Ivana believes that the traditional natural treatment (including massage, acupuncture, a healthy exercise program, and a healthy diet) is one of the most powerful approaches to helping people living healthy lives. She has over 25 years of experience in the sports and exercise-science industry.
Ivana is board certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork, and state certified too. Some of her specialties include Gua Sha, cupping, and trigger point therapy. She has run eight marathons and participated in a bodybuilding competition. During her free time, Ivana enjoys hiking, swimming, dancing, and pretty much anything to keep her active.
What drew you to massage therapy?
For more than 15 years, I was both a personal trainer and a public accountant. My career was focused as a tax advisor and auditor. It was a very nice combination. In the morning I was crunching numbers and in the evening I trained clients to live a better, healthier, and balanced life. Learning massage techniques was a natural progression, in figuring out the human body and how to help improve each client’s mental and physical health.
What type of massage do you specialize in?
I like to use all varieties of massages. I combine massage routines according to clients’ demands and physical problems. I typically like to combine trigger point, myofascial release, sport, Swedish, and Thai massages along with cupping, gua sha and the TDP lamp. In addition, hot towels and hot stones are very nice during the treatment. I would use a lymphatic drainage technique in the case one has developed edema (the excess fluid) after a surgery or cancer.
Why would you choose the lymphatic massage?
The lymphatic drainage helps with fatigue due to toxic waste accumulation and with boosting the immune system, especially during the flu. I like to help clients with poor lymphatic system circulation, who suffer from pain, an edema in the arms and legs, or cold eternities, etc.
How do your talents benefit your patients?
I love to see clients leaving the massage room painless, and with a big smile on their faces. I believe that therapeutic massage improves mental and physical health, and promotes positive aging. You might remember the entertainers, George Burns or Bob Hope who had massage treatments almost every day as a part of their everyday routines….and they lived to be a 100 years!
What would you tell a patient that is nervous about getting their first massage?
I talk to all of my clients before their massage to find out their expectations and establish trust. Clients should feel comfortable asking questions before and during the treatment about massage pressure, the room temperature, their positioning on the massage table, etc. Also, I would advise leaving all of the stress outside of the clinic and enjoy the peace, our atmosphere filled with Aloha, the smell of essential oils and the professional bodywork. “It is your time!”
