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Sports Massage Training for Cirque du Soleil's Kà
When Chris invited me to join a "Cirquassage Event," where I could practice sports massage on Kà performers, technicians, and staff, I didn’t hesitate. Before the event, we had two sessions to discuss expectations and practice sports massage techniques. Sports massage differs from therapeutic or spa-style massage.

Christina Aldan
3 min read


How Fascia, the Vagus Nerve, and Inflammation Are Changing the Way We Think About Healing
Y'all. I'm super inspired after listening to this podcast about. the vagus nerve and massage (manual) therapy this morning. It's called, The Thinking Practitioner, hosted by Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe

Christina Aldan
4 min read


How Slow Pressure Supports the Body and Mind
If you have been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or tense, a gentle and informed massage session may be exactly what your body and mind need.

Christina Aldan
2 min read
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My Fascia Fan Protocol for Hip Pain
While bursitis can cause pain, many cases actually stem from tight fascia and restricted tendons converging around the greater trochanter. This area forms what I call a Fascia Fan, layers of connective tissue that can become stiff and limit movement.

Christina Aldan
5 days ago4 min read


Lower Back Protocol with Fascial Release
Lower back pain often stems from tight muscles, inflammation, or restricted fascia —the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. It even winds through your muscles. When fascia becomes stiff or stuck from long periods of contraction or scar tissue, it can pull on muscles and nerves, causing pain that feels deeper than a simple muscle ache.

Christina Aldan
6 days ago5 min read


Guided Imagery: Hug Yourself
Begin by settling in allowing your body to be comfortable and at ease.
Connecting to the breath in whatever way is useful to you today. Feeling your body move as you bring in the inhale and as you release the exhale. Finding some comfort in the rhythm of the breath. The constant reminder that the present moment is always happening.

Christina Aldan
6 days ago4 min read


Why I Call it the Platypus CHOMP!
People ask why I say I'm forming a platypus bill with my hands instead of duck bill. It’s not just a quirky choice. It’s a way to explain how I approach healing, especially for those struggling with chronic pain. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Ecology and Environmental Sciences. My degree taught me that the platypus is a unique species. Unbeknownst to many, a platypus bill is soft, sensitive, and collects sensory feedback. That’s the kind of touch I bring to my bodywork, and i

Christina Aldan
Dec 28, 20256 min read


John Barnes's Healing Hands Seminar
Attending a John Barnes’s Myofascial Release (MFR) Seminar designed exclusively for patients opened my eyes to how this therapy can transform overall well-being. If you are a patient seeking healing or a therapist wanting to deepen your skills, this seminar offers a unique opportunity to unlock the power of MFR.

Christina Aldan
Dec 28, 20255 min read


Protocol for Achy Buttcheeks
If you spend most of your days sitting down, an elbow in the butt might be just the thing you need. That achy buttcheek feeling is more common than you think, and it’s often misunderstood.

Christina Aldan
Dec 27, 20254 min read


Can the Body Just Stop Keeping Score?
There are days when healing feels like a full-time job.
Some mornings, I wake up and think, “Not today, please. Not another breakthrough. Not another ‘lesson.’ Can the body just stop keeping score?”

Christina Aldan
Dec 23, 20255 min read


Behind the Scenes at Cirque du Soleil: Sports Massage for Athletes
Getting a chance to work backstage at Cirque du Soleil is a rare and thrilling opportunity. I was lucky enough to do it twice, and each time it felt like stepping into a world where athleticism, artistry, and discipline come together in perfect harmony.

Christina Aldan
Dec 18, 20253 min read


Celebrating Mental Health at ABF's 5th Annual Hike n' Heal Event
Hiking is one of the best ways to improve mental well-being. The Historic Railroad Pass Trail offers some of the best hiking views in Vegas. It is a peaceful environment that encourages mindfulness. Being outdoors, breathing fresh air, and moving your body can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. For those wondering what to do in Las Vegas beyond the usual entertainment, hiking at spots like Railroad Pass is a perfect option.

Christina Aldan
Dec 15, 20253 min read


UNLV Athletics Football Season Ends
Having had the opportunity to work alongside their trainers in the locker room for the 2025 football season, I know how much hard work and dedication it took to end the season strong.

Christina Aldan
Dec 15, 20251 min read


Broadway, Besties, and Birthday Sushi: Why Play Is Part of My Self-Care
Last month I was lucky enough to fly to NYC and celebrate my bestie's birthday and meet up with friends. This wasn’t a business trip. It wasn’t educational. It was joy-forward, connection-heavy, nervous-system-approved self-care.
We saw "Chess, the Musical," which just re-opened on Broadway. It's her fave. It was my first Broadway show (yes, I know. Somehow I made it this far without Broadway. Look at me grow.)

Christina Aldan
Dec 10, 20253 min read


Behind the Scenes at Kà Theatre: A Unique Massage Experience with Cirque du Soleil
I had the rare opportunity to join this world by providing sports massage to the artists and crew backstage at the Kà Theatre inside the MGM Grand.

Christina Aldan
Dec 5, 20255 min read


Luckygirl Bodywork Opens in Silverado Park Place Area
Owner Christina Aldan of Luckygirl Bodywork announced the opening of her new massage studio inside Beauty & Bodyworks Studios at 9550 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 237. The studio is located within Silverado Park Place, home to community anchor businesses including BJ's Restaurant and Big 5 Sporting Goods.

Christina Aldan
Dec 5, 20252 min read


Navigating Ethics and Power in Massage Therapy
I just completed the AMTA Continuing Education course Ethics and the Power Differential, created by massage therapy educator Kathy Ginn, LMT. This course counts toward the NCBTMB Ethics requirement and it sharpened my awareness of what it means to ethically lead the client-practitioner therapeutic relationship.

Christina Aldan
Dec 4, 20257 min read


I Melted in Norway
After graduating from my massage program, I had a two-month waiting period for my massage license to process. I am horrible at sitting still, so instead of pacing in circles I decided to travel to visit a friend in Stavanger, Norway. Of course, I had to book bodywork while I was there. I found Triangle Studio Stavanger and scheduled a 90-minute session with an MFR therapist named Carlynn.

Christina Aldan
Dec 2, 20254 min read


Exciting Milestone Opening my Massage Business Inside Beauty & Bodyworks Studios!
Finding the right place to welcome clients is important. I chose the Silverado Park Place in Henderson because it offers convenience, comfort, and a welcoming atmosphere. The shopping center is located just off the 215 on S. Eastern Avenue, making it easy to reach from many parts of the city.

Christina Aldan
Nov 28, 20253 min read


Balancing Recovery and Performance: Working with College Football Athletes
This internship continues to teach me valuable lessons about resilience, focus, and the power of targeted massage therapy. Each session is a reminder that recovery is not just about healing the body but also about preparing the mind.

Christina Aldan
Nov 23, 20254 min read


Sports Massage Training for Cirque du Soleil's Kà
When Chris invited me to join a "Cirquassage Event," where I could practice sports massage on Kà performers, technicians, and staff, I didn’t hesitate. Before the event, we had two sessions to discuss expectations and practice sports massage techniques. Sports massage differs from therapeutic or spa-style massage.

Christina Aldan
Nov 18, 20253 min read


Navigating the Unique World of Sports Massage on the UNLV Campus
Last Sunday, I had the chance to spend another day on the UNLV campus, working alongside the Rebel Football team’s trainers during my internship with the UNLV Athletics Department. Being part of the team that supports these dedicated athletes has helped me understand the unique challenges and rewards of sports massage.

Christina Aldan
Nov 10, 20254 min read


How Fascia, the Vagus Nerve, and Inflammation Are Changing the Way We Think About Healing
Y'all. I'm super inspired after listening to this podcast about. the vagus nerve and massage (manual) therapy this morning. It's called, The Thinking Practitioner, hosted by Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe

Christina Aldan
Oct 29, 20254 min read


The Future of Healing: How Massage Research is Revolutionizing Integrative Health Practices
During his session, Dr. Shurtleff explored the details of how manual therapy techniques have the power to transform healthcare practices as we know it. Researchers at NCCIH are examining how manual therapies affect the body at various levels, from cells to nerve pathways. Researchers at NCCIH are examining how manual therapies affect the body at various levels, from cells to nerve pathways.

Christina Aldan
Oct 9, 20258 min read


Transforming Veteran Care Through Massage Therapy and Whole Health Approaches
A pivotal moment occurred in May 2019 when the VHA released formal qualification standards for massage therapists. This allowed trained therapists to be directly hired within the system, presenting more opportunities to provide care for veterans battling chronic pain, trauma, or the physical strains of service.

Christina Aldan
Oct 9, 20256 min read


Listening to Your Patient's Story: A Key to Holistic Healthcare
This thoughtful approach resonates with my vision for bodywork. By adopting evidence-informed medicine principles into my massage practice, I can create more tailored and effective treatment plans which lead to better outcomes.

Christina Aldan
Oct 7, 20255 min read


Transforming Healthcare Through Whole Health an Integrative Approach to Massage Therapy
One particular course that captivated me featured a series of insights from leaders at the American Massage Therapy Association's 2023 annual conference celebrating their 80th year. The experts addressed the audience to talk about how massage, along with other complementary therapies, is transforming our perspectives on recovery and whole person health.

Christina Aldan
Oct 7, 20256 min read
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