I run competitively and log a lot of miles, which means I'm constantly juggling niggles and minor injuries. I've worked with more than a dozen massage therapists over the years, and none come close to Nenad. His work has an immediate impact on my stride and overall fluidity, and he's been instrumental in reducing my chronic inflammation and tendinitis. Nenad is very strong, highly skilled, and thoughtful in his approach. He doesn't just treat whatever hurts that day--he puts together a targeted treatment plan that supports my training cycle and has me feeling my best going into races. If you're an athlete looking for someone who truly understands the body and how to keep it performing at its peak, I can't recommend Nenad enough. read more

Nenad is an incredible massage therapist. I have very tight muscle fibers and it really takes a lot of pressure to loosen up and get the muscles to release. Nenad can do with his fingers what most massage therapists can only accomplish with their elbows with all their weight behind it. He said he can also go soft and do prenatal massage too so don't let this review turn you away if you prefer a different style. Nenad is a big believer in loosening the muscles around the area that where the pain is located so the tight muscle has a chance to relax without the surrounding muscles pulling on it. He uses trigger points to help loosen muscles too which is crazy. For example, he will dig into the TFL muscle (side of the hip) while massaging my trap muscles (top of shoulders) and it really makes a difference. He is a registered nurse as well which I think helps him understand the anatomy of the body better than just a basic massage therapist. Lastly, Nenad is so fun to talk to. He lives a very full life and is always up to something interesting. He is genuinely curious about how you are doing, what you are up to and what you do for a living. He likes to help his clients network if they are interested and if he hears something as you describe your pain symptoms that he thinks might help he has a list of professionals around the city who can help. Nenad is a true diamond in the rough and I am so happy I was referred to him. read more

Let me preface this review by saying that I am a physical therapist and an acrobat. I spent 2 years touring with Cirque du Soleil in Europe and the US testing out massage therapists in lots of cities. You absolutely will not find a better massage around! Nenad is an amazing therapist! He really knows about the human body - anatomy and movement. He has many resources from his years of experience that he is able to put together to make each session do the absolute most for your body. I have referred many many friends to him and everyone comes back with glowing reviews. On top of the amazing massage, his prices are super reasonable! Way less than what you would pay for a fluff-fluff massage at any dayspa or gym! read more

My wife treated me to a barackov massage for my birthday. I have not had many massages so she wanted me to experience the real thing. Untill now the massages I have gotten were rather timid at best, she assured me Nenad would be firm. Boy was he ever! By the time the massage was over (i got the full deal) I felt like a tenderized steak! he got every knot and stiff area unlocked. He was extremely professional in his demeanor and full on took charge. He did not ask me what I wanted but seemed to have very good intuition as to what my body needed. It has almost been a week since my massage and my back feels sooo good! I recommend Nenad for a great intensive massage experience! he is a firm and unwavering masseur! He also happens to be super nice and charming. Nenad is the best I look forward to my next session read more

Yes indeed I agree with the 1st reviewer & I'm mystified as to why nobody else has come forward yet to yelp Nenad. He is the best massage therapist bar none I have ever experienced, very strong hands, versatile & a super friendly outgoing respectful personality. I obviously recommend Mr. Barackov! read more

Thank goodness for Yelp! Because of Yelp, I've been able to reconnect with Nenad, who without a doubt is the best massage therapist I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Nenad and I used to work together in the Athletic Training program at SFSU. It was there that I discovered Nenad's unique qualities: he's an incredibly intuitive and knowledgeable Masseur, who is SO STRONG. My husband always says that Nenad is the strongest person he's ever met - and if you want a sports massage, strength is key. Additionally, Nenad is also very flexible technically, and is able to adapt and tailor his massage to your specifications. He's really a great talent who has something that you cannot teach - he's a natural-born healer. I cannot recommend him enough. I'm so glad that my husband and found Nenad again, because he really is the best! read more

I am new to SF and found Nenad through Carmel Blue. I am almost 8 months pregnant so I wanted someone experienced in prenatal massage to help with increasing my range of motion and ease my discomfort. Nenad was amazing! He listened to my concerns, had a preheated bed waiting for me, and performed an awesome massage. In addition he was an invaluable resource and provided many suggestions for prenatal work outs and local resources. He is a genuine person and knows a way to a woman's heart (a piece of chocolate at the end of our session). I already booked another appointment with him next week. read more

Nenad is not just a massage therapist. He is a magician. He once fixed my tennis elbow in passing, while we having a casual conversation; it never came back. I feel like a new person after every session with Nenad; he makes sport injuries disappear. His profound understanding of human anatomy, western and eastern approaches to human body is astounding. He really is the best! read more

I met Nenad at the Bay Club and I traded him Chiropractic treatment for his Massage. Brilliant therapist. Highly recommend him and when my patients ask about a massage therapist I only recommend Nenad. Its time I see him again, the squash games are starting to catch up. Thank you Nenad. read more

After trying several different masseurs and massage techniques I came to the conclusion that it just wasn't for me. I was convinced by my husband to try Nenad 3 years ago and I've been going religiously since. He's super friendly and knowledgeable and makes you feel immediately at ease. His massages by far the best! If you want a touchy-light rub-spa style session down don't bother seeing him. If you want your muscles conditioned, worked out and deeply MASSAGED so that you leave the table invigorated- this is your man. Plus, he gives you a chocolate treat when it's done! Fantastic read more

Some months ago I fell down and forward while downhill skiing. Initially, my self-assessment suggested some sort of strained or stretched muscle within the hamstring complex of my right leg.. Accordingly I ceased skiing for the day and invoked the "72 Hour WAIT 'n SEE Rule" with great hopes that things might begin to sort themselves in the interim. It was not to be. The range of flex motion at my knee devolved to barely 90 degrees and my thigh and quad muscles felt tight and shorter. YIKES!!! I was a mess. I then returned to San Francisco for a visit with my primary care physician. He's an Internist/Doctor of Osteopathy who is held in the highest regard by his colleagues and patients. Following a thorough physical exam by him of my right leg function/strength with special emphasis on challenging the knee's ligaments network it was decided that the knee was OK. However, because muscle groups had been stretched/pulled/and irritated he opined that I might also be suffering from PIRIFORMIS SYNDROME and Physical Therapy treatment was recommended for 2days/week/6weeks. The Physical Therapy routine included learning to do the Piriformis Stretch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFtUgS69rPk and many additional stretches in order to regain full range of motion. Almost immediately I felt that progress was being made incrementally ...albeit it in 'baby steps'. But, by about the sixth session I began to feel little or no further improvement of my status. Nevertheless the PTs encouraged me to 'keep up the good fight'. Soon, just halfway thru the course of treatment, it became apparent that some of the gains made earlier were no longer sustainable, I became anxious and frustrated. With 6 more PT sessions still remaining in the mix, the question was: "WHAT TO DO NOW"? I asked around, and a friend told me I should make an appointment with Nenad to see if 'massage' might sort me out sufficiently so that I could resume my PT treatments. I contacted Nenad and made an appointment to have him bring his massage table to my house, evaluate my situation, determine if he could help me, and if so, then give me a 'directed, athletic massage'. Nenad's arrival was punctual and energetic. From the moment he arrived I was impressed and put at ease with the respectful way in which he conducted himself while skillfully orchestrating much detail. The massage table was easily deployed in my living room so that he'd have sufficient room to work. He evaluated my status and explained that his massage would target the deep tissue damage, with the intent to improve circulation of blood to the stretched muscle tissues while also improving neuro-muscular timing/control. This was an encouraging objective, so I decided to simply 'receive' this 'goodness'. To be sure, this session with Nenad was precisely what I needed. At its conclusion I felt stronger, more flexible and confident that I was now more likely than not to receive the full benefit of the PT experience. Indeed, ultimately that was the case and I graduated from PT care with flying colors!. With sincerest thanks to Nenad, I am now at 100% strength/range of motion and looking forward to another fun Winter full of of the smoothest steep and deep powder skiing one could hope for. read more

Amazing, probably the best massage I've ever gotten. Nenad is very talented and also listens to feedback well, and he has a very calming presence that can make you feel at ease even when you're stressed out. read more

Nenad is one of the best sports massage therapists I've ever worked with. As a runner with frequent injuries, I trust Nenad to help alleviate tight muscles with his excellent technique and adjustable pressure. I'm so grateful to have him in my life, and my run training would suffer dearly without his help. He's the best! read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review after a year of wonderful massages. Over the past couple of years my work out routines has been brutal. Nenad works in a therapeutic style and listens to your body. My husband was so jealous and now gets massages by Nenad as well! read more

I can only agree with everyone else regarding my massage experience. It was the most skilled, effective, healing massage I ever had, period.

Nenad has a gift, he is an excellent therapist. I have been receiving massage for 15 years on a bi-monthly basis and he is the best therapist I have ever had. Don't hestate, he is wonderful! read more

If you want a true massage you must see Nenad! Hurts so good... no mystical bullcrap here, only strong hands to relieve tension and stress. Not an over priced spa atmosphere to push products but an honest to goodness REAL massage. He has massaged celebrities local and abroad but not an ounce of pretension. His prices are unbelievable low for such high quality!!! A+ all the way! read more

Nenad is, by far, the best massage therapist I've ever had (and, believe me, I've had a lot). As the other reviewers have mentioned, he has strong hands. However (!) I'm a fairly small woman and cannot take a huge amount of pressure. I never have to tell Nenad to apply less pressure (or more pressure, either). He can sense how my muscles and body are feeling and always applies just the right amount of pressure to all the right spots. Nenad is also extremely knowledgeable about body, bones, joints, muscles, etc. and can work on a trouble spot until the problem is resolved. There is so much more to say, but instead, just try him yourself and you'll see. read more

Nenad is absolutely the best massage therapist I have ever had in my life.His hands are magical,I feel brand new after every massage.Aside from that,he is a great guy all around.Always with that positive,happy enrergy and smile on his face.I definitely recommend Nenad,because he's as good as it gets. read more