Our Team
Our Team
Natacha Vidal
Natacha graduated as a physical therapist in Europe and is now a certified sports massage therapist and a sports massage educator in the Philadelphia area. Her international background (she is originally French Zambian), physical therapy training and interest in science-based medicine research all contribute to help her discern true and proven sports recovery techniques from fads or inefficient ones. As such, she serves as the technical lead of the team and has successfully accompanied athletes through their training or injuries since 2008. In the past a dancer and martial arts aficionado, you might now see her running along the tow path with her dog or enjoying the local parks with her husband and 3 children.
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Paul Vidal
Meet Paul, a passionate runner with deep roots in technology. In 2010, he co-founded phila massages, bridging the gap between athletic recovery and evidence-based practices. With a background in software engineering, Paul’s analytical prowess has been pivotal to the company’s success. Today, as he oversees partnerships and business growth, Paul remains dedicated to enhancing the athlete experience. Committed to innovation, he ensures Phila Massages remains at the forefront of merging technology with optimal recovery.
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Joey Monaco
Born and raised in Vineland, NJ, Joey was introduced to the field of bodywork by his sister, a massage therapist herself. Inspired by the amazing results that her massage techniques could produce, he went to study at the Cortiva Institute of KOP to get his massage education and license. A runner and basketball player himself, it was only natural for him to then specialize in sports massage therapy. He enjoys practicing a variety of techniques, including Myofascial Release and Active Isolated Stretching, and appreciates how they are a part of a training and recovery program that makes an athlete improve their performance. An avid learner, he is continuously studying new techniques and increasing his knowledge of sports massage. His passion translates into therapeutic goal orientated massage sessions that get results!
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Tiffany Barksdale
Tiffany is a seasoned Massage Therapist with seven years of experience and a Sports Therapist with five years under her belt. Her passion for massage therapy ignited shortly after embarking on this journey, an event that serendipitously aligned with her birthday, a sign she holds dear. As a dancer, Tiffany possesses a nuanced understanding of movement, tightness, and injury management, which enriches her therapeutic practice. She is a firm believer in the efficacy of stretching and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques, employing them regularly to aid in the recovery and well-being of her clients. Tiffany continually strives to broaden her knowledge and skills, learning from specialized movement therapists and mentors globally. She commits herself to ongoing study in anatomy and kinesiology, maintaining a forward-thinking approach to her practice.
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David Kramer
David is an expert in deep tissue massage, sports massage & PNF, trigger point therapy, acupressure, and craniosacral therapy. He is dedicated to offering tailored bodywork that assists athletes and everyday warriors in reaching their goals. David’s passion lies in providing the relief and support needed for continued progression and achievement.
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Joseph Rahman
Joseph Rahman is a highly skilled and experienced sports massage therapist who is dedicated to helping athletes excel in their performance. With over 13 years of training and expertise in various massage modalities, Joseph employs specialized techniques to enhance athletic performance and promote optimal physical condition.
Joseph’s comprehensive training includes proficiency in stretching techniques such as Ballistic, Active, Passive, Static, resistance, Isometric, PNF, and pin & lengthening. By incorporating these diverse stretching methods into his sports massage approach, Joseph effectively improves flexibility, prevents injuries, and supports efficient recovery. His targeted TMJ massages provide relief for temporomandibular joint issues, sinus problems, migraines, and post-dentistry discomfort. Through circular motions of gentle or medium pressure, he skillfully eases tension and promotes relief in these areas.
Additionally, Joseph specializes in trigger point therapy, which is invaluable for athletes dealing with muscle spasms or knots resulting from acute, sustained, or repetitive use. By skillfully locating and manipulating soft tissue, Joseph alleviates conditions such as Sciatica, Plantar Fasciitis, Carpal Tunnel, low back pain, trigger finger, and frozen shoulder.
With a deep commitment to his clients’ well-being, Joseph is passionate about supporting athletes on their journey towards peak physical performance. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a dedicated sports enthusiast, Joseph’s extensive knowledge and specialized techniques will help you optimize your performance and reach your athletic goals.
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Karl Luecke
Karl Luecke is a licensed Massage Therapist with a passion for therapeutic and sports massage. He enjoys the reactions he gets from clients and thrives on the problem solving that massage therapy requires. A 2022 graduate of Cortiva Institute, Karl’s massage experience includes: Massage Envy, several large chair massage events and a charity hockey tournament.
Karl has completed 54 hours of certifications within his first year as a therapist including:
- Sports Massage
- Assisted Stretching: Active
- Gua Sha
- Pin and Release Techniques
- Thai Massage for the Table
- Traditional Thai Foot Massage
