Licensed Massage Therapists

A Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) is a professional who has completed the necessary education, training, certification exam and licensing requirements to practice massage therapy legally

 About Ann Arbor Professional Massage LLC

Advanced Medical and Sports Massage Clinic

If you’re in need of relief from a medical condition or wish to unwind and destress, look no further than Ann Arbor Pro Massage. Our team of skilled and knowledgeable massage therapists specializes in addressing your specific needs. With their expertise in a range of effective massage therapy techniques, we can offer you the essential relief and enhancement you seek. Experience the benefits of our highly trained massage therapists today.

Founder Photo

Illyen Velez

Founder and Advanced Massage Therapist

MI Lic#: 7501001533

Illyen Velez (LMT, AP) established Ann Arbor Professional Massage Clinic after graduating top of her class from Flint School of Therapeutic Massage, in 2008. In her graduation, she was awarded the prestigious Achievement of Excellence Certificate for going above and beyond in her academic performance and practice. She holds Michigan state-license and is an advanced practitioner of medical-clinical and sports massage therapy.

Illyen began her career working closely with healthcare professionals in the chiropractic field. She was a practitioner at the VA Hospital in Detroit as part of the Advanced Practitioner Program from the Health Enrichment Center at Lapeer, MI. During her time at the VA Hospital, Illyen contributed to the rehabilitation of many patients with varying medical conditions.

Some of the conditions Illyen has experience providing massage treatments for are temporomandibular joints (TMJ), carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, sciatic nerve pain, motion restriction in the hips and limbs due to traumatic events in combat or repetitive use injuries. She is experienced in pain reduction therapy on individuals with chronic pain, post-surgery spinal injuries (low back), shoulder/rotator-cuff dysfunction, neck pain due to upper muscle tension or rounded posture, clients with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, headaches, and migraines.
Illyen is a strong believer in continuous education and the benefits of providing her clients with the latest proven techniques. To stay current, Illyen continues to be a member of the Health Enrichment Center even after graduating from their Advanced Practitioner Program. With over fourteen years of experience in the field of therapeutic massage and bodywork, Illyen is proud to be a specialist in the following techniques:

  • Advanced Therapeutic Medical Massage – Clinical Massage Therapy
  • Myofascial Release Therapy
  • Soft Tissue Manipulation Therapy
  • Sports Massage Therapy
  • Deep Tissue Massage Therapy
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Muscle Energy Therapy
  • Passive Isolated Stretching Therapy (PIS)
  • Active Isolated Stretching Therapy (AIS)
  • Prenatal Massage Therapy
  • Relaxation Massage Therapy

She is also an active member of the Associated Body Work & Massage Professionals, (ABMP).

Illyen has had the pleasure of providing therapeutic massages to professional athletes and renowned entertainment professionals including:
• Olympic Swimmer Milorad Cavic (2008 Silver Medalist)
• Olympic Swimmer George Bovell (2004 Bronze Medalist)
• Music Producer Anastasia Brown
• Director Rob Reiner
• Location Manager Peter Martorano

Nelly Manager

Nelly Cabezas

Advanced Massage Therapist

FL Lic#: MA91855

MI Lic#: 7501014474

In 2006, Nelly graduated from the Therapeutic Massage program with an excellent performance from The Praxis Institute in Miami Florida.  She later earned her diploma in Advanced Medical and Sports Massage program in 2011 also from The Praxis Institute.  Nelly has dedicated herself to finetuning her skills and gaining extensive experience while servicing clients at Wellness by Massage, The Mark Spa, her own independent practice, and lastly at Ann Arbor Professional Massage.
At each continuing education opportunity, she has deepened her specializations and received complementary training on various techniques including:

  • Advanced Therapeutic and Medical – Clinical Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Passive Isolated Stretching Therapy (PIS)
  • Active Isolated Stretching Therapy (AIS)
  • Pathology
  • Myofascial Release
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Relaxation Massage
  • Lymphatic Drainage Massage
  • Reflexology
  • Body Contouring with Apparatus
Ivania Lead

Ivania V. Hernandez

Advanced Massage Therapist

FL Lic#: MA49343

MI Lic#: 7501011612

Ivania is a highly skilled and dedicated massage therapist with a rich educational background and extensive professional experience. She began her journey in 2006, graduating from The Praxis Institute in Miami, Florida, with a certificate in Therapeutic Massage. Ivania further expanded her expertise by completing an Advanced Medical and Sports Massage program in 2011 at the same institute.

    Her educational pursuits didn’t stop there. Ivania has also acquired certifications in Neuromuscular Therapy, Holistic Manual Lymph Drainage, Skin Care, Phlebotomy, and Personal Fitness. This diverse skill set allows her to offer a comprehensive approach to wellness and body care.

    Professionally, Ivania has enriched her practice through various roles, including positions at Stress & Pain Relief Inc., Wellness by Massage, The Mark Spa, her own independent practice, and Ann Arbor Professional Massage. Her experience spans a wide range of therapeutic techniques, making her adept at addressing various client needs.

    Fluent in Spanish and proficient in English and French, Ivania can communicate effectively with a diverse clientele. Her professional highlights include a strong physical ability, a service-minded approach, and a friendly, outgoing personality. She specializes in whole-body massage, stress management techniques, wood therapy, cavitation and RF treatment, and Dermapen treatments, always maintaining an empathetic and patient demeanor.

    Ivania’s commitment to her craft and her clients makes her a valuable member of our team, bringing a holistic and caring approach to wellness and body therapy.

    Massage methods and techniques including: 

    • Advanced Therapeutic and Medical – Clinical Massage
    • Oncology massage
    • Sports Massage
    • Neuromuscular Therapy
    • Passive Isolated Stretching Therapy (PIS)
    • Active Isolated Stretching Therapy (AIS)
    • Pathology
    • Myofascial Release
    • Deep Tissue Massage
    • Relaxation Massage
    • Lymphatic Drainage Massage
    • Reflexology

      Ann Arbor, MI

      Our Ann Arbor, Michigan clinic is conveniently located near the UofM campus and downtown Ann Arbor, between Third Street (Chapin St) and Seven Street at The Huron Professional Building.  On-site free parking is available on the North and East side of the building.

      708 West Huron Street, Suite 5, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

      (734) 707-7687

      Hours of Operation

      Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

      Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

      Sunday – Closed