Marin & San Francisco, California

Need relief?
You're in the
right place.

Lasting relief from chronic pain, tension, and restricted movement — through neuromuscular therapy, structural integration, and somatic care grounded in 18+ years of practice.

Thatcher Hayward, CMT SEP

Thatcher Hayward

CMT  ·  SEP  ·  18+ years in practice

" Thatcher has an incredibly intuitive, healing touch and is extremely knowledgeable about the human body. I teach yoga for a living and I recommend Thatcher to my students. — Chandra L., San Francisco CA

18+Years in Practice
3Integrated Modalities
NMT · SE · SICertified Practitioner
Marin & SFBay Area

This is not a spa massage.
This is therapeutic work.

Neuromuscular Therapy is a precise, science-informed practice that targets the root causes of chronic pain — not just the symptoms.

The work is collaborative and cumulative. Your body's history matters. Whether you're recovering from injury, managing long-term tension, or seeking to restore full movement, the goal is always lasting change — not temporary relief.

"I left feeling like a new person. My range of motion increased and I gained an acute awareness of my body. That is Thatcher's magic."

— Sami V., San Francisco CA

Services

01

Neuromuscular Therapy

NMT

A systematic approach to muscular pain that balances the relationship between the nervous system and soft tissue. Precise, targeted, and deeply effective for chronic conditions.

  • Low back & neck pain
  • Sciatica & hip pain
  • Headache & TMJ
  • Repetitive strain injury
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Frozen shoulder
02

Structural Integration

SI

A systematic reorganization of the body's connective tissue — fascia — to improve posture, alignment, and ease of movement. Works with the body's whole architecture, not isolated muscles.

  • Postural imbalance
  • Chronic restriction
  • Movement limitations
  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Alignment issues
  • Whole-body tension patterns
03

Somatic Experiencing

SE

A body-centered approach to resolving the physiological effects of stress, shock, and trauma. Works gently with the nervous system to release what chronic tension is holding.

  • Trauma & shock recovery
  • Anxiety held in the body
  • Nervous system dysregulation
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Persistent unexplained pain
  • Stress & burnout recovery
Thatcher Hayward in the Himalayas

How I came
to this work.

Years in technology consulting left their mark. Long days sitting at a screen that quietly accumulate, eventually leading to pain and dysfunction. A cycling accident brought things to a head, and conventional approaches only got me so far.

My search for lasting relief led me to Structural Integration and therapeutic bodywork. Self-care became equally essential to my recovery: Tai Chi, I Chuan, Iyengar yoga, and Buddhist meditation, each studied with masters in their tradition. Eventually that path led to the Muscular Therapy Institute in Cambridge for formal clinical training.

Eighteen years in, I'm still studying, still learning, and that breadth is deliberate. No single modality has the whole answer. What I bring to a session draws from all of it, layered together in service of what each person actually needs.

CMT — Certified Massage Therapist SEP — Somatic Experiencing Practitioner NMT — Neuromuscular Therapy

What clients say

Marin & San Francisco

"

I highly recommend Thatcher to anyone desiring to immediately and accurately address chronic strain or tension, particularly with regards to posture, low back tension, flexibility, range of motion, or alignment issues.

Adam C. — Emeryville, CA
"

I left feeling like a new person. My range of motion increased and I gained an acute awareness of my body. He not only helps release muscle tension but builds body awareness that helps prevent future injury.

Sami V. — San Francisco, CA
"

Thatcher has good hands. He can sense tense and knotted tissue and use the appropriate technique to release it as effectively as possible, with as little pain or inflammation as possible. I always feel better.

Kate S. — San Francisco, CA

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your first session.

Is this the same as a regular massage?

Not exactly. Neuromuscular Therapy is a clinical, outcome-focused practice aimed at resolving the root causes of pain and dysfunction — not relaxation. Sessions are more targeted and interactive than a typical massage, and the approach is tailored to what your body actually needs.

What will a session feel like?

You may notice a range of sensations — sometimes gentle, sometimes mildly uncomfortable — as the work meets areas of tension. The pressure increases gradually and is always responsive to how your body is feeling in the moment. Many people sense a softening or easing as tissue begins to release. You're always welcome to speak up.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. Some people notice significant relief after one session; chronic or complex conditions typically benefit from a series. After your first appointment, I'll share an honest assessment and a suggested approach — with no pressure to commit.

Do you accept insurance?

I don't provide insurance billing directly. Some HSA and FSA cards work at the time of payment — others don't. Either way, I provide a receipt after every session that you can submit to your plan for potential reimbursement. Check with your plan administrator to confirm your specific coverage.

What is your cancellation policy?

A 48-hour cancellation policy is in place. If you're unable to make your appointment within that window, you're welcome to gift the session to someone else so the time doesn't go to waste.

Do you offer gift certificates?

Yes. Get in touch to arrange a gift certificate for someone who could use some relief.

Contact

Reach out by phone, email, or the form below — whatever works best for you.

I'll get back to you within one business day.

Other ways to reach me

Phone
Email
Location Marin & San Francisco, CA
Ready to book? Book a Session Online

Ready to feel
like yourself again?

Sessions available in Marin and San Francisco. Book online, send a message, or call — whatever feels right. No pressure, no hard sell.

Book a Session

Send a message  ·