COVID-19 NOTE: All appointments are cancelled from 3/16/20 forward. Massage and bodywork services are close contact, performed in a small room with far less than 6 feet of social distancing. In my opinion, it is not possible to safely offer these services at this point in the course of this pandemic.

I am a former IT professional turned licensed massage therapist and educator. With training in many clinical and orthopedic massage modalities, I use the same system analysis and troubleshooting skills developed when I used to write software to help clients experiencing pain and mobility issues associated with the soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system. With an orientation towards modern pain science, I offer both gentle styles oriented toward desensitizing ramped-up nervous systems and bodywork that feels deep without being barbaric.

In practice since 2006, I have served a select group of clients for many years, helping them sustain good health and mobility, and working through the attendant aches and pains of bodies no longer in their twenties. I have taught continuing education classes to other massage therapists, and am an active volunteer in the massage community, currently serving as Financial Administrator for the Illinois Chapter of the AMTA.

The styles of bodywork I offer are rather unusual for Champaign-Urbana. Fully clothed, without oil or lotion, positioned according to best leverage. Sessions might include practicing a movement or posture that can help with awareness or pain prevention.

Targeted Knotwork for Myoskeletal Pain Debugging - for clients with issues limiting painfree mobility in a particular area, like a hand, or ankle, or shoulder. Considering the issue in the context of kinetic chains of movement, this style may include techniques from many different schools of bodywork, ranging from direct myofascial release to edgework, novel movements and positional release.
Gentle Pain Calming - Focusing on the sensory nervous system, reclining face-up on the massage table, gentle touch relaxes and calms pain. Dermoneuromodulation and SMRT (Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique) are incorporated.

Seasonally, I have additional availability and access to a home-based office where I can offer

Fijian Myofascial Massage, a style of barefoot massage done on a floor mat, that is focused on balancing tension across the myofasciae for maintaining smoother movement. I use my feet as well as my hands to give a deep-feeling full-body massage. The client must be physically able to get down on the floor and get up off the floor. Currently this is not available June-September or January-April.

I am open to performing housecalls (see my Autumnal Wind listing), and can bring an athletic massage table (65x28). I am also very comfortable doing bodywork using the client's own furniture (e.g. dining chair or recliner).

Joan Cole Massage LLC - Studio Helix Clients

Gentle Pain Calming