John Porter CMT

I’ve been to three or four other massage therapists in the bay area since seeing John and (unfortunately for me) every time I’ve done that I’ve just been upset that I’m not seeing him instead. He has always been courteous, professional, and nice. Best of all, he can work out the knots in my back like no one else. If you want a massage that is worth your money, you should probably go to John.

I called Mr Porter because i wanted to find out whether he had any introductory rates for first timers. He was very curt and his manner unwelcoming on the phone so I decided to keep looking elsewhere.

I cannot give John Porter anything higher then one star due to the horrible treatment I was given, and his very poor business practices. One week again I purchased a birthday massage for myself. I pre-​paid to make the massage a more enjoyable experience. And I need to add that I scheduled the massage less then 24 hours in advance. A few hours before the massage, I received a call from my son’s school, he had injured his foot, and was in a great deal of pain. I needed to pick him up from school and take him to the hospital. As soon as I got the call from the school, I phoned John and told him about me family medical emergency. I stated I would need to cancel because I didn’t know how long dealing with my son would take, and I really wanted the massage, but I was doing the responsible thing by informing him of the situation, and not just leaving him hanging as a no show. John simply said ok, and that was the end of the conversation. My appointment was at 4pm, but I was not finished with the doctor, and X-​rays until after 5pm.
The following week I scheduled another massage and stated I was going to use my birthday certificate. A few hours before my massage John cancelled my appointment and called saying that because I had not cancelled my previous massage with 24 hours notice, I had forfeited my birthday certificate, and would have to pay for the massage that day. Remember, I made the original massage less then 24 hours of the appointment, so I could not have cancelled with 24 hours notice. In addition, a child cannot plan a serious injury so that I can give a 24 hours cancelation notice either. John must not have a family, therefore he can’t understand how medical emergencies happen. Being a massage therapist you’d think he would have more understanding at times like this. But no, all he said was «that’s business», and took my money. I say this is nothing but BAD BUSINESS!
There are plenty of extremely good massage therapist out there, and unless you can guarantee life isn’t going to happen, you can find someone else with a lot more humanity!

John Porter is an awesome MT, I get very deep knots and he takes the time to knead them out and truly work on the areas you specify. He is professional and I really appreciated his ability to work on what I needed. Thanks John!

I have been going to John every month or two for more than a year. When I inform him where extra attention is needed, he has always been attentive to those areas: back, shoulders, neck, leg, etc.
The atmosphere within the massage room is clean and tranquil, with soft background music during the massage.
The entrance to the building is safe and there is excellent parking
While somewhat shy, John is a conscientious and dedicated professional — providing a great massage.

Easy parking? Check. Open appointment schedule? Check. Professional service? Check. 50 minutes of work that’s going to last me a few weeks of eased shoulder tension? Yes! I’ll definitely be back!

i cannot say enough about the quality of john’s massage. i have been a serial groupon buyer, but after having tried MANY folks around the bay, i decided to throw in the towel on groupon and to just pay his reasonable and fair full-​price each time because i always know he will help my body so much.
recently, i was unable to move my head due to a big knot at the base of my skull and a whole lot of stress and tension. i was in excruciating pain. he let me cry while he worked on my sore neck and shoulders. by the end of it, i had regained 50% mobility. two days later, though the mobility was much improved, the knot was still quite painful so i booked another massage. he helped me SO MUCH. i was pain-​free after that. it was truly amazing. he had done what pain pills, hot tubs, and sleep could not. i think he is magic.

I’ve been going to John since June, 2012 and I always look forward to my monthly massage! I think the reviewers who have only tried him once have never been to different parts of Oakland and they are making it sound soooo scary.
Enter the free parking lot in the back of the building from 18^th Street and turn left into the parking lot. When you enter the building from the parking lot, you have to be buzzed in so read the directions on the door. Please note this building is a multi-​purpose building and has other businesses there that provide social services for families and even an architect. Just be aware of your surroundings people as this is Oakland. I come here for the massage and not for the ambience.
I think if you’re new at getting massages, you just need to let John know this and what areas need relaxing or that are sore. Perhaps John may be a bit reserved at first but since I have gotten to know him, he has opened up and will talk when asked. But you don’t come here to chit chat, you come here to get muscles relieved or to relieve your stress. And that he does and very well. He has strong hands and seems to know what aches and what needs relaxing.
So if you want to get a great massage, John is the massage therapist for you.

All I can say is wow! Now I don’t have regular massages so I’m no expert, but I know a good massage when I see one! As much as I was relaxing I was also fascinated by how he works! Unbelievably professional and he’s absolutely incredible at what he does. He actually closes his eyes, I assume to really feel the muscles. I cannot recommend him enough! If you’re thinking of going to him, do not second guess yourself… GO! You won’t be disappointed!!!
In response to the one review, yes he is a little… hard to read, but I think he’s just so focused on the massage so don’t take offense to it. The location? Ya not the best but when you’re in the middle of his massage you forget where you even are so honestly it didn’t affect my experience. I would rather have a sketchy building and an incredible massage than a fluffed up massage parlor and a mediocre massage but to each their own.

Went to John on a Groupon. The location is pretty shady and honestly John was very curt and made no effort to make you feel welcomed. The massage was fine but the rooms were sketchy and there is zero atmosphere. Overall, it was a pretty scary experience.

John makes it easy for a massage newbie like me to feel comfortable with the experience. I have chronic neck and upper-​back tightness, but his skill and welcoming attitude have really helped! He’s very responsive and easily adjusts to my specific needs. I highly recommend his services!

John gives the most professional massages I have ever had. He is 100% responsive to my touch sensitivity. And, I absolutely love the hot rocks add on option. The only reason I don’t give him 5 stars is because of the «setting» — not because of the massage quality. There is secure parking and it is conveniently located in DT Oakland near freeway entrance. Access to secure building is through buzzer to John — and he responds promptly. Building is clean but there is no one to greet you once you step inside, you just have to follow the instructions John gave you over the intercom when you buzzed him to go upstairs — where, depending on time of arrival, will have to wait for him to finish prior massage before being greeted. I still love going to him but I would feel more comfortable if there were a real designated waiting area specifically for him.

This is the same CMT I went to under the business Oakland Massage Therapy, so you can read my detailed review there. For someone so robust, his technique was too gentle. His deep tissue felt like a Swedish… Also, he is not friendly. Period. Unprofessional… no rapport. He looked irritated when he met me, instead of inducing a positive vibe like normal massage therapists are trained for. Unrelaxing ambience. The place is in a shady neighborhood. To be safe, I was obligated to tip. These glowing reviews about John Porter must be done by his «friends» bc this is not the presence and professionalism he projected when he did my massage. See that smile. That was nonexistent before.

John is one of my favorite massage therapists, as I consistently leave happy and relaxed. I’ve gotten the swedish massage and he does a very good job at catering to what you want, and is perfect with the appropriate amount of pressure. He plays soothing music, and is focused on listening to the muscles in your body so it’s really easy to relax, unwind, and even doze off. He is flexible with time and it is a very convenient location right off the freeway with free parking! The website is also very easy to use to book appointments, and he is often offering special offers. Even at regular price, it is only $ 80 for an hour long Swedish massage, which is a competitive price for the quality of massage John delivers.

Very solid massage in an unassuming location. John was very respectful and attentive to my individual needs and issues. Booking online is easy and efficient. Parking is available.

I have been receiving deep tissue massages from John for several years now and he is amazing!
I’ve turned family and friends on to him as well, and each has been wowed as well.
He tailors his approach to the individual and listens to your words and body.

I have been going to John since 2011 when my girlfriend gave me a groupon for a spa massage. It was the best massage of my life! I have gone to lots of massage places, cheap and expensive. John is extremely knowledgeable, strong and knows intuitively how to give a great massage. His prices are affordable and I never leave disappointed. I have been trying to go regularly, due to my stressful job and I can always get an appointment by booking online, which is a huge convenience.

Near the end of my time in graduate school my back started to crack and hurt. I went to John for a deep tissue massage and he was strong, knowledgeable, and gave restorative tips and exercise suggestions to strengthen the areas of pain. It is a relaxing and supportive environment with many styles of massage available. I recommend John 100% — for my mother, my friends, their mothers, for my partner, go to John. They also have really affordable monthly rates, have a groupon for your first time there, and offer discounts for certain times of year. Really financially supportive and accessible for many people.