Bio

Elina Root, CA Licensed Massage Therapist (# 21036), Certified Watsu Practitioner
Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University in 1998, Elina Root’s love for water, as well as passion for helping people attain optimal well-being, steered her into the field of aquatic therapy after realizing its unique potential for healing both mind and body. She underwent graduate studies in Physical Therapy at Cal State Northridge as well as Massage Therapy at the Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing. She has over 10 years experience working as an Aquatic Therapy practitioner, receiving education and extensive “hands-on” training from some of the most experienced experts in aquatic physical therapy, massage therapy and Watsu® in Southern California. Elina is Red Cross CPR, Water Tai Chi (Ai Chi) and Arthritis Foundation Aquatics certified. She creates individually specialized aquatic rehabilitation and fitness programs, helping people of all ages affected with pain, stress, and wide range of neurological, spinal, joint or other injuries. Elina is also certified by the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association as a Watsu® provider. In her spare time, Elina enjoys staying active and participating in Bodywork Workshops as well taking continuing education classes related to Mind-Body awareness.

Dr. Michelle McLafferty, DC

Dr. Michelle McLafferty received her medical training at Southern California University of Health Sciences, earning her Doctorate of Chiropractic degree in 2005, followed by a 2 year post-graduate Residency in Radiology/Diagnostic Imaging. A Southern California native, and the oldest of 22 grandchildren, she has always been a natural caregiver and enjoys seeing people experience total wellness. Dr. McLafferty graduated from UC Berkeley in 2000. Her honor’s thesis, which she researched for her bachelor’s degree, was on stress and its manifold effects on the mind and body. Her love for fitness and the outdoors led her to pursue advanced training in the field of aquatic physical rehabilitation in a non-impact water environment. Dr. McLafferty is one of few Chiropractors in the United States with an expertise in aquatic rehabilitation. She develops customized aquatic rehabilitation programs, helping patients overcome a multitude of injuries both in the pool and out, while reducing physical stress and tension on the body. Dr. McLafferty is also proficient in a variety of soft tissue therapy techniques, including a unique therapeutic Aquatic Massage in the pool or spa. She advocates an integrated approach to care, working with other health care providers to comprehensively address the health care needs of each patient. When not in the office, Dr. McLafferty enjoys spending time with her extended Italian-Hawaiian family, traveling, and relaxing at the beach.