The journey up to now... In 2009, I started the path to becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist.  I was inspired by the therapies and research happening in the quadriplegic treatments of Christopher Reeve.  For years I was encouraged by his tagline, "Go Forward."  Along the journey I have had many ups and downs, and learned from many types of experiences within the field. Until recently I offered massage therapy as The Touch of Wellness.  I've noticed recently though, how hard it is for people in this day and age to just take time, unwind, and relax.  Even in my 8 minute drive to and from my private practice in Mason City, there is a large number of stimuli around that keep the mind engaged and the body tense.  While talking with friends and neighbors, the joke is always, "relax what’s that? So now, it’s time to RELAX…  The I haves... -I have worked in states with and without licensing; and have witnessed the harm a lack of proper education can do first hand. -I have worked with chiropractors and in massage chain franchises, where the focus is all about results; it just depends on who determines how those results are measured. -I have been a part of a brick and mortar joint practice, where others joined together to offer all types of alternative therapies. -I have even traveled all parts of Iowa and Southern Minnesota as a Mobile Massage Therapist, working with clients of all genders, ages, and conditions. -Probably my proudest and most educational experience, I have also been a teacher, tutor, and mentor in the field of Massage Therapy. What I Do There are as many ways to do a massage, as there are practitioners doing massage therapy.  Each person learns similar techniques throughout their career.  Their experiences are what dictates how they use those techniques. My experiences have taught me to look at the whole body and not focus on just one area in particular.  It is in my opinion that style of treatment plan provides the greatest form of relief and healing.  Often times i've found, if we only focus on the areas that hurt, we are missing the parts of the problem that started first.  Meaning if feels better now, but it isn't going to go away completely.  Pain is always the last symptom. Through physical assessments of a clients movements, a thorough understanding of medical history, and communication of signs, symptoms, pain, and goals; we will put a treatment plan together to get you feeling better, and work towards the goal of making that feeling last longer between sessions.