CONTACT: Please email me at: info@drdot.com and write “Ali-Tampa” into the subject line
Hi I am Ali,
I am a licensed massage therapist in Tampa, Florida. My specialty is deep tissue and neuromuscular bodywork. I absolutely love to work out deep tissues which is … deep rooted issues! I have firm pressure and can go deep in a session. Not only are my thumbs strong so is my intention. My ability to focus into a client’s energy field allows their tissues to release either energetically or emotionally. We are such complicated beings and I have natural healing abilities that bring forth miraculous changes.
I have had clients literally in tears saying, “thank you”, for their bodywork sessions. For someone to be healed from chronic pain, chronic migraines, muscle spasms is life changing and affirming to my work!
I am continuing my education and training in Structural Energetic Therapy (SET). I am also certified in Reiki (Level 1). Reiki is a natural healing system that allows the body to heal itself as well as balancing the body’s chakras (energy centers).
My experience in the past prior to massage is sales. I am a entrepreneur at heart. Originally from the Midwest (Chicago land area) I have traveled to many college campuses, spring break events and concert venues selling or promoting T-Shirts or credit cards! Sales on the road in the cold winter months is what lead me to relocate to Florida. I started a career in apartment leasing and management. This position gave me exposure to sports celebrities that lived here in Tampa Bay. Since then I have been on a spiritual path and have been guided to massage therapy.
My path crossed with Dr. Dot here in St. Petersburg. I happened to find her site and ad online and she happened to be here in Florida on vacation. How great for me! To meet in person the globe trotting Dr. Dot. Dot to me is a vibrant, tenacious, kind and giving spirit. I feel honored to be part of her team.
My name is Leanna, and I am a massage therapist and a musician based out of Venice Beach, California (Los Angeles area). I have been giving relaxing and healing massages since I was a child (my mom, who has an amazing touch, taught me, and from then on, I started massaging my family and friends). After going to school at Chapman University for music, I attended CalCopa Massage Therapy School in Huntington Beach to learn more about the healing arts. I continue to develop this passion through practice and experience, developing a following of clients who constantly say that my work is “the best massage they’ve ever had.” I will relax and restore your body from head to toe while gracefully alleviating shoulder, neck, back, hip, arm, and every other muscle pain you can think of. Many clients come to me for chronic pain, as my strong hands can find knots and work them out. I give my clients what their bodies want and need: a completely restored, pain-free, relaxed body – thus creating more capability for creativity.
I heard about Dr. Dot when I was in my first band in High School. Since I was playing or thinking about music most of the time, I was often around musicians. I have always had a passion for massage, and I would always be the one giving back massages, doing neck stretches, arm and hand massages, etc., because I understand the areas that musicians need most, being one myself. A couple of years ago, a friend of mine from a San Francisco band told me about Dr. Dot, and I visited her website for more information. Dr. Dot’s story was inspiring to me, as I have often thought about finding a way to connect my two greatest passions, music and massage (which I believe are both forms of healing, expression, and art). The opportunity to be a part of Dr. Dot’s team is something I have been looking forward to for years!
My specialties: Deep Tissue Swedish Massage: can be relaxing and deep, OR relaxing and light, if you prefer Hot Stone Massage: massage done with warm stones in the palms of my hands—can be light or deep—great for cold weather! Trigger Point Therapy: finding those knots that hurt when you press down on them and getting rid of that pain! Trigger points are usually found in the neck and shoulders and cause back, neck, arm and hand pain Thai Massage: involves lots of yoga stretches/positions—great for alleviating leg and hip pain Shiatsu: Japanese form of massage that uses acupressure and follows the meridians of the body—also incorporates hand/foot reflexology My style combines all of these techniques to create one amazing massage, completely unique and specific to YOU. You won’t be disappointed if you hire me!
I am available for tours. Email me: info@drdot.com and put "Leanna/LA" in subject line and it will reach me instantly 🙂
Hello I am Sasu I live in Surrey, outside London U.K. and have been a practicing Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage Therapist for 20 years. I combine massage with Kinesology and Reiki. I discovered the gift of my healing hands and intuitive nature while living in Morocco working in the hospitality business in 1988. I did my training in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1994 which is also where I learnt my English.
I used to work in the film industry as a Massage Therapist and am looking forward to getting back into working with thespians and performers and the world of back stage.
I was born in France and speak fluent French, Spanish and English and a little German. I love to travel and visit Argentina annually where I also go skiing. I am passionate about motorbikes but haven’t managed to put my massage table on the back yet? Rock music swings my life since my teens. I love dancing particularly to music with a good beat and ski to Dire Straits!
I am available for tours and festivals and looking forward to practice my skills on you. Just email me and write "SASU/LONDON" in the subject line to book me: info@drdot.com
Read some feedback about me:
Feedback:
12/04/08: "I wanted to let you know that Sasu is a FANTASTIC new addition to your team. She has AMAZING hands, and a highly intuitive touch. This is the best DotBot massage I've had yet.
I think Sasu was not expecting the musician schedule – we had her waiting for a couple of hours with no work, and then everyone came at once! Sasu, just so you know – that can happen. Musicians can be unpredictable 🙂
Sasu, thank you for coming down – everyone said how wonderful your massages were, and we appreciated your time. See you next time in London!
And, Dot, thanks as always for the great massages 🙂
Meet Rae, the newest member to the Dr. Dot massage team down South:
"Having a chance to blend 2 of my biggest passions is a dream come true, and I am ecstatic to be on Dr. Dot’s team!!
I was raised by hippie parents on all the right music—Beatles, Zeppelin, Moody Blues, etc. Today you can find everything from Aimee Mann to James Brown to U2 in my collection. I am a music fiend! Much of my youth was spent watching MTV (when they still played music), and I mastered every Janet Jackson routine and Motley Crue drumbeat there was. I decided early on that I was going to either be a rock star, or marry one.
The night I met my husband, he was playing guitar onstage. Trying to impress him, I offered to massage his hands, even though I had no training. I guess I did well, since we’re still together! Soon after we met, I chose to leave social work behind for massage school. My first day, a fellow student let me practice on her. She told me it felt like I’d already been doing massage for years, and I knew then I had found my calling. I spent the next 18 months learning massage, yoga, reiki, and anything else I could get my hands on.
Looking back, it now seems obvious I was meant to do healing work. Growing up in an affectionate family taught me power of touch, and it seems from an early age I had a natural gift of intuition. Using massage and energy work enabled me to heal my body and mind when I developed problems that doctors and medications couldn’t fix. Now I live a full life without any meds, not even a multivitamin! It is so important to me to continue sharing this gift with others, to help them take charge of their health.
My approach is intuitively and holistically based, treating your whole being. I consider myself a channel, working where my hands are guided. Each session is tailored to your specific needs, and I can provide anything from a soothing Swedish to an intense Trigger Point session. If you need healing and I’m not available in person, I can send you Reiki as well.
Chances are, I’ll be at your show anyway, so it would be an honor to have you book me: info@drdot.com (put "for CHANDRA/NC" in subject line).
"Hi, I’m Jennifer, one of Dr. Dot’s south Florida assistants currently based in West Palm Beach. I have been practicing the art of massage since 2002. I also am a licensed aesthetician. I make a big effort to stay on top of current trends in the industry of skin care and body work while constantly refining the basic traditional foundation of the arts.
I study various modalities that include: Swedish, shiatsu, reflexology, neuro muscular, reflexology, lomi-lomi, etc. And use of tools like bamboo, stones, shiro dhara, aromatherapy and cupping. I think that all means I give a very nice, informed and intuitive, deep tissue massage.
Like Dr. Dot and all of her assistants, music has had a huge influence on me. Art and music are always in my life in one form or another.
A bit about me…I’m generally quiet and observant, very mellow. I practice martial arts for fitness, strength and flexibility. I like travel and I am available for tours.
For the last year, Harry Connick, Jr.and his entourage has been using my massage team while on tour. I know the managers Ted and Tom very well and they love our team. Harry does too. I had never met Harry until this past wednesday, but that never stopped him from talking about our massage team WHILE on stage, during his show. He has done this a few times already. The managers and my massage assistants have reported back to me "Harry spoke about us on stage, he said "I want to thank Dr. Dot and her wonderful massage team for making us feel good" etc. This is the BEST form of PR one could ever hope for. How sweet is he to do such a thing?
My heart was melting each time I head that. What a man I thought. EVERYONE on my massage team that has massaged Harry and his entourage was taken by his charm and their warm hearts. I have been anticipating meeting him myself for a long time now.
I spent Tuesday massaging Arturo in the Ramones museum (video to come) and then Tuesday night massaging Tom, one of Harry's managers (artist usually have a few with them: tour, production, assistant, etc). Then Wednesday I went to the Schiller Theater to massage them all. I had been there a few times before, namely to massage Hans Klock , the Dutch Magician, who has since carved a huge name for himself engaging Pamela Anderson in his new Las Vegas based act.
< Happy + proud to say, this is a standard view of the backstage area of most
Harry Connick, Jr. shows
The Schiller Theater must be an OLD building as many folks on the entourage were agreeing that it looks like Adolf used to hang out in there. It has a big Nazi feel to it, really. It's scary!!
I hung out while Harry napped and massaged his lovely assistant Megan. Young girl from NYC, suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuper sweet. She went to wake Harry and told him "you know that massage team "www.drdot.com" we always use? Well, the REAL Dr. Dot is here today to massage you". He came out of his dressing room all sleepy eyed (read: cute) and saw me sitting there and said "You're the real Dr. Dot!??" and before I could even answer, he said "You're GREAT Dr. Dot!!" . I was laughing so hard. He is SO sweet!! His Southern accent and genuine way of speaking and looking you in the eye is so refreshing. I told him "how do you know? I haven't massaged you yet" and he went on to say he loves my team and can't wait to get a massage from me later.
The sound check started. I counted at least 14 people in his band. Big band set up, which has a swing/jazz vibe to it .He stood facing the band, conducting them and singing without a microphone along to the music. I heard that he is VERY spontaneous, never has a set list and this keeps EVERYONE on their toes, especially the sound techs. He has a cult following and has sold over 40 million records. I had never seen him live before so I was excited to see what he was all about. The sound check took hours because it was their first day back after a tiny break. He is a perfectionist, I could tell, like Mr. Zappa. The band was tight so all the hard work pays off. There aren't that many artist today, that write all their own music, lyrics, sing the songs themselves and play at the same time. There are a few, but not enough in my opinion. He is extremely talented and the show sounded PERFECT.
The Schiller Theater is one of those venues that do not allow you to simply go in and out of the main hall without assistants. As in, they don't want people making any noise, disturbing the crowd or audience, so if you leave to piss, the guard will have to escort you back in ONCE the song is over. The Germans really take the spectator thingy to a whole different level. Which is good, as they REALLY pay attention when someone is on stage. They are not talking about their love life, children or what they ate earlier to their friends during the show. I wanted to view some of the show, but not all as it was hot as hell in there and maybe someone else wanted a massage during the show (management, truck drivers ,etc).
So I like to pop in and out, which is tricky in such a venue. I sat at the sound board for a few songs and I can tell you, the sound was absolutely PERFECT. It sounded like you were in his recording studio with him. His piano playing, voice, band, were all flawless. No wonder he has such a big following. It doesn't hurt that he is extremely attractive either. The ladies were melting. No wonder it was so fucking hot and moist in there.
Speaking of truck drivers, I got along really well with an English driver named Al. He made me laugh and blush till my face hurt. Told me how everyone on tour now a days has to multi-task. It's not enough to just be a driver anymore, you have to also run the spot lights. Same with tour managers, they usually end up being the body guard or running a monitor or two during the show. I feel bad for the people who tour for a living, it's hard work, they get lonely and massage is the least I can contribute to the people who make live music a reality. Bless their hearts.
I was wondering why every one had NOLA written on their hats, shirts, etc. Nola is short for New Orleans, that is where Harry is from and that is the name of his current album too. The stage was set up to look like you were in New Orleans. Street lamps and all. There was no opening act and I am almost certain the show was about 3 hours long.
After the show, we all went out back to leave for the hotel and Harry was surrounded by fans and he took his time making sure everyone got their autograph. He is really nice to his fans. They weren't just female fans, it was 50% male, 50% female.
A driver was packing my massage table into a van and I was about to step into it as Harry approached his limo and he said "Dr. Dot! I want you to ride with me! I want to get to know you, get in!". He said this rather loud and everyone heard. I said ok, and hopped into his car with him. Makes perfect sense, as if we don't chat in the car, we would waste precious massage minutes chatting. Not good.
So, in the back of the car, there was Harry and I and in the front, the driver and his assistant, Megan. Harry was full of questions about my massage team. How did I start out? When did I start out? He was also full of compliments, saying how brilliant an idea it was and how great each one on my team is. We both laughed about the nut case I had to fire in Vancouver. I won't mention her name, but she did give a good massage but otherwise she was a fucking NUT! First of all, my team lost the Buck Cherry account because of her. The guitarist Jimmy gave me his cell number ages ago, and said to have my team check in with him to see if he or the rest of the lads want massage at each stop on their tour. Dumb ass up in Vancouver CALLED him at 8am, demanding to know how much she would be making, how long they would want her there and if she would be fed. Naturally he told her to fuck off and hung up on here because NO ONE in the biz should be disturbed before NOON! Artist should never be disturbed before like 4pm, managers noon. What a dumb bitch. She claimed she didn't know (yeah right, rock stars get up at 8am every day, wtf?) so I gave her another chance.
Big mistake. At the Harry Connick, Jr. show in Vancouver, she was in the massage room with Harry and instead of going out of the room and letting him get undressed and get on the table, she stood there watching. Trying to be polite, he said "oh, you can come back in a minute" and she just said "no, that's fine, I'm ok" and just stood there and watched him undress like a horny dude watches strippers undress. THEN during the face massage, she looked deep into his eyes and went off about how she can "see into his soul" and how she "knew what he was thinking" and how they were "as one" blah fucking BLAH, what a freak!! You should not talk during a massage let alone talk BULLSHIT during a massage. I hate that voo-doo bullshit some therapist pull out their asses during a massage. Less voo-doo please, and more fucking massage work!!
She freaked him out so bad, he had to stop the massage and leap off the table, grabbing his clothes and beat feeting it out the door. Then management tried to politely ask her to leave, but she hid! No one could find her. She ended up in the press pit or some shit like that and then once she was brought backstage demanded to be fed. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nightmare from hell.
Harry and I had a laugh about her. He said that he never would let one rotten egg spoil a dozen good eggs, and all was forgiven. In fact, it was me who brought her up, he had already "forgotten about her". Whew! 🙂
Harry asked me many questions, he was wide eyed and all ears, listening to my story of how I became Dr. Dot and formed my team of "Dot bots" as many people on tour cunningly name my assistants. Then, he started dialing on his iPone as I was still talking and he interrupted me by starting a conversation with his wife back in NYC "Honey, you know what? I am riding next to the legendary Dr. Dot!". I swear to God I am not making this up. I was smiling ear to ear, as was Megan in the front seat, it was SO CUTE! He then went on to tell her how he always uses my team but this time he was about to get a massage from the "REAL Dr. Dot!". OMG, I was in heaven. I love it when people are so into massages. He definitely LOVES massage.
And as I found out during the massage, he loves DEEP TISSUE massage. I mean, seriously deep tissue. I was trying my hardest to make him whine from pain, and sadly, I could not. I mean, am I getting old? Losing my painful touch? Or is Harry Connick, Jr. made of some secret steel found only in New Orleans? No music or talking, the room was silent for over two hours. I was sweating my ass off trying to go as deep as possible. Finally found a spot where I could make him at least acknowledge my "hands of steel", the arch of his feet. I can go mad deep on the feet. yay! He did say several times during the massage that it felt great, but I had the feeling I wasn't strong enough. He is a solid man, solid as a rock… super fit!!
Normally I ask artist/stars to pose for a picture before the massage as I know I will make them an oiling, puffy mess from the massage. Harry opted to pose after the massage. Takes a brave person to do that lol, I know I would avoid posing after I get a massage at all cost as I am puffy and greasy, hair looks like Nick Nolte's did after his arrest (mug shot), but hey, Harry still looks amazing. Those blue eyes, oh LAWD!
My gay uncle Jack is thrilled I finally massaged Harry, as he was a regular on Will & Grace for ages, so he has a big gay following too.. I heard he has been in a few movies too, but I haven't seen them..
Anyways, I am mad impressed by Harry and his talent. He is on tour, so if you read that he is heading towards your area, go see him, it's worth every cent, every minute of your time. Pure pleasure.
Nov 5 Madrid, Spain Teatro Circo Price Nov 6 Malaga, Spain Teatro Cervantes Nov 7 Zaragoza, Spain Sala Multiusos Nov 10 Barcelona, Spain Palau de la Música
11/13/07 Dublin, Ire RDS Main Hall
11/14/07 Belfast, UK Waterfront Hall
11/16/07 Glasgow, UK Clyde Auditorium
11/17/07 Birmingham, UK Symphony Hall
11/18/07 Birmingham, UK Symphony Hall
And last but not least, I showed some of the Harry Connick, Jr. crew around Berlin^
I have found it's hard to find serious massage therapists in Florida. Seems the heat makes people want to play rather than work. I got lucky when I found Gertrud. She proved to me she is strong, professional and a great addition to our massage team. If you are in or heading to West Palm Beach and want an amazing massage, give me a shout. Read more about her and see her picture below. x Dr. Dot
My name is Gertrud and I was born in Europe; Estonia. Since 1993, I have lived in the U.S and currently reside in West Palm Beach, Florida as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Swedish, Therapeutic, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, and CranioSacral Therapy are within my forte. I believe massage is a vastly beneficial and spiritual symphony of muscles, touch, and energy that is a form of artistry and of ultimate benevolence. The human touch is remarkable; therefore, my genuinely effortless intention to heal, creates a vortex of power within my small yet oh so mighty hands. I will pulverize you 🙂 Furthermore, I am in the process of acquiring my Doctorate in Divinity and my Ph.D in Metaphysics. I am quite honored and thrilled to be apart of Dr. Dot's superb team! I adore heavy metal music and the way it makes one emotionally surpass reality. Rock n' Massage, what more can one ask for!? With Truth, Love, and Light, Be Blessed, Gertrud
Just came back from Manchester, UK, will do a major blog as soon as I catch my breath… it was a crazy trip, as usual.. Anyhow, meet our new Massage Therapist, Sadie. She can massage you in or around London when ever you want a Dr. Dot style massage. If you are heading there or are already there and want a massage, let me know x
Hi my name is Sadie and I live just outside of London, England. I worked freelance in Illustration for a year after completing a course at the London College of Fashion. To earn some money I worked in the Banking industry for two years, but that was definitely not for me. I wanted a more creative job that matched my personality & interests.
I have always loved massage and decided to enroll on a course, I totally absorbed myself and completed last year in Swedish massage. I am now on an advanced course for Swedish massage that specializes in deep tissue, and hope to go into Reflexology and Holistic therapy at the end of the year. I would also love to study abroad for different massage techniques and therapies; I am always looking for ways to enhance my massage techniques and create a more unusual and tailor made experience for the client.
I met Dot last year at a party and we got talking straight away, I was instantly inspired. I had never met anyone so focused and ambitious. When Dot explained the Dr.Dot team and gave me a leaflet I couldn’t wait to audition. I massaged Dot later that week and was thrilled and shocked to have been offered a place on the team!
Email me at info@drdot.com and write "Sadie/London" in the subject line if you want to book a massage
Meet Carolina,
She is located in Ibiza.
You can read about her and see her picture below. Looking forward to helping
you relax,
x Dr. Dot
My name is Carolina and I´m from Valparaíso, Chile. I moved to Barcelona in
2001 and soon began studying Natural Therapies. Now I live in Ibiza.
I have since completed my
studies and I now work in Therapeutic Massage and specialize in Hot and
Cold Stone Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, Cyriax (deep transversal massage),
Reflexology and Thai Reflexology, Infantile and Traditional Thai Massage,
Craneo-sacra Therapy and Aromatherapy.
Before moving to Spain I studied journalism and, as well as doing my
Therapy work, I am also a freelance journalist for a health magazine. I
have worked backstage as a news reporter in concerts and art shows, so I feel
that I have a lot in common with Dr Dot. I enjoy this work a lot, and
working as a part of Dr Dot’s Team means that I can now combine my two passions:
music and massage.
When I heard about Dr Dot I wrote her a letter her asking to be a part of the team.
I was then asked to give one of her assistants a massage and, well, the rest is
history! At the moment I am working in different places around the Barcelona and
Cataluña. For example, I work in a beautiful Health Spa situated on the coast just
south of the city and a Gym which is exclusively for females. I also have many clients,
of different ages and back-grounds, whom I visit at their homes.
When I was Thailand recently doing a course on Thai Massage, my teacher in Chan Mai
used to call me “magic hands” – so I guess I was doing something right!
If you want a massage, email me: info@drdot.com and put “Carolina/Barcelona” in the subject line and I will write back right away.
Finally we have help in Italy. I am so happy to introduce Melissa, our right hand wo-"man" in Rome. Why does it take so long to get Dr. Dot massage assistants all over the world? Because I insist on quality and that means they have to be tested/auditioned by me and my team in order to make the grade. I wouldn't suggest a restaurant to you without having tried it myself, nor would I send a massage therapist to work on you without having them auditioned. Quality, not quantity, that's what our team is about. Read about Melissa (and see her picture) below. If you are heading to Rome, let me know, we will set up your massage appointment.
Dr. Dot
ps. Melissa's first mission for the Dr. Dot team was to massage Roger Waters in Rome. Now that's a great first mission.
My name is Melissa and I was born in the states but have been living in Italy since 2005. I graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa with a degree in dance performance and have been dancing professionally for several years now in the States and Italy. Being a dancer, I understand how important it is to keep the body healthy physically and mentally, seeing injuries occur on a regular basis including myself. For this I decided to enter into massage, to be able to help those around me and really to get a better understanding of how the body functions. I attended Massage Therapy School in Florida and received my license specializing in Sports massage and have been working with dancers, other artists, and the general public, privately and in centers since 2004. I incorporate several different modalities into my massage depending on the needs of the client; from a more sports/rehabilitative approach to a general Swedish relaxation massage. I fee l very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Dot, her team, and all the artists who come through doing what they do. Truly beautiful.
< Happy + proud to say, this is a standard view of the backstage area of most
