Wellness Lifestyle Massage and Bodywork

"I've never had someone work on my chest muscles before! I feel so much better!"

I hear versions of this all. the. time. from first time clients coming in for upper back/shoulder/neck pain. And here's the thing: as your licensed professional, I don't expect you to know to ask for work there (but it's cool if you do!)

When someone comes in asking for focused work on the painful spot only, I always ask if it's ok to take a few minutes and check out the opposing muscle groups -- and then I explain:

Tension, overuse, and pain in one muscle can impact the way your body moves, which often means other muscles are compensating in some way. And sometimes, the pain or tension in a particular muscle exists (at least in part) because of an issue with another muscle.

Most of us spend far too much time in forward flexion, shoulders rounded in, head pushing forward. Muscles in the chest and front of the shoulder can become short and tight, holding your body in that familiar position even when you stand up -- and that can cause muscles in the upper back to become lengthened and tight. Trigger points and "knots" can form, and pain begins.

To address that fully, we should spend time stretching and lengthening the short, tight muscles of the front as well as working through the knots and painful spots in the back. That's where the most lasting, meaningful change can start to happen!

One topic has come up several times in my practice in the last few weeks, so it's time to talk about it. Is massage safe for breastfeeding moms?

The short answer is, yes! In fact, relaxation can help tremendously with let-down, and bodywork can help with the pain and tension that often builds in the neck and shoulders during this time.

The biggest considerations are comfortable positioning -- sidelying position or bolstering under the shoulders usually does the trick -- and providing towels in case of leakage. These simple tweaks should keep you comfortable and help you relax as you take care of you!

The other question that sometimes arises is, do you need to "pump and dump" after a massage? This comes from the outdated idea that massage therapy releases toxins, which could get into the milk; however, that is false, and there's absolutely no reason to dump your milk because you've had a massage.

Do you have questions about receiving massage while breastfeeding? Drop them below and let's discuss!

How long should your massage be? 🤔

If you aren't really into the idea of massage, but want to see if it helps your pain, 30 minutes is a nice starting point. This will be a "spot treatment," not a full body massage. Many pain issues benefit from a longer session in the long run, but a 30 minute massage should give you an idea on whether massage can help, and how well you tolerate it.

If you have a trouble spot that needs extra attention and also want a full body massage; want a wellness or maintenance massage with special focus; or have multiple focus areas, 60 or 90 minutes will be a better choice for you. Which one depends on how closely related the issues are -- neck and shoulder pain involve a lot of the same muscles, and can be addressed well in 60 minutes. With a neck and sciatic pain combo, although we can work with both general areas in 60 minutes, a thorough treatment will most often require 90 minutes.

And then there's the 2hr massage: comprehensive, comfortable, and leaves no stone unturned. This session is great for "deep tissue," folks with a lot of muscle guarding, and deep relaxation. If you like extra time on multiple areas, (hands, feet, face are common!) and still want a good all-over bodywork session, this is the choice for you. It's also a frequent choice for folks who want or need abdominal work, which is never rushed in my practice.

Which is your favorite massage length?

This weekend I have a wonderful lineup of regular clients (all members!), each working on unique pain issues. From chronic shoulder pain, to rehabbing hamstrings post-op, to complex low back/hip pain with multiple diagnoses...I'm so proud of these clients for prioritizing themselves.

Ready to get started? Book your appointment now with the link in bio!

~New Client Special for October~

Welcoming new clients all October long with a special offer - book your 60, 90, or 120 minute massage during the month of October and receive membership pricing!

Membership:

60 minutes $120
90 minutes $180
120 minute $240

As always, there is no upcharge for extras like hot stones, cupping, oil scalp massage, etc.. Whether you're seeking pain relief, a calmer nervous system, or just some time for yourself, now is the time.

Book your appointment with link in bio!

There's no rule saying you need to be in pain before booking the massage. Massage as maintenance or preventive care is so important, and can even help prevent pain from flaring in the first place.

That's why, about a year ago, I started a membership program. By joining, you're committing to prioritize yourself  - and at a discount. Because I also know how quickly life can change, there's no contract; you can exit at any time. Easy to join, easy to quit - because I believe everything about your massage routine should be simple!

I currently have 7 openings left for new members. Will you be one of them?

Massage clients, this one is for you! How would you feel if your massage therapist didn't change the top blanket between clients? If it was changed out once a day? Once a week?

To be clear, this is not the way I run my practice. Everything gets changed and cleaned, every time. I'm curious because, believe it or not, this is always a big debate in professional massage therapy forums -- but I've never heard a client's input.

So, let me have it in the comments! Therapists, as always, please feel free to drop your opinions too.