Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Landeros.
Hi Angela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My massage career started with horses first. I never wanted to work on people because I did not know how it would feel working with a person rather than an animal.
But lo and behold people were my purpose. In 2011 I went to school to learn how to work on people. School was easy because horse muscles and people muscles are relatively the same whether you walk on two legs or four.
When I started massage school I did not know I would be challenged with my own body. I knew that I had tight muscles and a problem with my left leg but I blamed it on having hip surgery in 2007. I learned how to use the foam roller to do self-massage to help my body feel a little better so that I could continue to help others. I even developed a percussion massage tool that I use on myself and clients.
But in the late summer of 2012 an action tremor started in my left arm. I knew something strange was going on but I blamed it on hitting my left elbow really hard on the refrigerator door handle. I figured it was just a pinched nerve. I covered up the fact that fine motor skills were difficult with my left hand and arm and told my massage clients that the shake in my arm was a new massage technique.
As time went by and nothing was improving I showed my arm to the chiropractor I worked for. He recommended that I see a neurologist right away because my problem had something to do with my brain. I thought, no way, but I listened to him and got an appointment fast. Through multiple doctor appointments and medical scans it was determined I had multiple sclerosis.
This information was not going to stop me from doing my job, I actually felt that working as a massage therapist helped both sides of my body stay fit and strong. I was also dedicated to doing my self-care with the foam rolling and light exercise. Stretching my body out has always helped me feel better! Believe me there were days I wanted to quit!
But I had to admit that I was sick. I could hardly concentrate on working with people and listening to them talk to me about their lives because my brain wanted to explode!
By the grace of God the right person walked into my life and together we explored food as medicine. It took me four years to discover the right diet for me. I had so many food allergies to discover and foods to eliminate for good. My skin had been inflamed and I had the worst eczema. As a massage therapist I worked skin on skin, so having eczema on my hands and arms was horrible; but with my diet change my skin improved! I now know it’s all in what I eat that can inflame my body.
I no longer have trouble filtering information and massaging at the same time! People don’t see me as a sick person and I am so happy to say I no longer feel so sick.
But I do have MS and it does limit my abilities. My arm does have a tremor but it’s improved over time. I limp after I walk far. So I don’t “look” sick but I fight back at sick to be my most well. It’s my purpose to help others be well. Putting together what I know about food and health is the perfect addition to helping people with their physical wellness.
Going from a career in the riding arena to retail at a saddlery shop to massaging people made me realize I was where I needed to be as a massage therapist. Although it is hard work specializing in deep tissue and sports massage-amazingly I can do it! Looking back my career transitions were heaven sent. With MS I couldn’t have taught therapeutic horse back riding lessons, nor could I walk the sales floor all day.
I’ve listened to people and they have listened to me. There’s always someone who has something wrong with them. Listening to people and helping them with there bodies has given me the insight that proves so many people are just a little bit sick…or worse, ALOT sick!
Maybe they have migraines, skin issues, gut issues, or even social issues. My knowledge says it all starts in the gut. Gut health will determine how we feel, how our genes express themselves and more.
So I wrote a book, and then I wrote another one! ‘An Autoimmune Food Journey’ and ‘Adventures In Massage.’ The first mentioned gives people a tool on how to eliminate inflammatory foods and heal themselves from many ailments. My story is within the book and tells of my journey to healing. The second book is about teaching my methods and techniques in massage and how to be a superhero massage therapist! It’s how this business expansion started!
My massage business took five years to build to the point that I could not accept new clients and I am so fortunate for that. I had hoped I could spread my wings and help people beyond my own massage table. For those I don’t get to talk to one on one, I want to also help you! So that hope started on expanding my business by teaching other massage therapists my method and adding them to my team of superheroes! Now, I am helping other therapists better their skills so they can help clients feel better.
I never thought I’d work with people. Now I know I was meant to. Through my own struggles, I help others. I built this business on my own gimpy legs and I will fight for my health everyday.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There’s nothing smooth about building and growing a business, especially in a city with a population like Los Angeles. There may be millions of people here, but how do you find them? It’s a challenge for sure; from getting to the business location through LA traffic to finding a parking spot! We are on our second location as we have grown, no location is perfect either and competition is fierce, We are not a spa, we are more clinical in our approach to massage and pain management. As client’s get to know us, they realize that from their entrance into our space; from our mobility room to entering our “Zen Zone” where the lights are dim to set the intention that while we practice a more clinical approach we also want to help with your stress reduction.
Growing pains are real! We have experienced them from starting with one therapist and growing to ten in only two years is a fast rate of growth and finding the right therapists to fit our vibe is tricky. They also need an open mind to learn a new technique from my book, called, “Summa Teq.” Summa is a latin word meaning the sum of all knowledge in a field. We use all of what is good and useful in massage skills and we customize your session to you!
So, from finding the right clients to fit our skill set and environment, to sourcing the right team it’s a never ending battle, but I am thankful for the struggle because it means growth! To clients with sciatica, tension from stress, migraines and athletic injuries, we are happy to help the desk jockey, the moms, body builders and players from the Rams who have joined our Woodland Hills community. We say thank you for finding and trusting us!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Physical Touch Body Work is a business dedicated to providing the best of massage combining many modalities to give clients the quickest pain and tension reducing results. From athletes to your business professionals we provide muscle healing for anyone in need. We perform many prenatal and postnatal services for women as well! We specialize in athletics and the majority of our massage therapist focus on deep tissue and sports techniques but we have therapists who are more proficient in light to medium work for those who want to relax and simply detox.
We offer post op lymphatic sessions after surgery, to decrease inflammation and help patients heal faster and with a better result. We offer general lymphatic flushing as well. We are versatile and it’s important that we get the most information from clients to best fit them with the right therapist.
We believe in cultivating a workplace that values diversity, equity, and respect. Every team member brings unique strengths, and we’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
Our foundation is built on resilience, purpose, and empathy—values deeply rooted in the lived experience of me the founder, a proud business owner living with disabilities.
Navigating the world with disabilities has instilled in our leadership a unique perspective on perseverance, adaptability, and compassion—qualities that resonate through every aspect of my business. This personal journey has shaped our mission to provide inclusive, client-centered care and to foster a workplace where everyone is seen, valued, and empowered.
I understand pain, both visible and invisible. That’s why we specialize in sports massage, deep tissue, and pain management—with an authentic commitment to helping others heal, move freely, and thrive.
Being a business owned by someone with disabilities isn’t just a part of our story—it’s our strength. It drives us to create a space that welcomes diversity, champions accessibility, and delivers care with unmatched empathy and expertise.
How do you define success?
Defining success is deeply personal—it depends on our values, goals, and what brings each therapist and myself fulfillment.
For a business owner in massage therapy, especially one focused on healing and inclusivity, my definition of success includes, making a meaningful impact by helping clients find relief, recovery, and empowerment through our specialized services.
Creating opportunity by building a supportive, inclusive workplace where people of all abilities and backgrounds can thrive.
Achieving sustainable growth by running a profitable business that allows us all to live well while staying true to our mission.
Balance and well-being by maintaining our own physical and mental health while doing what we love.
Respect and recognition by being known for our integrity, skill, and leadership—especially as someone overcoming unique challenges.
Pricing:
- First time pricing is a $1 per minute
- $85 per hour Deep Tissue or Swedish
- Weekly and Bi weekly discounts
- Lymphatic $110 per hour
- Hot stone, gua sha and cupping $105 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://angelalanderosheals.wordpress.com/summa-teq-massage-appointment-booking/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summateq/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@angelalptbw?si=hV5z3os206fHcPbW
