Oak Haven Massage Celebrates 20 Years with Six Locations and Over 250 Employees Across Central Texas

The family-owned massage center, founded in a single San Antonio studio in 2005, now operates three Austin and three San Antonio locations.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Oak Haven Massage, a family-owned therapeutic massage center, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel in a single San Antonio studio, the company has grown to six locations across Austin and San Antonio, employing over 250 people including more than 200 licensed massage therapists. Oak Haven has completed over 1.7 million massage sessions since opening, focusing on medically informed, therapeutic-level bodywork rather than just relaxation treatments.

Why it matters

Oak Haven's growth and longevity in the massage industry is statistically uncommon, as 80% of businesses close within their first 20 years and the average career length for a massage therapist is just 5 years. The company's clinical focus and commitment to staff training and development have allowed it to thrive as the industry has shifted towards more therapeutic massage services.

The details

Oak Haven Massage was founded in 2005 by Dr. Steven Shuel, a chiropractor who wanted to build a massage center focused on therapeutic bodywork rather than just relaxation. The company has since grown to six locations across Austin and San Antonio, with three in each city. Recent openings include the MoPac and 2222 location in Austin in mid-2025 and the South First location in Austin in late 2025. Oak Haven now employs over 250 people, including more than 200 licensed massage therapists, and has completed over 1.7 million massage sessions.

  • Oak Haven Massage was founded in November 2005.
  • The MoPac and 2222 location in Austin opened in mid-2025.
  • The South First location in Austin opened in December 2025.

The players

Dr. Steven Shuel

The founder of Oak Haven Massage, a chiropractor with over 32 years of experience in the massage and bodywork field.

Allison Moreno

The CEO of Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX and one of Dr. Shuel's four daughters.

Becca

The Regional Manager of Oak Haven Massage and one of Dr. Shuel's daughters.

Rylee

Dr. Shuel's granddaughter who has joined the Oak Haven Massage team, making it a three-generation family business.

Katy

The Assistant Manager at the MoPac location who has been with Oak Haven for 7 years.

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What they’re saying

“My dad built this company on one idea: that massage should treat the problem, not just help you relax for an hour.”

— Allison Moreno, CEO of Oak Haven Massage in Austin, TX (EINPresswire.com)

What’s next

Oak Haven Massage plans to continue expanding its geographic reach and service offerings to meet the growing demand for therapeutic massage services in Central Texas.

The takeaway

Oak Haven Massage's success over the past 20 years demonstrates that a family-owned, clinically-focused massage business can thrive in an industry known for high turnover. The company's commitment to staff training, advancement opportunities, and a therapeutic approach to massage has allowed it to capitalize on the industry's shift towards more health-focused services.