Manual therapy for the everyday person
Our mission is to help people be the best they can be in their every day activities. Whether you have a new injury, chronic pain, or are simply looking for massage to be a part of your routine, we can help.
Meet your Certified Manual Therapists
Michelle Mercier, CMT
Michelle Mercier is the founder of Santa Monica Sports Massage. She is certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and since 2013 has worked with other professionals in the healthcare field, including physical therapists, acupuncturists, kinesiologists, and Rolfers. Many of her clients are referred by physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and other returning clients.
In addition to her certifications in neuromuscular therapy and sports massage, she provides myofascial release, IASTM (instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization such as Graston), and cupping.
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of science degree in Community Health Education from California State University Long Beach. A Los Angeles native, she loves hiking, surfing, camping, and volunteering as an advocate for foster youth at CASA of Los Angeles. CAMTC #40960
Jake Wainscott, CMT
Jake’s background includes postural correction via soft-tissue mobilization: techniques he acquired over years of one-on-one training with a soft-tissue focused chiropractor. He is also a 2020 graduate of the Southern California University of Health Sciences.
Performing high quality manual therapy, Jake combines precise deep tissue myofascial release techniques, far infrared heat application, and multiplanar stretching to alleviate pain. Jake's therapeutic style is designed to treat the source of the problem and not just the symptom which leads to lasting results. CAMTC #90432
Ruzanna Seelig, CMT
Ruzanna is a graduate of the National Holistic Institute in Studio City, CA, where she earned her Associate of Science degree and credentials for advanced neuromuscular therapy and medical massage. She holds certifications in sports massage through AMTA, and training and certification in Manual Lymph Drainage (Vodder Technique), as well as Complete Decongestive Therapy with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. Massage therapy is one of her main passions, and she views it not only as a tool to relax, but also as a non-pharmacological approach to pain management, rehabilitation, and injury prevention.
Ruzanna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree as a professional ballet teacher in Kazakhstan, and when she came to the United States, began teaching ballet, gymnastics and stretching to professional rhythmic gymnasts. Her knowledge of kinesiology and proper body mechanics when performing specific movements led her to discover the benefits of massage and how it can help relieve pain and promote longevity in athletes who strive to be safe while performing their sport. Ruzanna also does cupping. CAMTC #94410
Jaia Polonsky, CMT
Jaia (Chaya) Polonsky, CMT is a dedicated neuromuscular therapist with a strong foundation in both traditional and advanced modalities. With nearly a decade of experience, she brings exceptional skill and care to every session.
Jaia began her training in 2017 at Reidman International College for Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Israel, where she studied Swedish and prenatal massage. In 2019, she expanded her expertise at the National Holistic Institute (NHI) in California, earning certifications in shiatsu and Thai massage, and completing courses in Graston and acupressure. She graduated from NHI’s Advanced Studies in Neuromuscular Therapy in 2020.
She is passionate about working with youth athletes and excels in one-on-one assisted stretching from her five years as a lead Flexologist. Additionally, she holds a certification in palliative care, allowing her to support a wide range of clients with both athletic and therapeutic needs.
Beyond her clinical practice, Jaia has been a lifelong dancer and is a member of Creation Global, a worldwide dance crew dedicated to using movement as a tool for empowerment and community-building, especially within low-income communities. CAMTC #80364
“Michelle is a life-saver. I could not be as active as I am, playing multiple sports a week, without the help of her treatments. I highly recommend her services.”
—Matt S., 2021