Skilled Massage Therapists
Experienced Professionals with a Passion for Healing
At Athletic Recovery Center, our team of massage therapists brings deep knowledge, hands-on expertise, and a genuine passion for helping people feel better. Each therapist is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities and takes a personalized approach to your care—ensuring every session is focused on your goals, your comfort, and your healing process.
Our Certified Massage Therapy team
Meet some of our core therapists dedicated to your health & recovery
Rosa Rosales, Owner & Lead Massage Therapist
Rosa began her massage career in 1997 and brings decades of hands-on experience to ARC. She holds a BSc in Kinesiology and has worked as a physical therapy aide and personal trainer. Her specialties include deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, cupping, gua sha, Tok-sen, and sports recovery therapy. Rosa’s sessions are known for blending clinical precision with intuitive care.
Steven Rubalcava
Steven is a certified massage therapist specializeing in Swedish, Deep Tissue and Myofascial Release (MFR). Each session is tailored to relieve tension, improve mobility, and support recovery. 
Melanie Ramirez
Melanie is a graduate of Hands on Healing Institute with 500 hours training She offers deep tissue, cupping, scraping and tok-sen. A former cross country runner, she combines her althletic background with a BS in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton to deliver results driven , mindful care. 
Lisa Acosta
Lisa has practiced massage therapy since 2009 throughout the Pasadena and Los Angeles foothills. She trained at SOCHI and later expanded into myofascial release under John Barnes, as well as the Vodder method of manual lymphatic drainage. Lisa is also an endurance athlete, participating in marathons and Ironman training—giving her firsthand insight into recovery needs.
NEW CMT & Intern
Audrey Montes is a recent graduate of Downey Massage School, where she earned her massage certification. She will be assisting clients with the machines and offering massage at a reduced price while she learns from our staff and improves her skills.
NEW CMT & Intern
Joan is a recent graduate of massage school and is completing her 40 hour internship with us.
A Collaborative Approach to Healing
Our team communicates and works together to ensure your recovery journey is supported from all angles. Whether you’re seeing one therapist regularly or rotating between specialists, your care will be consistent, focused, and aligned with your goals.
What Makes Our Team Different
Rosa has nearly 30 years practicing massage therapy. Her combined education in Kinesiology, background in Personal Training and working in Physical Therapy settings, continuting education in massage, plus her personal experience with chronic pain has contributed to her ability to help people overcome their pain. She is committed to training each therapist in the following techniques.
- Pelvic alignment, deep tissue, lymphatic drainage, MFR, cupping, scraping, paida, trigger points, etc.
- Client-Centered Focus: We start with your goals, listen to your feedback, and adjust every session accordingly.
- No Upselling, We don't push anyone to rebook. Our goal is that you feel so good, you don't need to come back too often.
Real People. Real Recovery
Absolutely amazing place that offers so much for healing. I just got a massage yesterday with Rosa, and I really can't thank her enough for how hard she worked on me. I have severe scoliosis and had spinal fusion surgery as a teenager so I am a little tricky to work on so it's rare I can find someone who knows how to work on my fused spine properly.
- Sophie L.
What an invigorating and rejuvenation experience. I try to sauna at least 3 to 4 days a week to detoxify and cleanse. Rosa is a wealth of information and has the equipment that is helping me on my path to better health. I'm recommend all my patients to her to improve their response to therapy. Thank you Rosa!
-Todd A.
The Athletic Recovery Center is operated by a professional kinesiologist and massage therapist offering the latest in technology stimulation and recovery machines including sauna and ice bath. Prices are at a bargain right now for use of the facility with support from professionals to assist with pain relief and recovery, and the prevention of injury.
-Victor A.