Bio

Sarah is a massage therapist with 7+ years of experience helping people feel more at ease in their bodies. Her trauma-informed practice focuses on co-creating empowering moments of inside out healing with deep comfort and respect. A master of the basics, she spent 4 years studying and assistant teaching at a nationally award winning massage school in Austin, Texas. She holds additional training in Orthopedic massage, Shiatsu, Ashiatsu, Lomi Lomi and other massage modalities.

What to Expect

Here is a walk through of a session with me that might answer some questions and give you an idea of how I work:

I have the pleasure of practicing in Alamosa out of Sweetgrass Therapeutics, a yoga studio and therapy space. I will meet you at the door where we ask that you remove your shoes. My office is in the back where we have water and tea available and you may use the restroom before our session. If you are a new client I have a short one page form for you to fill out to let me know a little about you. We will then chat in private to set an intention and outline for our session based on where you are at that day, anything we should be mindful of, and your preferences.

Our massage room will be warm and softly lit with gentle music playing. I try to use as many natural and organic materials as possible from the linens to the topicals. There will be a variety of unscented, organic, hypoallergenic oils and creams for you to choose from as well as the option of incorporating aroma therapy if you would like. You are welcome to look at the ingredients before we begin.

After our chat I will leave the room for a few minutes to wash my hands allowing you time to get comfortable under the sheets on the massage table. I will knock before I come back into the room. There will be a place for your clothing and any jewelry you wish to remove. For our session you can disrobe completely or leave anything on that allows you to be most comfortable. I practice full sheet draping for your comfort, which means I only uncover the part of the body we are working on at the time and tuck or fold the sheets in a way to provide security, modesty, and appropriate access to the area we are working on. Sometimes it is best to work through the sheet for grip or to prevent getting oils on any undergarments or clothing. There is also always the option of removing or adding a blanket for maximum coziness!

During our session you will be empowered to use your voice and your senses to more deeply connect to your experience and follow any intentions and connections as they arise. That can look like check-ins about pressure, the quality of feeling in an area of your body, or if a technique is feeling helpful. Before we move on from any focus areas, and before closing our session, you will be invited to scan your body for any guidance toward what would feel really good. Sometimes a little extra work on your hands or a slow hold on that spot that is still calling out in your back can make all the difference, and it's awesome to honor and ask for what you need.

Some of my favorite techniques which may come into our session include: rocking and jostling, traction, passive and active stretching and resistance, broad, slow strokes, specific stripping, or tracing, of muscle fibers, and breathwork.

Rocking and jostling are great ways to sooth and discharge nervous system energy using rhythmic movement that can be small or full body, slow or quick and invigorating.
Traction is a subtle form of stretching that involves gently pulling on limbs to invite a feeling of greater space at the joints, and is particularly yummy for the spine when introduced (cautiously) at the neck.
Passive and active stretching and resistance encompasses a whole range of movements which utilize your awareness and muscular engagement to "reset" a particular muscle group. This could be simply slowly moving your fingers while we work on your forearm muscles or getting a juicier, deeper shoulder stretch by first having you pull your arm in against the stretch for a cycle of breath. This technique can be very powerful and feel so good.
Broad, slow strokes are the quintessential hallmark of "deep tissue" massage and what most people find very relaxing, or maybe also an "ooo-pain" as opposed to "ouch-pain" sensation. In fact, this technique doesn't need to use heavy pressure or strong sensation to be deeply relaxing. For me it is all about quality contact and meeting the tension at whatever level it is at. I am reminded of that oh so lovely feeling when a sweet old dog comes over and leans into you. The stress melts away.
Specific stripping or tracing of muscle fibers involves working all the way along a muscle, usually with fingers or sometimes an elbow. This approach can give a more thorough release to an area and help to dissolve any adhesions where fibers might be sticking to one another limiting range of motion and reinforcing tension patterns.
Breathwork is conscious breathing to bring one's full being into the present moment. This tool is mostly for me and you will probably hear my breath match the rhythm of our session. It helps me to move efficiently and regulate my own body. Occasionally, I will suggest an intentional or directed breath when working on muscles that assist in breathing. I believe you will tap into and continually return to the healing waves of your own breath on your own during our session.

If any of the techniques I might use don't feel good, are inappropriate for a specific circumstance, or do seem to be very helpful you can ask for any adjustments. All massage sessions are always customized to you!

A few other thoughts on what to expect: Cleanliness is important to me so I will use a hand towel when touching anything that isn't the sheets, oil bottle, or you. I also have alcohol to clean my hands when needed. All bottles and tools are cleaned and sanitized between appointments. If you ever would like some water, a tissue, or to use the restroom or pause for any reason that is great! You will be listening to your body's cues and it will only make the session better.

If you would like to work with me I would like to work with you so please book a session or reach out with any questions. For me, this is more than an occupation: bodywork is a life-long practice which begins in my own body and extends out to the rest of the world ...and its a pretty good time, too!

Sarah Ziegler, LMT

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practice Session