Lee studied at Aveda Institute and received his certification in August 2004. He has worked in many different health fields, and finds that the practice of massage is a perfect fit for him. Lee has lived in Minnesota his whole life but moved to Minneapolis in 2000.
Lee specializes in deep tissue, reiki, rain drop therapy, hot stone, chakra and relaxation massage. Massage is his passion and lifelong pursuit. Lee enjoys giving massages as much as his clients enjoy receiving them.
Reviews:
2/22/2012
After all of my health problems the last few months, one thing both my Doctor and my Physical Therapist recommended was a good massage! Had one last week that REALLY helped, had another one tonight that was THE BEST MASSAGE EVER! Thank you Lee! HUGS!
~Kevin V.
11/05/2011
I discovered Artifex via a “deal” site, and I received a five star massage by Lee (the owner.) Lee gives a wonderful deep tissue massage — his technique is skilled and he is very adept at working out knots (of which I have many!) The massage studio is a very pleasant atmosphere, quiet but with soft music. I left feeling relaxed and more comfortable in my own body than I had been in a very long time. I would recommend Lee to anyone!
10/28/2011
Lee is absolutely amazing! He was able to relax parts of my back that I thought would bother me for life! Lee’s hands are like a jack hammer when necessary but he can also give a nice relaxing massage! I highly recommend him!
Jess K.
7/27/2011
After my massage with Lee I feel as though I’ve been taken apart and reassembled correctly. He has so many different ways of getting at my problem areas that I literally learn something new every time I go in. (I’ve been a working massage therapist for nearly 20 years so learning something new is a big deal).
Lee is strong, skilled, intuitive and professional. A thorough (and thoroughly satisfying) massage!
~Kay H.
3/17/2011
I received a message from Lee and he did an amazing job. He was very personable and made me feel very comfortable. He used firm pressure which I could tell was really want I needed. He asked several times to make sure the pressure was the right amount. I could tell that he really loves what he does.
My only complaint was the clock in the room. I felt so relaxed but the constant clock ticking was annoying. Other then that my whole experience was great.
Chris K.
2/7/2011
I’ve had the good fortune to have a lot of massages in my life, but it was very clear from the first touch that Lee was going to be good. I can safely say that if I’ve ever had a better massage, I don’t recall when. There are parts of my upper back that haven’t really moved in years and right now, they feel like heaven.
Lee was great with communicating (without being overly chatty) and I never doubted that he was there to give a great experience.
I found the on-street parking easy, the space clean and comfortable and the vibe very real.
In a rare move, I elected to buy a package program to make certain I get back regularly – it’s good for the body, and good for the soul.
~Sarah S.
1/15/2011
Lee has got to be one of the strongest people to ever lay a hand on me. His hot stone massage was not foolin’. I felt like I was being beat up—in a good way!
Hot stone massage is intriguing. I wasn’t sure how it worked until I tried it, and I would definitely do it again. They actually rub these smooth hot rocks all over your muscles. It feels amazing and makes you wonder why this kind of heat isn’t used more often in standard massages. It’s wonderful!
I already recommended Lee to my boyfriend because he likes that really deep pressure in massages. I think most men especially seem to love that. I usually like more of a mix, and I was a little overwhelmed by the pressure at times, but I knew it was doing me good.
On the flip side, Anne was much more gentle for the massage I got here a couple of weeks ago. I think it was mostly Swedish techniques (nothing too surprising), and it was great to lay back for a solid hour and enjoy the Aveda aromatherapy and the solid rubdown.
They have some fun crafty merchandise and art in the comfortable lobby area, and both Lee and Anne are very sweet people. It’s an indie, neighborhoody place, so don’t expect caviar dreams. Do expect it to be clean, comfy and refreshingly no-frills experience.
~Annie D.
11/27/2010
I am always happy to visit Lee at Artifex Manuum. I know that I will be treated well, and he will be kind and professional. I almost never visit the same massage place twice, because I love getting the new client specials, but I have become a regular customer of Lee’s because he offers discounts that are as good or better to his existing clients. Thank you!
Gianna K.
8/10/2010
I just got a massage from Lee and I am hooked. He has the strongest hands on the planet to work out my knots but is also very gentle and soothing. I left feeling like pudding. It was awesome!
~Jessy K.
2/6/10
I needed a massage to loosen my tight neck and shoulders and Lee was the right guy for the job. He truly does love his work and it shows.
Lee (the owner) uses a nice firm pressure (though I’m sure he can adjust for your needs) which helped me feel better immediately and it has lasted. I wish I could afford to go all the time. But he did offer some helpful take-home suggestions and the 15 minute massage I got a week later was woooonderful.
The space feels like an old house, so it’s probably not for you if you’re expecting high class digs. But, it’s comfortable and I did like all the art. They also have online scheduling, which I like.
They’ve got a couple super great deals going on so definitely check this place out!
~S.K.
12/14/09
This is the best massage i have ever had. i went to lee. he just has a way of knowing what work your body needs done. amazing!!!
~M. F.
12/08/09
After an 18 hour stint at the computer, Lee massaged my numb mouse hand/arm/shoulder back into fine clicking and scrolling form. After 7 days straight of 12 hours in an office chair (except for potty breaks and food runs), Lee massaged my “chair interface” so that walking no longer caused by hips to cry out in pain. After cough syrup, Aleve Headache and Sinus and HOT showers didn’t work to clear my stuffy head (imagine the 7 dwarves inside your head using pick axes to breakout through your cheeks and eyes), Lee massaged my puffy face and scalp (who knew the scalp had anything to do with sinuses…well Lee does) until I could breathe easy again. If I didn’t have Lee, I would have to start taking care of myself. Knowing Lee is there to make it all better allows me to push these 40 year old body parts (all original) past their original specs. Lee is not magic. His touch does not heal broken bones. BUT, when I leave his office I feel like he has worked magic on my broken down body parts. If you don’t have a massage by Lee, you should be removed from the gene pool.
~T. R.
11/20/09
I went for my first massage today and came out thinking how I would sleep REALLY well tonight. The massage room is in the basement of the building, with a nice solid massage table, pleasant soft music, and indirect lighting– so no distractions of road noise or anything like that. Lee has strong arms & hands, and uses a variety of massage techniques, some stretching, and hot towels, in order to relax muscles. He was able to advise some breathing exercises to use when the massage pressure was more intense. After the massage was done, Lee made sure I was comfortable and let me take my time getting dressed and ready again. I also like that Lee’s encouraging local artists to exhibit their work in the waiting-room space– that’s a neat bonus.
~E. D.
11/23/09
I really appreciated the very deep work last night. I had a workout with my trainer this morning and I could really feel the difference in my strength and flexibility.
I really like the location of your new studio and how it feels when I walk in. The art and jewelry you have on display make a very nice addition. I was impressed with the quality of the jewelry and the very reasonable prices.
I liked the massage space and found the table incredibly comfortable. I just sort of sunk into it. Your draping methods maintained modesty without feeling confining. I liked how you enlisted me in holding the drape under my arms at times – it gave me a feeling of control and participation.
The depth of the massage took me to the edge but really challenged me to breathe. You seemed to be right there with me and always know when the muscle was about to release. You are incredibly strong and confident. I would like to try some other techniques soon, perhaps stone, for a little more of relaxing and less challenging time. For last night, it was just what I needed. My sleep, which has been a challenge, while not “perfect” was certainly better after the massage.
Thanks for sharing your work with me!
~B. M.
11/24/2009
My Partner and I have had Lee as our massage therapist for over five years. Lee is conscientious and dependable and we look forward to seeing him weekly as part of our physical health regimen. He always knows the right amount of pressure to use and intuitively what area of the body needs work. His massage never feels routine. It is great to see him in his own richly deserved salon – It’s warm and light filled waiting area has both a calming and spiritual welcoming quality. He is a kind soul, a friend, a wonderful body worker and we love him
~K. R. and D. P.
11/25/09
Artifex Manuum Spa & Gallery is a comfortable space. I like the art scene support they show by offering local artists work for sale in house. My massage therapist is Lee and he is very professional and does excellent work.
~P.K.
I needed a massage to loosen my tight neck and shoulders and Lee was the right guy for the job. He truly does love his work and it shows.
Lee (the owner) uses a nice firm pressure (though I’m sure he can adjust for your needs) which helped me feel better immediately and it has lasted. I wish I could afford to go all the time. But he did offer some helpful take-home suggestions and the 15 minute massage I got a week later was woooonderful.
The space feels like an old house, so it’s probably not for you if you’re expecting high class digs. But, it’s comfortable and I did like all the art. They also have online scheduling, which I like.
~S.K
