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 has extensive 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 physically.
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.
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
- 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!
CORE Massage Modalities
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!
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.
Using a blend of Traditional Thai techniques and assisted Yoga poses, to stimulate blood circulation, increase joint range of motion, and increase muscle flexibility.
Therapeutic goes beneath the superficial layers of tissue, our goal is to encourage a physical change in the body.
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.
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.
Alternative oil is a topical oil that can alleviate pain and enhance relaxation. The antioxidants and fatty acids in alternative oil can rejuvenate, hydrate, and protect the skin against infection. It can also help alleviate eczema, acne and uneven skin tones. Alternative oils yield medicinal properties. 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.
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 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.
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.
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
CORE Massage Therapeutic Bodywork
Massage is the working of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being
Massage therapy is an essential part of muscle recovery and activation, whether you get one before or after a tough workout, as it can help to increase blood flow to an area of scar tissue and past trauma. You will also experience the benefits for emotional, organ or lymphatic support.
Meet Our Therapists
Yvonne Horner is a CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist and an Energy and Somatic Medicine Practitioner, and is on her way to becoming a Nationally Certified Massage Therapist. Her massage journey began in 2006 when she started working at a Massage School as the Student Counselor which led to her taking classes, and her own Mother was a profound bodyworker who taught her how soothing touch could provide unfathomable results for people. She has over 900 hours of training in the following techniques – Vibrational Healing Massage Therapy, Structural Foot Balancing, Myofascial Release, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Lymphatic Massage, Cranial Sacral Balancing, Medical Massage, Pre & Post Natal Massage, Breathing Techniques, and Energy Work.
Her specialty lies in providing Integrative Bodywork, utilizing various massage modalities to work with the body’s innate healing power to create change. Her years of experience as a bodyworker affirm that physical pain and limitations are a sign of so much more than just the “usual aches and pains” or signs of aging. They are access points into much deeper patterns of learned behavior and physical responses that have adapted in our bodies over our lifetime. Yvonne is passionate about supporting others who are interested in a deeper mind-body-spirit connection – knowing that physical symptoms show up as a demand for change in some area of our lives.
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.
Allen Harder became a Certified Massage Therapist in November of 2018 through De Anza College, Upledger Institute, and the American Massage Therapy Association. Allen’s approach to massage is to specialize in a more holistic integrated approach to treatment by applying a variety of modalities based on existing movement and pain patterns. He uses his training to meet his clients where they are and allows each session to flow organically in order to address and treat each client's current needs. His certifications include Sports, Postural Stability, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Craniosacral Therapy, Swedish, Abdominal Palpation and Treatment, Manual Therapy for the Male and Female Pelvis, Reiki, and Chair Massage. Allen also specializes in various massage methods such as Swedish, Shiatsu, Sports, Deep Tissue, Cranio-Sacral, Reiki, Visceral, and Lymphatic.
In his free time, Allen loves being outdoors, trail running, hiking, rock climbing, cycling, kayaking, & backpacking. Additionally, Allen is a certified Whitewater Rescue Technician and a former collegiate rugby player.
Juan Alvizar is a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and was certified in 2010 from Everest College in Reseda, California. Juan’s approach to massage is not only to heal people, but also to educate them about what’s going on with their bodies. They may not be aware of the stress or tension they are carrying, and Juan helps to identify the roots of the problems in order to maximize the benefit from the massage. Juan listens to his clients and discusses the desired outcome before beginning a massage. Juan knew from a young age that he wanted to learn massage therapy. His grandmother is a healer and he learned a lot of his massage foundation from her. Juan would watch her help heal people in the community and was inspired by how she would turn their days around. Juan decided that pursuing a career in massage therapy would allow him to help people get out of pain and create his own flexible schedule, which is something that is important to him.
Juan has worked with the athletic training program at Cabrillo College, where he had the opportunity to help injured athletes rehabilitate, make sure they stayed safe, and get them back onto the field as soon as possible so they could continue doing what they love to do. Juan also enjoys doing events, outreach and getting involved with the community. When he is not working, he enjoys playing volleyball, basketball, soccer and the occasional game of bowling!
Gabby Marenco Gabrielle (Gabby) Marenco is a massage therapist and health educator with 900 hours of experience from the National Holistic Institute where she specialized in Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, and Shiatsu massage. Gabby’s approach to her craft is to discuss with clients their goals to create a plan for the session before beginning bodywork. She creates a custom massage designed for each client to address their specific muscle tension, increase range of motion, and get out of pain. She combines eastern and western modalities with breathing techniques and stretches to help connect the mind and body. While in school, Gabby fell in love with massage. She found it to be a great form of medicine and as a way to re-educate the muscles in the body to create better posture and live a happier life. Professionally, she strives to create balance and total relaxation with her clients by suggesting self-care tools aside from massages, such as yoga and healthy lifestyle options.
In her free time, Gabby enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, swimming, and going for walks on the beach. She most enjoys sharing her knowledge with others to help them reach their optimal health.
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.
Johanna Kinter has been an acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since 2002 and a professional massage therapist since 2000.
She completed her postgraduate at the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, specializing in massage, Tui Na and Shiatsu. She later went to Thailand to study Thai massage. Johanna specializes in therapeutic settings, with vast experience working with physical therapists and chiropractors.
She is a board-certified massage therapist with the National Massage Board (NCBTMB), which requires over 1000 hours of education. She also holds her CA and NV massage licenses. She has her national license in acupuncture and herbology through the NCCAOM and her CA State Board Certification in TCM.
Johanna has a first-hand understanding of the healing abilities of her traditional practice. While at ACTCM she was able to rehabilitate an injury to her right arm and wrist with Tui Na massage. At CORE, Johanna works to deepen her knowledge and provide a holistic and deeply traditional healing service to the community of Santa Cruz
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 Oscillation, Swedish, Trigger Therapy, Reflexology, Shiatsu, Prenatal, Reiki, and Deep Tissue.
Heather aims to be continually growing 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, she surfs with and spends time with her son. Art, cooking, and reading are where she is most content.
Madison has a degree from the National Holistic Institute wherein she studied pre/postnatal massage modalities, as well as Swedish, Deep Tissue, Thai, and Shiatsu massage. She specializes in Thai stretch therapy and is an expert in rotator cuff range of motion and stability. Her expertise lends her particular skills in treating sciatica and piriformis syndrome.
Madison is passionate about all modalities of massage but is especially comfortable working with pre and postnatal mothers. She is currently in training to become a birth doula at the Birth Coach Method & Bay Area Material Association. Her expansive education also makes her the perfect practitioner for clients who deal with chronic pain and are working to increase their range of motion and quality of life through mind-body homeostasis.
Outside of her life as a massage therapist, Madison enjoys being in nature and hiking. She often likes to pursue her creativity through her own line of organic and sustainable beauty products, soaps, and lotions.
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.