Wellness Lifestyle Massage and Bodywork

When I ask people if they're familiar with cupping, the most common response I get is, "Oh yeah, it's that thing athletes do! With the circles!"

And I think that association drives the narrative that cupping is either very aggressive/extreme, or only for very active people. I want to talk about it, because that couldn't be further from the truth!

Cupping therapy, and in particular, the Neuromuscular Cupping Therapy that I recently became certified in, is a wonderful modality for addressing chronic pain. Think of cupping as the opposite of massage: pulling up, or lifting, the tissue instead of pushing into it. The suction draws fresh, oxygen-rich blood into the immediate area, which facilitates tissue repair, as well as drawing in those superficial layers of skin and fascia. It's also a novel stimulus for the nervous system, which can prompt the brain to turn down pain signals temporarily (which gives us a chance to get those parts moving and feeling better for the long haul!)

Just like with massage, suction can be applied at different intensities, depending on the area being cupped, the intention of that particular placement, and also your comfort. In sensitive areas or for gliding techniques, lighter suction is used. If you like strong sensation, or for tougher areas, more suction can be used. Movement, both passive and active, can be added in for even more release and communication with the nervous system.

And, surprisingly, a lot of people don't get those intense-looking marks cupping is known for. Marks are not the goal, nor proof that cupping has worked, and you may or may not end up with them. If you do mark, they often decrease in intensity with repeated cupping sessions!

Have you tried cupping? How did it go for you? If you've never had it done, let me know what questions you have!

There's something truly magical about having the full attention of another person focused only on you. This is one of my favorite things about massage therapy!

In this modern world, it can be hard to hold someone's undivided attention for longer than 30 seconds. In addition to busy schedules, screens are everywhere, and it can be difficult to compete with the amazing little computers we all hold in our hands.

That's one thing that makes massage so special. As the receiver, it forces us to slow down. Breathe. Rest our eyes and minds from the glow of the screen and just exist for that 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

But even more than that, is the beauty of holding the undivided attention of another human for that time. As your massage therapist, you have my full dedication during that hour or two; I don't have a "routine," there is no autopilot. Every stroke, stretch, or movement has intention behind it.

You like to talk during your session? I'm so happy to listen and engage. You need silence, or want to drift away while I work? I'll follow your lead. And I respect that what feels right for you at one visit, might not be your choice at the next.

If you're ready to start working on that chronic pain, calm your nervous system, and learn to just "be," I'm currently booking into October. (Link in bio.) See you on the table!

Ever feel like you're so tight and stiff you want to be put through a pasta roller? (Or run over, hammered, or some variation of that 😂)

Sometimes when your muscles are that tight and painful, a good place to start is some intentional stretching and rocking/compression before we dive in with the deep tissue techniques. I've found this especially helpful for people who struggle to "let go," and first timers are usually surprised by how good it feels.

Would you try being stretched? If you've already done it, let us know how your experience was!

As a licensed massage therapist specializing in chronic pain, I will never stop talking about the things I allow my clients to choose -- even when it seems obvious. The reality is, even though massage is a regulated profession (in the US), there is so much variation in the way therapists run their businesses, it can be hard to know what to expect as the consumer.

I have a client I'd been seeing monthly for years. At the time, my routine line was "undress to your comfort level" and that was that; turns out, this client kept her underwear on even though she would have loved to undress fully for more skin on skin work -- but her last massage therapist required underwear on. She thought that was just how it was done.

I've also encountered numerous people over the years who mention they'd love to try massage, but just can't imagine being undressed around a stranger. They didn't know that some therapists will work with clients at their comfort level. How could they? Massage is always depicted undressed in the media, and often as the butt of inappropriate jokes. That could make it a very uncomfortable prospect for a lot of us.

I don't think every LMT should operate the same way. I do believe clients should know they have options. That's why I love talking about the industry, even with clients I will never see. If I can inspire one person to keep looking for their perfect therapist, then it's worth my time!

Besides levels of undress, what's something you've discovered is not actually standardized across the field? Therapists and clients, please chime in!

I love the human body. It is an amazing machine, and I marvel that we are still able to learn new things about it. I'm fascinated by the many ways bodies can adapt to the environment or to limitations. I love the way a body can change from month to month (or over years), yes, even the aging process -- as I live it myself!

I hope you never feel ashamed to receive touch. I hope you never feel too thin, too fat, too muscular, too old; I hope you never experience shame for your scars, acne, prominent veins, body hair, nails, stretch marks. 

Massage therapy is intimate. We're spending a significant amount of time up close and personal. I won't lie and say I never notice the details I can see and feel, in fact, I'm deeply tuned in to the tissue under my hands and constantly considering how my observations might play into your pain or stress. What I can promise you is, there's no judgement about those things. No negativity. My table is a safe space, just as you are.

Won't you join me?

I get it, filling out forms isn't thrilling. But, when it comes to professional bodywork, sharing certain information with your therapist is a must to ensure a safe and effective treatment. I purposely keep mine to the bare minimum I need to know before you come in (I definitely prefer talking face to face), but most states mandate that some type of consent be signed before the therapist can touch you.

It's important to know medications you take, past surgeries, and diagnoses because some techniques might be inappropriate  -- like cupping or certain deep tissue techniques, or stretches. Most of the time you can still receive the massage you're after, but we might need to make modifications or just be aware as we're working.

Consent is crucial, because not everyone knows what to expect the first time the receive massage. It might seem basic or obvious to us massage connoisseurs, but it really can be nerve-racking for some (and I was once that clueless recipient!)

Clients, what do you think? Does an intake form bother you, or does it feel good having an opportunity to share what's going on with your body? LMT's, anyone out there take appointments without an intake form (according to my research, the answer is yes!) -- how does that work out for you? Let's discuss!

Yes, it's possible to survive without touch, but most humans will not thrive without touch. From the time we're born, skin to skin contact plays a vital role in development, health, and contentment.

"Touch starvation"  or "skin hunger" occurs when a human being goes for too long without experiencing safe touch from another human. Biologically, we're wired to desire and respond to touch, which can reduce cortisol, and increase oxytocin -- which reduces stress and inflammation. Touch has even been shown to improve immune function, when received regularly.

And touch doesn't have to be massage; for many of us, we can fulfill our touch requirements through hugs, cuddling, or even simply holding hands! But when these types of contact are not an option, professional massage therapy can provide those benefits along with the pain or tension relief many of us seek from bodywork.

A robot will never be able to create that experience. The energy, compassion, and attention of a real person just can't be replicated!

When it becomes available near you, will you try AI massage? Do you think you'd prefer it, or do you love the skin on skin experience? (And I know there's gotta be someone here who's touch-averse, I want to hear from you on this topic!

When I was newly licensed, I immediately created Wellness Lifestyle. I also took a part time job at a local franchise, as is often recommended for new grads. Some consider it a sort of right of passage, or "paying your dues" type of thing. Here's why I lasted less than two weeks:

1. An hour is not an hour. Appointments are 50 minutes, and a lot of new clients don't realize that when booking "an hour." It created a lot of disappointment, and honestly, I need that last 10 minutes to do a good full body massage.

2. That extra 10 minutes is for both intake and discharge -- and cleaning/setting for the next client. Rushed intake, rushed ending. It felt like hurried energy on both ends, and that's the last thing I want to feel during a massage (whether giving or receiving!)

3. And speaking of cleaning...they wanted us to wash the blankets only once a week! I find it unhygienic and unethical to use dirty blankets (or any equipment) during a massage treatment, and that was one rule I just couldn't reconcile with.

4. There were restrictions on what we could do that just didn't work for client needs and my style -- especially for complex pain issues. We couldn't work on female chest muscles, no abdominal work, and limited glutes. These rules vary from location to location, but it's a broad complaint I've heard (as well as experienced.)

There are a few other reasons as well, but these are the ones that really affect the client experience, whether the goal is relaxation or working with chronic pain.

As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

"She booked a Swedish massage, but kept asking for more pressure. I wasn't willing to do it because deep tissue costs more!"

I see versions of this conversation in massage groups all the time. It always generates a lot of conversation, and especially arguments about what even is "deep tissue." If the pros can't even agree on it, how is a client supposed to know?!

In my practice, I choose not to book by modality because I've found that most sessions are a blend of techniques. It can be difficult to make a menu selection if you're not even sure what a modality is, let alone how it will feel for your body.

Most of all, I don't mind if you refer to deep/firm pressure as deep tissue. When you say "deep tissue" or "Swedish," I know what kind of work you're looking for, and I can ask relevant questions if I need more information. So, I'm not going to lecture you about the "actual definition" or upcharge because you want more pressure on your lower back or shoulder.

Therapists, chime in: does it bother you when clients refer to more pressure as deep tissue?  Clients, I'd love to hear any comments or experiences you have on the subject too!