Under the Hood
WANT TO DRIVE THROUGH LIFE
WITHOUT PAIN?
“I was in a great deal of pain after a performance. Gary knew exactly how to tackle the wreck that was my body. And I appreciated the educational aspect of his treatment.”
-Jesse B.
“What really impressed me is his ability to know what my body needs instinctively, how to tackle it effectively using a number of techniques and with the utmost sensitivity and respect.”
-Elisa R.
Gary Mendelson is a massage therapist with a background unlike that of any other massage therapist. He was a professional theater artist for 25 years, as a dancer, singer and actor who performed in many major Broadway productions. During his two years in CATS, his body sustained many injuries, and the production company always provided therapeutic massage to the cast as needed.
He was awed and amazed that massage therapy could get him out of pain and back to work the same day. That’s when the seed was planted to heal others through touch.
But it would still be a few more years until he rode that dream to reality. He continued his acting career, and between show stints, opened and built a successful chain of candle stores in New York City.
CERTIFIED & LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
questions? ready to book your next appointment?
Having sold the candle stores, Gary moved to San Francisco and his ultimate dream of healing and helping people through touch came to fruition.
Since 2009 he has been a California Certified and Licensed Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist and Health Educator, a “body mechanic”, as he calls himself.
Gary’s therapeutic massage techniques encompass the nervous system and muscular systems together. He isolates where the pain is coming from, and then uses several massage modalities to re-educate and realign the muscle fibers to go back to their normal position. He also retrains the nerve movements of the brain to actually get rid of the pain. Gary’s massage techniques are also a great complement to physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and other healing systems.
Gary serves the entire San Francisco Bay Area. His office is located in the Japantown neighborhood, which allows clients easy access from Civic Center, Pacific Heights, the Fillmore, and Sea Cliff to come to him. Give Gary a call or have Gary contact you to set up your initial appointment.
“I believe the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that I’m just a facilitator in supporting the body in its path to wellness.” -LAURA A. PEREZ
The Massage Garage is Proud to Announce
Our Newest Body Mechanic & Gary's Go To Massage Therapist
Carrie Menefee, ANMT
Carrie is thrilled to join The Massage Garage team, where she will leverage her extensive experience to create personalized, results-driven sessions that guide each client on their unique healing journey.
Carrie’s own path to healing began in the world of gymnastics, dance, and competitive swimming, but a shoulder injury prematurely ended her athletic career. Later, a serious car accident left her with persistent chronic pain. After years of physical therapy and pain medications that offered limited relief, she turned to a more holistic approach, exploring massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. This shift had a profound impact on her, igniting a passion for helping others heal and break free from chronic pain.
In 2009, Carrie graduated from the National Holistic Institute College of Massage, focusing her career on sports therapy. She had the opportunity to work alongside physical therapists and chiropractors throughout the Bay Area, honing her expertise and deepening her understanding of the body. Carrie also returned to her alma mater to teach the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy program, passing on her knowledge to future massage therapists.
Now at The Massage Garage, Carrie is excited to bring her wealth of experience and holistic approach to each session, offering a tailored and effective path toward healing for every client.
2025 Update: Carrie will be seeing clients the last week of each month. Following are the times she is currently scheduled: January 27-31, February 24-28, and March 24-28.
Email Carrie at: carrie@themassagegarage.net
Laura A. Perez
Laura’s clientele ranges from all walks of life; weekend warriors, professional athletes, work-related injuries to expecting mothers. Using a combined arsenal of modalities, she customizes every massage to fit the needs of each client thereby maximizing their results.
2025 update: Laura is currently not seeing clients at our office and will be here sporadically throughout the coming year.
Prior to entering the massage profession, Laura received her BS in Biology at the University of California, Irvine in 1993. After a work-related injury and experiencing the benefits of massage therapy combined with chiropractic care, she was inspired to pursue a career in massage.
She graduated in April 2006 from the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy, (WIN) with a certificate in Professional Therapeutic & Sports Massage. Her enthusiasm, passion, and skills for the profession acquired her a teaching position at WIN. With a thirst for knowledge yearly she takes continuing education courses to keep her skills sharp.
Email Laura at: laura@themassagegarage.net
“I believe the body has an innate ability to heal itself and that I’m just a facilitator in supporting the body in its path to wellness.” -LAURA A. PEREZ