Therapeutic Bodywork


Hands-on work that combines familiar massage techniques with gentle movement-based work to reduce tension, invite deep relaxation, and support lasting change.

“Dmitry’s bodywork helped me be at my best during a trying personal time. His unique approach has been a gift that continues to give.”
— Peter K., musician and mindfulness teacher

What makes this work different

This work combines familiar massage techniques with a gentler, movement-based approach that helps the body release tension and settle more deeply.

  • Rather than working only on muscles, my clients and I also work with patterns of effort and holding throughout the body.

  • This may include fluid movement and gentle passive joint motion, allowing the body to let go in a way that feels safe and natural.

  • As the body becomes more receptive, change often happens with less force — leading to a sense of ease, grounding, and feeling more at home in your body.

  • It can be especially helpful for people who are tense, protective, overstimulated.

What a session feels like

Sessions are quiet, individualized, and guided by what your body needs rather than by a fixed routine. Some people benefit the most from direct, focused work, while others respond better to gentleness, rhythm, and slow supportive movement.

The aim isn’t just to create relief in the moment. We help the body discover a deeper sense of ease that can last beyond the session.

A tabby cat with white face and chest resting on a purple surface, looking directly at the camera.

Cat therapy available upon request

Bodywork can be done fully clothed if that is your preference. If clothing is removed, it is always to your level of comfort, and strict professional draping is used for any areas not being worked on.

The aim is for you to feel safe, respected, and at ease throughout the session.

Comfort, clothing, and draping

Bodywork and Feldenkrais: what’s the difference?

You may be wondering which approach is right for you.

Bodywork

Hands-on work to:

  • relieve tension

  • reduce pain and stress

  • support recovery and relaxation

  • more direct and immediate. Often helps you feel better right away.

Can be used on its own, or alongside Feldenkrais.

Feldenkrais

Hands-on, movement-based sessions:

  • improve how you move and feel in daily life

  • reduce unnecessary effort

  • build awareness and coordination

  • especially helpful for recurring tension and protective patterns

Focuses on changing the patterns of movement, posture and effort, so improvements carry over into everyday life.

Some people come specifically for bodywork, or Feldenkrais, or a combination.
If you're not sure where to start, we can decide together based on what you're looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • My work includes familiar massage techniques, but it is not limited to standard massage. A defining quality of my sessions is a gentler, movement-based approach that can help the body release guarding and settle more deeply.

  • No, this work is not painful. Some techniques may involve firmer pressure, but the work does not need to be painful to be effective. Sessions can also be very gentle, especially when the nervous system is already highly activated or protective.

  • Yes. Many people find this work especially helpful when they are carrying a lot of stress, tension, or nervous system activation. The sessions are often calming, grounding, and restorative.

  • That depends on your goals and how your body responds. If you are mainly seeking a shorter-term support for tension, relaxation, or recovery, bodywork may be a good place to start. If you are more interested in making long-term changes in how you move and function, Feldenkrais may be the better fit. Many people benefit from both, and I often encourage people to try each and see what resonates.

  • For people who are already active, this can be especially supportive. It offers a chance to slow down, receive support, and experience movement in a way that is calming, grounding, and often deeply restorative.

    In this work, the movement is passive, meaning you are being moved rather than moving yourself. That makes it very different from ordinary activity or exercise, and it can help the body let go of guarding and settle more deeply.

  • I strive to stay informed about the effects of trauma and the importance of nervous system regulation, while recognizing that I am not a licensed mental health professional.

    I work gently and collaboratively, with attention to pacing, comfort, and how the nervous system is responding. The goal is not to push through discomfort, but to create conditions in which the body can settle and feel safer.

  • Yes, a limited number of sliding scale priced sessions is available to make this work accessible to those with limited incomes. Contact us dmitrypek@gmail.com to discuss the details.

  • Sessions are available in several locations across San Diego. After booking, I’ll help you choose the one that’s most convenient.

    In-home sessions are also available for an additional fee.

  • If you are curious about the movement-based bodywork I do, you can see this webpage.

Ready to experience this work?

If your body could use some support, you’re welcome to book a session.

Or reach out if you’d like help deciding what would be most useful for you.

Sessions tailored to your needs and comfort level.

Sessions are available in several convenient locations across San Diego. I’ll help you choose the one that works best.

You’ll be taken to my scheduling page to view available times and book your session.

(Sliding-scale options available—feel free to reach out if cost is a concern.)

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