trigger points in certain areas of tension, but I always finish with relaxing, soothing and elongating strokes.” Mandy realizes each individual has unique needs and preferences, therefore she offers several different types of massage to her clients:
Deep Tissue Massage –
Includes the manipulation of muscle tissue beneath the surface. Works out trigger points, breaks up scar tissue and adhesions with firm pressure. Mandy said this type of massage is best for those who like a significant amount of pressure. Pressure is delivered primarily to the back, neck, glutes, shoulders, hands and feet.
Basic Swedish Massage –
This is a basic relaxation massage. It includes the manipulation of muscles with long, soothing strokes. It helps increase blood flow and My kids relieves the body of toxins, and alleviates stress. It’s also good for love massage, so lymphatic drainage. Swedish Massage is the “one size fits all” mas- when I bring the table sage, good for every body, and works the entire body. in the house and I put them on it, they understand a little bit more about why Mommy leaves and goes to work. They love touch. My little man lies on the couch and Stone Massage – Warm (or hot) stone massage virtually melts muscles into submis- puts his feet in my lap. He’s 16 months. My Lidia always has a hand sion. This type of massage is grounding and takes you back into on me and my oldest daughter, Maddie, loves a good scalp massage. nature, “relaxing you down to your soul,” Mandy says. Heat warms We’re a touchy family because that’s what I do. Even my husband the entire body as shaped and polished stones from Lake Superior knows what I do is important because he appreciates it so much.” Mandy concludes, “I love what I do. Everyone has something are warmed and applied with oils during the massage process. Mandy said, like the Basic Swedish, Stone Massage is also good for every special that they’ve been put on this earth to do. God gave me the body, especially those with circulation issues or during the cold, win- gift of touch. All the work through my hands comes from the Lord. He gives me the love that I can pass on to others.” ter months.
Sports Massage –
Popular amongst athletes, especially golfers, this type of massage integrates stretching to warm and engage muscles. Invigorating, quick massage confuses muscles into submission. Mandy said this type of massage is not intended to be relaxing, but rather stimulate muscles prior to activity.
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Pregnancy Massage –
As a certified doula, Mandy also offers massage for expectant women up to the day they deliver. Pregnancy Massage helps relax the pelvic girdle and helps to later force pressure downward. The massage is performed while Mom lies on her side, using pillows to prop both her and baby to maximize comfort. Attention is focused on the hips and sacrum, relaxing muscles. She also works on legs and the round ligaments that are used differently during pregnancy. Expectant fathers can also pick up tips from Mandy on maximizing Mom’s comfort during labor with gentle massage and touch techniques.
Jenny Holmes
Once a Brainerd Dispatch reporter, Jenny Holmes now owns a public relations and communication company. She lives in Nisswa with her husband, two children, two dogs and a cat.
Mandy offers her mobile massage service on evenings and weekends by appointment and provides services in 60- and 90-minute increments. One exciting offering she provides for ladies are home spa days. Mandy and two friends travel to offer massages and treatments for bridal showers, baby showers or just a fun girls night out at home. One question beckons to be asked – as a massage therapist by trade, does the family benefit during “off hours?” “At my house, we always tease – a mechanic’s car is never fixed. A massage therapist’s husband is never massaged,” she laughs. As a busy mother of three she says, “it’s a struggle to balance everything.
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