About Steve Metzger, Therapist

Steve practiced as a registered nurse for over 40 years and has been doing holistic bodywork and massage. He has extensive RN experience with additional advanced bodywork training. He is an advanced Myofascial Releasee therapist (John F. Barnes) and has Lymph Drainage Therapy certification (LLCC) from the Chikly Foundation.

Formal Education

Steve received a BA in Biology from Westmont College, a BS in Nursing from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), and an MBA from CSUS. He went on to receive additional certification in orthopedic nursing, ski patrol, outdoor emergency care, and massage therapy. Steve expanded his knowledge and technical skills in complementary and alternative treatments with formal massage therapy training, and the following advanced bodywork techniques: Myofascial Release (John F. Barnes), Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (Chikly and Vodder), Craniosacral Therapy (Upledger), Orthopedic Massage (Waslaski), and several modalities of women’s health bodywork.

Registered Nurse

Steve has over 45 years experience as a registered nurse. He has worked in critical care, med-surgical nursing, ortho, and trauma. He also worked in nursing management supporting inpatient, outpatient, and surgery.
As part of his work, Steve has instructed nurses, midwives, nursing assistants, home health aides, and clerical staff. He has served diverse populations ranging from doctors, ministers, and chiropractors to prisoners and gang members. Steve has also served as an interpreter for Spanish-speaking patients. Regardless of anyone’s past or current path in life, Steve approaches each patient individually, from a space of acceptance, compassion, and nurturing. His sole interest is optimizing the healing and recovery of each unique individual.

Massage Therapist

Steve expanded his bodywork skills with massage certification from Chico Therapy Wellness Center in 2007. He continued advanced training in Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Women’s Health bodywork, Craniosacral Therapy, and orthopedic massage. He has taught pregnancy, postpartum, and women’s health bodywork massage at Chico Therapy Wellness Center and Chico Massage School. He is one of the few Sacramento therapists certified to provide massage before, during, and after pregnancy. His advanced training in fertility massage, lymphatic drainage, and other women’s health therapy makes him a holistic provider for women in their childbearing years. He is in awe of the miracle of life and feels honored to contribute to the health and wellness of a new mother, baby, and family.

Holistic Health Maintenance

Combining his massage and nursing expertise, Steve is able to safely apply numerous therapeutic modalities, taking into consideration the illnesses or injuries (whether physical or emotional) of each client. He enjoys using his many skills to identify and treat the root cause of a health problem. “Most people with health conditions are over-medicated and under-treated,” he explains. “Medication may be important for an acute condition, but doctors may be too quick to prescribe pharmaceuticals or do surgery, without addressing the root problem. Massage and bodywork offer a more holistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing the body’s ability to self-heal.” Many clients come to Revive Therapy when western medicine fails and they usually continue for ongoing holistic health maintenance.

Treating Stress, Anxiety and Trauma

Steve believes that stress is the number one health hazard. Demands at home and career affect our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Upper body complaints (head, neck, shoulders, and arms) can be caused by stress and forward posture. Abdominal and pelvic issues may be related to diet, emotional tension, stress, anxiety, and trauma. An integrated approach to health at Revive Therapy considers the treatment of the body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Treatment of stored emotions and trauma may be essential to health and wholeness.

Family and Community Man

Steve has been married to his wife, Susan, for 49 years. Together they have raised five children, and numerous foster children. They now love spending time with their 26 grandchildren. For 11 seasons, Steve volunteered as the coach for his daughter’s soccer team. He enjoys playing soccer himself – not to mention snowboarding, swimming, gardening, and traveling! He also volunteers annually as a sports massage therapist for a 24-hour charity bicycle ride.

Steve is an active member of his church, through which he teaches, offers local community service, and leads medical service trips to third-world countries in Latin America and Southeast Asia. This brings much-needed medical care to indigenous populations with no access to doctors. Steve also contributes massage sessions to Sacramento organizations supporting needy moms.