Contact

mrickernmt@gmail.com
1.949.291.1416
Recover Faster Peform Better Massage Center
32840 Pacific Coast Hwy Suite E
Dana Point, CA 92629
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Massage Therapy
For the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries
949.291.1416
Sports Therapy
Sports / Medical Massage Therapy
949.291.1416
Active Release Techniques(ART)
Active Release Techniques(ART)
ART® is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
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Swedish
Swedish
Firm but gentle pressure using long smooth strokes, kneading, and circular movements on superficial layers of soft tissue is applied to improve circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and bring a sense of overall well-being to the client.
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Oncology
Oncology
Oncology Massage Customized bodywork designed to address the unique and changing needs of the person in or with a history of cancer treatment. Trained to recognize and work within the framework of clinical consideration.
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Trigger Point
Trigger Point
Trigger Point Therapy Focused pressure is applied in order to release the trigger point. A trigger point is simply hyper-irritability in a tissue, and when compressed, can be locally tender and/or can give rise to referred pain and tenderness. A trained neuromuscular therapist will be able to identify common trigger points and help educate the client on activities that may perpetuate the dysfunction.
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Medical Massage
Medical Massage
Medical Massage differs from regular Massage and Bodywork in that the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions diagnosed by a medical doctor. I may use a variety of modalities or techniques during the treatment, but I focus the treatment only on the specific areas of the body related to the diagnosis. This enhances the body’s natural self healing process and reduces the needed recovery time from injury.
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Lymphatic
Lymphatic
Lymphatic drainage is a specialized massage technique designed to activate and cleanse the human fluid system. Because the lymphatic system itself is responsible for optimum functioning of the water circulation and immune system, Lymphatic and Energetic drainage is a key to maximizing the bodies ability to rejuvenate and to establish resistance to stress and disease. During your session Ricker will educate you on how to perform lymphatic drainage on yourself at home!
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Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Oh baby, how the body changes during pregnancy! Massage during pregnancy, labor and postpartum help to nurture your changing body and offer the same benefits as standard massage with the added joy of bonding with your baby. Utilizing an integrative approach, Ricker massages the expectant mother into a deeply relaxed state.  Mom lies comfortably on her side while Ricker massages, mobilizes joints, and gently eases sore muscles. Trained by author and pre/peri-natal massage expert Carole Osborne Sheets in 2008, Ricker, a mother herself, knew quickly she wanted to be a part of helping other women in their very special journey to motherhood. 
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Certified Sports Tape Pro
Certified Sports Tape Pro
While kinesiology taping has been used by manual therapists for over thirty years, its more recent popularity is largely thanks to the exposure it garnered in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, as well as in sports like CrossFit and many others. Millions of viewers all over the world saw Kerri Walsh, whose injured right shoulder was sporting kinesiology tape throughout the 2008 Olympic volleyball competitions. Sportscasters speculated on this "medicated tape" and wondered if she had gotten some sort of wild tattoo before they realized exactly what she had on her shoulder! 
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During the end of my pregnancy, feeling big and uncomfortable with an achy back, Melissa soothed my aches and pains. I slept so well afterwards and was much more relaxed for the rest of my pregnancy. I now go to her for deep tissue work and her natural instinct to know what she needs to focus on has given me much relief and comfort for many years. Beyond her professionalism, she truly cares about each individual’s overall wellness, mind, body and spirit
Alex Anderson
After one session with Melissa I was out of acute pain. She knew I was a side sleeper and that I had to turn my head to the left in bed to watch t.v. just by feeling my muscles. I have since centered the television and while I'm still a side sleeper I do my best to start and end on my back. My shoulder no longer hurts and I can turn my head without pain! I didn't know a simple fix could do that much good.
Phil M.
Laguna Niguel, CA
found Melissa from one of her clients talking about her on a Thoracic Outlet Syndrome blog. Melissa taught me so much about my own body mechanics and how I was perpetuating my T.O.S. My arm and hand don't tingle anymore and I'm out of pain! If you have pain in your body she knows what to do to help and she gives the best relaxation massage. I highly recommend her!
Jennifer E.
Dana Point, CA
Go. Just book a massage with her and enjoy the experience. I have never laughed so hard in a massage. I started seeing Melissa for scar tissue work. We've since become friends and I don't know if I get more out the massage or her hilarious sense of humor. I always leave feeling better, relaxed and I just love her. You will too. GO!
Carol R.
Dana Point, CA
Melissa is my secret weapon. I'm 55 years old and very active. I could not maintain this level of activity at my age without her bodywork. I've had lots of massage in my life but there is something different about her. Like she knows exactly where my pain is and how to get rid of it. She keeps me doing the things I love and my wife says I've been less cranky since I started getting regular massage. We both go to Melissa for massage. She's become family and we adore her.
Steve & Becky
San Clemente, CA

About Me

Melissa Ricker
Melissa Ricker NMT

Melissa Ricker is a certified bodyworker, yoga instructor, and lecturer on Integrative health. A graduate of the Western Institute of Neuromuscular Therapy.

Ricker’s path toward becoming a healer and educator began in 2000 when she was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. Hardly able to move and plagued by chronic pain, her last hope was a strategic combination of yoga and massage. She has since cured her auto immune disorder through Integrative medicine.

In 2006 Ricker became a certified yoga instructor with the goal of helping others find health – both physically and emotionally. She then decided to compliment her knowledge of yoga with a bodywork certification in 2007. Educated in Sports massage, Pre/Peri natal massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Oncology massage, Ricker has chosen to focus on medical modalities complimenting the Integrative approach to healing.