I've been going to Vanessa for over a year and a half for her top notch massages. She is a highly skilled masseuse that has helped me through all kinds of aches, pains and knots associated with my workouts, running and even pregnancy too. I highly recommend her for deep tissue and prenatal massages. read more

Thank God for Vanessa Dawson's Stress Reduction! Honestly she got me through the worst of 2020! Her 90 min. massage or combo massage reflexology is my idea of pure heaven and a life-saver during such stressful times. I like slow deep tissue work and Vanessa has the strength, the training and many years of experience to know just how much pressure is right. Because I've had neck injuries, clear communication is essential. Vanessa is a great communicator and I feel at ease at all times. I trust her to work on areas of my neck and back that no one else can touch. Her studio is peaceful, Covid clean and totally professional, the free parking is off street. Give yourself the gift of Vanessa's healing hands! I cannot recommend the experience more highly! read more

I've been a client for over five years and highly recommend Vanessa. I've had a good number of massages over the course of my life and Vanessa is a very skilled massage therapist. I enjoy deep tissue/firm massages and she's great at getting out the knots though can use lighter pressure if you prefer. Her studio is clean, cozy and inviting. Book a session, you won't regret it! read more

Hands down best massage ever! I'm 8 months pregnant with my first child and it's been a stressful year (I broke an arm after getting struck by a car, my dad passed away, and I had to up and move suddenly while pregnant). It's safe to say my third trimester came with a fair share of body aches, foot pain and overall stress and anxiety. So, I decided to treat myself with my first ever prenatal massage. I found Vanessa at random and took a chance at Dawson's Stress Reduction because it was affordable and had good reviews. The massage far exceeded my expectations! Vanessa really does have a magical touch. She found all these nooks and crannies where stress and tension had been building up over this past year. I've had about a dozen massages in my entire life, and they've all been just ok or fairly nice. But Vanessa's massage left me feeling truly relaxed, renewed, and exclaiming "Omg, I NEEDED that." No cap, she is amazing. In addition to the fantastic massage, I also just really enjoyed talking with Vanessa. I genuinely find her to be a fun and interesting person to talk with, and it was nice casually discussing pregnancy, parenthood, and our passions. I left not only with my body feeling physically rejuvenated, but my spirit feeling emotionally calm, connected and replenished. Before leaving, I immediately purchased a gift certificate for my husband to book a 90-minute massage from Vanessa. He's a large man with a physically demanding job and it's hard for him to find a massage therapist that can really work out his knots and kinks. I know he'd love a massage from Vanessa. I am so grateful that I stumbled on Dawson's Stress Reduction! I've never met a masseuse that I actually want to return to and plan on supporting over the years. Vanessa's massages are worth more than she charges. Do not sleep on this opportunity. Do yourself a favor and book a visit today! read more

Vanessa is a gifted massage therapist. The best in Oakland Imho. I recommend her highly!

*Business Operating during COVID-19 with Restrictions* Amazing! Vanessa has gifted hands! I've had my fair share of massages over the years, but none of them come close to what she did! Me and my fiance had a massage with Vanessa for the first time over the weekend. With all the stress and uncertainty this year has brought, our bodies were crying out for relief, so we were thrilled to learn that her business was operating under safe restrictions. Vanessa offers 30 mins, 60 mins and 90 mins massages. We got the 60 mins massage, but in retrospect I wish I would have gotten the 90 mins one! She managed to find and release deep knots of tension in areas I didn't know existed. I literally left feeling like my blood was circulating. I've never experienced that feeling with any other massage I've had. My fiance was also a fan! He had this relaxed look on his face for the rest of the day and could not stop talking about how impressed he was with all of the tension she released in his back. COVID-19 As far as COVID-19 restrictions are concerned, masks are required upon entry, and she schedules time in between each of her sessions ( I think its at least an hour) in order to ensure that she has enough time to sanitize. There is also plenty of hand sanitizer available onsite. I definitely recommend her massage services and can not wait to schedule another appointment. read more

Vanessa is the best massage therapist I've ever been to. I've been seeing her for about 2 years and everytime I leave I feel like my body has melted into a puddle. The first massage I got with her I told her that I felt like my body was sunken into a bunch of sand. She is amazing. Highly recommend! read more

I have enjoyed your massage therapy services for over 15 years! Thank you for helping me to manage my stress as I Deal with the Challenges of business, nonprofit organization work and personal stress. Thanks Vanessa! Doug Blacksher Chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee Oakland Branch of the NAACP read more

I have been getting massages for more than ten years and have always been picky. Massage therapists have to meet a certain criteria for me to consider going to them ever again. 1. Must be experienced enough to know how to recognize a muscle knot and know how to work it out. 2. Use a combination of techniques to work the kinks out and relax you. 3. Must be able to do deep tissue 4. Must be able to work around injuries and know how to work on them to speed your recovery. 5. Must have a great personality Vanessa meets and exceeds all of these and add in this really cool stretching of the muscles during the massage. It's wonderful!!! read more

Vanessa has many years of experience and knowledge and it definitely shows. She knows how to get to your trigger areas and has the strength to work out even the toughest knots. I suffer from fibromyalgia and recurrent neck and shoulder pain. She knows the right amount of pressure to apply so that you are not terribly sore the next day. She can also provide deep tissue, if you're up for it. I am grateful that Vanessa is part of my wellness plan. If you have sore or stiff areas that are affecting your health, make an appointment with Vanessa. You will not regret it. She is amazing!! read more

Success! My hamstring is so much more loose now after Vanessa's treatment yesterday. Massage from Vanessa + Oakland First Fridays...I think I'll make this a regular thang! read more

Vanessa is the best. I have been a patient of hers for 5 years now, so glad I finally found a massage therapist who has the strong hands to knead away all of the tension in my perpetually sore muscles. She really understand the anatomy of an athlete, of how all the muscles are connected together, and how to deliver effective pressure to the appropriate areas of soreness/ fatigue. Without her, I would not be able to recover as quickly from all of the running/surfing/dancing that I do. I would be a big ball of knots! My muscles thank Vanessa!!!! read more

I love Vanessa! I've been with her for a little over 2 years. She's so amazing I refuse to go anywhere else. My troubled areas are my shoulders and Vanessa has managed to dig into every knot, pull and stretch every sore area. I swear all I wanna do is sleep once I leave her office. I always get the deep tissue 60 minute massage.... I guarantee if you visit her you'll be pleased with her service. Very clean, professional, and quality work. read more

Hands down, the best massage ever! She really worked out all my stress, kinks, knots and tightness-while maintaining a relaxing environment. She was kind enough to accommodate me last minute for a two hour massage. It is worth every penny and then some. I highly recommend her for any pain,stress or tension problems. Don't expect a luxury spa experience, expect hand medicine for your muscles in a quant, cute atmosphere. Thank you Vanessa!! read more

Vanessa is great. She is very sweet and gives great massages. I have been to several places to get massages, but hers has been exceptional. She is very talented and knows how to work on problem areas. Her prices are very reasonable. I am a student in college, so good prices for a great massage is very important. Making an appt with her is not a problem at all. She has two locations, one in Oakland and one in Hayward. Give her a call, and make an appt. You will not be disappointed at all! read more

Sooooooo relaxing and healing. I carry a lot of equipment when I travel and my shoulders were total knots. I feel healed, thank you!

Vanessa is the best massage therapist I have ever had! I love deep tissue massage and she is definitely great at breaking down my stiff muscles. The fact that I called her and was willing to see me the same day as her last appointment shows how wonderful of a service she is providing. Her office is beautiful and everything was perfect! I will definitely be back for more, hopefully once a month if not more! She deserves business she has a great personality and her big heart just shines through when you meet her and get a massage. ( You don't come across many business like this) THANK YOU VANESSA! read more

Vanessa Dawson has been my massage therapist for 20 years and, obviously, does a great job. She does Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology and acupressure. This is not one of those airy fairy deals with the twinking bells. This is the real deal and she's great. read more

I thoroughly agree with the other reviewers: I began seeing Vanessa in conjunction with acupuncture and PT, following back-to-back, serious traffic accidents. Even after my insurance ran out and I was laid off from my job, I continue to see Vanessa on a weekly basis. I may never be fully recovered from chronic neck pain, but V's skill, healing hands and kind, Taurean spirit enable me to manage my condition without the need for pain meds (been there, tried that, nothing but trouble and - worse - ineffective). Vanessa is highly skilled, knowledgeable and uses a very common-sense approach. I have visited both locations - Oakland and Hayward - and both are oases of relief. She is very flexible and accommodating with scheduling. I have had many types of massage - at spas, high-end resorts, etc. - but Vanessa is by far The Best. Dawson's Stress Reduction is the best-kept secret for massage therapy in the Bay area. I only hesitate to post this, because I'm afraid that she will become too popular! read more

Vanessa has been my therapist for 6+ years. Her work is awesome! She is very professional and fairly priced. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to reduce stress. read more