Massage & Bodywork

Joel Terhune, LMT (MA #70021633)

"Working with my hands has always felt natural to me. From a young age, I was drawn to hands-on work and the way skilled touch can create real change. Some of my earliest experiences came from massaging my mother’s tense shoulders after long days as a nurse — a simple act that showed me how effective thoughtful, caring touch can be in relieving stress and discomfort.”

Joel’s approach to massage therapy is strongly influenced by his background as a professional potter and clay worker. Years of working with clay have trained his hands to recognize subtle changes in pressure, resistance, and structure — skills that translate directly into precise, responsive bodywork. He understands how tension builds, where it hides, and how to work with it patiently rather than forcing release.

This unique foundation gives Joel’s massage a distinctive quality – intuitive, attentive, and profoundly grounding. He applies a therapeutic quality of touch, with a calm, grounding presence, guided and informed by tuning into each body’s needs in that moment.  The goal working with massage clients is not just relaxation, but meaningful improvement that lasts beyond the session.

As an empathetic and perceptive practitioner, Joel creates a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable, listened to, and well cared for. Whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain, recovering from injury, or looking for regular maintenance care, he looks forward to supporting your healing process.

New clients are welcome.
Please book online using the button below, or call (805)-602-2898.
Voicemails are returned within 1–2 business days.

Offerings

Joel offers therapeutic massage tailored to each client’s needs, with a focus on relieving pain, reducing tension, and supporting recovery. Sessions are customized and may draw from a range of techniques as appropriate.

Therapeutic Massage
A personalized session addressing chronic tension, pain, and movement restrictions. This work may include deeper pressure, myofascial techniques, and focused treatment for specific areas.

Relaxation & Stress Relief Massage
A calming, full-body session designed to reduce stress, support the nervous system, and promote overall relaxation while still addressing areas of tension as needed.

Focused Treatment Work
Targeted sessions concentrating on one or two problem areas such as the neck, shoulders, knees, or lower back. Ideal for injury recovery, repetitive strain, or ongoing pain patterns.

Table-Based Assisted Stretching (As Needed)
Incorporates gentle assisted movement and stretching to support mobility and circulation when helpful.

Sliding Scale

My standard rate reflects the full value of the session. At the same time, I believe massage therapy should be accessible, and financial circumstances can vary.

If the full rate creates a barrier, sliding scale sessions are available. You are welcome to choose a reduced rate that aligns with your current situation.

If you’d like to discuss sliding scale options before booking, feel free to reach out. These conversations are handled with respect and discretion.

- What People Are Saying -

"Joel is an incredible bodyworker, space holder, and healer. Working with him to address repetitive use and manual-labor-influenced injuries has been so enriching and rewarding, on top of easing the pain. He blends knowledge and intuition so beautifully, and holds space for body and spirit to come together. Thank you Joel!"

- May Weinmaster

“Joel's massages are exquisite! His natural talent is obvious and his touch which is both soothing and firm, always feels helpful. Most importantly Joel has a very safe and gentle presence and I immediately felt relaxed and supported in his care. My body has always felt significantly better after getting a massage from Joel! I highly recommend this very special being as a massage practitioner!"

- Sebastian Coles

"Each time I have a session with Joel, I know that his full attention is with me and supporting my healing and own understanding of the body. I leave feeling taken care of and stronger than when I arrived. "

- Kellen Lynch