Business Details
17 Years
experience
Expert Massage Therapy in San Francisco
The Massage Garage was founded by Gary Mendelson, a California Certified and Licensed Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist with over two decades of experience in therapeutic bodywork. Our practice combines advanced neuromuscular techniques with personalized care to address nerve pain, muscle strain, and chronic tension. We prioritize understanding each client's unique health history, injuries, and stress factors to create targeted treatment plans. Our therapists function as health educators, empowering clients with tools to manage pain independently. With a background in theater arts and a passion for holistic healing, we approach massage therapy as a collaborative process to realign the body's systems.Our methods integrate seamlessly with physical therapy, chiropractic care, and acupuncture for comprehensive wellness solutions. We serve the San Francisco Bay Area from our Japantown location, offering flexible scheduling and evidence-based treatments. Our commitment to client education and long-term pain relief distinguishes us from conventional massage practices. Through continuous professional development and a focus on neuromuscular re-education, we maintain industry-leading expertise. Our goal is to help clients achieve sustainable mobility and comfort through therapeutic touch.
Services
Neuromuscular Massage
Shockwave Therapy
Pain Management
Trigger Point Therapy
Health Education
Body Mechanics Training
Stress Reduction Massage
Postural Alignment
Scar Tissue Release
Sports Recovery
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Certified Advanced Neuromuscular Therapists with 15+ years of experience
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to individual pain patterns
- Comprehensive client education for self-management
- Integrated approach combining multiple therapeutic modalities
- Proven track record with 90%+ client satisfaction rate
Associations and certifications
- California Massage Therapy Council
What people say
"miracle worker"
Pain-free again
Targeted techniques
Personalized approach
Lasting relief
Services
Neuromuscular Massage
Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy targets chronic pain through precise muscle manipulation. Our therapists identify trigger points and fascial restrictions to restore proper nerve function. This science-based approach combines deep tissue work with neurological re-education for lasting relief.
Shockwave Therapy
Radial Pressure Wave Therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. This FDA-cleared treatment breaks down scar tissue and promotes blood flow for musculoskeletal conditions. Sessions last 30-40 minutes with minimal downtime required.
Pain Management
Our comprehensive pain management programs address both symptoms and root causes. Through combined modalities including neuromuscular therapy and client education, we help manage conditions like sciatica, fibromyalgia, and repetitive strain injuries.
Trigger Point Therapy
Specialized trigger point treatment addresses hyperirritable muscle knots causing referred pain. Our therapists use sustained pressure and stretching techniques to deactivate trigger points while teaching clients self-care methods for ongoing management.
Health Education
Client education programs teach body mechanics and self-treatment techniques. We provide personalized stretching routines and posture correction strategies to maintain treatment benefits and prevent pain recurrence.
People
Gary Mendelson
Owner & Lead Therapist
Gary Mendelson is a California Certified Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist with 15+ years of clinical experience. A former Broadway performer, he combines artistic body awareness with technical expertise. He has taught at the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy and maintains continuing education in pain science.
Laura A. Perez
Senior Therapist
Laura A. Perez holds a BS in Biology and California massage certification since 2006. With experience treating athletes and postpartum clients, she specializes in customized therapeutic approaches. Currently teaching continuing education courses while maintaining limited clinical hours.
Questions
What makes neuromuscular massage different from regular massage?
Neuromuscular therapy combines deep tissue work with neurological re-education to address chronic pain patterns. Unlike relaxation massage, it focuses on correcting musculoskeletal imbalances and treating specific conditions.
How many sessions will I need for chronic pain?
Most clients see significant improvement in 3-6 sessions. The exact number depends on your condition's duration and complexity. We provide personalized treatment plans during your initial assessment.
Is shockwave therapy safe?
Yes, it's FDA-cleared and non-invasive. Our Chattanooga system is used in medical clinics worldwide. Minor soreness may occur but serious side effects are extremely rare when performed by certified practitioners.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide documentation for out-of-network benefits but don't bill insurance directly. Many clients successfully claim partial reimbursement for therapeutic massage services.
Can massage help post-surgical recovery?
Yes, with physician approval. We specialize in post-surgical scar tissue release and mobility restoration. Treatment timing and approach are carefully coordinated with your medical team.
What should I wear for a session?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement. For shockwave therapy, wear clothing that exposes the treatment area. Most massage work can be done through light draping without requiring full undressing.
Reviews (1)
Neela Roy
Mar 25, 2022
Report
Gary is amazing. His goal is to help and educate people so they can be free of pain and have the best possible quality of life. For 3 years I suffered from debilitating pain to the point I was bed ridden. I saw doctors at UCSF and Stanford. All I was offered was medications that barely worked and had horrendous side effects.
Neuromuscular sessions with Gary has helped me immensely. Not only did the sessions help my pain which drastically changed the quality of my life. Sharing his knowledge and tips on how to care for my body has educated me on how to help myself take better care of my body.
Gary is knowledgeable, intuitive, thoughtful and caring. He also has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend Gary and the Massage Garage.
Neuromuscular sessions with Gary has helped me immensely. Not only did the sessions help my pain which drastically changed the quality of my life. Sharing his knowledge and tips on how to care for my body has educated me on how to help myself take better care of my body.
Gary is knowledgeable, intuitive, thoughtful and caring. He also has a great sense of humor. I highly recommend Gary and the Massage Garage.
