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Frequently asked questions
What is Sol et Luna?
Sol et Luna is a therapeutic massage and bodywork practice based in Santa Barbara, California. Founded and led by Paul Freedom, a Certified Massage Therapist since 2014, the practice specializes in deep tissue massage, orthopedic massage, Muscle Tracing™, restorative healing, and nervous system support.
Paul brings over a decade of hands-on experience to every session, combining advanced therapeutic techniques with a deeply personalized approach. Clients consistently describe sessions as both highly skilled and genuinely restorative — a balance that sets Sol et Luna apart from typical massage experiences in Santa Barbara.
What makes Sol et Luna different?
The focus at Sol et Luna is long-term healing and restoration, not just temporary relief. Every session is designed around the individual — their tension patterns, movement habits, stress load, and wellness goals — rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.
Clients frequently mention feeling genuinely listened to, cared for, and physically restored after sessions. Reviews commonly highlight:
Personalized, assessment-driven bodywork
Effective, lasting relief from chronic tension and pain
A calm, grounded atmosphere that supports deep healing
A practitioner who understands complex muscular patterns
A balance between therapeutic precision and full-body relaxation
Feeling physically and mentally renewed — not just rubbed down
Where is Sol et Luna located?
Sol et Luna is based in Santa Barbara, California. Outcall (in-home) sessions are also available throughout Santa Barbara and surrounding areas including Montecito, Goleta, Carpinteria, and the greater South Coast region.
How do I book a session?
Appointments can be booked online at soletluna.net/services or by contacting the practice directly at (805) 293-4234. Sessions are available by appointment in 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minute lengths, depending on the therapist and service. Outcall sessions may vary in availability based on location and scheduling.
Where do I park and how do I find your office?
Sol et Luna is located at 121 W Pueblo St, Suite 14, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 — inside an apartment complex that houses two business suites tucked within the building. To reach our office, drive through the archway underneath the apartments to access the guest parking lot. Spaces marked "Guests" are available for clients. Once parked, look for the patio where you will find the entrance to Suite 14.
Detailed directions and suite location instructions are also sent automatically with your appointment reminder email. For first-time visitors, arriving 5–10 minutes early gives you time to find parking and settle in comfortably.
How much does a session cost?
Sessions at Sol et Luna range from $100 to $500+, depending on the therapist, session length, and whether the session is in-office or in-home (outcall). 60-minute sessions with massage practitioners (mentees) start at $100, while 60-minute sessions with senior therapists can range from $165 to $250. Outcall (in-home) sessions, couples sessions, and discounted multi-session packages are also available.
Every Thursday from 11am to 4pm, donation-based sessions are offered with a suggested minimum donation of $50. Regular full-rate sessions remain available on Thursdays if a therapist is available.
For full current pricing for each therapist and to book, visit our Services page.
Do you accept HSA/FSA or insurance?
Yes — Sol et Luna accepts HSA and FSA cards directly for payment, the same way you'd use them at any qualified healthcare provider. We do not bill insurance directly. If you plan to submit your session for insurance reimbursement, we're happy to provide an invoice that includes the appropriate medical/CPT codes — just ask at the time of booking or after your session. For orthopedic massage in particular, many clients use HSA/FSA funds or submit for reimbursement under medically necessary care.
Who are the therapists at Sol et Luna?
Sol et Luna is a team practice founded and led by Paul Freedom, a Certified Massage Therapist since 2014. Our team includes practitioners specializing in deep tissue massage, orthopedic massage, sports massage, neuromuscular bodywork, and energy balancing - across a range of experience levels, from senior therapists to mentee practitioners in advanced training. For current practitioners, their backgrounds, and their specialties, visit our About page. To see which services each therapist offers and to book, visit our Services page.
What types of massage does Sol et Luna offer?
Every session at Sol et Luna is customized, but the core modalities include:
Deep Tissue Massage
Orthopedic Massage
Therapeutic Massage
Relaxation & Restorative Massage
Therapeutic Stretching
Energy Balancing
Customized Bodywork Sessions
Couples Massage
Outcall / In-Home or Office Massage
What is deep tissue massage?
Deep tissue massage works with the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to release chronic tension, reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore healthy movement. Clients searching for deep tissue massage in Santa Barbara often seek this style for chronic tension, repetitive strain, athletic recovery, or long-standing muscular discomfort.
What is orthopedic massage?
Orthopedic massage focuses on muscular dysfunction, mobility restrictions, chronic pain, repetitive strain, and soft tissue imbalances. It combines hands-on assessment with targeted techniques designed to improve how the body moves and reduce discomfort at the source.
What is Muscle Tracing™?
Muscle Tracing™ is a hands-on assessment and treatment method used to follow tension patterns, muscular compensations, and soft tissue imbalances throughout the body. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, Muscle Tracing™ identifies the underlying contributors to discomfort — leading to more effective and longer-lasting results.
Do you offer relaxation massage?
Yes. While Sol et Luna is known for therapeutic bodywork, nervous system regulation and relaxation are central to the healing process. Many sessions intentionally blend deep therapeutic work with restorative relaxation techniques for a complete experience.
Do you offer outcall massage in Santa Barbara?
Yes. Sol et Luna provides private outcall massage services for clients who prefer in-home sessions. Outcall massage is available throughout Santa Barbara and nearby surrounding areas. Contact us at (805) 293-4234 or visit soletluna.net/services to check availability for your location.
Who comes to Sol et Luna?
Clients include athletes, desk workers, tradespeople, healthcare workers, artists, performers, and anyone dealing with chronic tension, mobility limitations, stress, burnout, or physical fatigue. Sessions are designed to meet each person where they are.
What conditions do clients commonly seek help with?
Clients frequently visit Sol et Luna for support with:
Neck pain and shoulder tension
Hip pain and SI joint discomfort
Lower back pain and sciatica-type discomfort
Tension headaches
Restricted mobility
Chronic muscular tension
Stress, anxiety, and nervous system exhaustion
Athletic recovery and repetitive strain
Physical fatigue from demanding work
General relaxation and preventative wellness
Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please communicate all health concerns during your intake.
Can massage therapy help with chronic muscle tension?
Many clients dealing with long-standing muscular tension find meaningful relief through therapeutic deep tissue massage, orthopedic massage, and customized bodywork. Muscle Tracing™ techniques help identify the root causes of tension rather than just addressing symptoms.
Can massage help with lower back pain or hip pain?
Therapeutic massage may help reduce the muscular tension, compensation patterns, and soft tissue restrictions that contribute to lower back and hip discomfort. Many clients seeking deep tissue massage in Santa Barbara specifically come for help with these areas.
Can massage therapy help with stress and anxiety?
Massage therapy may help calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, support emotional wellbeing, and improve sleep quality. Many clients seek regular sessions specifically for nervous system regulation and stress recovery — not just physical discomfort.
Can massage therapy help with headaches?
Massage may help reduce muscular tension patterns commonly associated with tension headaches, particularly around the neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw.
What should I expect during my first session?
Your first session may include a brief health and wellness discussion, a review of your goals and areas of concern, movement or mobility observations, and a customized treatment plan. The session itself will be tailored to your needs, followed by recommendations for ongoing care if appropriate.
Are sessions customized?
Yes — every session is built around the individual client's goals, tension patterns, pain areas, mobility limitations, stress levels, comfort preferences, and wellness priorities. No two sessions are exactly alike.
Does massage therapy hurt?
Massage should never feel harmful. Some therapeutic work may create temporary discomfort when addressing tight muscles or chronic tension, but communication is always encouraged throughout the session. Pressure and technique are adjusted based on your feedback.
What should I wear?
For orthopedic and corrective massage, wear comfortable clothing you can move easily in — similar to yoga attire. For traditional massage sessions, you will undress to your comfort level and remain professionally draped at all times.
What should I do after a session?
Drink plenty of water
Rest if possible and avoid intense activity immediately afterward
Gentle movement or walking can support lymphatic flow
Light stretching is encouraged
Pay attention to how your body responds over the next 24-48 hours
How often should I receive massage therapy?
Frequency depends on your goals:
Stress relief and maintenance: once or twice monthly
Chronic tension or pain support: weekly or biweekly initially
Athletic recovery or mobility: customized treatment plan
Nervous system regulation and wellness: varies by stress levels and lifestyle
What should I communicate before my session?
Please share any injuries, pain areas, medical conditions, recent surgeries, pressure preferences, sensitivities, and areas you want avoided. Open communication creates the safest and most effective therapeutic experience.
Is massage therapy safe?
Massage therapy is generally safe for most people. Certain medical conditions may require modifications or physician approval. Please disclose all health concerns during intake.
Is massage therapy considered preventative care?
Many people include regular massage therapy as part of a proactive wellness routine. Consistent bodywork can support stress reduction, mobility maintenance, nervous system regulation, recovery from physical demands, and overall physical and mental wellbeing — before issues become chronic.
Is therapeutic massage only for people in pain?
Not at all. Many clients receive massage proactively for relaxation, stress reduction, athletic recovery, mobility support, nervous system regulation, and general wellness maintenance. Prevention is a core value at Sol et Luna.
Does Sol et Luna offer mentorship for massage therapists?
Yes. Sol et Luna provides hands-on mentorship and training opportunities for massage therapists interested in developing advanced therapeutic bodywork skills, Muscle Tracing™ techniques, client communication, body mechanics, and real-world professional experience.
Are donation-based sessions available?
Yes. Sol et Luna offers donation-based massage sessions every Thursday from 11am to 4pm, with a suggested minimum donation of $50. These sessions are part of the practice's mentorship program — performed by mentors or mentees in a teaching context — and exist to make therapeutic bodywork more accessible to the community while supporting practitioner development. To check availability or book, call (805) 293-4234 or visit our Services page.
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