I was drawn to a career in Massage Therapy after experiencing world class relaxation and orthopedic massages from several exceptional practitioners here in Atlanta. They have inspired me to pursue a purpose driven life of providing others the physical and emotional benefits that this therapy has given me.
I received my massage therapy training from nationally renowned educators Laurie Craig and Rick Garbowski at the Georgia Massage School. I have completed an intensive introduction to Lomi Lomi - Hawaiian Temple Style Bodywork from Tom Cochran of Sacred Lomi, and Upper/Lower Extremity Assessment and Treatment workshops from Whitney Lowe, as well as Thoracic Spine and Ribcage treatments from Dr. Joe Muscolino. I am currently working towards the Professional Certification in Orthopedic Massage from Whitney Lowe/Academy of Clinical Massage. I structure my continuing education regularly throughout the year to increase/maintain skills and to keep current with the latest developments in field.
How I practice:
- It’s YOUR massage. My goal is to deliver the massage YOU want. From an orthopedic perspective, I have skills that help me pinpoint dysfunctional soft tissues and apply proven treatment methods. There is considerable evidence that manual touch therapy does not need to be painful to work. However, some approaches create temporary “therapeutic discomfort” to achieve results more directly. I will always respect your desires to lighten up or stop, and I will seek alternative methods to treat the problem. I listen to your treatment preferences – both in the intake interview and throughout the massage. Often clients have no specific soft tissue issue they want addressed, and are seeking massage therapy to relax and unwind. In that case, I can deliver a wonderful relaxation massage in the classic Swedish mode or LomiLomi that will allow you to completely let go and surrender to the moment, knowing that you are in a safe space. Client comfort and satisfaction are my goals. My sessions are not about the number or type of modalities involved, but rather about weaving them together into an integrated whole to achieve the client’s desires and treatment goals. Thus the business name “Integrated, Composite Bodyworks, LLC”
- I adhere to the ethical standards and code of conduct as laid out by our professional organizations (ABMP & AMTA). I don’t assume your trust – I expect to earn it through services delivered in a professional, respectful, and caring manner. My draping is industry standard – modest. Only the area of the body being worked on is undraped, and recovered on completion.
- I don’t have differential pricing for various technique driven sessions or add-ons. Mine is a holistic bodywork session with a single price based on the amount of time you want on the table. The beneficial effects of massage therapy are magnified and longer lasting when done often. I do not subscribe to the business practice of discounted pre-paid packages. I want to earn your repeat business with a great first session. If you like what you got, I will give you a discount off the normal price if you rebook within 4 weeks. Aromatherapy, moist heat, and topical analgesics are included if you want.
- I offer my services via out-call to the clients location. If it is more convenient for the client, I will arrange sessions in my Sandy Springs home. I no longer have a studio room at the Mi'Ella Wellness Spa.
A little bit about me:
- I’m 65 years old, married, and between my wife Kathleen and I, we have 4 grown, successful children and 6 grand children. We live in Sandy Springs. I am a retired Army officer (Lieutenant Colonel) and retired Department of the Army Federal Civil Servant. Between the two, I completed nearly 38 years of Federal service. Massage Therapy is my third career and it is much more an avocation to me than a “job”. I’m doing it for the great sense of satisfaction I get from relieving clients' pain and enhancing their well being.
- For recreation, I shoot clay targets (skeet and trap). I am an active competitor in both disciplines. I enjoy listening to music (classical, choral, big band and small group jazz, classical American popular song, new age) at home and in live venues. I pursue a regular program of physical fitness at the Concord Athletic Club. I am an accomplished cook and enjoy almost everything gastronomical.
- Please call me Jim
I would very much like to be your massage therapist!