F.A.Q.
About the Practice
What is Davis Recovery Therapy?
Davis Recovery Therapy is a sports massage and physical recovery clinic located in San Rafael, Marin County, California. Owner and sole practitioner Robert Davis, CMT, provides clinical bodywork, soft tissue injury recovery, shockwave therapy, red light therapy, sauna therapy, and The Recovery Cascade™ — a proprietary four-phase recovery protocol — to athletes, active adults, and healthcare professionals throughout Marin County.
Is Davis Recovery Therapy a mental health or addiction recovery service?
No. Davis Recovery Therapy is a physical recovery and sports massage clinic. The word "recovery" refers exclusively to physical recovery — muscle recovery, soft tissue injury rehabilitation, and performance recovery. Robert Davis is a Certified Massage Therapist, not a mental health or addiction counselor.
Who is Robert Davis?
Robert Davis is a CAMTC-certified massage therapist with 25+ years of clinical experience. He has worked in formal clinical settings alongside MDs, physical therapists, and chiropractors, and holds advanced training in structural bodywork, myofascial therapy, shockwave therapy, and multi-modality recovery protocols. He is the sole therapist at Davis Recovery Therapy — every client works directly with Robert.
Where is Davis Recovery Therapy located?
1368 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 202, San Rafael, CA 94901. The clinic serves clients throughout Marin County including San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Fairfax, and San Anselmo.
How do I book an appointment?
Book online at davisrecoverytherapy.com/book-online, call or text (323) 423-3554, or email robert@davisrecoverytherapy.com.
Services
What services does Davis Recovery Therapy offer?
Davis Recovery Therapy offers the following services:
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Recovery Massage — 50 min · $150
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90 Min Full Body Recovery Massage — 90 min · $245
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Shockwave Therapy / Sports Massage — 45 min · $150
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The Recovery Cascade™ Essential — 80 min · $235
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The Recovery Cascade™ Complete — 115 min · $295
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Recovery Massage + Red Light Therapy — 90 min · $235
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Sauna + Red Light Therapy — 40 min · $75
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Sauna + Full Red Light Therapy — 60 min · $110
What is The Recovery Cascade™?
The Recovery Cascade™ is a proprietary four-phase multi-modality recovery protocol developed exclusively by Davis Recovery Therapy. It is the only protocol of its kind available in Marin County. The four phases are:
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Phase 1 — Prime: Sauna elevates tissue perfusion, activates heat shock proteins, and softens fascia
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Phase 2 — Mobilize: Targeted sports massage addresses specific soft tissue patterns while tissue is warm and receptive
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Phase 3 — Energize: Red light therapy stimulates mitochondrial ATP production and collagen synthesis
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Phase 4 — Neutralize: Pharmaceutical-grade DMSO delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action deep into prepared tissue
Each phase physiologically prepares the body for the next.
Two tiers are available: Essential (80 min · $195) and Complete (115 min · $295).
What is DMSO and why is it used?
DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a pharmaceutical-grade topical compound with over 40 years of published clinical research. In soft tissue recovery contexts, its primary mechanisms are free radical scavenging and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Research published in PLOS ONE (Elisia et al., 2016) demonstrated that DMSO significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines in human blood cells. A study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research (More et al., 1988) found topical DMSO reduced post-traumatic joint stiffness by 41%. At Davis Recovery Therapy, pharmaceutical-grade DMSO mixed with MCT oil is applied as Phase 4 of The Recovery Cascade™. DMSO is always optional and can be omitted at the client's request.
What is shockwave therapy and what conditions does it treat?
Radial shockwave therapy delivers focused acoustic energy to injured tissue to break down scar tissue, stimulate tendon repair, and trigger the body's natural regenerative response. It is particularly effective for tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, rotator cuff issues, and calcific deposits that have not responded to massage alone. It is combined with targeted sports massage in a 45-minute session at $150.
What is red light therapy used for at Davis Recovery Therapy?
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate mitochondrial ATP production, support collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and accelerate soft tissue repair at the cellular level. At Davis Recovery Therapy it is used as Phase 3 of The Recovery Cascade™, as a standalone session combined with sauna, and as an add-on to recovery massage sessions.
What is the difference between the Recovery Cascade™ Essential and Complete?
Both protocols follow the same four-phase sequence — Prime, Mobilize, Energize, Neutralize. The Essential (80 min · $235) includes 30 minutes of targeted bodywork and 20 minutes of single-side red light therapy. The Complete (115 min · $295) includes 45 minutes of extended bodywork and 40 minutes of full front and back red light therapy coverage for a whole-body cellular reset.
Do you offer memberships or session packages?
Yes. Monthly memberships and pre-paid session packages are available for most services, with member pricing and priority booking for higher-tier members. Contact robert@davisrecoverytherapy.com or ask at booking for current membership options.
Clients & Conditions
Who does Davis Recovery Therapy work with?
Davis Recovery Therapy works with athletes, active adults, post-surgical recovery clients, healthcare professionals, and anyone experiencing soft tissue pain, chronic musculoskeletal issues, or reduced mobility. Robert has 25+ years of experience working with professional athletes, competitive athletes, and individuals who have been told to simply live with their pain.
What conditions does sports massage help with?
Sports massage at Davis Recovery Therapy addresses a wide range of conditions including muscle strains and sprains, tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, neck and back pain, post-surgical scar tissue, chronic myofascial restrictions, headaches related to cervical tension, and general recovery from athletic training and competition.
I've tried everything and nothing has worked. Can you help?
This is one of the most common reasons clients come to Davis Recovery Therapy. Robert's clinical approach focuses on identifying and treating structural causes rather than managing symptoms — an approach developed over 25 years working alongside MDs, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Many clients with long-standing, treatment-resistant conditions experience meaningful improvement. A consultation is the best first step.
Is sports massage appropriate after surgery?
Post-surgical recovery is a specialty area at Davis Recovery Therapy. Robert has extensive experience working with post-surgical clients to address scar tissue, restore range of motion, reduce swelling, and support healthy tissue remodeling. Always obtain clearance from your surgeon or physician before beginning massage after a surgical procedure.
Practical Questions
Do I need to do anything to prepare for a session?
Arrive with clean skin — avoid heavy lotions, oils, or perfumes on the treatment areas, especially if you are receiving DMSO application or red light therapy. For sauna sessions, hydrate well beforehand — drink at least 2–3 glasses of water before arriving. Remove metal jewelry from treatment areas. Contact lens wearers should bring glasses if receiving any treatments near the face.
How long does a typical session take?
Session lengths range from 40 minutes (Sauna + Red Light Therapy) to 115 minutes (The Recovery Cascade™ Complete). The Recovery Cascade™ protocols include transition time between phases. Plan for an additional 10–15 minutes for your first visit intake.
How often should I come in?
Frequency depends on your goals and condition. For acute soft tissue injuries, more frequent sessions early (2–3 per week) typically produce faster resolution. For maintenance and performance, weekly or bi-weekly sessions are most common. Robert will recommend a frequency at your first session based on your specific situation.
Is there parking available?
Yes. Parking is available at 1368 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael.
What is your cancellation policy? Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Late cancellations may be subject to a fee. Contact robert@davisrecoverytherapy.com or call 628-305-6415 to reschedule.