Therapeutic Massage

& Wellness Coaching

Since 2003

After just one session, you’ll have a better understanding of how your body works and what it needs to reach its greatest potential.

The owner of Raise the Bar Wellness working on an 8-year-old powerlifter at a Powerlifting Worlds event.

At Powerlifting Nationals, with her Super weight class Powerlifting Client

Offering recovery support at the Mighty Mujer Triathlon

Prepping a National Team swimmer before a placement race

Prepping a National Team swimmer before a placement race

After giving massage and exercise prep at a day-long Nationals Powerlifting Competition.

Muscle activation coaching for competition prep

Our Services

  • Scar Tissue Management

    Working specifically with scar tissue in the body, no matter how old/ established it is, to decrease its impact on nearby nerves, muscles, joints, and organs. This usually also involves fine-tuned lymphatic drainage to flush any fluid that has been stuck in, around or behind the scar tissue.

  • Surgery Prep & Recovery

    Deep lymphatic drainage of abdominal organs and lungs to prep the body’s systems for the best surgery experience and fastest recovery possible. Melissa will also focus on the area and/or limb where the surgery will occur.

  • Lymphatic Drainage

    This aspect of Melissa’s work is based on the Chikly Method of Lymphatic Drainage. The intention is to clear fluid backup in the tissue that creates pressure on nerves and joints. Backed-up lymphatic fluid can present as muscle tension and joint problems. When drained properly, the pain will decrease or disappear.

  • Sports Massage

    Specializing in competition preparation & recovery, deep tissue massage, facilitated stretching, scar tissue mobilization, lymphatic drainage, & injury recovery/management.

  • Fertility & Uterus support

    This work is helpful for women with painful cramps and stomach bloating. This is also for women who would like to become pregnant and have had no luck on their own or with a fertility doctor. The work is done hands-on through the abdomen and helps the uterus receive fresh blood flow while decreasing uterine ligament tension.

  • Self-care instruction

    Personalized instruction in foam-rolling, scraping, self-massage, stretching, mobility & activation exercises for optimized comfort, recovery, and movement. We will also talk about posture and habits in daily life that may be contributing to pain patterns and mobility issues.

“I highly recommend Raise the Bar Wellness for any athlete—professional or amateur—whether recovering from an injury or looking to prevent one. Melissa’s knowledge & skill set is a true gift to the practice of massage therapy for athletes.”

-Kathryn Bertine, former professional cyclist and author of “Stand”

“Melissa takes the time to learn your body, how it reacts to massage. She works with its natural tendencies. If you’re in search of a high-quality massage outfit in Tucson, search no more.”

-Zander Ault, co-owner, The cyclist’s Menu, gravel tour camp

“Seeing Melissa as a part of my regular recovery routine prevented overuse injuries. On the rare occasion when I did get injured, I bounced back quicker with her support. I highly recommend Melissa for anyone who’s looking to stay at their competitive best.”

-Marily Chycota, owner of Marylin Chycota Coaching (MCC), former Endurance Corner Elite Coach, author, & Nationals-level cycling competitor.