Smart athletes recover just as hard as they train. Sleep, Nutrition, and time off are all essential elements of their program. But the number one thing they rely on to stay in top shape? Bodywork Massage. The pro's know...... Bodywork is the key to accessing performance potential. Receiving regular massage helps athletes of all levels prepare for and recover from strenuous activity. It is a powerful part of any athlete's healthcare regimen. Budgeting time and money for consistent bodywork is a worthwhile investment in your health. But you want to make sure you invest in the best. In a city full of "fru fru" salons and spas, how will you ever find the right massage therapist for you?! Ask your trainer.... I've been to quite a few ;) Never have I found a therapist as skilled as Joel in sports specific treatment. Banuelos specializes in pain management, physical rehabilitation, athletic performance enhancement and postural/structural dysfunction. He is an expert in the body and movement - using talented techniques to target client specific issues. Joel has helped me relieve several sports related knee and hip problems. He is genuine, professional, and has taught me so much about my body and it's movement. Joel works out of his own beautiful massage space, conveniently located downtown on Battery Street. He does his best to arrange appointments to accommodate busy schedules and client needs. When you meet him you'll find a friendly guy with a big smile.... and trust me Joel's work will keep you going strong - mile after mile. read more

I really can't say enough nice things are Joel, both as a person and as a bodyworker. Personality wise he couldn't be more friendly, calm, or confidence inspiring. Professionally he's amazing. His treatments are thoughtful and very effective, and he's happy to explain the hows and whys of what he's doing. The best thing I can say about him though, is that in combination with Richard Soriano of Action Sports Medicine*, he helped cure the debilitating knee and hip issues I'd been having for 22 months. I'd seen a variety of other physical and massage therapists and none got close to solving the problem. Richard and Joel both immediately spotted the root cause of my pain, and fixed it on the spot. I'm equal parts delighted at their abilities and frustrated at the many other people I'd previously wasted my money on. Consider this a 6-star review. * http://www.yelp.com/biz/action-sports-medicine-san-francisco read more

I never bothered to finish my review of Psoas, and now I don't have to because Joel's started his own gig. Joel's not only a great bodyworker, but he will show you all the important stretches and self-massage techniques to do yourself to prevent or help treat whatever you're dealing with. He's not a big guy but he's crazy strong and somehow knows where the spots are that need work without me telling him. I need to make an appointment! I started running and should really get some kinks worked out and learn some new targeted stretches... read more

I just had a really great dance performance a few nights ago - my first pain-free show in over 6 months so I'm thrilled and super happy about how my body is feeling. My dance partner and I do a rather intense form of dance lifts and acrobatic tricks and I pretty much get pounded as I am tossed, flipped, inverted, twisted, and whipped around the dance floor. Inevitably, various body parts start to feel less than stellar. I never knew how beneficial massage therapy could be until I landed on my shoulder in an acrobatic stunt gone horribly awry back in January. I suffered through months of searing rotator cuff pain before I started seeing Joel. I was wary about anyone touching my very tender and painful shoulder, but it's obvious that Joel really knows what he's doing. It's been a few months of serious work, but my shoulder is nearly pain free and range of motion nearly on par with my healthy shoulder. Even better, Joel discovered other body issues that needed serious attention. And it's very cool that he really seems to want me to get better as much as I do. If you like NOT being in pain, and want to stay that way, you should go see Joel. read more

I am been seeing Joel for bodywork for about a year and a half. He is very experienced and personable. He has a great knovledge base in bodywork and helped with with my neck strain injury. He takes the time to listen and understand my muscle issues, and has been through my healing process. Double thumbs for Joel. read more

I can not recommend Joel enough. I went to see him after being referred by a friend, and he absolutely exceeded my expectations. I left his office feeling lighter emotionally and physically. He released tensions in my body that I didn't even realize were there because I had become so used to them. I had forgotten what it felt Iike to not feel tight around my eye brows, forehead, and shoulders, until I went to Joel. I joke and call him a witch doctor because I can't explain how he does it, but the results are incredible. read more

I just got an amazing massage and treatment from joel . I also got a duo chiropratic adjustment w dr. Shapiro!! Amazing!!!! read more

There is a huge difference between massage and bodywork. Joel is truly amazing at what he does... don't expect a relaxing massage to the sound of Enya -- expect someone who will really listen (and intuit) what is wrong with your body, and address the issues behind it. It's hard to explain what Joel does, but I've been seeing him for over a year regularly and he's been instrumental in keeping me injury free (I abuse my body quite a bit through running, climbing, & yoga). On top of being a great professional, he is a really nice, funny, and personable guy. Can't recommend him enough! read more

In a city full of healers and bodyworkers, Joel really stands out. As a naturopathic doctor, I"m very picky about who I will use for bodywork, and who I will refer to. Joel is my go-to referral for all people I know who require bodywork. Quite simply, his knowledge of the body is outstanding. It really is above-and-beyond the depth of knowledge I've encountered in other massage therapists. He takes a deeply analytical approach, combined with intuitive skill. He is very professional as well, you can tell that this is his passion and profession, and he takes it seriously. If you want results on a deep structural level that will be long-lasting, Joel is the massage therapist for you. And, if you're a professional in the healing industry, he is a great person to refer to, my clients have all been very happy with his work and given me positive feedback. read more

He is the best body worker out there. You can get a massage anywhere.. but Joel goes way beyond that. He truly understands the human body.. and even though some of his techniques hurt a little.. they get rid of your chronic pain for weeks to come! I've had bodywork in San Diego, Las Vegas, Calexico, Palo Alto, Mexico, and San Francisco, and believe me, there is nobody like Joel. He is easy to communicate with: an excellent listener. I've had arthritis for 7 years now, and I always feel my best after seeing Joel. He also knows a lot about nutrition, so it's always a pleasure to talk to him. His office is private, comfortable, and accessible. Very convenient! read more

As a runner and a climber I have accumulated a large number of injuries over the years and Joel has been incredibly skilled at treating and also helping to prevent future injuries time and again. He has a unique understanding of and intuition for the body and what needs to be fixed, but also is honest about when he doesn't think he will be able to help with a problem. He has mastery of a wide number of techniques and employs different ones depending on the situation. He has been particularly helpful for my ITB, knee injuries, and shoulder pain. I have seen multiple body workers previously and no one even came close to as effective as he has been. In addition to all of this he maintains a very high level of integrity and doesn't try to pressure you into booking extra appointments or services. I truly can't say enough good things about my experience working with Joel over the past 3 years. read more

I have been a client of Joel's for many years and highly recommend him, particularly if you're active and/or an athlete and would like to stay active. Joel has been trained and certified in many different manual therapy techniques so he can draw from this extensive knowledge to treat each person uniquely and effectively. Many of my injuries have been sports related - and Joel not only treats the symptoms but then gives me post treatment exercises or stretches (that truly work!) and recommendations on when I can resume activities. I'm impressed how Joel can diagnose the cause of whatever pain I may have - even when I don't know where or how I injured myself. read more

awesome, awesome, awesome body-worker!! he really knows his stuff. i have been going to him for years now. i had a problem with my left shoulder ever since i had my son where i can't raise my arm pass my shoulder, joel was able to help me work out the tension i had in my shoulder region, so i now have full usage of my left arm back! read more