Owner, Michele Baker, L.M.T Since 2011,
I believe, A healthy mind and body amount to a healthy lifestyle.
Massage Therapy helped me recover my range of motion and relieve pain that manifested from an injury. I was referred to a massage therapist by my chiropractor to help with the swelling and decreased range of motion in my upper back and neck, which was blocking my spinal fluid from moving as freely as it should have been. After my first therapeutic session I was able to turn my head and move my neck with ease, in fact it was so great I didn't realize how restricted I was until after the muscles were released. I then had several follow up and maintenance sessions over the course of 6 months. I was able to avoid taking pain medications and avoid surgery altogether. I was so fascinated by the power of therapeutic touch I wanted to learn how to help others in the same holistic way, it is rewarding to be able to share the power of massage with others.
No two hands are the same, therefore no two massage practitioner's are the same. I prefer to tailor and customize each session to the client's needs. I have also welcomed a team of therapists and estheticians who share the same core values and appreciate alternative wellness and its benefits.
There are many things I am passionate about, my kids, my pets, plants, animals, I am a foodie, I love traveling and of course anatomy/physiology/movement/energy how they work and connect the body. Seeing a client after a session and watching them put on a coat or bend to tie a shoe with less pain and greater ease is very rewarding. That is why I love what I do.
When I work on a client I use my hands to see and feel, I don't see superficial tissue (skin) I see what's underneath, the muscle fibers and how they are situated and where they are supposed to be. I know pain from personal experience/trauma so I understand it, where it comes from and how it can move and refer to other areas of the body affecting movement, mood, sleep, energy, immune function and so on.
In 2019 I was diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, after a client referred me to an integrative health doctor and 2 years of going over medical history and symptoms we figured it out and so another journey began. Through working with my integrative doctor and physiatrist I started to incorporate more natural ways to help myself manage pain. I started to practice Yoga, paddle boarding, aerial yoga, and low impact strength training. After some testing and learning different food triggers that increase pain/inflammation in both my joints and GI intestines I had to change my eating routine. Healthy foods like mushrooms, tomatoes, avocados and eggplant were not right for me, even simple spices like dill were playing a part in my physical health. I also started to collect and care for indoor and outdoor plants, later learning and understanding how gardening and plant care can improve your mood. Gardening is horticultural therapy, mind boosting. Soil bacteria, released when gardening, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and also improves overall physical and mental well being.
If you have been with me prior to 2019 I'm sure you have seen many changes and growth in the practice which include 5k's at Thanksgiving with clients, goat yoga events, plants in the studio, grounding retreats, diverse modalities/styles of bodywork, changes in music and aesthetics. I try to incorporate/share positive healing vibes and energy that I have picked up and learned through my personal journey.
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder that causes generalized joint hypermobility, joint instability, and chronic pain. hEDS is also associated with a variety of other symptoms and related conditions that affect many different areas of the body.
- The Ehlers-Danlos Society
Nationally Certified 2011
Board Certified Since 2015
What does Board Certified mean?
Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork represents the highest attainable credential within the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certification is a separate credential above and beyond entry-level massage therapy licensure.
As Board Certification is voluntary, its achievement represents the highest level of commitment to clients and to the advancement of the massage therapy and bodywork profession. Board Certificants must meet higher standards of education and experience, as well as pass a rigorous exam that tests massage therapy and bodywork technique and application, critical thinking, communication, law, ethics, evaluation, documentation, and planning
NCBTMB is the only certifying body for the massage therapy and bodywork profession. For that reason, NCBTMB’s certification processes are founded upon a superior Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which all Board Certificants must adhere too. Like our Certificants, the advancement of the profession and the improvement of client care is our focus.
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