I've been going to Joseph for massage therapy for 12 months now and he has consistently addressed my changing needs through the months. From pregnancy to postpartum and now headaches from jaw pain. When I brought up the sudden increase in the severity and frequency of my headaches he was able to pinpoint the likely culprit being TMJ/ jaw pain and since he started incorporating that type of therapy into my sessions, my headaches have all but disappeared and the tension in my jaw has significantly reduced. He does a great job of checking in with you during the session on your pain scale and letting you know when he notices trouble areas you didn't even realize were there. He takes the time to explain the anatomy behind it, what he's doing to resolve them, and how to prevent those from becoming chronic. His massage therapy has become a part of my wellness routine- highly recommend! read more

My wife has always been active in the gym and in sports, but as time went on, whether due to age, hormones, or both, she began experiencing increasing muscle limitations. She started seeing a chiropractor because her hip would "unpop," which brought relief for about 24 hours before the pain and stiffness returned. At times, it was so bad that she had difficulty getting out of bed because her hip felt stuck. After just two sessions with Joseph, it has now been over a year since the issue returned. Not only did Joseph address the muscle dysfunction in her hip, but his work also relieved severe headaches and significantly improved the limitations she was experiencing in her shoulders. His muscle work has made a lasting difference in her overall mobility and quality of life. read more

I've gone twice now and will continue to go as needed. Joseph is very thorough and detail oriented. He not only provides effective medical massages, but also helps you figure out the cause of your aches and pains. He understands the anatomy and how pain in one area might actually be caused by a different part of the body. He also helps you understand potential causes of the pain and explains at home stretches to further help relieve your pain. Highly recommend. The office is located inside Compassion Chiropractic. read more

I started going to Rest Stop Therapy after a car accident, and it honestly helped a lot with my recovery. Joseph does things very differently than a typical massage therapist. It is not just about relaxing, it's super targeted and focused on actually fixing problem areas. Every session felt customized to what my body needed, especially the spots that were tight or off because of the accident. He helped more than my PT and Chiropractor sessions. Joseph is very knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and clearly cares about helping people feel better long term. If you are dealing with an injury or want something more effective than a standard massage, I would definitely recommend Rest Stop. read more

If you are looking for someone who not only knows how to do deep tissue massage to address pain, but lives his entire life to heal people in a wholistic and caring fashion, this is the man. He possesses a special gift in understanding the mind/body connection and achieving healthy life goals. read more

Been going to Joe for over a year. My wife and I both have a really tight neck and shoulders and Joes work helped released many years of built up tension. read more

Joseph, is the most giving and kind person as he gives the best quality of care. His knowledge of the body is great and instructs you on how to improve the workings of your body to improve your care! read more

I just had to come on here and leave a comment about this amazing human. Im so happy with my treatments I've been receiving from Joseph. Everytime I see him or schedule an appointment it does not disappoint. At the end of of our sessions he goes over any problem areas he worked on with me, and any good tips for me I can use at home to maintain any day to day pain triggers i might have. Dealing with a heavy autoimmune disease can be really hard on my body and in my sessions with Joseph I never feel stupid asking questions about things I'm unsure about when it comes to my body. If you've never been to a real massage therapist, I highly recommend you see him! read more

I've been getting massages from Joe for a while now but I rarely leave reviews on Yelp. Really, though, I doubt I could be able to live without his help. I have a full time desk job plus a part time one and can spend 14 hours on a computer some days. My shoulders get incredibly tight and if it weren't for the deep tissue massages I'd probably be frozen like the Tin Man. He's also done other types of massage for me when I'm not so tight, like shiatsu. I really feel the difference if I can't get in to see him at least once a week. He's got the magic hands! His new location is also really nice, as there's plenty of parking and the chiropractor has a nice clean facility. read more

My wife and I started seeing Joseph about 5 years ago. From the beginning, the treatment was different in that its focused on getting better and ultimately resolving pain. My wife had surgery on one wrist and was about to have it on the other until Joseph asked to try an approach. Thankfully, it worked and 5 years later she has not needed additional treatment and avoided surgery on the 2nd wrist. He is a great therapist and a wonderful person. read more

I have been a client of Joseph for a few years and I still don't know how he does it. From injuries to areas of weakness, he can pinpoint the issue and resolve it quickly. Thought you had a low back issue? Nope, it's your hamstrings. Thought you had IT band issues? Nope, it's your weak glutes. Joseph is the man! read more

I have had years of sciatica and never found therapies that have helped, until I met Joseph. His treatments have given me so much relief. He also gave me a series of exercises and stretches that have become a part of my routine. I am so grateful to be pain free! I gave 4 stars not because I had a hard time finding the medical suite. The treatment was 5 stars! read more

Rest Stop Therapy - Rest Stop Waiting Area - Massage Therapy Near Me - Irvine, California

The first thing you'll notice when you enter, is the immaculate, attractive and tranquil surroundings. You immediately feel the stress of the day or week slowly disappear, piece by piece from your thoughts, with every step. Joseph Tomeo immediately made me feel comfortable, knowing that the pain I've suffered for some time, will be a distant memory. Joseph reassured me that I was in the best of care and feel free to vocalize any particular areas during the process that have given me great pain. The five walled room is filled with serene music, subdued light, breathtaking virtual backdrop and delicate aromas that lull you towards a feeling of peace. Joseph gave me a deep tissue massage on my lower back but also areas that suffered multiple years of wear and tear. After our first session, I immediately felt relaxed, re-energized and released from pain. I knew soon after that appointment, I was on the road towards recovery. Joseph gave me a thorough assessment of the cause and weekly exercise routines. I am TRULY elated to have been referred to and placed in Joseph's care. He IS a healer! Since my first session, I've experienced major improvement in my mobility. I literally spring out of bed, ready to greet the day. No more easing out, carefully planting my feet on the floor, wincing in agony. I advise you to immediately go to the website and book your appointment today!!! You'll love that you've decided to put your health, wellness and healing first! read more

I am over 90 years of age. I can't believe I am posting online but here it goes. A few years ago my right knee started to become really swollen from injuries and falls. My ankle and hip also hurting. The swelling became so bad I could not walk anymore. I took prescribed meds hoping would work. They would reduce some pain but I was little dizzy with them and didn't want to add one more medication. So I tried acupuncture for a year. It helped for first 2 months but then swelling came back and they had to keep draining fluid with needles. I didn't like that. My knee and ankle got so bad I had to make plans to go into Assisted living. It was a really depressing time. Then Through divine connections I found Joseph. I STILL CANT BELIEVE it. He is so knowledgeable. During each Session he worked on my knee, ankle, and hip using steady techniques that seemed to release tightness, tension and inflammation. He used soft pressure on my feet. Felt like was like a pumping motion with his hands to increase blood flow. He also said he was doing neuromuscular therapy with trigger points and muscle reeducation.. and many stretched my legs I've never have never even done before. I could feel such a big difference even after 2 sessions. I saw him once a week for 2 months and he not only took all the pain away but also most of the swelling. I can walk and still live independently now for past 4 years since I met him and didn't have to go into an Assisted living home. I do have someone who helps clean my house though. I know sounds crazy but it really worked and continually living independently still at my age is more than I can ask for... I am so so thankful for his services. Thank you for listening to me. read more

Joseph is always professional and kind I've been using his services for over a year. I'm beginning had several treatments and now I go in for occasional maintenance. Anything better that all the other Appt I was going to , especially cause I know something works. The clinic is very clean. Feels like a mix between a soothing spa and medical professional clinic. At first I was caught off guard, almost offended because He is very direct. He asked specific questions to deeply know root of issue so my body has been able to get well. I know now his directness is because he is very passionate what he does. He's also a EMT and pre-medical student for Nursing Physiotherapy and mental health. I have been seeing him after visiting physical therapy and multitude of other therapists. My back and legs have improved where I can walk more. I have less pain in my legs from diabetes and nerve issues. This may sound cheesy ...but serious....you'll never have to go to anyone for Bodywork muscular nerve pain again. Thanks Joseph. read more

Rest Stop Therapy - Massage Therapy Near Me - Irvine, California

I have been having chronic neck, TMJ and shoulder pain for many years. My neck condition is extremely severe. I have tried everything from acupuncture, deep tissue, physical therapy, rolfing, chiropractic, Iyengar Yoga and more. They helped but did not get to the root of the issue thought I acknowledge the importance of all these treatments that can go well together. Joseph helped to work on the root issues both physically and emotionally. Finally, I am getting results that are going towards the right direction in decreasing my neck pain significantly. He is extremely honest and truly cares about his patients. He is also extremely detailed oriented and thorough it taking care of his patient's needs and accommodations eg. sensory needs. I highly recommend Joseph's services. read more

Joseph has skills and talents when it comes to working with each of his clients. He knows how to read the body and find the areas that are the origin of the tightness, or an injury. His hands work like magic. I was extremely satisfied with his services, his professionalism, and his kind nature. I highly recommend him. As a fitness professional, I have been to many massages therapists in my life. Joseph is definitely one of the bests, and he truly cares about his clients. read more

Rest Stop Therapy - Fitness Professional. A client of Joseph's - Massage Therapy Near Me - Irvine, California

Joseph listens not only to your symptoms but to your body's signals. Highly recommend.

Joseph is a true healer. He is unlike any "massage therapist" I've ever experienced. His knowledge of the human anatomy and natural wisdom sets him apart from the rest. I initially came to see Joseph for maintenance and some TMJ pain. He was able to unlock emotional and physical blockages that I didn't even realize were there. After my first appointment, I was hooked! While the experience isn't always pleasant (it can be painful!), Joseph always infused the right amount of relaxation as well. My family and I recently moved to Miami and I can honestly say that Massage therapy with Joseph is one of the things I miss the most. If you're considering a visit, don't hesitate! It will be one of the best things for you both emotionally and physically. read more

Highly recommend it!! Truth be told, I'm a massage addict. I love massages, especially medium to deep tissue massages (shiatsu, Thai, acupressure, Polynesian, Balinese massages). Ever since a friend recommended Joseph a couple of months ago, I've been getting all my massages with him at a wellness center. My main issues are neck /shoulder tension from working all day on the computer and a persistent lower back pain from a childhood car accident. Sometimes the tension and the pain get so bad they go down to my forearm/fingers or go down to my left thigh/foot. After my third session, I noticed I started to sit differently so I  had completely readjusted my driver seat and noticed how easy it was to climb up the stairs. Apparently, my muscles had been compensating to avoid the discomfort. However, I had only been focusing on wherever the pain had been. Instead, Joseph was able to pin point the root cause and prevented the overcompensation. He is totally worth the drive, the time and the money, much more than other massage places make you feel good for two days at the most. read more

Up until 12 years ago, I never needed a massage therapist. That was when I was involved in a car accident involving 2 separate unrelated drunk drivers hitting me at high speed 1min apart from each other. With a fractured femur and PTSD; for a full recovery, over the next 3 years i spent countless hours, energy and $100k+ on an orthopedic surgeon, N.D., homeopaths, psychologists, psychiatrists, life coaches, P.T., light and energy workers, countless massage therapists and healers/priests. With a very sedentary job but active travel lifestyle, i still had constant daily pain at a level 5 or greater that I thought was normal given the circumstances. So over the years I learned a thing or 2 about myself and specifically about massage types. Fast forward to now, since consistently seeing Joseph 2-4x per month; I've noticed my posture has changed dramatically for the better. Daily pain is now less than 5 at all times and I have way more mobility! I can now keep up with my 21yo daughter (I'm 44) during H.I.T.T. and I'm closer to surf shape. Joseph genuinely cares about his clients, utilizing his intuition combined with his mastery of all massage types, He has added value to my life, my physical/mental wellbeing and budget. Cant recommend his services enough! read more

Joseph's done an excellent job of reworking my (traumatically and arthritically damaged) back and neck from constant significant pain (waking up middle of night due to L5+ pain) 4 months ago to minimal (occasional L1-L2) pain now, and continuing to improve on this, and very manageable. He cares about getting you to optimum, and uses a range of techniques to get there, dependent on the needs of the client. He keeps extensive notes about what needs work, what's worked, etc.. He's had similar success with my wife and her chronic back pain. He was recommended to us by our friends Paul and Joe, and again by our friend Carolyn, all of whom have had ample previous experience with massage. I'd highly recommend him for anyone, and especially for someone who's not had good previous experiences with chiropractors or massage therapy. He gets dealing with past challenges and working around and through them. read more

I have chronic lower back pain and occasional issues with my neck and shoulders. I went to physical therapy for over a year and saw little improvement. A friend recommended Joseph and I have been seeing him regularly for deep tissue/sports massages for about nine months now. I am feeling so much better than when I first started working with him and I can go longer stretches with less pain between visits now. As an EMT, Joseph is extremely knowledgeable about the body and thoroughly explains where and why the pain is occurring. He sends me away with "homework" exercises to do that really help. Very professional and extremely respectful. The new location is really nice and parking is easy and convenient. Highly recommend! read more

"I used to get tension headaches A LOT, as I would carry my tension in my neck and shoulders. Tried Tylenol, Advil, etc., nothing seemed to get rid of the headaches. The muscles were in such a knot, they were hard as rock. Then I met Joseph... I have had massages before, but Joseph was different. Not only did we talk about how and where my pain was, we also just talked, I was not just treated like another client. He uses heat to relax the muscles, and is able to use both strong pressure to work out the knots, and also lighter pressure on points that were not so hard. He also worked on my arms and hands which I had not realized were also tense (all that computer work).I thank God for having us cross paths all those years ago, and I appreciate the care he takes." read more

I couldn't be happier with the results of Joseph's treatment on my shoulder and back. I've had many massages and seen many physical therapists in my life, but Joseph is the first one who really listens. That means he treats problems in a very specific way. I went in for bothersome shoulder issues that a PT was unable to resolve. He not only helped that, but he improved my chronic back and hip issues. I really appreciate his knowledge of the body and his personalized treatment. read more

I have suffered from low back pain for most of my life. I have also suffered chronic and sometimes debilitating sciatica for over 5 years due to bulging discs and mild scoliosis. I've been to multiple chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists over the years resulting in some, but mostly temporary pain relief. Luckily, I found Joseph. He is not the typical massage therapist that only works on the pain site. Rather, with his extensive knowledge of the body, he works on the cause of the pain and uses various therapeutic techniques accordingly. For me, it means not only working on my lower back, but my ribs, neck and shoulders as well. It was not until I started working with Joseph that I have had major and lasting pain relief. He is a true MIRACLE WORKER! read more

If you've got any kind of continuous unrelenting pain, this is where you need to be. Joseph is knowledgeable, compassionate, very educated, and an amazing practitioner of his body works healing methods. He will help your body reset it's negative repetitive neurological patterns. I got 100% relief in just 4 visits. Call him today. Don't think k about it. Your health is worth it. read more

I've been seeing Joseph for years now, and cannot recommend him highly enough. I'm a big guy (6'4", 290), and pretty muscular; he finds every spot that's tight, and works until its resolved and back in balance. He has an amazing set of techniques --pressure, vibration, stretching, hot rocks-- and uses a variety of them to pinpointing pain or tension and fixing it. I've recommended him to several friends. Give him a try... you'll be glad! read more

I've always has extreme tension in my upper back and shoulders. I am a fanatic for the deep tissue massage and shiatsu techniques. Mostly because those were the only massages that I felt results from. Well with Joseph's integrated START massage technique, which uses various modalities, I found a massage therapist that I noticed positive results within less than 24 hours of the visit. A massage that actually made me feel better as soon as I got off the table. I love going to Joseph for massage therapy because I know I'll feel open, free, and have a meaningful shift that improves my day to day experience. read more

I was referred to Joseph by my wife. I had little experience with massage therapy, except for a massage I had on a Cruise in 2019. I had some old sports injuries from high school that were still bothering me. I am a software engineer and spend hours at my desk writing software for up to 20 hours when I am on deadline. Joseph was able to realign the muscles in my back, like tightening the spokes on a bicycle wheel. I have a lot less pain in my back and he gave me some exercises and stretches to help maintain proper posture. read more

I work in healthcare and endure a lot of shoulder and upper back pain because of it. A friend of mine referred me to Joseph a few months ago and I've been getting massages with him ever since. I've had many other massage therapists work on me the past few decades and Joseph is the first person who is so knowledgeable that he knew the exact points on my body to alleviate my pain; I am truly impressed with his insights and abilities. I highly recommend Joseph for any issues/pain/injuries someone might be suffering from. read more

Needed a massage so I saw Joseph the Wellness Center in early February 2020. He was referred by my friend who receives work from him. His knowledge about the human body is so educated. Some of the moves he performed on me, such as stretching my hips, working on trigger points on my legs and deep neck and shoulder blade areas has given me me instant relief in each area. When I got there, he took my health history, explained and discussed the anatomy chart on his wall as it related to my specific condition(s). NEVER had a massage therapist do this. My issues are arthritis of the hips knees and ankles. Subsequent visits, about 6, have allowed me able to physically do things that I have not been able to do since the onset of my clinical arthritis diagnosis over five years ago. I literally cried when I got off table and moved and felt a range of motion I have not had since 2015. My Physician and friends have noticed I'm better not only physically, but my overall attitude has also improved. I have another session scheduled next week at the Wellness Center. I strongly recommend you go to his office and see him. Janet S. Laguna Woods, CA read more

Joseph's bodywork and therapy is SO MUCH MORE than a massage. I have had regular massages for 35 years and never had someone as thorough and helpful and caring as Joseph. I came in a few weeks ago with chronic back pain, ongoing hip flexor pain, nerve pain in my heel, and a knee injury. My goal was to continue doing what I love...horseback riding. After only a few sessions, my knee pain snd heel pain is gone and the back and hip flexor pain is significantly better. I was impressed right away with his questionnaire and the amount of details he gathered regarding my injuries and pain level. He is very knowledgeable about the human body and has been able to get my very tight leg muscles to relax and stretch out. But equally important, he has given me very helpful recommendations and stretches that I can continue at home and encouraged new habits that have made a big impact on my overall health. I am thrilled that I can keep riding! read more

Rest Stop Therapy - Massage Therapy Near Me - Irvine, California

Joe is a great massage therapist. He's well skilled in different massage techniques including Thai massage (which I've decided is too deep tissue for me). I was looking for a new massage therapist after mine retired and he came recommended by some friends. He's very strong and can really work the knots out in my shoulders. He's careful about his depth levels and uses a 1-10 pain scale for you to tell how deep to go - or not go. Still getting used to that but it works. I've recommended him to two other friends who also see him now. read more

I have been suffering from Chronic pain in my back, neck and shoulders, as well as a migraines for years. I first started coming to see Joseph for my migraines, and after a series of his therapies, my migraines are gone! And they stayed gone, so when I had a neck and back injury I didn't hesitate to go see Joseph again. He has been working miracles! After his massage, I am able to function again. I have been to other massage therapists, but no one understands my body and muscle needs like Joseph. He always explains what is going on, he offers suggestions for exercises I can do at home, and he is willing to adapt my massages for whatever may be bothering me that week. He also educates me on supplements that my body may be lacking, and offers suggestions for my overall mind, body, and spirit well being. He truly understands the mind body connection, and I highly recommend him to anyone who suffers from chronic pain, caused by stress, anxiety, or injury. Joseph is the best !!!! Cynthia T. read more

I drove back from a "working vacation" in the Oregon mountains 1000 miles in excruciating pain because I aggravated an already irritated low back. Tried chiropractic, tried a masseuse I'd used before. Nothing made a dent. Rest Stop Therapy was recommended to me so I made an appointment with Joseph. By that point 10 minutes in a car made me think of amputating my leg!! From the start of the massage I could tell this one would be different. I've had dozens of massages in China, Japan, Brazil, Europe, USA and on the oceans in between but Joseph's approach was different. He worked from the "outside in" relaxing the body parts not involved in my pain first, then slowly working toward the "nexus" of my problem. The whole time he explained what he was doing and why, and kept asking what I was feeling. Joseph worked muscles in ways I'd never experienced before. Highly sensitive to my reactions but highly energetic. At the end I could tell the difference in how my body moved. It took about a day for the effects to kick in but I could tell it was working, and it helped immensely. Joseph is my go-to therapist now! Update 5/4/19: After my first massage with Joseph I worked with 2 PT groups. What they did helped, but no quick progress. Last night I went to a casino with a group of relatives. After about 30 minutes my left leg started hurting and within an hour there wee casino employees coming over to me asking if I were hurt: it was that obvious. This morning Joseph gave me a massage and after the massage I was taking care of grandkids, running with them, lifting a wiggly 40 pounder: towing that same kid to a park and following her around. It's now nearly midnight and I've experienced no pain at all since the massage. This is the longest I've been pain free last year. He really worked a miracle for me. read more

I used Joe years ago for massage and those were some of the best massages i ever had. I recently made contact with him again and have booked two massages. The first was a different style than I am used to. But it was amazing. More stretching and trigger point. I work out harder than i ever have and the second massage was done after a hard work out. I was pretty sore. This massage was a little more traditional and it was just right. I was way more mobile after. It sped up my recovery by a few days. It's hard to find a good massage therapist. I haven't been regular with it for a long time. Now that i'm connected with Joe again i'll be doing this regularly. And I've always talked about Joe's massages over the years and i highly recommend him. read more

I was referred to Joseph by my chiropractor. I was struggling with shoulder pain and low-back pain. This was pain that woke me up at night! Not good, as sleep is so important to health and healing. I figured it came with the territory of getting older. I have had massage in the past, and knew it would help me. Joseph knows more than most masseuses. I hesitate to call him a masseuse -- he's more than that, he's a master of deep tissue bodywork. He brings intuition and awareness and knowledge to his clients. His office is a safe friendly space. He does not hurry thru a massage. He listens. He checks in after a session to see how you are. Being treated by Joseph, my shoulder pain diminished and has mostly resolved. (He gave me some daily exercises to do at home). I liked the warm table, and found the heat an adjunct way to relax and take in the benefit of massage. He's a teacher, but also a student of each individual that comes to him. Over a series of sessions, I became more aligned, more flexible, more grounded. I know my body can feel good, when I wake in the morning, on a hike, walking the dog, and at the end of the day. I'm in my 60's, and I want to move well and pain-free for decades to come. Joseph will be a part of that journey! read more

I was recommended by my chiropractor, to go check out Joseph and his Business The Rest Stop for pain and tightness..because I have been really seeking an alternative to chiropractic care for chronic hip and low back pain. I do very detailed work at my job in technology. I met with Joseph and he was very respectful and knowledgable. On my first apt he spent great time with me. I think it was about 2 hours and half of that time he was wanting to " REALLY know(not fake) important things. So insightful, asked me questions no one has cared to thought to ask...Who knows? but maybe he tries to truly understand your individual case because his own personal health journey he had; his care shows....He evaluating my history and pain levels..Not going to lie...the first session was intense..but he then even gave me a follow-up call after that first session. No massage therapist has EVER done that! I've now had several sessions of his work and Method he created...and Literally years of pain and stiffness in my hips and low back have dissipated  In a weird way I kinda feel more flexible and body feels more unusually better connected overall.  This may sound cheesy but His work has made me a believer. If you don't think so? Try it. read more