There is a hidden gem to be found at De Anza College’s Massage Therapy Clinic: affordable and incredibly relaxing treatments from students of the Massage Therapy program.

“A lot of people are skeptical about massage,” Jaire Vieira-Filho said, due to fears of comfort levels. “Everyone should try one of the modalities at least once.”

As a massage therapy student Vieira-Filho, 42, has logged 500 hours of therapy and has three quarters left to go for his massage therapy AA degree. 

Upon arrival to the clinic reception area in PE 12-L, clients fill out a brief questionnaire of their medical history and massage preferences. The form may also be printed and filled out beforehand.

The massage therapist escorts clients upstairs to the communal massage area.

Vieira-Filho enjoys working with people and “helping [them] feel better; physically, mentally and emotionally.” 

You’ll immediately begin to feel the tension ease as you enter the massage room; ambient music plays while clients change in and out of appropriate attire behind private dressing screens. 

Returning to school after 20 years, Vieira-Filho chose De Anza because “it’s the best program in Northern California,” he explained. “It’s the most well rounded and complete.”

The 45-minute massages take place in a group setting, with instructors and teacher assistants present to ensure proper interaction between clients and their massage therapists. 

The instructors “offer a wealth of knowledge to share with students,” said Vieira-Filho. 

While it may initially sound uncomfortable, the environment is so relaxing that you won’t realize there is anyone else in the room. The massages are that good.

The massage therapy students are professional and incredibly conscious of your comfort level, asking for preferences on level of intensity and areas to focus on.

As the students move together from class to class, “the team becomes like a family,” Vieira-Filho said.

A brief feedback questionnaire is given to clients before departing. It was easy to give the highest score possible, given the quality of massage. 

“It’s wonderful,” said Vieira-Filho, of De Anza’s program. “I definitely feel I will be ready to enter the workforce.”

A 45-minute massage costs $15 for students with a current DASB ID, $20 for De Anza/Foothill staff members and $25 for community members.

Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:15a.m., 10:15a.m. or 11:15a.m.

Call 408-864-5645 to schedule an appointment or refer to http://www.deanza.edu/pe/massage/clinic.html for more information.