Opal
MASSAGE and WELLNESS
I was born and raised in Bahama, NC just north of Durham. As early as I can remember, I was rubbing my friends and family members' hands, feet, or shoulders. When I was about 10 years old, my sister and our two friends would play "spa" in the house. We'd take turns and each take a bubblebath, then go in one bedroom for a massage, another bedroom for nails, and another for hair? I can't remember the third, but I remember that I always wanted to be the person giving the massage. After high school, I completed my initial massage training in 1998 at the Medical Arts Massage School in Raleigh, NC.
In 2000, at the age of 23, I moved to California to learn new techniques through continuing education and work experience. In 2005, I was hired as one of the first massage therapists at Google, Inc. in Santa Monica and Mountain View, CA. I spent the next seven years helping to build a massage program that’s well-established and indispensable to the overall wellness program at Google today. I have also worked for several high-end spas in Los Angeles and the Bay Area and have an appreciation for those extra touches that enhance the massage session. Over the years, I have had over 1200 hours in additional training in Myofascial Release, Sports Massage, Craniosacral, Trager and Shiatsu and often incorporate several styles for a tailored and integrated massage. I especially enjoy working with clients who have head, neck, and shoulder issues.
I am a big fan of receiving regular massages myself and understand the importance of taking care of ourselves through stress management, massage, and self-care. My work combines a caring touch with individualized and detailed treatments. My style is focused and deliberate, paying attention to the needs of each client.
After living on the west coast for sixteen years, I moved back to Durham in 2016 with my husband. I'm enjoying exploring all the old and new in my hometown, hiking with our dog, and eating good food with old friends.
In August 2024, I completed my training with Norton School Of Lymphatic Therapy to become a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
About Allison:
Client Testimonials:
"From the moment I enter the massage room, Allison's calming presence helps me relax. She always asks what I wish to have her work on and is very easy to converse with. Allison is very thorough with her massage technique. She adjusts pressure depending on what is comfortable and makes the whole experience very relaxing and enjoyable."
- Michelle Nathan
"I've had massages from well-known places in San Francisco, as well as from my travels in Asia. There is no doubt that Allison is by far and hands-down the best massage therapist I've had! She does an excellent job in deep-tissue massages. She's absolutely wonderful in locating the knots and being extremely patient in getting them out. I have convinced my coworkers to go to her and not one has been disappointed!" - Jeanne Choi
"Allison does a great job of remembering what we've worked on historically, and builds on that for each subsequent massage. She actively listens to my feedback during sessions in order to tailor the massage to my ongoing needs, as well as specific needs for that session. These attributes are a reflection on Allison's attention to detail. In addition to giving a great massage, she provides me with tips and suggestions for self-care, at my request. The benefits of a great massage can quickly be undone if the underlying cause of discomfort is not remedied. By taking the time to care about the reason I'm on the massage table, and doing whatever she can to provide longer term relief is a major reason why I keep coming back to her." - C.S. Powell
" Allison remained aware and sensitive of my body's response to the massage. Although I was uncertain the amount of pressure I could handle, she gradually deepended the massage until it was best for me. It seemed she sensed where my muscles were tight and where the knots were located. She spent more time than I've had other massage therapists spend, where I needed it. In past massages, I've tensed if the therapist has worked a muscle unitl it's uncomfortable, almost painful. This has never happened during my massages with Allison." - Monica Chapman