Author: Seth Johnson Photo by Jacob Postuma on Unsplash Massage therapy is an encompassing term for a variety of therapeutic techniques, but most people only associate massage therapy with relaxation; in fact, the “therapy” component of massage therapy can completely transform a person’s life, especially if they use it regularly to maintain their health and wellness. FST, short for fascial stretch therapy, is a massage therapy practice that is u ..read more

By Seth Johnson Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash If you were recently here in Flagstaff to receive a therapeutic massage at Bodies in Balance,you were probably asked if you’d like essential oils as part of your therapy session. Essentialoils have become one of the most widely talked about aspects of health and wellness lately, andit’s because researchers are finding out just how much of a connection there is between smelland emotion. Think about the last time you smelle ..read more

Author Seth Johnson Photo By Camile Kmile  ​Whew! That massage was so relaxing. The whispering sound of a flowing river in thebackground was so dreamy that it almost made you fall asleep; the subtle smells of lavender orother essential oils wafted through your nose and sent you to a magical, mystical place. Thenagging tension in your neck, the stress that had morphed into a firm knot in your back, the dullaches and sharp pains of everyday life seemed to willingly melt ..read more

​As a massage therapist, I have a lot of cool skills.  I can help relieve your low back pain, loosen up your legs and hips so you perform better in your next race, and even melt away the tension of a stressful day.  And while many of my clients think I know exactly where the pain is and how to make it go away, I’m not psychic. But I’m often surprised by how many people seem to think that I am. People who think I’m psychic will say things like “you& ..read more

​It's the time of year when there always seems to be something "going around" - fever, runny noses, coughing, sneezing... you know what I mean.  Here are a few important things to know about massage and colds and flu. Massage could be your secret weapon to help prevent colds and flu. Improving circulation of the blood and lymph systems. Reducing the effects of stress, making you less susceptible to illness.Helping you sleep better, and adequate rest is ..read more

What are they?  How are they treated?  Why do they matter?  Most of my massage therapy sessions include the treatment of at least one or two trigger points.  But many of my clients don’t know what trigger points are or why they are important.   Trigger points are “a highly irritable localized spot of exquisite tenderness in a nodule in a palpable taut b ..read more

1. Be as receptive and open to the massage process as possible. 2. Don’t eat a large meal just before a massage session.  Let your body digest your meal first. 3. Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it may take longer to relax. 4.  Privacy - Your massage therapist will leave the room while you undress.  A sheet and blanket are provided for draping during the massage and she will uncover only the part ..read more

Clients frequently request Deep Tissue Massage when they call to schedule an appointment and they are often surprised that it’s not on our menu.  But here’s the thing -  "Deep Tissue" isn’t an accurate term for what they are almost always looking for.   ​ To most people (including, unfortunately, many massage therapists) deep tissue has become synonymous with d ..read more

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates down the back of your leg, often extending all the way from the lower back to the lower leg.  Pain is  often described as "sharp" or "tingling" and is due to caused by compression of the sciatic nerve.  Muscle weakness may accompany the pain.  The sciatic nerve runs from your spinal cord in your lower back down the back of each leg, and is the longest nerve in you ..read more

Recently, I saw a post on Facebook by someone looking for recommendations for a massage therapist. She and her husband do physically demanding work and want to add massage to their self-care routine.  Immediately thought “Pick me! Pick me!” and posted all the reasons I’m a wonderful therapist.   Then I realized that I could really help her more by providing tips on how to find her perfect therapist. And she’s got a harde ..read more