Hello! I'm so happy that you found your way here, but I'm curious: what led you to read these words?

Are you living with an old injury or chronic pain? Do you feel estranged from your physical self? Or do you simply have a lot on your plate right now and could really use some physical support to lighten the load? 

My name is Woozy Wootters (they/them). I am a licensed massage therapist and an insured member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP), as well as a part of the Sanctuary collective of bodyworkers, yoga instructors, and other healing arts practitioners. 

I'm well aware of how many massage therapists there are around here. If you live in the Pioneer Valley, you may know one personally, and if you live in Northampton, you probably tripped over one on your way to work today! 

That said, massage therapists are by no means a monolith - we all have different styles, strengths, and philosophies, and you'd be doing yourself a huge favor to shop around and find someone who best fits your needs. To get a better sense of whether or not working with me specifically will be beneficial for you, allow me to plainly lay out what you can expect from my practice.

Techniques

While I have experience with Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Myofascial Release – and I think those modalities are great! – my specialty is a personal variation on what an old mentor referred to as “Deep Swedish”: a comprehensive full-body massage that promotes circulation and general relaxation, but also digs into muscles to relieve tension, mostly through the use of a lot of very slow, precise, and deep strokes. This technique occasionally incorporates trigger point therapy, but the idea is to keep the body relaxed, even while the muscles are being deeply targeted. 

No matter which modality you select when making your appointment, there will be an in-person conversation about it beforehand to make sure you get what you’re looking for!

Beliefs

In addition to comfort, I believe that communication is vital for an effective massage. If you’re not feeling listened to, then you’re not getting good treatment, in any context. For this reason, I always leave a good amount of time for intake before the session clock actually starts.

Life can be a lot, and a good massage session should allow you the opportunity to process and unload whatever you’re holding on to. While I may not be directly challenging in the way that a good psychotherapist would be, I am always here to listen and respond - before, during, and after the massage.

I also believe that listening to yourself is just as important, if not more so. Through massage, I want to provide a space where you can check in with yourself and find your own answers for what your body needs at this moment in time. I also want to provide a space where people feel comfortable advocating for themselves and what they want - we could all use a little practice there!

Sliding Scale

I believe that massage therapy should not be a luxury. Many of us live in a world of high stress and reduced human contact, where we are encouraged – if not required! – to ignore the needs of our bodies to get through the day. In this context, massage is not a luxury, but rather basic maintenance. I keep my prices relatively low for this reason, and I also have sliding scale options for those who want to make use of it:

• 30 minutes - $30-$45
• 45 minutes - $45-$60
• 60 minutes - $60-$80
• 75 minutes - $75-$100
• 90 minutes - $90-$120

Finally, as a bonus tenet, here’s the free space on the massage therapist bingo card, the belief that you should expect from any massage therapist:

EVERYBODY DESERVES RESPECT. You are unique, and you are beautiful, and I hope that every day you look at yourself in the mirror and say "I love and accept you, exactly as you are."

When I first started getting massage therapy, it was a life-changing experience for me, and I hope to share that experience with you soon, because you are worth it. 

Until then, take care!

- Woozy