Massage Services in Palo Alto | Pain Relief & Relaxation | Avy Spa

AVY SPA · PALO ALTO

Massage Services in Palo Alto for Pain Relief & Relaxation

Choose care for neck and shoulder tension, back tightness, tired hips and legs, sports recovery, facial tension, lymphatic relaxation or full-body stress relief. Avy Spa offers personalized massage in Palo Alto near Stanford, with free parking behind the building.

CHOOSE YOUR FOCUS

Choose where your body feels tight.

Start with the part of your body asking for attention. Each guide connects symptoms, service options and helpful enhancements.

ALL MASSAGE SERVICES

See what each service targets—and how it works.

Every Avy Spa service is explained below by pain point, body area, hands-on approach and the add-ons that pair naturally with it.

UPPER-BODY TENSION RELIEF

Neck, shoulders, back & waist

Focused services for headaches, jaw tension, neck stiffness, shoulder tightness, back knots and waist discomfort.

upper body
Focused shoulder and upper-back massage

Trigger Point Massage

Relief focusNeck · shoulders · back · waist · hips · glutes

Trigger point massage gives specific areas more focused time. Your therapist locates tense muscle bands, applies controlled pressure and works around the area gradually rather than forcing it.

More Service Information
Effect
May help soften stubborn knots and ease tension that spreads from one tight point.
Pain points
Dense knots, localized tightness and areas that stay tense after ordinary relaxation massage.
Target areas
Neck · shoulders · back · waist · hips · glutes
Massage techniques
  • Confirm the exact spot and how the sensation travels
  • Warm surrounding tissue before focused pressure
  • Use sustained or repeated pressure within your comfort
  • Recheck movement and sensitivity as the work progresses
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

upper body
Neck acupressure massage at Avy Spa

Neck Acupressure Therapy

Relief focusNeck · upper shoulders · base of skull

This focused service uses deliberate pressure and slow muscle work around the neck and upper shoulders. Pressure is adjusted carefully because this area can be sensitive.

More Service Information
Effect
May help the neck turn more comfortably and reduce the heavy, tight feeling across the shoulders.
Pain points
Screen-time tension, a stiff neck, shoulder elevation and tension that climbs toward the head.
Target areas
Neck · upper shoulders · base of skull
Massage techniques
  • Begin with broad shoulder and upper-back warming
  • Work along the upper shoulders and neck muscles
  • Use controlled acupressure around the base of the skull
  • Finish with gentle movement or stretching when appropriate
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

upper body
Head, neck and shoulder tension relief massage

Tension Headache Relief

Relief focusTemples · scalp · jaw · neck · shoulders

This service focuses on the muscular areas commonly involved when stress and posture create head tension. It uses gentle-to-moderate work rather than aggressive pressure around the head.

More Service Information
Effect
May calm muscular tension around the scalp, temples, jaw, neck and shoulders.
Pain points
Stress-related head tension, screen fatigue and tightness that begins in the neck or shoulders.
Target areas
Temples · scalp · jaw · neck · shoulders
Massage techniques
  • Settle the upper back and shoulders first
  • Use focused neck and base-of-skull pressure
  • Add scalp, temple or jaw work as comfortable
  • Finish slowly to support an unhurried reset
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

upper body
Hot stone back tension massage

Back Tension · Hot Stone

Relief focusShoulders · upper back · mid-back · lower back

Smooth heated stones bring steady warmth to the back while the therapist combines them with hands-on massage. Temperature and pressure are always adjusted to your comfort.

More Service Information
Effect
Steady warmth may help guarded back muscles soften before and during massage.
Pain points
A back that feels guarded, tight or slow to relax with pressure alone.
Target areas
Shoulders · upper back · mid-back · lower back
Massage techniques
  • Confirm temperature comfort before placement
  • Warm broad back muscles gradually
  • Combine stone glides with hands-on massage
  • Spend focused time around your priority back area
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

LEGS & SPORTS RECOVERY

Hips, glutes, legs & active muscles

Recovery and mobility-focused services for tight hips, sore glutes, tired legs, stiff calves and overworked feet.

lower body
Sports muscle recovery and back walking massage

Sports Muscle Recovery

Relief focusLegs · hips · glutes · back · shoulders · priority muscles

Sports recovery massage focuses on the muscles most affected by training, work or repetitive movement. It can combine compression, firmer massage and mobility work without turning the session into a workout.

More Service Information
Effect
May help active or overworked muscles feel less tight and better prepared for comfortable movement.
Pain points
Post-workout soreness, repetitive activity and muscles that feel shortened or overused.
Target areas
Legs · hips · glutes · back · shoulders · priority muscles
Massage techniques
  • Discuss recent activity and sensitive areas
  • Warm tissue before deeper work
  • Use compression and focused muscle strokes
  • Add mobility work only within a comfortable range
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

lower body
Assisted Thai stretching and recovery massage

Traditional Thai Healing

Relief focusHips · legs · back · shoulders

Thai-inspired bodywork combines rhythmic compression with guided stretching. The therapist supports the body through comfortable positions rather than forcing range.

More Service Information
Effect
Compression and supported stretching may help a stiff body feel more open and mobile.
Pain points
Stiffness, reduced flexibility and clients who enjoy movement-based bodywork.
Target areas
Hips · legs · back · shoulders
Massage techniques
  • Discuss mobility limits before beginning
  • Use rhythmic palm or forearm compression
  • Guide supported stretches gradually
  • Adjust or skip any position that does not feel right
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

BEAUTY & FULL-BODY RELAXATION

Face, body & complete reset

Head-to-toe services for general tension, stress, body heaviness, postnatal recovery or relaxing together.

full body
Deep tissue massage for full-body tension

Deep Tissue Massage

Relief focusFull body · stubborn tension · priority areas

Slow, firm and personalized pressure focuses on stubborn tension while keeping the full-body session balanced around your comfort.

More Service Information
Effect
May help stubborn muscle tension feel softer while giving priority areas the time and pressure they need.
Pain points
Stubborn muscle tension, firmer-pressure preferences and active or overworked areas.
Target areas
Full body · back · shoulders · legs · customized priority areas
Massage techniques
  • Confirm firm-pressure preferences and priority areas
  • Warm the body gradually before deeper work
  • Use slower, focused pressure where needed
  • Keep pressure within your comfort throughout
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

full body
Relaxing Swedish full-body massage

Swedish Massage

Relief focusFull body · light-to-medium pressure · stress relief

Light-to-medium pressure and flowing full-body massage help your body unwind and calm mental stress. For focused pain, choose a targeted service or add Herbal Recovery Oil.

More Service Information
Effect
May help the whole body feel lighter, calmer and more rested from head to toe.
Pain points
Mental stress, everyday tightness, first visits and guests who prefer gentle-to-medium pressure.
Target areas
Full body · neck · shoulders · back · arms · legs
Massage techniques
  • Confirm light-to-medium pressure preferences
  • Use broad, flowing full-body strokes
  • Keep transitions slow and unhurried
  • Give gentle extra time to neck, shoulders or back
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

full body
Aromatherapy relaxation massage

Aromatherapy Massage

Relief focusFull body · especially neck and shoulders

Aromatherapy massage combines flowing full-body work with essential oil selected for a calm sensory experience. The aroma supports the atmosphere; the hands-on massage remains the heart of the session.

More Service Information
Effect
May help the body and mind settle through slow full-body massage and a gentle aromatic experience.
Pain points
Stress, difficulty settling, mental fatigue and clients who prefer a soothing pace.
Target areas
Full body · especially neck and shoulders
Massage techniques
  • Confirm scent sensitivity and preference
  • Use slow, connected full-body strokes
  • Spend extra time where stress gathers
  • Keep transitions quiet and unhurried
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

full body
Gentle lymphatic drainage massage

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

Relief focusArms · legs · torso · full body

Lymphatic-style massage uses light, rhythmic movements rather than deep muscle pressure. The sequence is gentle and should feel calming, not forceful.

More Service Information
Effect
Feather-light rhythmic work supports a gentle session and a lighter, less heavy body feeling.
Pain points
Clients seeking very light pressure, a sense of body heaviness or a quiet recovery session.
Target areas
Arms · legs · torso · full body
Massage techniques
  • Confirm goals, comfort and relevant health history
  • Use light rhythmic strokes
  • Follow a calm, methodical body sequence
  • Avoid deep pressure during lymphatic-focused work
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

full body
Postnatal recovery massage

Postnatal Recovery Massage

Relief focusBack · shoulders · hips · legs · full body

Postnatal massage is paced around comfort, current recovery and individual needs. The session can focus on shoulders, back and hips while still giving the whole body time to settle.

More Service Information
Effect
May help tired shoulders, back, hips and legs relax through a gentle comfort-led session.
Pain points
New-parent muscular fatigue, feeding posture tension and a restorative pause after birth.
Target areas
Back · shoulders · hips · legs · full body
Massage techniques
  • Discuss current recovery and positioning needs
  • Support the body with comfortable bolstering
  • Focus on shoulders, back and hips as requested
  • Adjust pressure and pacing throughout
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

full body
Couples massage at Avy Spa

Couples Massage

Relief focusCustomized separately for each guest

Two guests receive massage at the same time in the same room. Each person confirms their own pressure, focus areas and comfort preferences with their therapist.

More Service Information
Effect
Helps two guests relax together while each receives individual pressure and body-area focus.
Pain points
Partners, friends or family who want to relax together without receiving identical sessions.
Target areas
Customized separately for each guest
Massage techniques
  • Confirm each guest's preferences separately
  • Begin and finish the sessions together
  • Customize pressure and focus individually
  • Keep the shared room calm and private
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

upper body
Facial gua sha massage

Facial Gua Sha Massage

Relief focusFace · jawline · temples · neck

A smooth facial tool is used with light glide across the face, jawline and temples. The experience is gentle, unhurried and paired with hands-on facial massage.

More Service Information
Effect
May help the jaw, cheeks and temples feel softer and less tense through gentle tool massage.
Pain points
Facial tension, jaw tightness and clients wanting a gentle face-and-neck ritual.
Target areas
Face · jawline · temples · neck
Massage techniques
  • Apply comfortable facial glide
  • Use light outward tool strokes
  • Focus on jawline, cheeks and temples
  • Include gentle neck transitions when appropriate
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

upper body
Facial lymphatic drainage massage

Facial Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Relief focusFace · jawline · sides of neck

This facial service uses very light, rhythmic hand movements. It is different from deep facial massage and is designed to feel subtle and calming.

More Service Information
Effect
Very light rhythmic facial massage supports a calm, refreshed and less puffy feeling.
Pain points
A puffy or heavy facial feeling and clients who prefer feather-light pressure.
Target areas
Face · jawline · sides of neck
Massage techniques
  • Begin with gentle neck preparation
  • Use feather-light facial movements
  • Follow the jawline and facial contours
  • Keep pressure consistently soft
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

lower body
Pregnancy-aware prenatal massage

Prenatal Massage

Relief focusLower back · hips · legs · shoulders

Prenatal massage adapts positioning, bolstering and pressure for pregnancy comfort. Your therapist confirms your stage of pregnancy and any provider guidance before beginning.

More Service Information
Effect
May ease everyday muscular tension while prioritizing pregnancy-aware positioning and comfort.
Pain points
Everyday pregnancy-related muscular tension and tired areas, with comfort and positioning as the priority.
Target areas
Lower back · hips · legs · shoulders
Massage techniques
  • Confirm pregnancy stage and comfort needs
  • Use supportive side-lying or adjusted positioning
  • Focus on common muscular tension areas
  • Keep pressure and transitions pregnancy-aware
Optional add-on recommendations · not included

Separate recommendation: These enhancements are not included in the original service or its listed price.

Not sure which service fits?

Start with where you feel tension, then compare the effect, target areas and hands-on techniques shown for each service.

SERVICE Q&A

Not sure what to book?

Start with what you feel—not the massage name. These answers point you toward a service, and your therapist will confirm the final focus and pressure before beginning.

What should I book for neck and shoulder pain?

Start with Neck Acupressure Therapy when the neck and upper shoulders are the main problem. Choose Trigger Point Massage when you also feel firm knots around the shoulder blades. Hot Stone or Body Gua Sha can be added separately for warmth or more concentrated work.

What should I book for a tension headache?

Tension Headache Relief focuses on the scalp, temples, base of the skull, neck and shoulders. If jaw clenching or facial tightness is part of the problem, Facial Gua Sha may also be helpful. Sudden, severe or unusual headaches need medical evaluation.

Which service is best for back or waist pain?

Trigger Point Massage is useful when you can identify specific knots. Back Tension · Hot Stone is a good choice when the back feels broadly stiff and slow to relax. Cupping or Body Gua Sha may be added separately for a focused back or waist area.

What should I choose for hip or glute tension?

Choose Trigger Point Massage for concentrated hip or glute knots. Choose Traditional Thai Healing when stiffness and mobility are the bigger concerns. Thai Stretching can be added separately for supported movement during the session.

What massage helps tired legs, calves or feet?

Sports Muscle Recovery fits overworked legs after training or repetitive activity. A Deep Tissue Massage can also be customized with extra time on the calves and feet. Tell us whether the area feels sore, heavy, tight or sensitive.

What should I book for stress and full-body relaxation?

Choose Swedish Massage for flowing full-body relaxation, or Deep Tissue Massage when selected muscle areas also need firmer attention. Aromatherapy is a separate service choice when a calm sensory experience is your main goal.

What is the difference between Swedish and Deep Tissue?

Swedish massage generally uses flowing, relaxing strokes. Deep Tissue uses slower, firmer work in selected areas. You do not need deep pressure everywhere: your therapist can blend both styles based on your comfort and priorities.

What are Body Gua Sha and Cupping best for?

Body Gua Sha Therapy uses smooth tool-assisted strokes over tight neck, shoulder, back or waist muscles. Therapeutic Cupping uses lifting suction over one focused area. Both can cause temporary redness or visible marks.

Are the recommended add-ons included in the massage service?

No. Every add-on shown under a service is a separate, optional recommendation. It is not included in the original massage service or its listed price. If selected, it is integrated into the massage time you booked and cannot be booked alone.

Should I book 60, 90 or 120 minutes?

Choose 60 minutes for general relaxation or one clear focus area. Choose 90 minutes when you want full-body massage plus detailed work on one or two areas. Choose 120 minutes when several areas need attention or you prefer a slower, more complete head-to-toe pace.

Can I receive massage during pregnancy?

Book Prenatal Massage so positioning, bolstering and pressure can be adapted for comfort. Please tell us your stage of pregnancy and share any guidance from your healthcare provider before the session.

When should I see a healthcare provider instead of booking massage?

Massage is for relaxation and general muscular comfort; it does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Seek medical advice first for a new injury, unexplained swelling, numbness, weakness, fever, sudden or severe pain, or symptoms that are getting worse.

Is gratuity included in the massage price?

No. Gratuity is not included in the listed massage or add-on prices. Tips are optional and appreciated, and they go directly to your therapist.

PRICING

One clear reference.

Review the service descriptions first, then use this table to compare session lengths. Live availability is confirmed on the booking page.

Please note: Listed massage and add-on prices do not include gratuity.

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

Add focus to the areas that need it.

Add-ons are separate, optional recommendations and are not included in the original massage service or listed service price. Select one to see how it works, the body areas it supports and when it may be useful.

Back Walking

EffectBroad, controlled pressureHighlighted areasBack · waist · glutes · legs · feetAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple $30

Cupping

EffectLifting suction on one focus areaHighlighted areasBack · waist · hipsAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Essential Oil

EffectCalming aromatic enhancementHighlighted areasFull bodyAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple $30

Body Gua Sha

EffectSmooth tool-assisted focusHighlighted areasNeck · shoulders · back · waistAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Facial Gua Sha Massage

EffectGentle facial tool massageHighlighted areasFace · jawline · temples · neckAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Hot Stone

EffectTargeted warmth for stiff musclesHighlighted areasBack · shoulders · waistAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple $30

IASTM Muscle Recovery

EffectFocused tool workHighlighted areasShoulders · back · hips · legsAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Body Lymphatic Drainage

EffectLight rhythmic body massageHighlighted areasFull body · arms · legs · torsoAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Facial Lymphatic Drainage

EffectFeather-light facial massageHighlighted areasFace · jawline · neckAdditional add-on · Single $25 · Couple $50

Neck Acupressure

EffectExtra focused pressureHighlighted areasNeck · upper shouldersAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple $30

Prenatal Add-on

EffectPregnancy-aware positioningHighlighted areasLower back · hips · legsAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple —

Thai Stretching

EffectAssisted mobility workHighlighted areasHips · legs · shoulders · feetAdditional add-on · Single $15 · Couple $30

Add-ons do not add extra session minutes and cannot be booked alone. Your therapist will confirm that the selected enhancement is appropriate for your comfort and goals.