Arches Bodywork

Therapeutic Massage

A style of massage which focuses on getting results vs just relaxing.

This term indicates that the purpose of the massage is to achieve a structural change or therapeutic benefit in the body. 

Since every massage is customized according to my client’s specific goals and preferences, which techniques are actually used during a session can vary greatly from client to client—even from session to session. 

Thai Massage Therapy

Rooted in Thai Medical Theory-traditional Thai massage is a physical therapy composed of deep compression, myofascial release, stretches, joint mobilization and channel work.

Channel work is fine tuned compression inside the physical trenches found between muscles, or between muscle and bone. This work is deep, but not necessarily painful.

This work when done slowly and with care-creates better flow within the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It also helps to release pain or discomfort within joints, muscle and fascia (fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place)

How does Thai massage differ from table massage?

• Performed on a mat on the floor
• Clients remain clothed
• No creams or lotions used
• In addition to hands, forearms and elbows, Thai practitioners also use feet, knees and legs to deliver massage techniques.
• The approach is different, the benefits are the same.

Pregnancy Massage

Certified in ¨Nurturing the Mother¨ by Claire Marie Miller

Safe for ALL trimesters when approved by your health care provider.

In the early weeks, momma can lie on her back without any problem. After about the 16th week, pillows will be introduced and massage will be performed with mom mostly laying on her left side. This supports the venous return by allowing the baby to roll off the vena cava.

Deeper, therapeutic techniques can be applied to the upper body, low back and hips. Light lymphatic strokes will be used for ankles and legs. Reflexology and stretches incorporated as well. 

Unscented, cold-pressed, fractionated coconut oil will be used. 

About Your Therapist

Hi! I'm Marilyn! I was born and raised in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, CO. Long before massage therapy came into my life, I attended art school-earning a bachelors degree in photography and painting. I spent nearly a decade in Brooklyn where I started a small book-binding studio and met my husband. We spent a little time in Philadelphia, and started a family in Montclair, NJ before settling in Belmont, NC to be closer to all of the grandparents. 

I shifted gears to massage therapy in 2015 after sitting sideline to my husband's long recovery from a rock climbing accident. It was that experience (and an amazing massage therapist) that encouraged me to persue a career in a field that physically helps people through the tough stuff life has to offer. 

I enrolled into a program that is based in neuromuscular therapy and continued to build on that foundation with additional stretch techniques, orthopedic techniques, and a certification in medical massage.  I have been told that I have an intuitive approach to massage that helps people relax but also produces long-lasting relief. 

I look forward to working with you!

LMBT #19020

NC State Board of Massage and Bodywork Therapy