Testimonials

Real testimonies from HNM clients.

Candace Chapman

Canadian National Team

Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) LEAGUE: (WPS CHAMPION 2010, 2011)

Finding Michelle was one of my highlights while living and playing professional soccer in the Bay Area. She is a true professional and works extremely hard. I scheduled appointments with Michelle twice,

sometimes 3 times a week and I know that without her I would not have been able to recover as well as i did from practices or feel as ready as possible for games. Along with proper nutrition and stretching consistently Michelle was an added benefit for my body. I would recommend Michelle and Healthy Necessity to anyone who asked me for a quality massage therapist in the Bay Area. I wish I could take her with me where ever I play!! Thanks Michelle!

Michelle & Joseph, Pleasanton

My son is 9 years old and in his second year of competitive soccer. In the Spring, he began experiencing severe heel/foot pain. We were not sure what the cause was and I was reluctant to have his pediatrician evaluate since their diagnosis would probably have been Plantar Fasciitis. I would not have believed that my 9 year old would have this at such an early age. So, I brought him to you for evaluation and treatment. I trust your judgment completely since you have been treating both of us for back pain for quite some time now. After seeing his feet, you believed that his muscles were tightening and recommended icing and stretching using a tennis size ball and to come back for treatment on a periodic basis. Since then, the pain has decreased from daily to just weekends when he plays several games in a row. However, when he consistently applies ice before and after and stretches with the ball the pain decreases to almost nothing. Now, getting a 9 year old to take care of his feet is a challenge on its own! You know how to talk to kids, listen and motivate them to take care of their bodies. Joseph’s soccer friends are beginning to experience the same type of heel/foot pain and we are always recommending you. I am confident that your treatment has prevented his pain from increasing and possibly turning into something more severe. As always, thanks again for being so attentive to our bodies and recommending the right course of treatment.

David

I really liked the massage you gave me on Friday. Your intuitive hands knew where the pain was in my body. And the pressure you used was perfect to unlock those knots. The hot towel on over my shoulders helped to relax the scar tissue as well. And the heated table made the experience more relaxing. The warmth of your personality made me feel cared about. And the real test is how I felt the next day. There is nothing better than great feeling of a lasting excellent massage. Thank you.

Suzi K., Dublin, CA

If I could stand on a mountain top and tell everyone how wonderful Michelle Pena is as a massage therapist and a person, I would. Getting a massage is a personal thing and Michelle makes you feel so comfortable. Michelle also takes the time to listen to you and will personalize your massage for what you need. I have ongoing issues with my neck and Michelle has helped to relieve the tension and she has given me exercises to do between massages. I have referred Michelle to many people and they all agree – she is THE BEST! Thank you Michelle for being the greatest massage therapist a woman could want and a terrific friend!

-Rachel Buehler
US Professional Soccer Player

Michelle is an exceptional massage therapist. As a professional soccer player I have very specific points of tension in my muscles, and Michelle is always able to quickly find my knots and apply the perfect amount of pressure. Her work helps keep me healthy and performing at my best. Michelle is extremely knowledgeable and professional and she is also one of the nicest people I have ever met. My body and sprit feel completely rejuvenated after I have a massage with her.

Michelle L.

I have been suffering from severe neck and upper back pain for the last year due to a car accident. I have been receiving regular massage treatments from Michelle since the accident alleviating the pain and discomfort.

After my first treatment session with Michelle, I was thoroughly impressed. I had never experienced such relief in my symptoms after only one treatment. I still have occasional flare-ups, but I know I will feel relief after my next session.

Michelle is an extremely skilled and experienced massage therapist, who is dedicated to her profession and takes pride in helping others feel better and live healthier lives. Not only has she gone the extra mile to obtain education above and beyond what is required in her field, but she has an intuitive and skillful touch which is rare to find. Michelle cares about finding the source of the pain and doing the necessary work to resolve it. Michelle is the very best and I look forward to every session!

Maritza

Michelle Pena is one of the sweetest people you could ever meet, and her warmth exudes right into her work as a massage therapist. I've had many massages, but never before have I felt so loved and relaxed all at once during a session. I could already tell in my e-mails with her that she was a special person, and I knew the moment I met her that I would thoroughly enjoy my massage.

Aside from her soothing but strong hands, Michelle is very knowledgeable. She took time to tell me which parts of my body were tight and even recommended some stretches to do at home. Additionally, she explained that pregnancy massages aren't as deep to ensure that toxins aren't released to the baby. (I was 35 weeks pregnant when I had my first massage with her, and I immediately scheduled one more three weeks later.)

I highly recommend Michelle and give her five-plus stars all the way. It's no wonder that Healthy Necessity won Best Massage in Pleasanton Weekly's Readers' Choice awards!

Christine O.

I have been going to Healthy Necessity for about one year. Michelle is fantastic! She's always there to greet you with a smile. The perfect way to begin an hour (or more) of stress relief! She listens to your needs and preferences to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed while in her care. I carry a LOT of tension in my neck and shoulders and she is able to make it disappear in one session. Michelle has also provided me tips on preventing the tension at home. A massage with Michelle has become a regular part of my life and can't wait for the next time I see her!

Dawn B.

I feel so blessed to be under Michelle Pena's care. Her positive energy and therapeutic expertise has made a dramatic difference in my rehabilitation from a back injury in October 2008. I look forward to my deep tissue massage sessions every month!

Gayleen, Livermore CA

"Healthy Necessity massage rings true to its name. It leaves me felling invigorated, yet calm, healthy and strong. It has become a necessary way to deal with life's little problems your won't be disappointed!"

Heidi Farah

"The first time Michelle told me about the Lava shell treatment, I thought I was hearing things. How could anything be better than Hot Stones? Well, she proved to me that there was something better. The lava shell treatment allows Michelle to give a thorough massage without disconnecting so many times like the Hot Stones. There is no water involved so there is no uncomfortable drips that become cold and damp.

The shells keep their warmth throughout the entire treatment (for me, 2 hours!) without cooling down, allowing the heat to penetrate the muscles even deeper and faster. Since Michelle was able to spend less time on my problem muscles (they loosened up much more quickly than normal), she was able to give a more complete full body massage.

The best part - no tenderness from the deep tissue massage the next day!!! I definitely recommend the Lava Shell treatment for everyone, regardless of how intense of a massage you need. It works great from the lightest touch all the way to the deepest sports massage you can imagine."

Seana, Livermore CA

I really enjoyed it much more than the hot stone for several reasons:

    1. the lava shells retained the heat much better than thestones and the temperature stayed nice and warm throughout the massage

    2. I really believe that the sea salt and sea mineral
combination inside the shell penetrated into my muscles and I feel that it made for a deeper massage.

    3. The lava shells were so smooth - not abrasive at all like the stones can get once they start cooling down.

The bottom line is: I will always ask for the lava shell treatment from now on - I love, love, love it!

Kimberly Phipps, 39
Six-year breast cancer survivor

After a bi-lateral mastectomy for breast cancer, I was soon diagnosed with lymphedema in my right arm (the affected side). Although treated by my doctor and a lymphedema specialist, I still frequently felt uncomfortable pressure, like someone was blowing up a balloon inside my arm, but with no measurable swelling the doctor did not know what to tell me - except to do the self lymph-drainage massage I had been
taught. Tension in my neck and shoulders brought me to Michelle but her miraculous work with my affected arm and lymphedema symptoms have inspired me to encourage other women to go to her. I had numbness, hardened subcutaneous tissue, and a constant “awareness” of my arm before Michelle began working with me. Her gentle technique of encouraging blood flow to my arm has re-awakened feeling, softened the
tissue, and allowed me to “forget” about my arm. I cannot express what a huge difference this has made in my life. Now I only use my compression garment when exercising or flying - no more daily wear! I sleep better, I’m able to lift weights, and do everyday things again like, carry a laundry basket and wash my car, and have a totally normal life with my arm. It truly feels no different than my left one and I never thought this would be possible. I highly recommend Michelle for
anyone with lymphedema issues - she understands the mechanics, knows how to improve your situation, and with great care, will educate you along the way. If you have any hesitation or concerns, she will consult with you beforehand and ease your fears. Her massage therapy is truly amazing and I encourage you to call her today!

Gregory P - Engineer - Pleasanton CA:

"I am an elite level competitive cyclist. Over the last few years, I have experienced debilitating numbness and pain in my legs during competition. Since beginning regular sessions with Michelle, the fatigue and heaviness in my legs has diminished. The pain and numbness that has prevented my competitive success has been greatly reduced. Michelle's specific care and knowledge of my condition has played a
major role in my successful return to competitive cycling."

Al & Jen - Livermore, CA

During the last 4-5 years as Michelle's clients, we have been blessed with personalized massage / therapy. This has alleviated severe pain caused by bulging and herniated discs and has provided relief unlike other physical therapy and or chiropractic care. The relief from pain allows our family to be able to appreciate life again and engage in
activities which others take for granted. We could not be happier
with Michelle.

Jonelle D - Pleasanton, CA

"I have been receiving massages from Michelle since February 2007 and she has done wonders for the tension in my neck and back, caused from work. She is not only extremely talented, but constantly takes the time to learn new techniques to broaden her knowledge and offerings. Her style is very calming and she genuinely cares that I'm feeling better. I recommend Healthy Necessity Massage to anyone looking for a quality massage therapist with a wide variety of spa services."

Shirley - Dublin, CA

"I am a fairly new patient of Michelle’s. She was referred to me by my acupuncturist who has been treating me for a sciatica problem I have had for three years. I have been to many doctors and even had two epidurals to help ease my discomfort, to no avail. I did not want to have back surgery and decided to pursue other holistic treatments.

After a couple of appointments with Michelle, I have significant
relief. Michelle is very caring and makes her patient’s well being her top priority. She has provided me with information for stretching and other exercises which are beneficial.

I look forward to continued improvement, thanks to Michelle."

Jackie D - Bay Area, CA

Before I started going to Healthy Massage I was having trouble with foot cramps especially at night. After just a short time my cramps have disappeared and I feel better than I ever have. As a golfer my flexibility has improved which of course means my game has also improved.