my back, my side and the front of my ribcage, and even though I have been moving very gingerly for fear that the sensation will return — it is GONE. Amazingly, delightfully, totally gone!
I am experiencing relief for the first time in ages and am so unfamiliar with the feeling that I am pinching myself to make sure it is real. Kate also gave me self-​care tools in the event of a recurrence, and guided me away from the repetitive motion habits that contributed to the condition in the first place. Best news of all? She encouraged me to MOVE IT a lot to keep the area supple, just in time for my back-​to-​back dance classes last night, which I thoroughly enjoyed with ZERO discomfort.
THANK YOU KATIE! You are the best.

I suffer from a rare movement disorder that causes a great deal of pain, is disfiguring to my appearance, and for which there is no traditional medical treatment. Kate Simmons was able to alleviate the pain immediately, but I was quite surprised when many of my unpleasant, involuntary movements ceased entirely after a few visits. My various doctors were astounded by the results, which have been life-​transforming.
Kate is clearly a respected expert in her field, and she has done a good job of explaining the principles of her form of healthcare. I was particularly pleased to learn that she was reading up on the peculiarities of my condition, which I do not think many myofascial therapists run across. Even before my awkward movements cleared up, her enthusiasm and tenacity gave me hope.
She is affable and has an infectiously good vibe, which we all know are an important qualities for someone to have when you’re dealing with sensitive health issues.
Kate’s office is conveniently located only a few minutes’ walk from the Glen Park BART station, in a beautiful and safe part of the city.
Results speak for themselves. The quality of my life has improved 200%. I give her five stars only because fifteen doesn’t seem to be an option on Unilocal

Katie Simmons is the most effective massage therapist I’ve ever seen. I’m a distance runner and her treatments are a key part of my running schedule. Her hands locate tight/​tender areas and release tension so remarkably, and so much more effectively anyone I’ve been to. She’s very knowledgeable, and effectively communicates what’s going on with your physiology. Also a plus, she’s super cool and engaging, with a great patient manner. I also like that she is passionate about her field, constantly learning and training.
It’s also a plus that her office is along BART/​J Church and bus lines (and parking is relatively easy if you drive).
Her rates are reasonable too. Only down side is she’s very popular, so it’s best to book her well in advance. (On the other hand, she’ll make every effort to accommodate urgent scheduling requests.)

Found Kate on Unilocal,seeking a therapist who does trigger point work. She’s great – smart, friendly, knowledgeable, strong, and always wanting to learn more. Her work has helped me heal and prevent new injury, and she’s often sent me away with new stretches and self-​care strategies. The office is lovely and comfortable and her rates are very competitive. Hours are somewhat limited, but she’s been very responsive to my last-​minute requests when possible. Highly recommended!

I started seeing Kate after chiropractic, etc, etc, etc. had failed me. For two years I was having pain that affected my every day life. Since seeing Kate, I have been able to get back to working out and, well, sleeping at night!
Try it, you won’t be disappointed!

Love my sessions with Kate. With her, I discovered each side of my torso had some exquisitely tense areas that responded well to some intensive and targeted massage. (Kate is the only masseuse who has ever concentrated on these areas — with precision.) Didn’t know my right arm/​shoulder was limited in movement, either, but now — all better!
Also, Kate uses a computer program for you to color in where you’re hurting/​are sore. She has great knowledge of referred pain areas. (You have a knot in your upper arm? Try massaging the shoulder joint…)
Really needed the extra attention on my body due to pregnancy strain. With these massages and my workbook on home trigger point therapy (basic tool = tennis ball), things are hunky-​dory. (Kate will give you some home exercises/​stretching, too, if called-​for.)
I’m pretty picky about my masseuses — they’d better be precise and technical — with adequate pressure, or I ain’t coming back.

Like the other reviewer, I tried acupuncture which gave me a temporary relief, paid numerous visits to chiropractors and other massage therapists to help work on an issue with my shoulder but after 1 visit with Kate, I walked out of her office feeling the best I have ever felt in years! Kate also taught me trigger point techniques I could do at home but I will definitely be seeing her again for maintenance.

Kate has helped me tremendously. Before finding her I had tried chiropractic, acupuncture, other massage therapies but this is it. for me. Her touch is perfect. And if you are a Kaiser member the referral rate is unbelievable. Can’t wait for my next appointment.

i first came to Kate following a motorcycle accident. The cast was off but I still couldn’t make my hands work and they always hurt. Kate not only got them working again, but also taught me how to keep them working and keep the pain away. And, when i don’t treat them right, Kate can get them working again. I’ve gotten much better at taking care of them, through her coaching and encouragement, and now, amazingly, they are pain free. Kate is so peasant and helpful, I see her now for tune-​ups just so I can see her. Suffer no longer… go see Kate!