Hands-On Massage & Wellness

I met Jason in 2002 (?). Not sure of the exact date but, it's been awhile. I met him while he still was working for other massage businesses building up their clientele. During the years I've known him he has dedicated himself to teaching massage instructors and building business for- other people. When Jason and Melanie decided to open their own location, I thought it a great next step. Clients would have the benefit of seeing Jason in his own environment and in turn Jason would be able to build his own business. Jason is the kind of quality professional who puts the client first. He performs sports massage on my muscular husband, Feldenkreis on my Grandfather and just relaxing massage for me. He is so well versed in massage that he is a director for 2 prestigious massage schools in the Bay Area. It is a treat that Jason still works directly with non-athletes on the average "civilian". Personally, Jason is a sincere, kind and professional massage therapy instructor and practicing therapist. He well deserves his modest rates. His facility is simple and clean- you aren't paying for fancy decorations or snooty half-witted receptionists. It is a treat that I heartily recommend. more

Hands-On Massage and Wellness Center rocks!! I have known Jason and Mel for a while now and they are the most genuine and caring people that I know. Jason has always been very dedicated in everything he does and it is this dedication and his overwhelming knowledge of anatomy, muscle mechanics, and movement that makes him such a great therapist. He transfers all of that knowledge through his skilled and experienced hands to make, literally, life changing results. I have lived my life, taking my body for granted. Playing sports 4-5 times a week for countless hours and not really allowing my body to recover. Making my muscles compensate for those that are already overworked. Over time I had developed some nasty knots in my legs and back that really set me back. For a while when I crossed my legs and the side of my calf muscle would rest on my knee bone, I would almost jump out of my seat in pain. When I heard about the center opening in Millbrae, I jumped at the chance to see him, since he was now much closer to where I live and work. When he started to work on my calf, in particular my soleus, he said it felt like an alien in my leg. That is how bad it was. He also told me it is the second most painful muscle to work on. And he was soooo right. But after two sessions, I was ready to give him my first born that is how much of a difference he made. It was literally, life changing. I could play sports again and cross my legs without grimacing. God it feels good! What is even more impressive is all the manners in which he has helped me to avoid the pain from coming back. Showing me stretching techniques, using tools, like the Stick, to work on those areas on my own, recommending salt baths, and even helping me change some of my motions when I play sports. I will always be indebted to him and continue to go back to work on other problem areas and get recommendations on how to move and function better and with less pain. Pros: Great setting, easy to find, comfortable surroundings. more

I first met Jason about 18 months ago while in massage school. It was so immediately clear to me that this was the person I wanted to learn from. Although his experience and depth of knowledge were fantastic, was really struck me was his passion for healing. I became really excited about the possibilities for bodywork. Jason talked about what he has accomplished for people through massage. I decided right there and then that I was absolutely on the right track with massage, and his level of passion and understanding of how the body works was definitely what I was after! I have attended workshops with Jason at the Hands-On Wellness and Massage Center, and will continue to do so. His emphasis is on proper body-mechanics - you need to look after your own body before you can help someone else's body. Since learning from Jason, I have become more and more passionate about bodywork (some may even say somewhat obsessed!). He truely inspired me and I have since opened my own massage business, and am going from strength to strength. I will continue to attend Jason's workshops in order to further my knowledge and career. I cannot recommend the Center highly enough. Pros: Small classes, value for money, effective training and bodywork more

I should say upfront that not only am I responsible for the handsonwell website, but also, Jason and Melanie are among my dearest friends - they are both truly inspiring and warm-hearted people, and it's awesome to see their dreams coming true. Nevertheless, I want to express how genuinely pleased I am to be associated with this couple and what they've established with Hands-On Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. By dint of their hard work, constant creativity, and amazing people skills, they've provided an exceptional facility for classes in Pilates, Feldenkrais, and Yoga. Situated right on El Camino Real in Millbrae, the location is near 101 and very easy to find. Just walk up the stairs to Suite F. Big open windows, beautiful paintings, and green, healthy houseplants greet you upon entering. Whenever I visit, I notice the authentic and great vibe, how at ease Jason and Mel put their clients, and how happy the clients are following their sessions. I've bartered some of my website fees for several Feldenkrais lessons with Jason, whom is a natural teacher. The lessons involve very simple movements and suggestions for slightly different, unaccustomed movements. Upon completion of the hour-long lesson, I feel very relaxed, almost as if I just had a massage. And, the lessons have definitely helped me develop my body awareness. I haven't taken the Yoga and Pilates classes yet, but look forward to doing so. I'm sure Jason and Melanie have found some really great teachers. They have a reputation for surrounding themselves with cool people -- and I freely admit that I'm not modest enough to discount myself from that group. :) For the Grand Opening, Hands-On Wellness and Rehabilitation Center is running a limited promotion, as of this writing (2/15/08): $7 for 7 days of unlimited classes. Whether you're a beginner, intermediate, or advanced student of Yoga, Feldenkrais, and/or Pilates, you ought to give Hands-On a shot. more

A few years ago, I started seeing Virginia for a bad hip that was painful and limited in its range of motion. Through bodywork and corrective exercise I was able to return to many of my former athletic activities. Most recently, she helped me train for a sports camp focusing on strengthening my core muscles and gave me a game plan to get through the week. I have found her to be extremely knowledgeable and able to design an efficient program specific to my needs. more

Both a dancer and a bodyworker, Virginia O'Hanlon is a natural at teaching both yoga and pilates. Her form is fantastic, her manner both soothing and encouraging. Her instruction is clear, concise and in plain English (Downward DOg, Warrior, Child's Pose, rather than "Whateversana"!) She is always patient and carefrul. She would never try to push you to do something you weren't ready for. In the two years I've worked with her, it's been a gift to have Virginia as my teacher. more

I had a private session with I had a private session w/ Virginia O?Hanlon last week. I was so impressed with her knowledge & how she tailored the exercise to my needs and fitness level. Her focus on proper form and technique was really helpful. She designed a personal routine that I can practice throughout the week to build up my core strength. She even helped me figure out an alternative exercise I can do during my boxing class, since I shouldn't do a full sit-up after just having had a baby. I can see how anyone who is looking to go to a yoga, pilates, or any fitness class would be benefit from working with her first to make sure that you have the core strength and proper form to avoid injury and perform all of the techniques correctly. She's also really enjoyable to work with! :) Pros: Easy parking, great location. Everything was actually great! more