Business Details
13 Years
experience
Expert Manual Therapy & Sports Massage Services
Santa Monica Sports Massage is dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve optimal physical well-being through expert manual therapy. Founded by certified practitioners with extensive healthcare collaboration experience, our team specializes in addressing acute injuries, chronic pain, and performance enhancement through evidence-based techniques. We combine advanced modalities like myofascial release, IASTM, and neuromuscular therapy with personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs.Our therapists hold certifications from recognized institutions and maintain active partnerships with medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care. With over a decade of collective experience, we serve a diverse clientele ranging from elite athletes to everyday individuals seeking pain relief and improved mobility. Our commitment to non-pharmacological solutions and patient education establishes us as trusted specialists in manual therapy and rehabilitation support.
Services
Sports Massage
Myofascial Release
Neuromuscular Therapy
IASTM Treatment
Cupping Therapy
Prenatal Massage
Injury Rehabilitation
Performance Enhancement
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- Certified manual therapists with advanced training in neuromuscular therapy and sports massage
- Personalized treatment plans addressing root causes of pain and mobility issues
- Specialized techniques including IASTM, cupping, and myofascial release
- Collaboration with physicians and physical therapists for comprehensive care
- Proven track record treating professional athletes and post-surgical patients
Associations and certifications
- California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC)
- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
What people say
Amazing at helping
Pain relief
Lasting results
Knowledgeable therapists
Effective treatment
Services
Sports Massage Therapy
Specialized sports massage techniques target athletic injuries and performance optimization. Our therapists use deep tissue work and myofascial release to improve range of motion, reduce recovery time, and prevent injuries. This service benefits professional athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals seeking enhanced physical performance through manual therapy interventions.
Myofascial Release
Gentle yet effective myofascial release techniques address connective tissue restrictions causing chronic pain and limited mobility. Therapists apply sustained pressure to release fascial adhesions, improving circulation and restoring normal tissue function. This non-invasive treatment helps patients with conditions like plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, and post-surgical scar tissue through targeted soft tissue manipulation.
Neuromuscular Therapy
Precision neuromuscular therapy identifies and deactivates trigger points causing referred pain patterns. Using ischemic compression and positional release techniques, therapists address muscular imbalances and nerve compression issues. This evidence-based approach effectively treats headaches, sciatica, and repetitive strain injuries by restoring proper neuromuscular communication and function.
IASTM Treatment
Modern IASTM techniques employ specialized tools to detect and treat soft tissue dysfunction at multiple depths. Therapists use stainless steel instruments for precise scar tissue breakdown and collagen remodeling. This modality accelerates healing in chronic conditions like tendonitis and muscle strains while enhancing athletic performance through improved tissue elasticity and circulation.
Prenatal Massage
Gentle prenatal massage addresses common pregnancy discomforts including back pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Therapists use side-lying positioning and modified techniques to safely support circulation and reduce stress hormones. This specialized service promotes maternal well-being throughout all trimesters while preparing the body for labor through targeted soft tissue work and lymphatic drainage.
People
Michelle Mercier
Founder
Certified Manual Therapist with 10+ years experience specializing in sports injury rehabilitation. Holds Bachelors in Community Health Education and collaborates with orthopedic surgeons. Expert in myofascial release and Graston technique for chronic pain management.
Jake Wainscott
Certified Manual Therapist
Graduate of Southern California University of Health Sciences with advanced training in postural correction. Specializes in deep tissue therapy combined with infrared heat application for lasting pain relief through comprehensive soft tissue treatment.
Ruzanna Seelig
Certified Manual Therapist
National Holistic Institute graduate with expertise in medical massage and lymphatic therapy. Combines ballet teaching background with kinesiology knowledge to treat athletes and individuals with chronic musculoskeletal conditions through targeted manual therapy interventions.
Jaia Polonsky
Certified Manual Therapist
Neuromuscular therapy specialist with decade of clinical experience. Advanced training in Thai massage and palliative care. Focuses on youth athletes and assisted stretching techniques while supporting diverse patient needs through integrative manual therapy approaches.
Questions
What conditions do you treat?
We treat chronic pain, sports injuries, post-surgical recovery, headaches, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and TMJ disorders using manual therapy techniques.
Do you accept insurance?
We provide super bills for insurance reimbursement covering CPT codes 97140 and 97112 for manual therapy services performed by CAMTC-certified therapists.
Are sessions covered by physical therapy prescriptions?
No, we're certified massage therapists not physical therapists. Prescriptions must specifically request manual therapy or myofascial massage for coverage.
Can non-athletes benefit from treatment?
Absolutely. Our services help anyone with pain management, posture correction, or mobility improvement regardless of athletic background.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing that allows movement. Most techniques require direct skin contact with draping for privacy and comfort during sessions.
How often should I schedule appointments?
Treatment frequency depends on individual needs. Acute issues may require weekly sessions while maintenance plans typically range from biweekly to monthly visits.
