Meet our newest team member - Alvaro Bravo!
Since the beginning, we here at Embody Wellness have prided ourselves on the quality of our massage therapists. We choose our therapists specifically for the effectiveness of their bodywork as well as for their professionalism and ethics as a therapist; it doesn’t hurt that they’re all amazing people, too!
Starting this month, we’ll be conducting interviews with each of our therapists and sharing those with you all here in the newsletter and on our website so you can get to know each of them a little better.
So, please allow us to introduce Alvaro Bravo, one of the newest members of our team!
EW: How long have you been a Massage Therapist?
AB: I recently graduated from National Holistic Institute with 900 Sports Massage Therapy certification in January.
EW: How long have you worked for Embody Wellness and what drew you or keeps you at EW?
AB: I just started at Embody Wellness in May. This being my first job as a Massage Therapist, everyone here has made me feel very welcomed!
EW: How do you continue your education now that you’re out of school?
AB: I’m in the process of getting a certification as a Human Movement specialist. Learning everything I can about the body fascinated me. And in the future, I would love to complete the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy program with an additional 450 hours.
EW: How and/or when did you decide to become a Massage Therapist?
AB: In the process of becoming a professional bodybuilder, I had a few injuries that forced me to take a break to recover. While seeking treatment from a massage therapist, which help me recover from my injuries, I gained an interest in Sports Massage Therapy! Helping others is what I enjoy doing, as a Personal Trainer and Massage Therapist.
EW: Do you have any other certifications?
AB: I also have a certification in Personal Training, and a diploma from National Personal Training Institute of Santa Monica. I’m currently working on a Human Movement Specialist Certification and Nutrition Certification.
EW: What style is your favorite type of massage/ bodywork to receive?
AB: One of my favorite bodywork styles to receive is Deep Tissue. Being an athlete, Deep Tissue helps me release muscle tension, improve recovery time and speed recovery from injuries.
EW: Do you receive massage/ bodywork regularly and why?
AB: I try to get bodywork once a week since I’m always putting my body through intense workouts. Getting bodywork helps me recover faster from my workouts and prevents injuries.
EW: How would you describe your massage style, what can clients expect to receive during your session?
AB: My massage style is a combination of Deep Tissue and Swedish Therapy. Deep tissue allows me to get deeper into the muscle layers and helps my clients release muscle tension, while Swedish will relax the mind, body and soul.
EW: What is your favorite style of massage/ bodywork to give?
AB: I like to combine sports massage, PNF stretching and cupping therapy.
EW: What new styles/techniques are you interested in studying or plan to offer to your clients in the future?
AB: I’m interested in learning Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) it’s a popular treatment for myofascial restriction. IASTM uses specially designed instruments to provide a mobilizing effect to scar tissue and myofascial adhesions. Several IASTM tools and techniques are available such as the Graston technique.
EW: What are the three top things you’d like to teach clients about what massage/bodywork can do?
AB: Massage therapy can be an important part of a health maintenance plan, to reduce pain and increase energy; therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being.
EW: What are some hobbies you are passionate about?
AB: A hobby I’m very passionate about is bodybuilding. My goal is to become a professional bodybuilder. Coming this December I will be getting ready for my chance to become a professional athlete.
EW: Would you like to share some details about your family/home life?
AB: Something I’m very proud of is being a father of 3 beautiful daughters. Everything I do and have accomplished is to set an example for them, that anything is possible when you put all your heart and passion into it.
EW: Have you travelled to any exciting places recently/ at some point in your life?
AB: I haven’t done any traveling recently, but I would like to go visit my best friend in Germany.
Read Alvaro's bio here, and request him the next time you call for an appointment!
Embody Wellness | 805-217-3307 | 3897 Market St. Ventura, CA 93003
