Oak Haven Massage is leveling up Austin’s wellness scene in a major way. On December 15, the beloved Central Texas brand officially opens its new South First Street location—its largest and most accessible Austin space yet—with 6,350 square feet, 25 treatment rooms, and a mission centered on medically informed bodywork over spa-style pampering. For anyone navigating chronic pain or stress, this focus on evidence‑informed therapeutic massage aligns with current guidance from resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health and Mayo Clinic’s overview of massage benefits.
SOUTH MANCHACA
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Oak Haven’s South First location leans more “clinical wellness” than “day spa,” which can make it an easier fit to integrate with recommendations from your doctor, PT, or chiropractor.
Here’s your full insider breakdown of what’s new, what’s different, and how to make the most of opening day.
THE ESSENTIALS
Oak Haven Massage - South First
$$• Location: 900 South First St., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78704 — right in the heart of walkable South Austin, a short hop from downtown.
• Hours: 9 am–9 pm daily
• Specialization: therapeutic, deep tissue, chronic‑pain‑focused massage, in line with research‑backed approaches to chronic pain management that emphasize non‑drug therapies.
• Opening Day: December 15 with events from 9–11 am and 5–7 pm
• Website: https://www.oakhavenmassage.com
Use the extended 9 am–9 pm hours to your advantage—weekday mid‑afternoon and later‑evening slots are typically your best bet for lower crowds and more same‑day availability.
WHY THIS OPENING MATTERS
With 25 rooms—unusually high for Austin wellness spaces—Oak Haven can offer same‑day and last‑minute bookings. This is a big deal for Austin locals who often find themselves with wellness waitlists of days or weeks, especially as more people look to massage as part of a broader, non‑pharmacologic toolkit for long‑term pain relief.
The space, designed by Austin‑based JDAI Studio, keeps things functional, grounded, and approachable. This aligns with Oak Haven’s long-standing identity: high‑skill therapeutic massage without the luxury‑spa markup, which echoes how organizations like Cleveland Clinic frame therapeutic massage as part of everyday care rather than a rare indulgence.
If you’ve avoided massage because most spots feel too “spa‑day,” this location is intentionally styled for repeat visits and long‑term care rather than one‑off pampering.
WHAT THEY OFFER
The South First team focuses on bodywork for chronic pain and long-term wellness, a model that reflects current NIH chronic pain guidance encouraging multidisciplinary approaches.
• Relaxation massage – ideal if you’re primarily chasing stress reduction or better sleep, and a gentle complement to other stress‑management tools.
• Deep tissue massage – more targeted work for specific muscles, similar to what’s outlined in Cleveland Clinic’s explanation of deep tissue massage.
• Therapeutic massage – tailored, goal‑oriented sessions that fit into broader treatment plans, much like the clinical framing of massage used in integrative medicine.
• Lymphatic drainage massage – a specialized style that gently supports lymph flow; readers curious about this technique can dig deeper into manual lymph drainage and when it’s recommended.
Their therapists average eight years of experience, with many having worked at Oak Haven for 5+ years, aligning with the professional standards and training pathways described in the U.S. Department of Labor’s profile of licensed massage therapists.
OPENING DAY PLAYBOOK (DECEMBER 15)
Expect heavier crowds during both the 9–11 am ribbon‑cutting and the 5–7 pm evening event. Plan extra time for check‑in and South First parking, or consider rideshare to avoid circling for a spot.
Morning: 9–11 am
• Austin Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting
• Build‑your‑own flower bouquet bar
• Complimentary chair massages
• Swag bags
Evening: 5–7 pm
• Permanent jewelry bar
• Charcuterie + beverages
• Chair massages
• Swag bags
If you’re planning to make a full day of it, this opening pairs nicely with other December happenings around town, from Austin holiday markets to seasonal experiences like Peppermint Parkway’s wellness‑forward winter wonderland.
INSIDER INTELLIGENCE
• Founding Member Alert: Only 50 spots are being offered at this location. These typically sell out quickly and include preferred pricing, which can be especially appealing if you’re using massage regularly as part of a non‑opioid, conservative care plan for pain.
If a membership makes sense for your budget and care plan, join early—founding member spots are limited and often lock in better long‑term pricing.
• Best Time for Fast Check‑In: The morning window is usually busier due to the Chamber event—opt for the evening if you want quicker access. If you’re coming from downtown or the convention area, this pairs well with our tips in the December 2025 downtown navigation guide.
• Same‑Day Booking Strategy: Because this location has 25 rooms, try weekday afternoons for the highest availability. For many Austinites managing ongoing pain or stress, being able to book same‑day bodywork that aligns with mind‑body pain and stress strategies is a serious quality‑of‑life upgrade.
• Neighborhood Perk: South First’s walkability means easy pre/post‑massage add‑ons—coffee at Summer Moon Coffee or a snack at nearby food trailers, plus quick access to other South Austin events like the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar’s 50th season.
Turn your appointment into a mini South Austin reset: arrive early for coffee or a light bite on South First, then stroll the neighborhood or hit a holiday event after your session.
Related Austin Data
Inside Oak Haven Massage South First: Your Exclusive Guide to Austin’s Biggest New Wellness Opening
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