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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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Techniques
Manual Therapy Techniques


ScarWork: What Happens When We Stop Fighting Scars and Start Listening
If you have scars that may be impeding movements, and you are in Las Vegas, massage may help! You may book time on my massage table.

Christina Aldan
Jan 3010 min read


Scar Tissue Affects Movement
After surgery, your body goes through a tissue remodeling phase and forms scar tissue as part of the healing process. While this tissue is necessary, it can sometimes stick to the layers around it, including fascia, nerves, and muscles.

Christina Aldan
Jan 294 min read


Giddy-up! A-oom-pah-pah Mow-mow
Last month I traveled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the first time. There, I earned 16 live Continuing Education (CE) hours and a certification in Myofascial Swedish massage. As a Licensed Las Vegas massage therapist, I’m always looking for ways to deepen my practice.

Christina Aldan
Jan 215 min read


Why Your Hip Flare-Ups Might Not Be Just Bursitis: A Look at the IT Band
If you’re having IT band pain, the solution usually isn’t to stretch the IT band itself, it’s to build up your booty. When the glute muscles do their job, they absorb and distribute more force, taking pressure off the overworked IT band.

Christina Aldan
Jan 162 min read


Why I Check the Bottom of Your Shoes
Yes, I really do look at the bottom of your shoes during the intake part of your Las Vegas massage appointment. Not in a weird way. Not to judge. And not to comment on your taste in footwear. I look because your shoes tell me things you probably don’t even realize your body has been saying.

Christina Aldan
Jan 143 min read


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
Jan 34 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
Jan 25 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


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


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


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


The Healing Power of Manual Therapy for Reversing Repetitive Overuse Injuries
Repetitive overuse injuries are becoming increasingly common in our fast-paced society. From athletes pushing their limits to professionals who spend hours at a desk, many people experience these injuries. If not addressed, these injuries can lead to persistent pain and long-term health issues. Fortunately, manual therapy offers a solution to relieve pain and promote healing.

Christina Aldan
Sep 26, 20255 min read


The Difference Between a Spa Massage and a Therapeutic Massage
Spa massage and therapeutic massage both have value, but the right choice depends on your needs. If you want relaxation, a spa massage may be best. If you’re looking for results that help your body heal and perform better, then my therapeutic massage sessions are designed with your long-term well-being in mind.

Christina Aldan
Sep 11, 20252 min read


Body Mechanics for Better Self-Care
Learning about body mechanics from Laura has been a transformative experience in my massage therapy journey. Her dedication to teaching and insistence on self-care have equipped me with essential tools for success in this profession.

Christina Aldan
Aug 24, 20253 min read


Soft Tissue Manipulation Using Deep-MFR
Recently, I have had the privilege of learning from Chris Melmoth, who specializes in soft tissue manipulation at the deep fascial layer. This has added another valuable dimension to my education at the European Massage Therapy School.

Christina Aldan
Aug 22, 20253 min read


My Journey in Massage School: Understanding Active and Latent Trigger Points Through Assessment
As I progress in my journey through massage school, I am increasingly aware of how both active and latent trigger points can restrict muscle movement and flexibility. Both types can lead to discomfort and limit a person's range of motion.

Christina Aldan
Aug 8, 20253 min read
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