This is great for maintenance and prevention between massage appointments, but if the achy stiffness gets out of hand, schedule an appointment soon!

I have four regular massage therapists and an acupuncturist. Really. I alternate between them, with regular appointments and the occasional, “Help, I’ve hurt myself” appointment for good measure. When the especially evil spot between my shoulder blades kicks up, Andria attacks it. When dental work pushed my jaw into outrage, Christie at Eastern Therapeutics calmed it down. Christina is the master of CranioSacral work, when I need gentle but powerful bodywork. You know those muscles the run up and down either side of your spine? Karleen keeps mine in great shape so I can keep working on yours. And Amber is the newest addition to the troupe, bringing in not just massage, but some seriously keen reflexology skills.

Needs vary, and so should your massage therapist. We simply can’t all be great at every technique (and any massage therapist who tells you otherwise is a hack), and I’m so fortunate to patronize and refer to a group of colleagues who all know our strengths, and work together so our clients get what they need. We are collaborative, never competitive, and we want what’s best for all of our clients.

There’s some practicality here, too. I’m traveling more this year and my rates will increase soon. If I’m out of town and you hurt your back, would’t it be great to already know another therapist? You could quickly make an appointment and get treated without all the hassle of meeting someone brand new and filling out new intake forms when you’re already feeling crappy. I want you to have a variety of options if I can’t fit you into the schedule and you’re in pain, or if you just want to try something different. Check out my resources page and of course, I can always help you decide who is the (other) perfect practitioner for you!

Give it a shot, I know you’ll love my friends.

The Christmas when I was 4 years old I got a dollhouse made by my grandparents and the Barbie mobile home. It was a big year. I remember being so excited that I couldn’t decide which to play with first and I cried.

As an adult, I’ve gotten fancy lotions (don’t use ‘em), fruitcake (yuck), and candles (me and fire shouldn’t mix, according to my acupuncturist). I even got a tube of self-tanner one year. Really, from a boyfriend’s mother. (She didn’t like me very much, apparently because I was so pale?) While I always appreciate the sentiment, such gifts usually end up in a donation basket and are quickly forgotten.

So what’s a client/friend/relation of mine to do? People who know me realize their gift-giving attempts are futile. I have everything I need and most of what I want. (Scratch that, I have everything I want since I picked up a perfect gray cashmere sweater on clearance last week.)

I’m asking for this: Please donate to the Massage Therapy Foundation. For me, there is no greater gift you can give than to support the research, education and community service opportunities for massage therapists. Give me job security, give me proof that my touch relieves pain or helps children with autism relax. Give me the funds to spend time at an elementary after-school program teaching kids how to relax and regroup, creating the next generation of educated massage consumers.

Remember that feeling you have when you leave a massage? Make a donation on behalf of your favorite massage therapist, and help more people feel that way for many years to come.

(Me in 1980. Pretty sure I used the sketchpad for writing. Go figure.)

I found out today that if someone asks Siri, the personal assistant inside the iPhone 4S, “Where can I get a happy ending?” the response is a list of nearby massage therapists. Sigh.

On one level, I think this is hilarious. I have a pretty solid sense of humor about life in general.

On another level, I think it’s annoying because the appropriate answer would list local bookstores. I’m pretty practical.

But more than any other feeling, I am appalled. I have a college degree, a certification from an accredited massage school, I’m licensed in two states and typically exceed the required continuing education standards set forth by two professional organizations. I’ve run a successful business for seven years, flourishing during an economic downturn.

And to be the target of algorithmic sarcasm coming from a phone? Really? That’s where we’re at? Good grief.

The Family BBQ

It’s somewhat bothersome to make small talk with someone at a family BBQ, and when I say I’m a massage therapist, the response is, “Do you do happy endings?” (Yeah, that’s happened. More than once. With my parents nearby, even.) Often, the silliness is less obvious, a flash of a raised eyebrow or a hesitation, but it’s there.

You & Massage

Here’s the thing: I know you, my fantastic clients who appreciate the value of regular massage, are not like the bozos who make ignorant jokes. I know you respect my skills and the benefits of massage therapy.

So I’m enlisting you to help me. Please, when you hear such jokes or when you tell someone you get massage and they make that questioning face, gently re-educate them. Share your experience. Tell them that massage therapists are not sex workers. Tell them that regular massage has been a wonderful treatment for your stress, migraines, back pain, etc.

This profession has come a very long way in the past 50 years, but we’ve got a long way to go still. I would very much appreciate if you, a recipient of massage, choose to be vocal and part of the solution.

Thank you, your support means the world to me.

Allissa

PS- if you wish to lodge a complaint with Apple, go here.

If you’ve ever asked me about about post-workout soreness and lactic acid, you’ve likely heard my story that begins, “Actually, a Canadian study showed that massage may not increase the flow of fluid through the muscles and we’re just starting to learn that lactic acid is a fuel, not a waste product.” (Then I would rant a little bit about how the studies are being led by physical therapists and there is concern that PT moves are much different from a massage therapists moves, so we aren’t sure how much street cred to give that study.)

Well, we’re starting to get more info on the lactic acid debate. This piece in the New York Times does a great job of expressing the quandary in real-people terms. I hope you check it out!

What’s this CranioSacral thing?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.  Releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system helps to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

CST complements the body’s natural healing processes.  Using a light touch, the practitioner assists in releasing tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole body health and performance.  These gentle techniques also help to bring about a state of deep calm and relaxation.

You know I love having you as a client, and I don’t plan to be going anywhere soon, but I think it’s important that you experience all different types of massage and bodywork. It’s a big, varied field out there, and I’m a fan of having more than one practitioner in your corner.  If CST interests you, I hope you check out Christina’s website and make an appointment with her. She gave me a CST treatment and I loved it. I felt mellow and good and slept like a baby that night. No small thing in my world.

Cancellation Policy
I understand that unanticipated events happen occasionally in everyone’s life. In my desire to be effective and fair to all clients, the following policies are honored: 24 hour advance notice is required when cancelling an appointment. This allows the opportunity for someone else to schedule an appointment. If you are unable to give me 24 hours advance notice you will be charged the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled appointment.

No-shows
If you forget or consciously choose to forgo your appointment for whatever reason, that’s considered  a “no-show.”  You will be charged in full for your missed appointment.

Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours. Depending upon how late you arrive, your therapist will then determine if there is enough time remaining to start a treatment. Regardless of the length of the treatment actually given, you will be responsible for the full amount of the scheduled session. Out of respect and consideration to your therapist and other customers, please plan accordingly and be on time.

Are you-
a pregnant woman
physically active and like to challenge your body
recovering from an injury and doing well in or ending physical therapy
dealing with depression and/or anxiety
experiencing stress
the parent of an athletic kid, or a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

If you answered yes to one or more of the above -and- would like to make regular massage part of your wellness plan, sweet! This could work out.

But, if you:

want hot stone massage
want energy work like Reiki,
want Craniosacral Therapy
are currently undergoing treatment for cancer
plan to schedule & receive massage less than 5 times per year

We’re probably not a good massage therapist/client match.

BUT DON’T WORRY, I have amazing colleagues who specialize in techniques and treatments that elude me. Check out my Links & Resources page, and if you have any questions, call or email me and I’ll help you find the massage therapist best for you.

You also may want to check out my Cancellation, no-show and late arrival policies here, and my No Gratuity policy here.