Massage therapy and bodywork

Shawna Stern, one of our massage therapists, cradles the head of a client

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscle and other soft tissues of the body, for general relaxation or specific therapeutic purposes. Massage techniques can vary widely, for example: pressure can be applied with smooth, gliding strokes of the practitioner’s hands or forearms, while fingers and elbows can be utilized for static pressure or concentrated friction. The amount of pressure that a massage therapist uses can range from very gentle to quite deep. A Licensed Massage Therapist will tailor their treatments to each client’s individual needs and goals.

What is Massage Therapy good for?

Massage therapy is widely recognized for reducing stress and helping clients to achieve deep relaxation. The Mayo Clinic reports that massage may also be helpful for:

  • anxiety

  • digestive disorders

  • fibromyalgia

  • insomnia related to stress

  • myofascial pain syndrome

  • soft tissue strains or injuries

  • sports injuries

  • TMJ pain

Tamara massages a client's legs over a sheet

What can I expect from a treatment? What do I need to do to prepare for it?

When you arrive for your first appointment, your therapist will take a few minutes to ask you about your general health, specific conditions that may affect your treatment, and goals for your treatment. Your therapist will also answer any questions that you may have. We recommend that you schedule a 60 or 90 minute session for your first visit.

Massage therapy is often performed on a massage table. You will privately undress to your level of comfort – some clients wear no clothing, some prefer to keep on undergarments or other clothing. You will be covered by a sheet at all times; your therapist will uncover only the part of your body that they are working on (i.e.: back, one leg, or one arm). Your comfort is your therapist’s main priority – please feel free to voice any concerns or preferences you may have before or during your massage.

Depending on the type of treatment plan you create with your massage therapist, you may leave your appointment feeling energized, or relaxed and sleepy. It is common for clients to fall asleep during a relaxation massage.

Tamara Cornehlsen practices therapeutic and peri-natal massage; her prices are here. Tamara practices at CLINIC Tuesdays 3- 9pm and Thursdays and Fridays 9am- 3pm.

Darlene Labine offers therapeutic massage as well as Reiki at CLINIC Wednesdays and Thursdays 3- 9pm and Fridays and Saturdays 9am- 3pm. Her prices are here.

Dana O’Neill offers therapeutic massage along with Craniosacral therapy, Reiki, and reflexology, Mondays 9am- 3pm and Fridays 1- 9pm; her prices are here.

Christine Pfeil offers therapeutic massage at CLINIC Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 5- 9pm, and Saturdays 1- 5pm. Her prices are here.

Rebeca Torres-Rose offers therapeutic massage, chair massage, and Thai massage at CLINIC Wednesdays noon- 6pm and Thursdays 10am- 7pm.