Santa Cruz Biomechanics - Santa Cruz, California

Rebekkah Cefai

This review has been in the works for a long time, and I owe it to Jessa to share how grateful I am for my experience working with her since January 2024.

I started FP at six weeks postpartum with my second child. I came in with lower back pain, head and neck stiffness, and plantar fasciitis. That's the short list. After doing FP for 7 months I have come to learn so much about my body's unique dysfunctions as a result of doing activities that cause more harm than good. I have recognized that my extreme flexibility (now re-branded as hyper mobility) and posterior chain weaknesses in my glutes, hamstrings, calves, upper back, are mostly to blame for my pain. That, coupled with stress-related tightness throughout key muscle groups, and also somewhat poor/lazy eating habits has led to years of discomfort.

I continue to learn about my body's movements, the brain/gut connection, and about the consequences of some of my lifestyle choices. I love working with Jessa because she never passes any judgement on me, but rather re-directs me back to my goals and explains how activities like excessive cycling, wearing improper footwear or consuming certain foods will set me back and prevent further progress.

I appreciate each session I have with Jessa because it's not only a time for me to put in the work, but it's also my brain and body's way of re-connecting and healing. I can really step away from work and the craziness of motherhood to pay attention to just myself. The studio is a calm environment and Jessa's gentle way of guiding me through movements is therapeutic. It also helps that Jessa is so down-to-earth and really understanding when life gets in the way of our weekly sessions. She is super responsive and willing to re-schedule if work/parenting/illnesses come about.

Outside of the studio, Jessa works behind the scenes to manage my own digital folder of images, session videos, and training logs to document my progress and give me additional resources to use at home. As a visual learner, I find so much value in having this available to me 24/7. It also gives me confidence to replicate movements at home and bring back my skills to the next session.

If you are considering FP, I highly recommend working with Jessa or Gio. Trust me, your mind/body will thank you for many years to come.

Audrey Keen

Working with Giovanni is such a gift. I am constantly impressed by his knowledge and dedication to this work. Gio and his work with Functional Patterns is changing the way I move and how I feel about my body. Each session empowers me with more body awareness that I bring to my every day movement. My posture is improving. I feel taller, stronger and more grounded. I walk with more confidence everyday and it feels so good! Thanks Gio!!

Lauren Zephro

I have been working with Giovanni for three years. The changes in my body from then to now are remarkable. Gio was referred to me by a friend who thought his approach might help my chronic lower back and hip pain. When we started, I didn’t know anything about myofascial release or Functional Patterns. During our first meeting, Gio asked me to trust in the work we were about to embark on. I did, and as a result, Gio has evolved my understanding of what it means to be fit. As my trainer, he thinks critically and thoughtfully about what is going to work for my unique biomechanics and life history. He is committed to continuing his own growth and is an endless well of ideas, variations in movement and information on health, fitness, and anatomy. He doesn’t push gratuitously or judge. It is a gentle approach, but has been the catalyst I needed to push myself harder because I see and feel changes in my own body. In my opinion, this is the best was to make significant, sustainable, long-term change because (in my 50s!) I love how my body is connecting and I want to keep progressing. Most importantly, I am not in constant pain anymore and on the rare occasions when I am, Gio has given me tools and skills to get myself back on track. Other important qualities: the Santa Cruz Biomechanic's space is well appointed with high quality equipment, and the space is well maintained and pristine. Gio is a good communicator (reliably answers texts, phone calls), always remembers where you are at, and is smart, dependable, punctual, easy going, and professional. If you are lucky enough to work with Gio long-term be prepared to be challenged, supported, work hard, and to just enjoy hanging out. I highly recommend Santa Cruz Biomechanics and Gio!

Jonathan Gerhartz

Gio is amazing! I visited him for two sessions while on vacation. I walked away with many important lessons and realizations about the state of my body and what I need to do going forward. My journey with pain has been extremely stressful and confusing but Gio’s approach provided clarity as well as support. Along with the knowledge he shared, his delivery of that information was graceful and soothing. He speaks positively and with passion and this provides another layer of healing. After both sessions I experienced a level of settling that I have not felt ever from a single session. There is no doubt that with more of those sessions I would experience serious unwinding and relief. My only regret is that I could not spend more time training with Gio (as I live in NY). I think doing so would greatly improve my condition and well being. Thank you Gio for everything!

samantha smith

Jessa is incredible! Since we’ve started working together I’ve never in my life felt better!! The sessions are tough, Functional Patterns is unlike any other rehab or exercise but she is always supportive and makes each session a positive and uplifting experience. I’m so grateful for her and her expertise. If you’re in pain, even if you’ve tried everything under the sun, go see Jessa!!

Florian Krueger

I started working with Jessa and the Functional Patters training she provides about a year ago. She is a great trainer and has helped me improve myself tremendously over this time. I feel stronger, fitter and free of body pain despite working on a computer 5 days a week! I have tried other forms of strength training in the past but this has usually lead to increased body pain and discomfort for me. Jessa creates a great environment to learn completely new ways of using your body. She always is patient and gives great feedback. On top of all of that, she is a great massage therapist as well. Thank you Jessa for helping me improve myself.

Ashley Nakano

Jessa is an amazingly knowledgeable trainer. I came to her with chronic shoulder pain at a point where I felt pretty hopeless because I tried physical therapy, yoga, and received many different medical diagnoses over the years.

After a short time working with Jessa, my chronic headaches and pain disappeared. She approaches body imbalances in a unique way, identifying muscle weaknesses and using self myofacial release to improve overall movement.

Very impressed with the glute and core strength we have also built. Highly recommend. Thank you Jessa!

Chloe Johnson

Outstanding massage! Jessa has years of experience and continues to learn more. I have gone to her for years and she is consistently incredible. She listens to her clients and can provide a relaxing massage and also deal with problem areas or sports injuries.