Calming Bodywork by Bret

Based in Chicago

In-studio & mobile services

Starting at $120

Deep Tissue, Sports, Swedish & 5 other techniques

4 testimonials

Overview

I’m Bret, providing thoughtful, effective bodywork to the LGBTQ community.

Upon arrival you’ll be transported from the outside world down a long hallway leading you away from the hustle of your day to a warm, inviting, candle-lit space tucked away from the real world and all your responsibilities.

We start with a combination of soothing aromatherapy-enhanced breathwork to settle into the space and present together.

Compressions and fascial work guide me to your areas of restriction and immediately... whisk you away from racing thoughts, melting your stress and tension.

Once your tissues are primed you’ll be delighted by smooth, fluid Swedish work. I start with light pressure but worry-not, where there are adhesions my Deep Tissue pressure can make the most stubborn knots break-up and melt away.

Assisted stretching, joint mobilizations, and tractions are intermingled within the session to provide a thorough approach.

Please mention your name, length of massage, and ideal day/time you’re interested in when reaching out to schedule.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Location

Based near: N Sheridan Rd & W Ardmore Ave Chicago, IL 60660 Mobile services within 10 miles

Hours
In-studio Mobile
M: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
Tu: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
W: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
Th: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
F: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
Sa: 1 - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
Su: 1 - 9 p.m. 10 a.m. - midnight
Rates
At Bret's studio
At your home, office or hotel

Bret's Signature Massage

Spa-quality bodywork, tailored to you, blending a range of techniques, from Aromatherapy to Trigger Point

60 min.
$120
$120
90 min.
$160
$160
120 min.
$220
$220

Payments & Discounts
  • Apple Pay, Barter, Cash, Venmo accepted
  • Longer sessions available.
  • Amounts listed are base rates only. Actual rates vary based on distance travelled, services provided, etc.
  • Discounts available for active military, law enforcement, massage therapists
Additional Info

Techniques: Aromatherapy, Conscious Breathwork, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, Sports, Swedish, Trigger Point

Experience: 2 years

In-studio amenities: Aromatherapy Enhanced, Candles, Drinking Water, Heated Massage Table, Massage Table, Music, Private Restroom

Mobile extras: Aromatherapy Enhanced, Heated Massage Table, Massage Table, Music

Additional services: Cupping, Meditation coaching

Affiliations: American Massage Therapy Association

Education

Feb. - Dec. 2022

Clinical Massage Therapy

Soma Institute, Chicago, IL


Testimonials

Gathered by Bret from admiring massage clients to share with you.

April 05, 2024 in Chicago, IL (in-studio)

“I’ve had an abundance of massage sessions from Bret. His workspace ambiance is incomparable to most bodywork professionals. It’s extremely calming and he even has a heated massage table! You instantly feel like you’re in the hands of a professional massage therapist. He has an artistic yet calculated touch when navigating my body’s misconfigurations. His knowledge of the human body is apparent in how well he strategizes my body’s mechanical improvement needs seamlessly in consecutive sessions. And I’m 250 lbs, which is a lot of body surface area to manage. I would describe the touch experience as a mix between a deep tissue & lymphatic drainage-like massage because, while the pressure at times is challenging, I’m always left feeling pain-free and cleared up in my sinuses! Bret is a very reliable bodyworker. I recommend him to anyone requiring movement restriction help and/or wanting to feel well-rejuvenated.”

Nov. 06, 2023 in Chicago, IL (in-studio)

“My massage with Bret was wonderful! I booked a 60 minute session to begin just after sundown, which was part of my plan to relax. It turns out that the sun being down wasn't necessary, since Bret's space was so comfortable and warm. Additionally, Bret was calm, relaxed, and professional. We chatted about a recent accident I was in and what areas of my body might still be sensitive. The moment Bret began to work I regretted not booking 90 minutes. I really felt like he was completely in touch with my body and giving me the energy needed to relax while still engaging with my muscles. The hour was so comfortable, but it also flew by so next time I will definitely select a 90 minute session! I can't recommend Bret enough if you're looking for a professional, relaxing, and invigorating massage.”

Oct. 12, 2023 in Chicago, IL (in-studio)

Bret is incredible at what he does! I’ve seen him several times now and I still don’t quite have words for how excellent the experience is. The best massage therapist I've seen hands down. When I first saw Bret I had not too recently been diagnosed with a specific back issue. I was cleared for massage but a little nervous. Having recently undergone further education and certification at the Soma Institute, Bret made sure to look up the latest findings on said condition. This made me immediately feel so safe in his hands. Making one feel safe I quickly learned was a real gift of Bret’s. This allows you to truly transcend into full relaxation. Bret seems to be able to intuit what your body needs as he works on you. He integrates gentle assisted stretching throughout, which feels incredible and gets you feeling taller. His space is beautiful, his table is luxurious, the aroma therapy is masculine/intoxicating, and his music/ambient sound is always perfect. I really can’t say enough.

July 29, 2023 in Chicago, IL (in-studio)

"Damien possesses a hybrid-like soft yet firm touch when massaging. I've been massaged by Damien 3x and he has gotten better each time. He takes the time to understand what movement restrictions ail your body and appies strategic touch with corresponding resolute pressure. The last time he massaged me, I felt like my lymphatic vessels of my upper limb were milked clean as my eyes and nose emptied for several hours post massage. I woke up the next day feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Highly recommend!"

Testimonials from before May 23, 2018 were submitted directly by clients.