At Santa Cruz CORE, we offer many types of massage. Our award-winning therapists work as experts in their field and know the proper techniques to use to ensure you the best results from your session. We also have massage therapists in Watsonville, CA at our new location!
Whether you're hurting with the aftermath of an injury, grappling with muscle tightness after an intense workout, or simply trying to unwind from the pressures of daily life, Santa Cruz Core provides the highest quality therapeutic massage experiences delivered by a team of exceptionally skilled therapists.
What makes Massage and Bodywork at Santa Cruz Core Unique?
What sets Santa Cruz Core massage therapists apart is their exceptional level of expertise and training. Each therapist at Santa Cruz Core undergoes rigorous education and certification, ensuring they are proficient in a wide range of massage modalities. Beyond their technical proficiency, our therapists have a profound understanding of the human body and a keen ability to listen to their clients' needs, allowing them to tailor each massage session to address specific concerns and promote healing on a deep, holistic level.
Our massage therapists uniquely understand the interconnectedness of the body and are unsurpassed in their commitment to holistic wellness. They recognize that massage therapy is just one piece of the puzzle and actively collaborate with our other practitioners, including chiropractors, personal trainers, acupuncturists, and more, to create fully integrated treatment plans that optimize outcomes and promote long-term healing.
At Santa Cruz Core, our massage therapists pride themselves on offering a diverse array of massage modalities to cater to the unique needs and preferences of our clients. We understand that each individual is different, and our goal is to provide personalized care that promotes relaxation, relieves tension, and enhances overall well-being.
CORE Massage Modalities
Therapeutic goes beneath the superficial layers of tissue, our goal is to encourage a physical change in the body.
The therapist will move very slowly, working at an oblique angle to stretch the fascia and connective tissues, using a substance such as beeswax, so that hooking into the fascia is facilitated.
CBD oil is a topical oil that can alleviate pain and enhance relaxation. The antioxidants and fatty acids in CBD can rejuvenate, hydrate, and protect the skin against infection. It can also help alleviate eczema, acne, and uneven skin tones. Our CBD oil, salves, and lotions are legal, yield medicinal properties, and locally made in Santa Cruz! Other benefits include reduced inflammation, reduced chronic pain, and improved sleep. This is a one-two punch that’s sure to knock out stress and pain.
Using a blend of Traditional Thai techniques and assisted Yoga poses, to stimulate blood circulation, increase joint range of motion, and increase muscle flexibility.
Designed to help you improve your sports performance by addressing the specific muscles that tend to be overused by the type of activities you do.
Indicated for post-surgery, chronic pain, overuse and repetitive stress injuries. To induce healing of the whole person this massage promotes change within the structure and function of the neuro-musculoskeletal soft tissue.
A form of manual therapy that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.
A non-invasive, subtle modality working with the cranial rhythm to improve the function of the body’s systems and create harmony in the the body.
Tailored to support the unique needs of pregnant women and their changing bodies. The physical discomforts of pregnancy can be greatly reduced with the nurturing touch of massage.
Based on traditional Chinese medicine. Acupressure is used to open the flow of energy along the meridians to promote healthy balance in the body.
A hands-on body treatment that uses Chinese taoist and martial art principles to bring the body to balance.
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils from plants for the improvement of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Applied to the skin directly or mixed in a carrier oil. Can also be used in a compress or can be diffused into the air. The odors from the oils can produce specific effects on human neuropsychological and autonomic function and can influence mood, perceived health, arousal and have therapeutic applications in the context of stressful and adverse psychological conditions.
The primary goal of Swedish is to relax the entire body. Techniques include circular pressure applied by the hands and palms, firm kneading, percussion-like tapping, bending and stretching.
Feet, Hands + Scalp Massage: Applies pressure to specific points on the feet, hands and scalp to influence the health of corresponding parts of the body.
The CORE Massage Program
Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab offers an experience unlike any other massage center. The difference in our service starts with our practitioners. Our staff is vetted and hired for their above-average skills, education, and knowledge, which allows them to offer a truly therapeutic experience. Whether you would like to recover from exercise, stress, or injury, CORE Massage Therapy or CORE Fusion Therapeutic bodywork will revitalize you mentally and heal you physically¹.
At Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab, our practitioners communicate with each other ensuring that you have the best experience no matter who you see. In some cases, we may even be able to use insurance.
Experience the blissful relaxation and health benefits of a CORE Massage or the valuable healing power of CORE Fusion Therapeutic Bodywork. Three tiers of certified therapists specialize in various modalities of massage from ancient techniques to the cutting edge.
Each massage is a professional massage which includes time to robe and disrobe. An hour massage includes 50 minutes of table time.
Real Client Testimonials
Type of Massage We Offer
Therapeutic Massage
Experience blissful relaxation as well as health benefits by alleviating pain, releasing endorphins and improving range of motion.
- Swedish
- Deep Tissue
- Myofascial Release
- Medical Massage
- Hand & Foot Therapy
- Orthopedic Massage
- Sports Massage
Fusion Massage
Integrates Therapeutic Massage with advanced techniques and modalities to enhance the body’s natural restorative process. Modalities customized for each individual body's needs.
- Cranial-Sacral
- Lymphatic
- Oncology
- Acupressure
- Pre/Post Natal
- Thai
- Shiatsu
Upgrade Your Experience!
Enhance your massage with special add-ons.
- Various aromatherapy options
- High grade, legal, plant-based, salves, oils, or lotions
Benefits of Massage
Monthly Massage Program
For regular massage clients, we offer a special monthly program for you. With the Monthly Program you receive the following benefits:
Call 831.425.9500 for more information or to sign up for our Monthly Program!
Do you live in the Santa Cruz or Watsonville area?
Check out our locals and new client specials here
We Take Insurance:
Call us today at 831-425-9500 to get your complimentary insurance verification.
Meet Our Therapists
Cala Remick-Rodriguez has been certified since 2008. Her specialties include Neuromuscular Therapy, Medical, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Myofascial Therapy, Shiatsu, Lymphatic drainage, Thai and hot stone. Cala graduated with 250-hour in 2008 and with 900-hour in 2015 as a Certified Massage Therapist and Health Educator. She went on to do a 450-hour Advanced Neuromuscular Massage Therapy program and graduated in 2016. She continued her education in 2016 and graduated as a Certified Personal Trainer. Cala has a nurturing and individualized approach with her clients.
Her work is very detailed when it comes to muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. She works with clients using trigger point therapy for rehabilitation and overall relaxation. Her goal is to continue her education in nerve flossing, Somatics, and ART (Active Release Technique). She is committed to helping her clients reach their optimal health through education, participation and in finding a holistic approach through self-healing. When Cala is not working, she enjoys being outdoors, hiking, running, biking and rock climbing.
Heather earned her degree in Massage Therapy at California Healing Arts College in the Fall of 2004. During her 15 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist, she has achieved proficiency in a broad range of modalities, including Cranial-Sacral, Oscillation, Swedish, Trigger Therapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Prenatal, Reiki, and Deep Tissue.
Heather aims to continually grow her knowledge and expertise and looks forward to assessing each client individually to ensure that her treatment is successful. She welcomes challenging cases and highly sensitive persons, encouraging all of her patients to get involved with their treatment through the use of breath and release.
Heather has a passion for nature, travel, and the challenges that come with traversing the great outdoors. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with and surfing and with her son. She also likes art, cooking, and reading.
Sandra Nunez became a Certified Massage Therapist in 2018 through the National Holistic Institute. There she completed 900 hours of massage related work and ultimately decided to specialize in various massage methods including Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Trigger Point work. Sandra’s journey there was such an amazing experience that she then returned to expand her education in the Neuromuscular therapy program.
When Sandra was first introduced to massage, she quickly became passionate about taking the holistic approach. She decided to pursue a career in which she could assist people in a more meaningful way. With bodywork, she found a great approach in assisting others to find balance within their bodies and their lives.
Sandra teaches that self-care is critical for the overall well-being, and she makes sure that she practices what she teaches and takes care of herself as well as keeping in shape, maintaining good health, and also receiving massage regularly. Sandra has helped herself reduce muscular strain caused by postural issues from working at a desk job, as well as emotional tension.
Sandra’s approach to massage is to promote the importance of self-care and teach others how to become more aware of physical responses to life stress. She strives to show them how massage can become a part of self-care, and the great benefits it brings both physically and mentally.
Claudia is certified by Twin Lakes College of the Healing Arts and has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Five Branches University. She specializes in a wide range of massage modalities, including Swedish, Shiatsu, and Polarity. Claudia has practiced her craft since 1984 and still aims to expand her knowledge and practice.
Claudia is invested in each and every client partnership and starts her sessions with a new assessment every time. The body changes day today, and she prides herself on treating her patients accurately in direct response to their current problems. Claudia makes an effort to educate her patients by ascertaining and discouraging harmful lifestyle habits in order to prevent recurring problems. She continues to find joy in her practice and welcomes the challenging, interesting, and satisfying nature of her work.
Outside of her massage practice, Claudia works as a Children’s Swimming Instructor. She enjoys spending time with her high energy Queensland Heeler cattle dog and is in the process of transforming the ranch property on which she lives.
Clarke earned his CAMTC Massage Therapist Certification at the California Holistic Institute in San Luis Obispo in 2019. His specialties include Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish, Trigger Point Therapy, Stretch and Release, and Reflexology.
Clarke is an ideal practitioner for clients who are committed to self-education and betterment. He is eager to learn everything he can from CORE’s community of healers and to use that knowledge to educate and help his clients.
In his spare time, Clarke enjoys playing bass and guitar, listening to music, and juggling. Some of his other interests include drawing, practicing penmanship, and the occasional larger art project.
Sean was intrigued by the power of massage and the great results he experienced and wanted to learn more about it, not only for himself but for others and the people he loves too. From seeing his father in pain before he passed away, to being inspired by his Grandfather's dedication to helping others as a Medic during WW2, and all of the massages that helped him recover, all are what gives him the drive and passion to be the best Massage Therapist he can be. He sought out and went to the best Massage School he could find, the National Holistic Institute. Sean graduated in July 2021 and went straight into the Advanced Neuromuscular Program at NHI and is expected to graduate at the end of 2021. Sean has a passion for helping people maintain their lifestyles with as little pain as possible. He specializes in Swedish, MFT, and Deep Tissue, and looks forward to helping as many people as he can at Santa Cruz CORE.
Sean's other hobbies and passions include playing the guitar and piano and increasing his extensive record collection.
Bronson Davidson is a graduate of the Advanced Neuromuscular Program at the National Holistic Institute in San Jose, and has been practicing massage since 2020. He is a firm believer that muscles hold memory and he loves learning each person's story to better inform his healing approach.
During a session with Bronson, clients can expect an open line of communication in order to hone in on the therapy they are needing. He uses a combination of breath work and Swedish massage to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the system activated when we are most relaxed. Once the client's body is prepared for deeper work, he incorporates Deep tissue massage, Trigger Point therapy, Myofascial Therapy (MFT), Cross fiber and Thai massage.
Bronson is passionate about wellness and self care routines. When he isn’t massaging he enjoys hiking, adventuring, spending quality time with loved ones and engaging deeply with the natural world.
Leo is a graduate of the National Holistic Institute in San Jose with 850 hours of massage therapy training. Leo also graduated from UCSC with a BA in Environmental studies.
Leo’s ideal client is someone who is dealing with some sort of limitation, whether that be from pain, decreased range of motion, or tension and tightness. This client is looking for someone to work with their body to help improve those limitations and improve their quality of life. Clients who are very communicative are always a plus as well, as Leo adjusts his techniques as needed to make sure his clients are comfortable and getting the treatment that they need.
Leo feels passionate about pain management and keeping people out of pain. He is constantly inspired by the human body’s ability to adapt and heal itself with a little help.
Outside of work, Leo tries to spend lots of time out in nature. He enjoys hiking, biking, and swimming. He also loves cooking and is always trying to find fun, new ways to prepare the foods he loves.
Rebecca Anderson is a certified Massage Therapist, having graduated from the Monterey Peninsula College trade program in 2018. For two years since then, she has been independently practicing on and off. At CORE, she specializes in Deep Tissue Massage, along with Passive and Assisted Stretching.
Rebecca is from Connecticut, and is looking forward to meeting new people and being part of a community that shares her passion for wellness. Along with experiencing new things, she enjoys playing and watching sports, eating good food, and hanging out with her dog. She is ready to help those who are receptive to trying new things safely in order to improve recovery.
Mia is a certified massage therapist and health educator, completing the 800-hour program at the National Holistic Institute in San Jose. She has also achieved an Associate's degree in Health Sciences and brings 8 years of experience in healthcare as a nurse assistant and health aide.
"I love to intuitively blend modalities to deliver a therapeutic massage session tailored specifically to you." Mia's blended approach makes her a truly intuitive massage therapist.
The ideal client for Mia is someone who seeks balance in their mind, body, and spirit. Someone who appreciates the many benefits that massage therapy has to offer; who enjoys a full-body massage and a focus on any areas of the body that are in need of extra TLC.
Outside of work, Mia enjoys going for hikes, visiting national and state parks, spending time at the beach, camping, studying astrology, reading, and cooking. Mia grew up in Bay Mills Indian Community in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She was taught the traditional way and language of the Anishinaabe people.
Mia's goal is "To bring compassion and connection into a healing space. Creating a sanctuary for self-care. To meet clients where they are on their journey to health and happiness."
As a certified massage therapist, Xia is passionate about helping clients achieve their wellness goals and improve their overall quality of life. With a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a concentration in Psychology and Health, she has developed a deep understanding of the complex relationships between the mind, body, and spirit.
Xia graduated from the clinical massage therapy program at the Northwest Academy for the Healing Arts in 2017 and started practicing professionally in 2018. Since then, she has honed her skills in various massage modalities, including Swedish, sports, deep tissue, myofascial release, prenatal, trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy, and hot stone massage. Her expertise allows her to create personalized treatment plans for each client's unique needs and goals.
At Santa Cruz Core Fitness, Xia is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where clients can relax, rejuvenate, and thrive in their journey toward optimal health and wellness. Whether seeking relief from stress or recovering from an injury, Xia is committed to helping clients feel empowered, confident, and comfortable in their bodies.
In her free time, Xia enjoys staying active through exercise, exploring new books and authors, and spending time with her loved ones. She is committed to ongoing education and staying up-to-date with the latest research and techniques in bodywork and integrative health.
Lanie is a certified massage therapist and health educator, completing an extensive program at the National Holistic Institute in San Jose. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development/School Age and Families, Medicine Certification, and Hypnosis Certification, and is a Wellness Advocate for Doterra.
She is very intuitive with the individual’s body and energy, and uses that in order to know which modality to use for their unique needs. Lanie specializes in healing and relaxation techniques such as breathwork, energy healing, balancing the body and mind, and more.
Being an athlete herself and a surfer as well, Lanie loves working with other athletes and can understand what is going on with their bodies to help support their recovery. However, her goal is to help facilitate her client’s recovery through mindfulness of their body, self-care, and promoting a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Having open communication is a major way that she helps support her client’s goals; Lanie wants to ensure that her clients leave her table feeling restored, so that they can go back into the world with fewer limitations, and can enjoy doing whatever it is that they love to do.
Lanie enjoys helping others on their healing journey, educating individuals about their health, and sharing tools or support that they can use for self-care. It is important to keep the body moving, and not let age limit oneself. Lanie has found great benefit in using essential oils and energy healing, and incorporates these tools into her work as a massage therapist when it is appropriate and beneficial for the client.
Outside of work, Lanie loves to travel, go on women’s surf retreats, explore the world on a board, whether it be chasing waves surfing, skating, or snowboarding, try new foods and cultural experiences, and enjoy a good book. She is passionate about self-care, and also loves to spend quality time with her 16-year-old Siberian Husky, watch movies, listen to audiobooks, or catch up with friends and family in the SF Bay Area.
Michaela holds a B.A. in Physical/Environmental Geography from CSU Chico and is certified in Geographic Information Systems (G.I.S.). She has completed an 800-hour Massage Therapy Program at NHI San Jose and is certified as a Community Birthworker Doula through Campesina Womb Justice. Additionally, Machaela is a certified Peristeam Facilitator from the Peristeam Hydrotherapy Institute and is currently pursuing a certification in Traditional Uterine Massage TUM™ & Well Womb Care from the Original Instructions School. Her specialties include abdominal massage for digestive and reproductive health, dermo neuro modulating for working with peripheral and cutaneous nerves, Swedish massage, Zen Shiatsu, and myofascial therapies.
With nearly a year of industry experience, Michaela is passionate about providing gentle yet effective bodywork techniques. She enjoys helping clients connect with their bodies through all stages and cycles of life. Born and raised in Aptos, Santa Cruz, Michaela loves dancing, creating artwork, photography, spending time by the ocean, and reading about human physiology. Her journey into bodywork was inspired by the support and healing she received from friends and practitioners, fueling her dedication to continuous learning and compassionate service.
Jenny Perez Alvarez holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach. She is a certified Massage Therapist, having completed a comprehensive 600-hour program at the American Institute of Massage Therapy. Additionally, Jenny is a Licensed Esthetician with a certification in Advanced Skincare Techniques from the Dermal Institute. Her specialties include deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and customized facial treatments designed to meet individual skin needs.
With over three years of experience in the wellness industry, Jenny is dedicated to helping clients achieve their health and beauty goals through personalized care. She is passionate about the holistic approach to wellness, integrating both therapeutic massage and advanced skincare to enhance overall well-being. In her free time, Jenny enjoys practicing yoga, exploring nature trails, and experimenting with organic skincare recipes. Her commitment to continuous learning and her compassionate nature make her a trusted and sought-after practitioner.
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