Hands-On Health Associates

4.5 star rating
35 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Acupuncture, Massage, Chiropractors  [Edit]

1815 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02140
Neighborhood: Porter Square
(617) 661-4325
Nearest Transit:

Massachusetts Ave @ Mt Vernon St (77, 96)

Massachusetts Ave @ Roseland St (77, 83, 96)

Porter Square (Fitchburg/South Acton Line)

Hours:

Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm

Sat 10 am - 6 pm

Sun 11 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street, Validated, Private Lot
Accepts Insurance:
Yes
By Appointment Only:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
$50 for $75 Certificate

M C. said: "I am a big fan of community acupuncture, and Acupuncture Together is a great model.  They offer other resources too such as information on specific…"   read more »

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35 reviews in English

  • Review from Jan T.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/30/2011

    I have gone to HOH on and off for 10 years now. I'd rather not tell you who my FAVORITE message therapist is because every time I give out info like this, everyone wants to go to that person, and then there are NEVER any appointments available for me.  ALSO, it IS a personal thing, and you may not like my favorite person. Nevertheless, I am still not going to tell you.

    SOOOO, I am only going to say, this place is GREAT and MOST of the massages you get will be of the highest quality. They are true healers and really want to help and make you feel better from past injuries and/or stress. They know what they are doing; very well trained professionals.

  • Review from J. D.

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    • 1 friend
    • 6 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/23/2012

    I got a deep tissue massage last week with Sophia (or Sophie..not sure). The prices here are great -- I got a $5 discount for going on a weekday before 3, and another $5 for being a Healthworks member (so a 60 min massage was only $75). Making an appointment was easy and Mary at the front desk was patient and helpful.

    As other reviewers have noted, this is not a fancy place. The heated massage bed was very comfortable, but the room was a bit threadbare and the posters of musculature were not particularly relaxing. If you want a spa-like atmosphere you will not find it here; it feels more clinical.

    But Sophia was wonderful. I didn't really know how to describe what I wanted besides "upper back and shoulders" and she threw in arms/hands, legs/feet, and a truly amazing (and painful, but good painful) neck/scalp massage. She could tell that I had jaw tension without my telling her, and also worked on a place on my back that I strain because of bad pasture. Before the massage she asked why I was there, and while I think my reasons for being stressed are bougie and illegit, she was sympathetic and serious about them. I felt really relaxed and realigned afterward. Highly recommended.

  • Review from Emily B.

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    • 30 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/12/2011

    Hands-On Health is great!  My mom is a massage therapist, so I know a good massage when I get one and I've never gotten anything less than a stellar massage here.

    I usually go to Marcia, who really listens and focuses on the areas I need worked on (like Kayte B., I too have TMJ and am perpetually tight in my neck & shoulders). I've also seen Sierra & Andrea who have different styles, but are equally awesome when it comes to listening and focusing on the areas where I am extra tight.

    The next time you are looking for a nice, deep massage check out Hands-On Health and ask for any of these therapists - you will not be disappointed.

  • Review from connie l.

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    • 16 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    3/6/2011

    AMAZING

    My friends got me a 1-hour massage for my birthday, and I finally got around to using it yesterday. My friend recommended Marcia, and now I know why she is completely addicted!

    Don't let Marcia's petite figure fool you. I love deep tissue massages aka lots of pressure and have never asked a therapist for less pressure until Marcia.  

    Massage started off with a head massage, moved to back & shoulders, then lower back, then arms/hands, then legs. Most of my knots and discomfort areas were fixed in this session! (Only reason not all were.. was because I just have too many!) Marcia was a beast!

    While I like being relaxed and getting some "me" time at a massage/spa, the ultimate point is for me to get my knots and problem areas fixed.  After this session, I've decided Hands-On Health is the place for me!  No frou frou orchids in the corner or lavender smelling bath robes, just a great deep tissue massage!  

    I walked out feeling 2 inches taller and like I could rotate my head 180 degrees!

    For $85/60 minutes and $125/90 minutes, I think it's very reasonable.  Definitely looking forward to my next session!!

  • Review from Lisa S.

    Thornton, PA

    5.0 star rating
    6/4/2010

    I almost always get my massages at Bella Sante, but Hands-On Health just got bumped up to first on my list. Don't come here expecting the things Bella Sante offers- a huge locker room, cucumber water, cushy robes and the like. But they do great with what they have- the table was very comfortable, the background music was relaxing, and they give you water after your massage. 80 minutes cost $125, which was quite reasonable.

    I recently began a pretty intense work out routine (running and sessions with a personal trainer) after years of not working out. My body has not been taking it very well. Earlier this week, it felt like I strained my back, and I had trouble walking and bending over. Then on Wednesday I did an intense arm workout, and I added my right shoulder onto my pain list (I have an old rotator cuff injury that has been problematic for years). I decided I needed an emergency massage and I picked Hands-On Health from the reviews on Yelp. Today, before my massage, I felt absolutely horrible. I spent most of the day googling things along the lines of "severe muscle pain", and around 2pm, I decided I had lupus and a multitude of other horrible diseases. So suffice to say that this massage was MUCH needed.

    I got an appointment with Marcia, and I told her I generally like lots of pressure. She was AMAZING. She started out with my head, which I love (and rarely get). She then started working out the pain in my back... then my shoulder... then my legs (which are perpetually tight, giving me shin splits and calf pain). She definitely had her work cut out for her for only 80 minutes. Her pressure was awesome, and at one point, I had to ask for a bit less pressure in one painful area, which I have never asked anyone before. I walked out feeling 500% better and cured of my potential lupus. Also, she was so nice and polite... when I was leaving, she smiled and was just like, "you were very tight!" Definitely an understatement. I'm going to check my calendar this weekend and schedule another appointment with her ASAP.

  • Review from 'amy e.

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    • 103 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    1/19/2009

    On my way home from my massage, I wanted to sing and dance and proclaim the gospel of Amanda from the Somerville rooftops.  

    However, because I was driving and it was snowing, I thought it was a better idea to keep my hands in the 10-2 position and my eyes on the road.  It's a matter of public safety!

  • Review from Erin M.

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    2/17/2009

    Finally.  After a few unsuccessful attempts at replacing the miracle worker of a massage therapist I had in Albany, I have found a suitable replacement in Andrea at Hands On Health.  The location is incredibly convenient, next to Bally's in Porter Square, with evening hours.  My personal preference is to get massages on weeknights so I can get in after work, get knots worked out, and then go home and relax.  That just would not cut it for me on a weekend and I love being able to make evening appointments fairly last minute if need be while still working out a consistent schedule.  

    The office is simple but relaxing nevertheless, which is amazing considering it is right next to Bally's, which is a far from relaxing setting.  The receptionist I spoke with both on the phone and in person was friendly and remembered me each time I have called and visited.

    The most integral part of this review is the masseuse, obviously.  Amanda was AMAZING!  She listened to my past history with back problems, muscle/joint tension, and TMJ.  She also let me describe how my past massage therapist worked on me so she knew what I was used to and what has worked before.  I truly appreciate being listened to and having Amanda explore new methods of working on my trigger points and problem areas, in addition to the tried and true.  

    After leaving, I feel so relieved and light even though I only go for 30 minutes.  Massages are typically thought of as treats, but very often they're necessary work so GO FOR IT!  You will feel so much tension go away after seeing someone who understands what they are doing.

  • Review from Tracee D.

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    • 71 friends
    • 286 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 2/16/2009

    this place is still the cat's meow.
    Went to Sierra today. I must be growing up because the old me would stick to Anna or Nancy- but I branched out and I'm glad. Sierra is awesome. Righteous masseur.

    Listed in: Entertaining someone other…

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      4/11/2007

      Hands on Health is Wonderful. I have been here about a dozen times...Never a bad experience. Located… Read more »

  • Review from Dennis L.

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    • 67 friends
    • 167 reviews

    Wellesley, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/7/2009

    Jon Simon's been helping me the past few months, ever since I somehow stepped wrong on concrete while jogging and ended up cramping my whole foot. This was constantly bothering me for about two weeks until my appointment. I am less into the spiritual aspects of chiropracting, but I did believe that my bone alignments were out of whack. After a few adjustments, particularly to my ankle, and oddly... my neck, I felt much better within two days. I've had a few followups since, but beyond my regular beating up of my body through exercise and getting my muscles sore, I haven't had any physical pain whatsoever related to alignment. He has done a wonderful job. His demeanor is very, very casual. He is fairly timely, where 'running late' is like 5 minutes.

    Parking is easy at the location with the parking in the back lot validated. They accept my BCBS.

  • Review from Irene R.

    Collierville, TN

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2008

    It isn't very fancy. But I know I'm paying for a good massage and not for the bills they racked up.
    I love Amanda, I actually followed her from another spa because she's so amazing.  
    For the price of 30 minutes at some other places I can get an hour here.

  • Review from Phoebe K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    5/20/2011

    This place is really great!  I have had only great massages there.  I have had Paul, Joanne, and Sierra work on me.
    I also had a very interesting--and very helpful--chiropractor visit with the owner, Dr. John Simon.  
    I definitely recommend this place. They're clean, professional, and they really aim to please.

  • Review from Bethany P.

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    • 1 friend
    • 11 reviews

    Austin, TX

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2008

    I love this place. It's not a spa, so be warned. It's just a great massage, pure and simple. I've been going to Marcia. My boyfriend goes to Harriett. I usually get an all-over swedish massage, which is just perfect when you're just tight and stressed out all over.

    Keep in mind that there are no showers there, so wear sweats or something you don't to oil all over. The great thing is that there are so many sushi places in the same building. A massage and sushi make for a great day!

  • Review from Barney B.

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    • 134 friends
    • 828 reviews

    San Diego, CA

    4.0 star rating
    7/13/2008

    a mere back rub this isn't.  thank god I only paid for an hour - if I went for 90 minutes, I half expect a meat tenderizing mallet would have been used on my twisted back.  Anna gave my back to hardest work out it has seen in a while (and I think the knots repaid the favor to her).

    I have been waiting too long to find a decent place to grab a massage.  I think I finally found a place I can return to and not feel like I walked into some sort of spa

  • Review from Stephanie L.

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    • 16 friends
    • 101 reviews

    Arlington, VA

    5.0 star rating
    5/13/2010

    This review is so long overdue.

    As of yesterday, I got my third treatment here, and I have to admit that I LOVE this place. It makes the previous massages I had, which I thought were "bodywork", seem like relaxation massages (and I've still gone to see those masseuses - just not with the same goal in mind). Hands on Health is truly a medical facility, and I've been wow-ed.

    I had my first two sessions with Daniel, who, by the end of the first session, knew what he wanted to do with the second, which I booked for a couple weeks later. I'm not a super-athlete and I don't have major disease issues, but I'm a workaholic with too many hours typing/writing for my own good. My shoulders and hips often feel totally out of whack for my hours sitting in front of my computer (I know, gross).

    Also, have I mentioned I love deep ("painful" in some sense) massages? I feel like it's the only way my knots come undone and my body restores order. Well, this is the place to go. Daniel gave me the most painful - and BEST - massage in my life. And yes, I've gone to quite a few now. The most amazing thing is that I wake up the next morning feeling restored, rather than achy and still out of whack (isn't that so disappointing?)

    I had Joanna my third appointment. She has gentler hands in general and probably would cater to an older crowd, but once she realized (halfway through?) that I could take more, she started applying more pressure (and admitted, even at the end of the massage, that she was surprised my shoulder was still tight). She went overtime to try to release my muscle tension, which was really sweet and awesome of her. I'm a little less satisfied overall with her (might give her 4 stars on her own) because I don't feel like she totally released my tension (which Daniel somehow always does), but it's a pretty tall order and she gave it a good shot.

    The prices are great (early bird special with student rates, yes), and the location is convenient for me (and the Porter T stop). Everyone here is SO friendly and skilled. Hands On Health truly deserves 5 stars!

  • Review from Beth M.

    Kingston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/29/2008

    Yelp lead me to Hands on Health and I am so thankful!  This place is great-- a simple, clean, comfortable oasis of healing that offers many different types of massage, as well as acupuncture I believe.

    I am a pretty high strung stressed out person.  My shoulder muscles have the consistency of cement and I suffer from TMJ, so my neck and jaw muscles are always spasmed.  As you can guess, massage is pretty essential in my life, and I've been looking for a new high quality place of therapy for a while...which I have definitely found in HoH.

    I've only been once, but I felt really good about my experience.  My appointment with Nancy was really excellent.  She focused on my shoulders and upper back, but managed to accomplish a full body massage in addition during my 1 hr appointment.  I left feeling so much better...truly amazing.  I really appreciate HoH's use of hypoallergenic creams and oils as well...since I am allergic to some products that are used in massage at spas.

    Overall my experience was excellent, well worth the $85 I paid for a 1 hour massage.  I'd recommend HoH and Nancy highly, and plan to return soon.

  • Review from amy s.

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    • 15 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    5/3/2009

    Once every six months, when some part of my spine is locked up to the point of no release, I frantically search the internet for a worthwhile massage venue.   I wish I could afford to be one of those weekly massage people, but at this point... I'm an emergency-only client.

    The morning I called Hands On Health, the receptionist booked me an appointment for that very afternoon.   Nice!  Since it was my first appt, I had to prepay by card over the phone.  Kind of weird, but I guess they've dealt with no-shows in the past.  

    The massage was pleasant enough.  Not the best I've had in my ten years of occasional massage, but it certainly did the job.  90 minutes after, my vertebrae were floating freely under my skin.

    I hadn't planned on tipping since this place gives off a medical vibe.   But on my way out, I got the feeling that I was being gauche.  My therapist had given up on me already and retreated to some back room.  I was about to saunter out the front door but thought better of it and instead asked the receptionist about protocol.  She told me that most clients tip, but it was completely up to me.  Upon hearing those words, I dug deep in my wallet and came up with twelve paltry dollars (less than 10%).  I don't know if leaving such a lame amount would be more insulting than not tipping at all, but that's what I did.

    Maybe I'm just a grumpy miser, but this tip protocol will deter me from going back.  I prefer to think of massage therapists as trained healthcare professionals - not service workers.    I avoid "spa massage" for this very reason.

    But alas, the massage was alright, it was reasonably priced, everyone was nice, and I got an appointment the same day I called.  HOH deserves at least 3 stars.  I'll round up 3.5 stars.  Ok 4 stars... because maybe it's me not them.

    In any case, I'll probably look for someplace that is strictly "medical" next time around.

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    Comment from Jonathan S. of Hands-On Health Associates 11/7/2009   
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  • Review from Lesley K.

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    • 23 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2009

    I am always reluctant to book a massage, because all I end up doing is lying (laying?) face down for 1/2 and hour to be given little more than a half-hearted back rub, only to be flipped over and given another well meaning but dissatisfying once over - all while trying to ignore the ambient ocean sounds CD and being slightly uncomfortable in the fact that no one is talking.
    In 9 out of 10 cases I leave the spa sheepish, dissatisfied and thinking it's my fault that I can't enjoy a massage.

    However!, I LOVE Hands on Health and *especially* Andrea.
    Usually I try to make it so clear to masseuses that you simply cannot use enough pressure, only to have it fall on deaf ears (or weak hands?) Andrea gets the spots, the knots, trigger points, she simply *destroys* them - she can touch a place in my neck that I feel simultaneously in my lower back and all the way up one side of my head. And though a total muscle destroyer she is a warm and comfortable person, funny even.

    I initially went to have a personal mental/muscular health day before vacation hoping maybe, since I asked for someone who does sports massage, I'd get someone who could tackle my calves which are tight tight tight! from running. My second appointment (I'm addicted now) I mentioned to Andrea that my calves weren't that tight to which she took one feel of them and laughed "oh you don't think so?!" - love it...

    After my first appointment with her I thanked her and complimented her on her work and mentioned in general what I just expressed above about other massages I've had (and I've had many!) and she replied, "You just have to find that one person who really loves being a massage therapist". And I think I did.

    Almost forgot! before 2pm, discounts off their ridiculously inexpensive to begin with hour rates... Student ID or Bally's membership - also provide a discount.

    Save the frills, showers and cold dipping pool for the weak handed masseuses of the five star spas of the world. I am so much more into this place's vibe.

  • Review from Ben I.

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    • 10 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/10/2008

    Somewhere, in some monastery somewhere , a Buddhist monk is experiencing calm, blissful tranquility ..... far far away from this in the confines of mainstream society, the closest thing we can experience to this, would probably be after an hour massage by Amanda, Sierra or Anna ( at least these three I have experienced ) .  

    Even after just recently traveling to Hungary and getting one of their huge BEEFY people give you a very SSShhakeyyyy rubdown, I can still attest Hands on health is far better .

  • Review from Erin E.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/30/2009

    Hallelujah! Finally, a place that actually listens when you say "I like LOTS of pressure." I have been getting so-called deep-tissue massages for years, but I've never had a therapist who actually pushed hard enough to work out the many twisted muscles in my back.

    Then along came Marcia, and she took to my challenge with gusto! She's the first therapist I've actually had to request LESS pressure from--a great sign in my book. Marcia does real, actual deep-tissue massage, which means that it's not at all relaxing and can be quite painful when she hits on a bad trigger point. And you WILL be sore and tender the next day, especially after your first appointment. But I felt so, so much better two and three days out from my appointment that the pain was completely worth it.

    I now go to Marcia once a week for an hour. At $75 a pop it's quite an expense, but after my back is straightened out I'll scale it back to once a month. Right now, though, my problems require weekly sessions.

    They offer a lot of discounts (student, Healthworks member, etc.) so be sure to check their website before your go to see if you qualify for $10 off. Also, after your first appointment, they'll give you a card for an additional $10 off your next massage.

    As far as real massage goes, Hands On Health will give you the best bang for your buck. It's no spa, so don't expect champagne and snacks and fancy robes. But if you have back problems, this is the place to go!

  • Review from Holly B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    1.0 star rating
    4/3/2008

    A little pressure please!!!

    This was the weakest massage I have ever paid $85 for.

    My massage therapist was really nice person but could not do anything deeper than a back rub.  So frustrating to need a massage and then walk out as tight as you came in -- if poorer.

    I tried talking with the massage therapist to see if we could adjust the massage to get to a better result.  The therapist was nice was completely unable do any deep work (in stark contrast to what this place had promised).  

    Save your money for another place!

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    Comment from Jonathan S. of Hands-On Health Associates 11/7/2009   
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  • Review from Andrea R.

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    • 0 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    12/28/2009

    Great chiropractor, Dr. Simon!
    Really practices whole-person treatment. Smart and friendly guy who really cares about patients. I might add more after I see him more times--I'm writing this on the basis of how great I feel after one treatment alone! I recommend going here.

  • Review from Julie G.

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    • 8 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/16/2009

    I've been really, really happy with the massages I've had here.  I used to go to Sierra, who is wonderful.  The only reason I switched to Nancy is because I'm pregnant and she does prenatal massage.  

    I was thrilled when Sierra told me that Hands on Health has a prenatal massage table.  Nancy ripped my muscles apart a few days ago and I loved it.  I had no idea what a mess my back was!  I'm definitely planning to add as many massages as possible to my birth plan!

    Their facility is clean, it's easy to get an appointment and the rooms are really quiet and calming.  

    In regards to tipping - I was on the fence at my first appointment as well.  The place does have more of a medical feel than a spa feel.  But I have been tipping and so have all the other clients I've seen there.

  • Review from V C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 39 reviews

    Boston, MA

    4.0 star rating
    6/29/2011

    I have been there 4 times long time before (more than a year now).
    I really liked Sierra, then another lady (forgot her name).
    At my third visit I had Joanna (a petit looking lady with skinny hands). She probably was doing her best, I am sure. But somehow I didn't like what she was doing. I noticed her hands were very cold. She was doing too gentle. I just wasn't into her massage. I wasn't enjoying it.
    Next time I made an appointment  and they said on the phone it will be Joanna. I asked if I can have someone else, she asked why not Joanna, I plainly explained that I would prefer somebody else.  (But honestly, I didn't want Joanna, and I didn't want pay for the kind of massage I don't want, especially when I knew there were others whom I really liked).
    The receptionist (a lady in her 40s) didn't offer me other options, instead , she sounded very surprised with my request.
    She said there was only Joanna. My shoulders hurt a lot, and I decided to give another chance.
    When I arrived I was lead to the room by Joanna. She said she heard that I didn't like her massage, and asked what specifically I didn't like about her massage. I said it probably was too gentle (but honestly there was smth else to it).  I felt embarrassed a little that the  issue arose. This time her touches were either too gentle or too hard.  I just wasn't into her massage.  I guess massage is a very personal matter.

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  • Review from janet a.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Mid-Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/22/2009

    I have been going to Hands on Health for well over a decade and have had a consistently great experience.  Therapists do come and go here, but not as frequently as other places. Jonathan must screen people well and pay them fairly. (at least I hope he pays them fairly; certainly, everyone knows their stuff).  Also, I love having a spot I can call and often get a last minute treatment.

    In general, I prefer to see massage therapists in their solo practices, because I know all the $ I pay goes directly to them, but in practice, I often have a package here and end up using it. They periodically have specials (5 gift certificates for the price of 4, etc.) and my husband knows advance massage purchases are a great gift.

    My current favorite style is Thai Massage, and David (who is strong and capable) gives a good one. But everyone is excellent, and I like having different people to see on occasion.

  • Review from ben T.

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    • 0 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    7/12/2011 2 photos

    yep thery are friendly and great on their job!!! price was high if u go there on weekend, but was good price on week day and not much place doing good deep tissue massages,(p.s why i said friendly, cuz last week i took pic outside of store, and try do walk in ask few dumb question , alot of question they spend lot of time explaim to me . ^^ thx lot (i forgot what is the name of person i ask, but thx for taking your time)

  • Review from Kim P.

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    • 41 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    4.0 star rating
    4/26/2008

    I was so, so, so stressed out when I came here.  You know those times when you are so stressed out, you can't concentrate on anything?  You can't make small talk?  Many things in this world are hard and stressful, and one of those things (for me) is the entire month of April during my first year of graduate school.  On Patriot's Day, I became obsessed with the idea of getting a massage THAT VERY SECOND OR I WILL DIE, and called around until I found a place that would take me.  

    Why I would recommend Hands-On Health:
    1. I was able to get a same-day appointment here.  Can't do that most places.
    2. As mentioned before, when I'm under lots of stress, I completely lose my ability to pay attention/make small talk with any degree of competency.  I was so frazzled, I have no idea what my massage therapist's name was (too bad, because she was really good).  They were really nice about my tense, nervous energy and polluting their pleasant establishment, which I appreciated.  
    3. Very good pressure during the massage (and I like pressure a lot.  Good pain, baby, bring on the good pain).  
    4. Nice massage therapist.  Did not try to yap at me, but kindly answered my many technical questions (aka "Why is that tense?"  "What is the name of that muscle?") to the satisfaction of my random-information-collecting brain.  
    5. I was a competitive swimmer for most of my life, and by the time I quit, I had some really weird mess going on with my shoulder and back due to overuse. It seems that lately, whenever I get stressed, the old injury flares up again - it's pretty annoying/painful.  My therapist was great about getting EVERY LITTLE trigger point out, leaving me so relaxed and pain free. When I walked out, I noticed my shoulders were riding about 3 inches lower than before.  Hallelujah!  Anyways, if you suffer from sports injuries (especially overuse injuries) this place seems really great for that kind of massage.
    6. When I went back to the office, my friend and colleague exclaimed, "Your face looks so different!  You look so relaxed!"  My therapist had done something with my face during the massage to make it calm down, and so it looks like I might even avoid the whole "pinched old woman" look for a couple more years.
    7. It's not too expensive - and there's a student discount.
    8. I felt great two days and even three days after (I'm usually pretty sore).

    Potential Problems:
    1. My massage started late (about 15 minutes or so late).  It wasn't a problem for me at all (I had plenty of time), but I feel obligated to let the Yelp community know.
    2. I still paid $60 for someone to rub my back for 45 minutes.  Yes, it was worth it, yes, that's a good deal, but yes, that is still quite a bit of money to me.

    All in all, a great place.

  • Review from Miz M.

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    • 5 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    10/11/2007

    I was just doing a search on chair massages near my Newton office. I'm in so much pain today! Is it the computer? My pillow? What?? This prompted me to write a review on HOH because I remembered how awesome they are.  I haven't been there in a while (cause I live paycheck to paycheck) but I have to say, I'm afraid to go elsewhere where I risk getting a mediocre massage. They are just so good there. I've never had a bad massage. I've made it a habit to try different people there and they've all hit the right spots. It's so reasonably priced too. Nancy is unbelievable. Know what? I'm going to book an appointment today.

  • Review from Maureen H.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Quincy, MA

    5.0 star rating
    8/11/2010

    I had my first massage here today and I am one satisfied customer. Like many of the other reviewers I wanted sports massage with some pressure to work out the kinks.

    I saw Amanda, who was fantastic. She really knows her stuff. She listened to what I wanted and had some really great suggestions to maximize the benefit of the massage over the next couple of days.

    I've recently had some pretty disappointing massages. It was nice to have someone who knows what they are doing. I'm definitely going to be back.  The rates are reasonable and they usually run specials and it is conveniently located  in the Porter Exchange.

  • Review from A E.

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    • 5 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Yonkers, NY

    2.0 star rating
    9/24/2009

    Went there for chiropractic work. Having had chiropractic work done several times before from another practitioner I knew what needed to be adjusted. The guy talked at me for about 1hr 15 mins on topics ranging from Eastern Medicine to trying to psychoanalyze me. Told me that stretching is bad and you should will your muscles to release. That maybe so but I wasn't looking for a lecture just wanted someone to give me an adjustment. He might work for some people but I wouldn't go there again.

  • Review from Olivia D.

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    • 1 friend
    • 10 reviews

    Boston, MA

    1.0 star rating
    12/7/2009

    I really did not enjoy my massage here. I thought the place was not very nice and the massage itself was sub par. I would never go back here again.

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    Comment from Jonathan S. of Hands-On Health Associates 12/8/2009   
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  • Review from A D.

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    • 0 friends
    • 4 reviews

    Boston, MA

    5.0 star rating
    9/16/2010

    Hands down - Amanda - not only does she make you feel relaxed and creates a comfortable atmosphere, she also knows so much more than just massage therapy - she gets it and is well worth the money. Please don't go anywhere Amanda - I will be back to see you soon!

  • Review from Joan D.

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    • 6 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Cambridge, MA

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2007

    Anna, the small Russian woman working here, gave me the best massage I've had.

  • Review from Jennifer W.

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    • 2 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Somerville, MA

    4.0 star rating
    7/10/2008

    Amanda is awesome! I gave Hands-On Health a call and they were able to get me in the same day. My neck was in such rough shape, it was tough to move it. Amanda fixed all of that! It is not a spa place, so do not expect to get pampered, but if you need someone to fix you, this is the place to go!

  • Review from Elaine O.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Concord, MA

    5.0 star rating
    4/28/2010

    Andrea is the best massage therapist I've ever encountered. My back has a great deal of scar tissue from two surgeries, and I've had countless massages over the years, but no one ever worked as hard as her to resolve the many, many knots, and succeeded!  Andrea says that she was born to massage, and I believe her!

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    Comment from Jonathan S. of Hands-On Health Associates 5/12/2010   
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  • Review from amelie l.

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    • 0 friends
    • 20 reviews

    Atlanta, GA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2008

    Amanda is my therapist here and she is wonderful. Having gotten massages for years and years and years, she is in in my top five. the others don't work here in Boston, so i guess she is my number 1. she's laid back and there's none of that pressure to have a conversation while you're enjoying her work. just the right amount of pressure too...but even if you like a good beating, she can do that too. she's really knowledgeable about what she's doing and why she would work on a particular area...as opposed to someone like me who comes in thinking they know where they are most tense. i mean, who knew i held so much tension in my ass? seriously though, i've never had my massage therapist go beyond where i told her (back and arms), she suggested that part of my problem could be coming from tension in my legs and butt, so i said she could just work on where she felt the most tension. after 2 sessions of back, glut and leg work, i can really tell a difference overall in a way that i haven't before. thank goodness for a massage therapist who really sees the bigger picture and have the gumption to really do what she's trained to do rather than what the client tells her!

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