Merila Massage in Minneapolis

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic tightness, or simply feeling the effects of stress, Maxwell Merila’s personalized massage therapy can help you move more comfortably, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love.

For Pain Relief, Sports Recovery & Everyday Movemment.

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★★★★★ 24+ Five-Star Reviews · Licensed Massage Therapist · Private Studio in Tangletown, Minneapolis

First Time at Merila Massage?

New customers receive $20 off your first massage.

Code: FIRST

Is this what you’re dealing with?

Something hurts, feels stuck, or just won’t let go. Massage therapy may be what your body needs to relax and recover. If any of these sound familiar, Merila Massage can help.

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Recovering from a running, hiking, or sports injury and want to get back to it faster.

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Chronic pain or accident recovery that’s limiting how you move through your day.

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Neck and shoulder pain from desk work and hours at the screen with poor posture.

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Everyday stress and tension that has started showing up in your body.

Tight muscles from lifting, training, or overuse that just won’t loosen on their own

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Lymphedema, swelling, or recovery after surgery that needs gentle, specialized care.

Whatever brings you here, the goal is the same: figure out what’s going on and do focused, hands-on work to help you feel and move better.

Your Minneapolis Massage Therapist

Maxwell Merila

Founder, Licensed Massage Therapist, CLT

I’m Maxwell Merila, LMT.

I began my massage career in 2016 after graduating from the Aveda Institute. Since then I’ve worked with thousands of clients across chiropractic offices, massage clinics, and in-home sessions throughout the Twin Cities, specializing in deep tissue, sports massage, and Swedish techniques,

Together, we focus on the root cause of your pain, whether you’re recovering from trauma, managing chronic pain, training hard, or simply need to decompress. Many of my clients are runners, lifters, golfers, and desk professionals looking for practical relief.

I believe massage healing works best when it’s personalized. I tailor every session to your goals and your comfort, from my private studio in the Tangletown.

Certifications

I hold three certifications in Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques through the Dalton Myoskeletal program. I am also certified in the Vodder Technique for Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD).

  • Aveda Institute graduate

  • Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)

  • Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT)

  • Certified in Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques

How Merila Massage Helps

Massage Services in Minneapolis

Each type of massage, from deep tissue recovery to mobility work, is designed to support healing, restore balance, and help you move through life with more ease.

Whether you need a focused treatment plan for an injury or occasional maintenance to stay feeling your best, Max will personalize your massage treatment to your body and root problems.

Book a Deep Tissue Massage

Deep Tissue & Sports Massage

Best for: athletes, active adults, chronic pain, stubborn knots, and desk-and-posture tension.

Release chronic tension, recover from injuries faster, and move without the tightnessthat’s been holding you back. This is focused, therapeutic work that targets and troubleshoots the muscles and patterns actually causing your pain. Max uses deep tissue massage techniques, trigger point therapy, and Myoskeletal Alignment to work directly on what’s tight or limiting you, at a pressure that stays effective and comfortable.

  • 60 minutes – $110

  • 90 minutes – $150

  • 120 minutes – $190

Book a Lymphatic Massage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Best for: post-surgical recovery, lymphedema, swelling, and fluid retention.

Reduce swelling, calm inflammation, and support your body’s natural healing after surgery or during ongoing lymphedema care. Manual lymphatic drainage is gentle, precise work — very different from deep tissue — that encourages your lymphatic system to move fluid and recover. As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Max tailors every session to exactly where your body is in its recovery.

  • 30 minutes – $60

  • 60 minutes – $110

  • 90 minutes – $150

Book a Relaxation Massage

Relaxation Massage

Best for: anyone carrying everyday stress who wants to unwind, reset, and feel calm again.

Melt away stress, ease everyday tension, and leave feeling genuinely restored. A relaxation massage is calming, full-body work at a lighter, soothing pressure — the session to book when your body isn’t in pain, but your mind and shoulders could use a reset. These sessions are dialed toward helping you fully decompress. Add-ons like cupping therapy or hot stones help you get the most from each session.

  • 60 minutes – $110

  • 90 minutes – $150

  • 120 minutes – $190

Not sure what massage type you need?

Send Max a note about what’s been bothering you, and he’ll let you know which fits best.

Text: 612-462-4276

Email: Max@MerilaMassage.com

Why clients choose Merila Massage

  • Every session is built around your goals on that day. No autopilot routines. Max problem solves with you to plan an efficient treatment.

  • Evidence-informed healing techniques. Deep tissue, trigger point therapy, stretching, & Myoskeletal Alignment.

  • You’ll never be pressured to push through pain. Max checks in and adjusts pressure so the work stays effective and comfortable.

  • A private, one-on-one studio. The same therapist every visit —at a cozy, quiet space in Tangletown, Minneapolis.

  • The goal is healing and lasting improvement — with education to support progress in between sessions so pain relief truly lasts.

  • Easy instant online booking. Choose your method and schedule your first session online by following this link.

About

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief

    “My massages with Max always give me the best results. He’s the only therapist I’ve met who has truly helped heal my shoulder and neck issues. Max has a deep understanding of the body, and it's clear he is highly educated and experienced. The location was easy to find, with a clean, relaxing atmosphere. Excellent customer service all around. Highly recommended!” –Katarina

  • Sports and Recovery

    “I cannot say enough good things about Max's work. Every time we meet, we discuss what part of me needs attention, and sure enough - when we're done, it's vastly improved or completely gone! I do a lot of hiking and other outdoor activities and a session with Max is always part of the plan upon my return. Do yourself a favor and book some time with him and see for yourself.” – Stefan

  • Lower Back Pain Relief

    “Just had a massage from Max! Friendly and inviting personality! He knows how to have a good conversation or no talking depending on what you're feeling. He used some great deep-tissue techniques I’ve not felt from other therapists that worked quite as effectively. I really enjoyed him stretching me whilst he held a spot. My low back is so thankful I went to get a Merila Massage! I will be back! if you want a great massage Experience, then this is it!” –Sage

  • Headache Relief

    “Max has really helped me with neck pain and headaches. He’s very intuitive in his work. I’d highly recommend him” – Shelley

  • Chronic Pain Relief

    "Max is an exceptional massage therapist, great for helping resolve chronic pain issues. As a former bodyworker I can attest to his skill level. He even can handle working on my husband’s strong back." –Alena

  • Relaxation and Bodywork

    "Max is an amazing massage therapist, professional and makes sure you are completely comfortable. I would recommend his services to anyone in need of body work or even a relaxation massage."

  • Shoulder Knot Massage

    "This was hands down the best massage I have ever had. I have had a knot in my shoulder for YEARS and although we discussed that it would likely not be gone after one session, it actually still is a week later. I know it will eventually come back but I at least know where I can go to get it taken care of next time." –Krista

  • Pain Relief

    "If I could give him more stars, I would. All I can really say is, this man is doin the lords work! I’ve been in pretty substantial pain for weeks, and I left there feeling like a new woman. Max is clearly educated and knows what he is doing. Thank you Max for the most beneficial massage I’ve ever had. Will be back!" –Jessie

  • Deep Tissue Massage for T-10 Disc

    "Max knows his stuff! His deep tissue massage really helps work out the knots in my mid back. I have a T-10 disc protrusion and it really helps loosen my back up." –Matt

  • Sports Performance Massage

    "I love his use of stretching and deep tissue massage. It helped improve my golf swing by eliminating my lower back tightness and pain!" –Steve

  • Massage Therapy for Pain Relief

    "Max is a talented massage therapist who has a solid skill set, which as a massage therapist myself I totally appreciate. If you're looking for some pain relief I highly recommend checking out his services." –Leah

What Your First Visit is Like

At Merila Massage, we aim to make you feel relaxed from the moment you enter.

When you arrive at the studio, you can unwind in a peaceful waiting area before Max calls you in. Here’s what to expect:

1. We start with a chat.

Every session starts with problem-solving conversation about what’s bothering you, your goals, and what needs attention.

2. Your massage is customized.

You’ll get focused work on what your body needs, with pressure and techniques adjusted to you.

3. Self-care tips to try at home

Max offers tips and advice for any stretches or self-care to help you keep feeling better and improving between sessions.

4. Transition to Maintenance Care

Once any problems have been addressed we can have more relaxing and maintenance sessions to avoid/prevent future injuries.

 

Visit the Studio in Tangletown, South Minneapolis

Merila Massage is a private, one-on-one massage studio in the Tangletown neighborhood of South Minneapolis — a calm, comfortable space set up for focused therapeutic work.

Address: 4816 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55419 

Parking: free street parking on West Rustic Lodge Ave

Hours: Monday–Thursday: 7am–9am, Fridays 7am–5pm

FAQs

Have another question? Just reach out!

  • If you're unsure which service or session duration is the best fit for you, just send Max a text or email and he can recommend the best approach. All he needs to know is what's been bothering you.

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Some clients undress fully, others stay in underwear, and for some techniques you can stay clothed. You'll always be properly draped with a sheet and blanket, with only the area being worked on uncovered. Max will step out while you get settled on the table.

  • A deep tissue massage should feel firm and focused, but never overwhelming. The work is actually most effective when you're relaxed enough to let the muscle soften. There's a "good hurt" as tight areas release, and Max checks in on pressure throughout.

  • It depends on your goals. For an injury or chronic pain, Max often recommends starting weekly or bi-weekly to make real progress, then spacing out to monthly maintenance once you’re feeling better. For general stress and tension, every three to four weeks keeps most people ahead of it — but his recommendations are always based on your goals, not a preset schedule.

  • A card or deposit holds your spot. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for no charge; late cancellations or no-shows are charged 50%.

  • No — tipping is never expected here. This is focused, therapeutic bodywork, and the price you book is the price you pay. You can leave a tip after your service if you want to. leaving a review or rebooking another massage is always great way to show your appreciation.

  • Yes. Many clients use their HSA or FSA card to pay for therapeutic massage. Just bring the card and book as usual — and if you need any documentation for your plan, let Max know.

More FAQs

Ready to book your healing massage?

Whether your goal is to recover from an injury, relieve chronic tension, or simply move through life more comfortably, Merila Massage is here to help.

Book your massage today and get $20 off your first visit with the code FIRST.