Meet our Team of Experts

February 20, 2025

Every massage therapist develops a unique technical style and clinical expertise

Our team of massage therapists have been studying and practicing their areas of expertise for years.  As a massage therapist hones their skill, they find a style of working that is both sustainable for their body and deeply effective at delivering therapeutic benefits. 


Amy has a tempo like a waltz and powerful hands.  Her technical expertise is in trigger point therapy and Russian, which is great for clients who prefer firm pressure.  She also applies her knowledge and training as a doula in addition to her own research to inform her therapeutic approach.

 
Lena has a very gliding, spa like style.  With her years of experience attending births and her current studies as a midwife, she knows how important it is to calm the nervous system and support the body’s inherent intelligence in the experience of pregnancy and labor.  She lulls the nervous system releases tissue restrictions with her mastery of what massage therapists call “flow”.  It’s the quality of a massage that gives a sense of smooth connection between every motion and transition. 


Lindsay’s massage style calls to mind gentle lapping waves.  Lindsay’s background as a doula and yoga therapist inform her balanced approach to treating the entire being before her.  She will pay attention to the physical needs of a client’s current state of discomfort, and she also holds space for emotional or mental needs a person can have during this journey too. 


Rose has been providing massage therapy for 5 years, and has niched to focus on pre and post natal massage therapy in the last two years.  Her focus has been on repairing patterns of chronic dysregulation in the nervous system through movement, vocalizing, and therapeutic touch.  Her technical mastery is in lymphatic drainage and myofascial release.  Her style is a light to medium pressure designed to deeply relax the nervous system and let the body lead the release of restrictions layer by layer. 


 All four massage therapists have a foundational understanding in the most common tissue patterns and physiological processes that occur throughout the pregnancy and postpartum phases, safe technical strokes to apply, and contraindications that require adjustments.  This team regularly consults and trades with each other to continuously improve their ability to provide a therapeutic massage, balancing between what is typical and what is unique to the needs and preferences of each client. 


By Alex Parr January 30, 2024
The Benefits of Postpartum Massage: Supporting Your Recovery After Birth Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, but the postpartum period comes with its own set of physical and emotional challenges. After months of pregnancy and the intensity of labor, a mother’s body undergoes significant changes as it begins to heal. From muscle soreness to hormone fluctuations and emotional exhaustion, postpartum recovery is a crucial time for self-care. Postpartum massage is a powerful tool that helps new mothers recover physically, balance hormones, and manage stress while promoting relaxation and emotional well-being. Whether you’ve just given birth or are weeks into your postpartum journey, massage therapy can provide much-needed relief and support as your body adjusts. What Is Postpartum Massage? Postpartum massage is a specialized form of therapeutic massage designed to support a mother’s recovery after childbirth. It focuses on relieving muscle tension, improving circulation, reducing swelling, and promoting overall relaxation. This type of massage can be beneficial whether you had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section, as it helps aid healing and restore balance in the body. A trained postpartum massage therapist tailors each session to address your unique needs. The techniques used may include gentle strokes to encourage relaxation, deeper pressure to relieve tension, and lymphatic massage to reduce swelling and improve circulation. The session can also be adjusted depending on your comfort level, especially if you are breastfeeding, recovering from a C-section, or experiencing back and hip pain from carrying and feeding your baby. Physical Benefits of Postpartum Massage The postpartum period brings a variety of physical changes and challenges, including muscle soreness, fatigue, and fluid retention. Massage therapy provides targeted relief to help new mothers feel more comfortable as their bodies heal. One of the biggest physical benefits of postpartum massage is muscle recovery. Pregnancy and childbirth put immense strain on the body, particularly the back, hips, shoulders, and abdomen. Whether from labor, breastfeeding posture, or carrying a newborn, many new moms experience tightness and discomfort. Postpartum massage helps relieve tension, improve mobility, and support muscle healing. Swelling and circulation issues are also common after childbirth due to fluid retention and hormonal shifts. Postpartum massage encourages lymphatic drainage, which helps reduce swelling in the legs, ankles, and hands, promoting better circulation and reducing discomfort. For those recovering from a C-section, postpartum massage can aid in scar tissue healing and improve circulation around the incision site. While direct massage over the scar is avoided until the area has healed, gentle techniques around the abdomen and lower back can support the healing process and reduce post-surgical discomfort. Postpartum massage also helps regulate hormones. After birth, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, which can contribute to mood swings, fatigue, and physical discomfort. Massage stimulates the production of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine—hormones that promote relaxation, improve mood, and help new mothers feel more emotionally balanced. Emotional & Mental Health Benefits The postpartum period is not only physically demanding but also emotionally intense. Many new mothers experience stress, anxiety, and postpartum blues as they adjust to life with a newborn. Massage therapy provides a natural way to support emotional well-being and promote relaxation. One of the key emotional benefits of postpartum massage is stress relief. The combination of physical recovery, sleepless nights, and adjusting to new routines can be overwhelming. Massage helps lower cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing feel-good hormones, creating a sense of calm and relaxation. Postpartum massage may also help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Studies suggest that massage can have a positive impact on mental health by improving mood stability, decreasing anxiety, and promoting a sense of well-being. By providing a dedicated time for self-care and relaxation, massage therapy offers emotional support during a time when many mothers feel exhausted and overwhelmed. Another important benefit of postpartum massage is improved sleep quality. Sleep deprivation is a common struggle for new parents, and massage therapy helps the body enter a more relaxed state, making it easier to rest and recover even in short sleep intervals. When Can You Start Postpartum Massage? Many new mothers can begin receiving postpartum massage as early as five days after giving birth, depending on their comfort and recovery progress. However, if you had a C-section or any complications, it’s best to consult your doctor before scheduling a session. In the early postpartum days, gentle massage techniques can provide relief without putting too much strain on the body. As recovery progresses, deeper techniques may be used to target muscle tension and promote healing. How Often Should You Get a Postpartum Massage? The frequency of postpartum massage depends on your personal needs and recovery goals. In the first few weeks after birth, weekly or biweekly sessions can be highly beneficial for pain relief, hormone regulation, and stress reduction. As you continue healing, monthly sessions can help maintain relaxation and provide ongoing support for your well-being. Regular postpartum massage can also help with long-term recovery. Many new mothers experience lingering back pain, hip tightness, and muscle imbalances from months of carrying and feeding their baby. Ongoing massage therapy can provide relief and support the body’s natural healing process. Experience the Benefits of Postpartum Massage at Maternal Massage At Maternal Massage, we specialize in safe, effective postpartum massage designed to support new mothers through their recovery journey. Our experienced therapists use specialized techniques to relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being in a relaxing and nurturing environment. Whether you’re looking to ease pain, reduce stress, or simply take a moment for yourself, postpartum massage is an essential part of self-care after childbirth. Experience the benefits for yourself and prioritize your healing and well-being. Your body deserves it.
By Alex Parr January 30, 2024
The Benefits of Couples Massage: Relax, Reconnect, and Restore Together Quality time is essential in any relationship, but in today’s busy world, it can be difficult to carve out moments of true connection. Between work, family responsibilities, and daily stress, finding ways to relax and bond with your partner can feel like a challenge. Couples massage offers the perfect opportunity to unwind together in a calming environment while experiencing the many physical and emotional benefits of massage therapy. Whether you are looking for a unique date experience, a way to deepen your emotional bond, or simply a chance to relax side by side, couples massage provides a meaningful and intentional way to reconnect. What Is Couples Massage? A couples massage is a shared massage experience where two people receive a massage at the same time, in the same room, by two trained massage therapists. It allows partners, friends, or family members to enjoy the benefits of therapeutic touch while sharing a relaxing and rejuvenating moment together. Unlike traditional massages, where you are alone in the room with your therapist, couples massage creates a shared experience that fosters connection and deepens emotional bonds. Each person receives a customized massage based on their individual needs, whether they prefer deep tissue work, relaxation techniques, or targeted relief for tension and pain. Couples massage is about more than just relaxation—it promotes emotional connection by increasing feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which enhance feelings of closeness, trust, and affection. Physical Benefits of Couples Massage Massage therapy offers a wide range of physical benefits, from relieving muscle tension to improving circulation and reducing stress. Couples massage allows both individuals to enjoy these benefits together while creating a deeper sense of relaxation and well-being. One of the most immediate benefits is stress and tension relief* Whether from work, parenting, or daily responsibilities, stress can take a toll on the body and mind. Massage helps to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, while increasing relaxation, helping both individuals feel more at ease. Massage also helps to release muscle tension and ease pain. Many couples experience tension from sitting at a desk all day, strenuous physical activity, or carrying the weight of daily stress in their neck, shoulders, and back. A customized massage allows each person to receive the specific care they need to feel rejuvenated. Another key benefit is improved circulation and reduced muscle fatigue. Massage stimulates blood flow, which helps oxygen and nutrients reach the muscles more efficiently. This can lead to reduced soreness, quicker muscle recovery, and an overall boost in energy levels. Emotional & Relationship Benefits Beyond the physical benefits, couples massage plays a powerful role in enhancing emotional well-being and strengthening relationships. Shared relaxation experiences, such as massage, help deepen bonds, improve communication, and encourage intimacy. One of the primary emotional benefits of couples massage is its ability to **reduce stress and anxiety together**. Many couples face everyday pressures that can create tension in their relationship. By engaging in a calming and rejuvenating activity together, both individuals can release built-up stress and enter a more positive emotional state. Massage therapy also increases oxytocin, the “love hormone”, which promotes feelings of connection and trust. This natural hormone enhances emotional bonding and can help couples feel more affectionate and emotionally in tune with one another. For partners looking to reignite intimacy and closeness, couples massage is a great way to set aside time to focus on each other without distractions. The relaxing atmosphere and shared experience create the perfect environment for reconnection. Who Can Benefit from Couples Massage? Couples massage isn’t just for romantic partners—it’s a wonderful experience for **friends, family members, or anyone looking to share a moment of relaxation**. Whether you want to celebrate an anniversary, enjoy a special occasion, or simply take a break from the demands of daily life, couples massage provides a **shared wellness experience** that benefits both body and mind. This experience is ideal for: - Partners looking to relax and reconnect - Friends seeking a unique self-care activity - Parents in need of a stress-free break - Family members wanting to bond and unwind together How Often Should You Get a Couples Massage? The frequency of couples massage depends on personal preferences and lifestyle. For couples who lead high-stress lives, monthly or biweekly sessions can be beneficial for maintaining relaxation and emotional connection. For those looking for an occasional self-care experience, scheduling a couples massage for special occasions or as a regular date night alternative is a great way to prioritize quality time together. Experience the Benefits of Couples Massage at Maternal Massage At Maternal Massage, our dedicated couples massage room provides a peaceful and welcoming environment where you and your partner can relax and reconnect. Our experienced therapists customize each session to meet your individual needs, ensuring that you both receive a personalized and deeply restorative massage experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, looking to relieve stress, or simply want to spend intentional time together, couples massage offers a unique and meaningful way to bond and recharge. Take a break from the everyday routine and experience the power of touch, relaxation, and connection. You deserve it.
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