Compression massage with Joel has been a game changer for me! I injured my hip and was in a lot of pain. After one session with Joel, my pain was significantly reduced. And the effects weren't just for a day which is my usual experience with massages, they have lasted all week. Stimulating blood flow to the injured tissues seems to have really accelerated my healing. In addition, Joel addressed neck and back issues that have been bothering me for years. I have had countless sports massages to address those issues with limited long term success. My neck and back improvements have also lasted all week. I am, frankly, thrilled with the results on my hip, neck and back! I watched the video on his website and that made me feel comfortable with his process. I had never had a barefoot massage before and it is a unique, but powerful, way to go very deep into the tissues. I recommend watching the video on his website as well to get a better idea of the process and the benefits. read more

Finally, bodywork that has truly helped me. I found Joel Hillman through next-door and now I feel that it is my responsibility to pass on this info about the healing work that he does. Having been insured twice in motor vehicle accidents, I have dealt with a lot of pain and as I age it has gotten worse. I have seen many different types of practitioners over the years with only moderate and temporary relief. Joel is the first person who I can say has made a real difference in my day-to-day life and my level of pain. His work is deep and powerful. I have referred two of my friends to Joel and they have had the same experience that I have had. I would give him 10 stars if that were possible. if you are experiencing pain and limitations, for whatever reason, I encourage you to see Joel and find out for yourself. www.JoelHillmanTherapy.com read more

My first session with Joel Hillman was a quantum leap into a new world of aliveness I had NO expectation was still available in my "senior" years. Wow. Thank you, Joel! read more

While he does good work, there were a few issues. Talking to text to your partner while I am paying you $200 is not cool at all. He also seemed to need validation for his work, he said the was just checking in with me, but it felt very uncomfortable. He also tried to use one of those motorized thumper things on me, he seems quite disappointed when I asked him to use his feet or hands instead, I can use a machine at home. Some advice from a retired massage therapist...when you are charging a premium, please provide a premium service, or find something else to do, if you are burnt out read more

So grateful to have found Joel! Background: I was researching orthopedics and sports medicine doctors when I found Joel on Yelp and then watched a video on his website (www.JoelHillmanTherapy.com) to better understand what Barefoot Compression Therapy was all about. I had an injury in my right knee (likely a torn meniscus) and as a result, the muscles in that leg and the other one were all knotted up, compensating for the injury, resulting in in a great deal of pain (maybe a level 7 on my relatively high tolerance pain scale). Experience: After one two-hour session with Joel, the muscle knots had released and my pain level was down to probably a level 4. I came back a week later for a second two-hour session to help get the flow of blood to the injured area and also to relieve other areas in my neck and back that were quite tight from too much time at my desk. He wrapped up the session taping my knee for extra support and blood flow. So far, this modality of body work has been extremely effective and I'd recommend him highly to anyone who is in need of muscle/soft tissue work and open to trying something different. Joel is knowledgable, kind and highly skilled. I plan to continue to see him for barefoot compression therapy while also going thru PRP/Prolotherapy to try to heal my injury without surgery. Office: The medical/office building where he's located is in downtown San Rafael and he shares an office with a chiropractor. There is ample free off-street parking. He accepts check and cash. read more

Are you tired of getting massages that don't make a difference? Well, look no further! Joel Hillman is the real deal! Barefoot Compression Therapy is what I needed to alleviate my hip pain. I could barely walk before seeing Joel. I had seen an orthopedic surgeon which did not provide any relief. The Barefoot Compression method gets deep down into the muscle tissues, and trigger points and has effectively relieved the pain. My ability to walk without pain has dramatically improved. I am grateful to have found Joel. I highly recommend him! read more

I was, at first, a little bit skeptical and confused by the idea of barefoot compression massage. A friend of mine recommended Joel and after persistent sciatica pain I finally decided to give it a try. Wow, color me impressed. Don't be deterred by the unusual approach! Joel is the real deal. This is true bodywork not just fancy massage. After one session I could feel serious relief in my hip and frankly in my neck and other areas that gather pain due to sitting at a desk all day. I will definitely be seeing him again in hopes to continue to work through some of my persistent hit it issues! Apparently he used to work out of a small studio in the valley and now he works from his home. If you're interested in real, deep, body work I would highly recommend Joel's unconventional approach. read more

Joel Hillman was not able to help me with my particular situation but he provided a good referral for me to use which was very kind of him to go to the trouble of doing that. read more

Joel was able to locate the areas in my body that were causing me pain, and with care, is helping bring them back to a pain free place. He is not a cookie cutter masseur that does the same routine on everyone, he focuses on The areas of your body that need to be fixed. read more

I have referred a number of patients from my acupuncture practice to Joel Hillman.  His compression massage greatly stimulates Qi flow and promotes healing. His bodywork has really helped everyone I have sent to him and I love his work as well. David Shevick LAc. read more

As a chiropractor I have sent Joel numerous clients. He has performed way above what I expected, almost a miracle worker with some cases. My patients were all extremely satisfied. The best body worker I have referred to yet. -Steve Danaher, D.C. read more

I work out at the gym, ride my bike and ride my horse. Over the years I have had tons of different massage and bodywork. Joel Hillman's Barefoot Compression Massage is hands down the best I have ever had. Joel's work is done with the client fully clothed (sweat pants, yoga clothes, etc) and is deep, specific and powerful. Besides amazingly healing for sports injuries and relieving chronic pain, it is also super relaxing and definitely not just another massage.  I cannot recommend Joel highly enough. see www.JoelHillmanTherapy.com read more

Hands down this is the most unique and therapeutic body work I've received. It's frame changing (pun intended). Joel's energy is incredible, enabling you to relax so he can work his magic. My body (and soul) feel more aligned after each session. Joel is a gift from the Universe! read more

Joel is the real deal. The compression therapy he does is remarkable and was incredibly effective for me. I have arthritis in my neck and lower back and recently was in so much pain I could barely get out of bed in the morning. After one session with Joel my range of motion was so much better and I had very little pain. It felt like a miracle. I had a second session with him and will continue seeing him for tune ups. Highly recommended! He works on the Alvin Ailey Dance Company dancers whenever they're in town. www.joelhillmantherapy.com; 415.847.1230; jahnow@hotmail.com read more

Joel Hillman compressive therapy is truly the best massage therapy I have had!!! He eliminated my low back and shoulder pain which I had lived with for years. He also helped reduce my wife's hip and knee pains. He does incredible work and I strongly recommend a session with Joel!!! read more

http://barefootcompressiontherapy.com/ MORE EVIDENCE OF HEALING VIA BAREFOOT COMPRESSION THERAPY In addition to the list of reasonable benefits that the triathlete I know who directed me to Joel Hillman's Barefoot Compression Therapy, I'll step up and say that it is, for my money, the best choice of deep tissue massage styles. I get relief from symptoms and have felt over time the healing of injuries which I thought would never get fixed. I've heard that many other regular people who have back, hip, or hamstring issues recognize BFT's remarkably unique method. When the first person told me about Barefoot Compression Therapy, I could not manage to picture how it would promote overall wellness, or what it was in real time. I have now known many of the benefits, number one being the huge pain relief it made for the neck injury that I sustained when I was running and hit by a car crossing the street twenty years ago. I would recommend Joel Hillman's Barefoot Compression Therapy for dancers, athletes, perimenopausal symptoms, hamstring tear healing, autoimmune symptom relief. Investigating has proven to be a discovery of evidence that this is among the integrative health measures recommended by reasonable people who are now able to believe in the evidence they discover for themselves. BCT is a restorative massage therapy that works well, even for stressors that teens who suffer from migraines. It is a physical therapeutic experience that is almost too good to believe - but, you might if you decide to go see for yourself. BLC 4/2018 read more

I've been going to Joel Hillman for body work for nearly 8 years, and I find his work is extraordinary. He has released and relieved low back pain and stress, and he seems to have a natural sixth sense regarding what to work on, how deep to go, where to put his focus. Lots and lots and lots of people are trained as bodyworkers, and lots of them are good. Joel is OUTSTANDING! Steve Bhaerman read more

I have degenerative discs in my back, resulting in lower back pain and pain going down my leg. After going to numerous chiropractors to try and alleviate the pain, and finding that none of them gave me any relief, I was beginning to give up and started thinking that I need to get used to living my life in pain. Then I was referred to Joel and I am so glad I found him! He has been wonderful ... it took a while but he finally got me to the point where the pain started to subside. He never gave up on me, is very caring and gave me relief in other areas too, i.e. stiffness in my hips. Joel's technique is very unique and I would highly recommend him to anybody. read more

I am a fuss budget about bodywork, having been in the healing field for over 30 years. Joel is truly gifted and the only one that really gets deep into those spots that need to be hit just right. I've seen him for about 5 years and keep coming back. When I walk out of there, I feel taller, I have more energy, and I hurt a lot less. I suffer from Lyme disease, so getting good bodywork is critical to me. I highly recommend him! read more

Joel Hillman's barefoot compression is a rare find! I am so grateful to him and his work for fixing my back. Joel works on you with your clothes on and it is not at all off-putting to have him use his feet; it makes sense and is efficient. He is kind, concerned, knowledgeable and respectful. read more

I am amazed at how much difference even the first session has made - my body feels very different and much more comfortable to be in! I can't wait to go back. I have new confidence about being able to heal from what has become chronic. I dropped a ton of tension in just one session and whereas most massages feel good and help a bit for a while, this feels really good and feels like real lasting change. I am so glad and grateful to have met Joel and I highly recommend him. read more

There are other pseudo barefoot compression therapists around some who practice Rutstimae that I've seen at a street fair , standing on their victims while focusing on their cell phones-what a joke! Joes Gets it, is ultra professional,congenial, thourally knows his anatomy plus is a big strong man who can maneuver his clients around. He has laser like focus on what he does and rarely delves off into inconsequebtial matters. He gets in there with differant levels of pressure, appropriate to the clients needs for tension or stress release. Please try him and see how this unique bodywork will work for you! read more