Hi!   I’m Gabriella Scotti, licensed massage therapist and founder of Chadds Ford Therapeutic Massage.   Years ago, in my mid 20’s, I “threw my back out” lifting something heavy.   Sure enough, an MRI revealed a few herniated discs in my lower back.   As was the case in those days, my doctor prescribed something for pain and a muscle relaxer and told me to take it easy.   He recommended I avoid activities that carried the potential for further injury.   Okay, but this doesn’t seem like much of a plan, I thought.   I didn’t want to give up those things I enjoyed doing.   Certainly, there had to be other options. I was compliant but my back only got worse. The pain progressed down my leg.   There were days when I could not stand.   I had a severe drag in my left foot when I walked.     Physically, I felt like someone twice my age.   Working in various health and wellness roles, I took advantage of all opportunities to learn about muscles, anatomical structure and how the human body worked.   I made lifestyle changes that benefitted me and receiving regular therapeutic massage was one of them.   The freedom of movement and reduction in chronic pain for me was life changing.   So much so that I decided to pursue my license in massage therapy. After earning my license in 2014, I focused on how to relieve back pain for me and for my clients as well.   Over the last few years, I have perfected my craft by working in private practice as well as a clinical setting.   I am grateful to have played a role in each client’s journey to better health.   I’m also happy to say that I am pain free and maintain an active lifestyle, running several days a week and competing in races when time allows.   I love helping people, so please feel free to reach out with questions, or you can schedule your appointment here.