As you settle into meditation, allowing your body to take on a seat of strength and power. Feeling your spine become more elongated and erect. Feeling your chest rise in pride and accomplishment. As you breathe in, feeling strength coming into your lungs. And as you softly close your eyes, at the same time allowing a sense of ease to cover your face, to drop through your shoulders. Noticing that both power and ease can happen at the same time.

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.

Have you ever wondered what happens during a massage intake session? If you’re new to therapeutic massage or curious about what to expect, I’m here to walk you through the entire process from your arrival to the end of your treatment. Understanding this first step can help you feel more comfortable and confident when you book your first Las Vegas massage appointment with me.

At least once a week I lace up my shoes and head outdoors. This simple routine has become essential to my life and work as a Las Vegas massage therapist. Walking the walk and talking the talk about balance is not just a phrase for me, it’s a lifestyle.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.