For Julio Solano, wellness has never been about quick fixes. It is about time, attention and understanding the body as a whole.
That philosophy guided Julio from an early interest in holistic therapy to building a massage practice rooted in care, consistency, and connection.
His introduction to wellness began at home. Growing up, sports injuries were not treated with medication, but with hands-on care.
“My mom always took me to massage therapists instead of relying on painkillers,” Julio says. “That stuck with me.”
Initially, Julio pursued a path in physical therapy, but quickly realized the model did not align with the level of care he wanted to provide. The structure, often dictated by insurance, limited the one-on-one connection he valued.
That realization led him to massage therapy school, where he found a better fit—one that allowed for both clinical skill and personal interaction.
After working in a high-volume setting, Julio went out on his own, building an independent, quality-focused practice and opening a studio in Hillsborough.
“I wanted more control over the experience,” he says. “Not just for myself, but for my clients.”
That control extends to every detail of a session. While many chain establishments advertise 60-minute massages that translate to closer to 50 minutes of hands-on work, Julio prioritizes delivering the full hour.
“People deserve that time,” he says. “It makes a difference.”
His massages are also all-inclusive. Clients do not pay extra for hot stones, cupping, prenatal massage or sports massage, as they often do elsewhere. Online booking helps him prepare, but pricing is based only on session length.
His approach goes beyond relaxation, targeting pain and tension with customized treatments that combine full-body work, neuromuscular techniques, and assisted stretching.
He also adapts his work for a wide range of clients, including those seeking prenatal massage.
“I don’t treat people like they’re fragile,” he says. “I treat them based on what their body needs.”
That attention to detail defines his reputation, with his business growing largely through word of mouth.
“Reputation is everything,” he says.
That reputation recently earned him the 2023 Central Jersey Community’s Choice Award for best massage therapy, Google’s Best of Business Rate 2025 Massage Therapist in Hillsborough and Fresha’s 2026 Highly Recommended Award. Both the Google and Fresha awards were based on having the most five-star reviews in his area. Fresha is also the booking app he uses for his business, making the recognition especially meaningful.
While advertising is a newer step for the business, Julio views it as a complement to what he has already built.
“You have to have the foundation first,” he says. “Then you grow from there.”
Continuing education is central to his work. While required every two years in New Jersey, Julio embraces it as a chance to keep learning and deepen his knowledge.
“Things change,” he says. “You have to keep learning.”
He has pursued certifications in oncology massage, prenatal care, neuromuscular therapy, assisted stretching, cupping and lymphatic drainage, allowing him to work with a broad range of clients while staying current with evolving best practices.
That mindset extends to self-preservation as well. In a physically demanding profession, Julio actively trains to protect his own body, including techniques that reduce strain on his hands and joints.
“It’s about longevity,” he says.
Alongside his own practice, Julio works part-time with a seasoned therapist in Flemington, gaining valuable mentorship.
“It’s not competition,” he says. “It’s learning.”
Looking ahead, Julio plans to continue growing his practice while maintaining the level of care that defines it. While expansion and hiring may be part of the future, the core of the business remains the same: personalized, intentional treatment built on trust.
For a men’s issue centered on discipline, purpose and performance, Julio’s approach offers a clear perspective. Wellness is not about shortcuts. It is about consistency, attention and showing up—both for clients and for yourself.
As he often tells clients, “Massage is not a luxury. It’s body maintenance and wellness.”
For more information, visit solmassagenj.com.