Hands-on Relaxation with licensed massage therapist John Fini

By Mary Malik

Ohio was recently ranked as the fifth-most stressed-out state in the country. Just one more list we don’t want to be on. However, licensed massage therapist John Fini, owner of Fini LMT, just might have the answer to relieving some of that stress.

In fact, one client described a massage by John as, “a cross between feeling like you’ve had a vacation and a nice long nap. Either way, I’ve had many massages, and I can’t say enough about the job he does. It’s amazing.”

“I worked at my father’s salon in the past and I always liked the idea of making people feel better,” says John. “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I didn’t want to rush into something and then regret it.”

John took his time, and when his mom suggested looking into the Cleveland Institute of Medical Massage, it felt right.

“I put myself through school and graduated in 2020 with my license in medical massage,” says John. “I realized pretty quickly after I started practicing on clients that this is what I am supposed to be doing.”

John started out at a wellness center in Highland Heights doing massage in conjunction with a chiropractic practice, while also doing massage at a salon. “I learned so much from all of this experience,” he says. “Everything I had studied just fell into place. I was developing my own techniques while learning about functional medicine and nutrition through the wellness center.”

John took all that he has learned and opened his own one-man studio in Mayfield Heights.

“Learning in school, taking exams and state board tests, and then actually working on the human body are very different,” says John. “I’ve learned how to really tackle the human body in terms of solving problems for people, whether it’s working on real problem areas like the neck, shoulders or back, or simply relieving the stress of the day. Everybody and every body is different. Some have aches and pain from sitting or standing all day, others from rigorous activity. But pain is pain and needs relief.”

John says if you’ve never had a massage, it’s something he believes you should try—and not just because he does this for a living.

“There’s a reason massage has been used for centuries to heal various ailments and boost overall health,” says John. “The advantages of massage are undeniable. There’s a real mind/body connection that takes place. No machine, AI or technology can ever replace human touch.”

John also offers cupping, vibration therapy, guided stretching and the Graston Technique, a manual therapy using stainless steel instruments to perform muscle mobilization.

“The Graston Technique can be used for particularly difficult areas where scar tissue has formed or other acute or chronic conditions exist,” says John. “It’s another way to increase blood flow and promote healing.”

A session with John is either 60 or 90 minutes long. Clients are never rushed. In fact, he believes that once you experience the healing touch of massage, you’ll want to come back.

“It’s hard to find a good massage therapist,” says John. “I believe I have that special touch. I’m dedicated to being the best. It took me awhile to understand what I was meant to do but I know now that this is it. I believe we are all on this planet together, let’s take care of each other.”

Fini LMT is located at 1277 SOM Center Road in Mayfield Heights. For an appointment, call or text 440-991-6307.