Sarah Kneads Me - Massage in Oakland, CA
With the understanding that health care and needs are always changing, we apply the same style to our treatments. This is not a relaxing, check-out type of session where you nap or meditate. Your sessions here will absolutely require your participation. There will be dialogue, teaching, learning, and checking-in throughout your appointment, especially during the first session. Please plan accordingly.
This is a mask-friendly space! Mask wearers are welcome here, and I’m happy to wear one too. If you would like to wear a mask but forgot yours at home, just ask for one, I always have spares.
Sarah Donnelly, L.A.c, MSTCM, CMT
My years of practice have given me a love and obsession for solving the riddles of aches and pains. To this end I utilize acupuncture, all levels of pressure from gentle, rhythmic lymphatic drainage to deep, slow myofascial work. Each issue is addressed with fresh eyes and no two treatments are ever the same.
Sarah’s journey into massage therapy began in 2010 at the National Holistic Institute Emeryville. It was during this time, while supporting her grandfather in hospice care, that she discovered the profound healing potential of touch and it’s role in compassionate communication. Motivated by this experience, Sarah embarked on her path, driven by a passion for holistic wellness.
In 2013, Sarah furthered her expertise by training in Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage. During her volunteer work at Charlotte Maxwell—a clinic dedicated to serving low-income women with cancer—from 2011 to 2016, she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the therapeutic benefits of massage.
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Services
Root Cause Discovery
Your comprehensive intake session includes a detailed review of your medical history and hands-on evaluation of lymphatic function, scar adhesions, fascial mobility, and systemic patterns, with initial manual therapy to begin clearing major blockages. You’ll receive a personalized 1-3 month recovery roadmap with specific recommendations for treatments, movement, self-care, and nutrition to continue your progress.
$330 for 90 mins
Initial Treatment
This appointment is required for new patients and a great way to start if unsure. After your intake, Sarah will review the treatment plan with you, and answer any questions you may have. Because each appointment is specifically tailored to you and your issues on that day, it might include bodywork, acupuncture, manual lymphatic drainage, facial restoration techniques, guasha, Celluma LED light therapy, cupping, myofascial work, or scar and fibrosis work.
This session is for patients interested in general manual lymphatic drainage, relief from chronic illness including Long Hauler’s Syndrome, or from the effects of procedures like oncology treatments.
$300 for 90 mins
General Session
This 90 minute session is tailored to what your body needs on the day of treatment, which we decide on together. 60 minute sessions also available.
$250 for 90 mins
$185 for 60 mins
Post Surgical and Scar Resolution
Sarah is trained in Cosmetic Post Surgical work, and pursues continuing education courses and research in post surgical work, scar work, and fibrosis work. She is experienced and educated in both cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgical recovery, and enjoys teaching her patients techniques for how to maintain results at home. Sarah is currently accepting patients who are experiencing recovery complications like edema, fibrosis, or the aftereffects of hematoma and infection.
$225/60 mins
What are Lymphatic Drainage and Cosmetic Surgery Recovery massage? Click here to read the blog post.
Testimonials
Contact & Scheduling
By appointment only.
- Monday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday 10:00am - 5:00pm
- Friday 10:00am - 2:00pm
- Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
We accept appointments up to two months in advance. For current availability information, please follow us on social media!
Visit our other website at Better Place for Healing!

