As we switch gears from the bleak, cold of winter, to the green, warmth of spring, there is no better time to re-group, re-prioritize, and re-commit to living a healthy and balanced life. Massage can be instrumental in helping you achieve your health goals, but like exercise, it is most effective if done regularly. I recommend monthly maintenance massage for all clients to help manage stress, maintain mobility, increase energy, and improve sleep. For clients who are very active, training for athletic events, or are working on correcting postural problems, weekly or biweekly (2X/month) visits are ideal.
Regular massage can be a lifesaver for those with conditions such as plantar fascitis, headaches, sciatica, low back pain, rotator cuff injuries, and tendonitits. It is also useful for reducing anxiety and stress, decreasing blood pressure, and improving sleep.
Making massage a part of your regularly-scheduled self-care can play a huge role in maintaining health over the long-term. Budgeting time and money for massage at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And aren't your worth it? (Hint: Of course you are!)
Clients often ask me how they can feel better in their bodies. My advice? Love yourself. Take care of yourself first. I've listed a few things below that can really help your body to feel better, and they all have to do with loving and taking care of yourself. Pick a couple of these things and practice them consistently and you'll be well on your way to feeling better and taking better care of yourself. Cheers to a healthy and happy February! 
From time to time clients will come in and say something like "go ahead and beat me up" or "you can go really deep on me. I don't mind if it hurts." Personal pain tolerances aside, the frequency of this request brings up a really good question: "Does massage have to hurt to be effective?"
Therapeutic massage can be uncomfortable and yes, sometimes painful when working on recent or chronic injuries, but the pain should not be a result of a massage therapist digging an elbow into you and ironing you out like a sheet. Therapeutic discomfort is something to be worked with cautiously and within limits. For example, working within a client's pain tolerance using a pain scale of 1-10, a well-trained therapist will work within a range of 5-8 and only for a limited amount of time.
For a limited time I'm offering a discount on Saturday appointments at my office at 1536 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, Oregon. 
