Fitness Massage

• What is Fitness Massage?
  Fitness Massage is a "whole-body approach" to bodywork based on structural integration. The massage will be geared to releasing chronic areas of tension and injury based on forms of Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue, Shiatsu, Thai and Trigger Point therapy. Unlike a spa-type massage, very little lotion, if any, is used and a portion of the massage may be performed through the towel or sheet, Shiatsu-style. Some client participation (deep breathing, counter-stretching, etc.) may be suggested, if applicable.

• How will the massage benefit my fitness training program?
  You will first be asked about your preferred areas of focus for the massage. The massage therapist will then assess the state of your body as a whole, through the towel or sheet, Shiatsu-style, determining other possible areas of symbiotic tightness and injury. Since the majority of structural imbalances originate in the pelvis, hip and lower torso region, that area will be released first. As your body begins to relax with the release in your hip flexors and low back, the changes to the remaining portions of your body will direct the massage therapist to the next logical course of action, generally moving up the back and include the shoulders. You will be given an opportunity to confirm the release with a movement check. Any restricted areas still remaining will be revisited until you feel free of the tightness. Your limbs will be addressed either prone (face down) or supine (face up).

• What happens next?
  Once you have been requested to lay supine, the massage therapist may determine psoas release as the next step. The psoas muscle is located above the hip bone towards the outer edge of the abdominal area, and is a major part of tightness in the pelvic region. Again, this may be completed either through the towel or sheet, or on skin, whichever if more comfortable for you. If your arms and hands were not addressed while in the prone position, this will be the next portion of your body released, followed by your chest, pecs and neck, with additional release for your shoulders, if deemed necessary. Your face and head will complete the massage, providing you with the most complete treatment of structural bodywork you can receive.
  
  Recommendation: All bodywork of this type is to be followed up with as much water as you can drink, at least 1 once per minute of massage.

  The massage is for you. If, at any time during your massage, you feel uncomfortable in any way, please communicate this to your therapist. Your comfort and healing is of utmost importance to us, and communication between us is the best way to accomplish that goal.

Massage Staff

Frances Nicolais, LMT

Frances is the developer of Fitness Massage and co-owner of the Kneaded Experience, a professional chair massage company, which has been in operation since 1995. She also is a State Certified Massage Therapy Instructor and teaches at the Hands-on-Healing Institute in Tujunga. She has been actively participating in the health and bodywork profession for over 20 years. Her first massage experience was a Rolfing session at the age of 17 and she was hooked. She was an aerobic dance instructor for a number of years before becoming a certified massage therapist from the Massage School of Santa Monica in 1993, specializing in myofascial release, trigger point therapy and chair massage. http://www.kneadedexperience-la.com Frances works out with Carina, the owner of Pro Fitness Network (“Carina ROCKS!”) and practices kundalini yoga faithfully. You can also find Frances offering chair massage at Wild Oats in Pasadena on Monday evenings.

Vanessa Ferandell-Villarino, LMT

Vanessa has been a massage therapist for 3 years, another talented graduate of the Hands-on-Healing Institute. She has a background in sociology, psychology, with an emphasis in child development. Besides being our newest addition to Pro Fitness, she also does chair massage for The Kneaded Experience, at the Whole Foods Market in Glendale on Sunday afternoons. She has a great intuitive touch and loves to help others through her bodywork. Her techniques are vast - from energy work to Swedish massage to myofascial release. She is currently enrolled and studying in acupuncture school at Emperor's College of Oriental Medicine in Santa Monica.

Ivonne Ferandell-Villarino, LMT

Ivonne has recently joined the dynamic team of Massage Therapists at Pro Fitness Network.  She is another Hands on Healing graduate and specializes in Fitness Massage, Chair Massage, Swedish and Myofascial Therapy.  She currently provides chair massage to several locations in the Glendale/Pasadena/Burbank area, including KMVN 93.9, CIGNA Health Care, DMI Worldwide, Glendale Whole Foods, Pasadena Wild Oats and Huntington Hospital. She graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor's in Science and Geography focus.  In her free time, she enjoys the doing Bikram yoga and playing in the outdoors at the local hiking spots. She is both fascinated by the nature and wildlife she finds on the trails, and is also captivated by the intricate workings of the inner body.

Nora Stewart

Nora was moved to go into massage during a midlife time of transition.  “It was a calling!”, she says and she has never looked back.  After much experience in the spa industry, she is continuing her practice which includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Chair Massage and Myofascial Release.  Whatever your reason for receiving massage, Nora feels the greater benefits come out of a collaborative exchange between therapist and client.  “There is no distinction between us in body, spirit, mind – we create a mutual experience for healing together!”  Nora is also a graduate of the Hands on Healing Institute and recently starting teaching some of their chair massage classes.

To schedule an appointment or consult with a member of our staff, please call 626-799-7243. We welcome your questions and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your massage needs and goals.