Here at Worlds of Wellness, we’re honored to house some of the most intuitive and skilled practitioners on a global scale. Our team of licensed massage therapists possess distinct talents, skills, and healing gifts. One of our lead massage therapists, Holly, has nearly 18 years of experience, and joined Worlds of Wellness at the end of June 2022. We were lucky enough to sit down for an illuminating interview with her. Get familiar with Holly’s peaceful wisdom, and see what makes her such a skilled bodyworker.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
“I was a stay-at-home mom for years, and finally decided to go to massage school when our youngest went to high school. I’ve been practicing for nearly 18 years, and I love it because it’s an opportunity to help people. It allows me to focus on one person at a time because you can only massage one person at a time! I opt for a small wellness office because I can focus on people’s individual needs without rushing them out. I’m not interested in selling memberships. I want to help people feel better.”
What is your philosophy when working with clients?
“The most important thing I can do is listen to my client’s needs and preferences. I aim to accomplish the most for my clients with the least discomfort. People are often surprised at how much better they feel with gentle techniques. I always ask my clients if there are specific things they’d like to work out. Communication is very important. All therapists should make sure the communication channel is open for feedback about pressure or technique. At times, I may err on the side of caution, checking in when encountering a new area of notable tension, or preparing to check extra sensitive trigger points. Some people tell me, ‘You are the professional,’ to which I respond, ‘Yes, but this is your massage.’”
Describe any breakthrough moments your clients have had.
“I can’t tell you how many times people say, ‘I feel taller!’ One session in particular comes to mind. A gentleman who was using a cane had to use his hands to lift his leg to take his shoes and socks off. He had a lot of tension in the quads and hips. After his second session, he realized he could lift his leg using his muscles instead of his hands. He even forgot his cane because he felt so good. People are often surprised at how easily some of these issues can be remedied.”
Does your visual impairment influence your massage work? Does it pose any advantages?
“I’ve been blind since birth, and they haven’t come up with any miracles for it yet! I come across people who have more challenging emotional and physical issues than my blindness. For instance, anxiety or chronic pain can interfere with life in unpredictable ways. My blindness strengthens my massage work because I’m a natural problem-solver. I enjoy the challenge of it. Over the course of time, you really become familiar with the variations of muscle structure amongst hundreds of people. While I cannot visually evaluate posture and gait, I can tell what challenges people face once they get up on the table. For instance, the glutes and hip rotators are tight when someone is lying on their back and their toes are splayed to the sides. There are positional clues that signify what parts of the body need attention.”
What type of massage work do you specialize in?
“I specialize in therapeutic, Swedish, aromatherapy, and prenatal massage. I use a prenatal massage table with a sling that goes under the abdomen, and breast recesses, so expectant and new moms do not have to lie on their sides to get their backs massaged, which is awkward for both client and therapist. This is also beneficial for people who have had reconstructive or abdominal surgery. Therapeutic techniques I incorporate include trigger point massage, stretching, pin and release, and sports massage. I also enjoy aromatherapy with essential oils.”
What’s the best piece of guidance you can give to your clients?
“The muscular-skeletal system is a use-it-or-lose-it proposition. I remind people to stretch often and remain active. I love offering self-care tips or simple stretches to prevent or minimize a recurrence of muscular imbalances and tension. I always say, ‘My job is to work myself out of a job, but I hope you feel so wonderful that you still come back to see me.’”
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To schedule a massage with Holly or one of our many skilled massage therapists, contact us at Worlds of Wellness. Relieve your stress and tension. Book the massage you deserve.
