deep tissue

Thank You! Sole Purpose Massage Celebrates It's First Anniversary

This month, I celebrate my first anniversary as Sole Purpose Massage. So, dear clients, thank you for making my first year in business such a sweet success! Helping you to feel better in your bodies, to move more freely, and to heal from injury is what keeps me passionate and inspired for this work I do.  To mark this occasion, I am launching two new services: Ashi-Thai massage and a summer treat for your feet called "Put Your Best Food Forward."

What is Ashi-Thai Massage? This extraordinary massage gives you the physical benefits of yoga combined with the relaxation of massage. Ashi-Thai is an expression of traditional Thai stretches that have been modified for use with Ashiatsu bars. This massage is recommended for sports recovery, improved flexibility, and relaxation. Ashi-Thai sessions are 90 minutes long and are performed fully clothed, so please come prepared with yoga or workout clothing.

About 'Put Your Best Foot Forward': Put the focus on your feet and lower legs in this 30-minute, summer inspired massage treatment. Start with a homemade citrus-thyme scrub and refreshing hot towel wrap, followed by deep, focused massage on the calves, feet and toes, ending with an application of organic Shea butter to keep your skin hydrated and feeling smooth and soft. Your feet will thank you!

If you haven't yet tried Ashiatsu barefoot massage, come and see why it is called "the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet." Once you try it, you'll be hooked! Cheers to keeping things growing and rolling in year two!

With Massage and Exercise, Consistency is Key

As we switch gears from the bleak, cold of winter, to the green, warmth of spring, there is no better time to re-group, re-prioritize, and re-commit to living a healthy and balanced life. Massage can be instrumental in helping you achieve your health goals, but like exercise, it is most effective if done regularly.  I recommend monthly maintenance massage for all clients to help manage stress, maintain mobility, increase energy, and improve sleep. For clients who are very active, training for athletic events, or are working on correcting postural problems, weekly or biweekly (2X/month) visits are ideal.

Regular massage can be a lifesaver for those with conditions such as plantar fascitis, headaches, sciatica, low back pain, rotator cuff injuries, and tendonitits. It is also useful for reducing anxiety and stress, decreasing blood pressure, and improving sleep.

Making massage a part of your regularly-scheduled self-care can play a huge role in maintaining health over the long-term. Budgeting time and money for massage at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And aren't your worth it? (Hint: Of course you are!)

Try Ashiatsu Massage for Only $20!

Sole Purpose Massage announces its 2015 schedule of Ashiatsu Demo Days

Ashiatsu is a unique approach to deep tissue massage. Using the feet, and assisted by gravity, this massage works deep muscle layers without being painful. As a massage therapist, I have become an Ashiatsu crusader because I have seen the remarkable benefits of this type of body work for nagging back, shoulder and hip pain, for muscle soreness related to athletic endeavors, and when combined with stretching, for increased movement and range of motion in the body. The feet are an amazing massage tool and I want to share this healing work with everyone!

Since Ashiatsu is a very specialized form of massage, many people who might benefit from it have never heard of it before. To help remedy this situation, I am offering four Ashiatsu Demo Days at my studio in 2015. Demonstrations will be 20 minutes in length and will allow those curious about Ashiatsu to experience this amazing massage firsthand. Best of all, demonstrations are only $20! Reservations for these dates are limited to 6 people each day and you must call 541-610-8622 in advance to reserve your spot.

Dates are: February 7th, May 2nd, August 8th, and November 7, 2015. I look forward to introducing more people to the benefits of Ashiastu DeepFeet Bar Therapy.

Sole Purpose Massage Grand Opening Celebration June 6th

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I'm having a party! Sole Purpose Massage is Bend's only massage studio specializing in Ashiastu DeepFeet Bar Therapy. To celebrate, I'm hosting a grand opening celebration on June 6th during the First Friday Art Walk. Art by Shawn Taylor will be featured, along with live music, dance performances and massage demonstrations throughout the evening. Stop by while you are out and about during the Art Walk and register to win a free massage!

Background info: Owner and licensed massage therapist, Karyn Verzwyvelt, has extensive experience in deep tissue massage and the treatment of neck pain, back pain, headaches and a variety of other injuries. Karyn is excited to take over the studio formerly belonging to Roots Massage, and to continue offering therapeutic massage services to Roots Massage clients and the Bend community.

Meet Karyn from 5:00-8:00pm at 325 NW Vermont Place, Suite 104 during the Sole Purpose Massage grand opening celebration.

Sole Purpose Massage to Open Massage Studio in Downtown Bend on June 1st


BEND, OR—Sole Purpose Massage, a therapeutic massage studio offering Ashiatsu Deep Feet Bar Therapy, will open a new studio at 325 NW Vermont St. Suite 104 on June 1, 2014. A grand opening celebration will take place on June 6th during the First Friday Art Walk.

Owner and licensed massage therapist, Karyn Verzwyvelt, has extensive experience in deep tissue massage and the treatment of neck pain, back pain, headaches and car accident injuries, such as whiplash. Karyn completed the Massage Therapy Program at COCC with a 4.0 GPA, and practiced massage in Portland for several years before returning to Bend in August of 2013. While in Portland she trained and worked at Mudra Massage, the Northwest’s educational center for Ashiatsu Massage. Karyn is excited to take over the studio formerly belonging to Roots Massage, and to continue offering therapeutic massage services to Roots Massage clients and the Bend community.

According to Karyn, “Massage is my soul’s purpose and I love being able to use my hands and my feet to help clients feel better. In addition to my Ashiatsu certification, I've completed over 1000 hours of training with a focus on deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release, Thai and sports massage.  I blend techniques from these modalities to create a massage tailored to meet each client’s needs. Whether you are seeking pain relief, a faster recovery from your sporting endeavors, or just want to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, I will work with you to achieve your goals.”

Meet Karyn during the June 6th First Friday Art Walk from 5:00-8:00 p.m. There will be art by Shawn Taylor on display, live music by Dave Goodman and friends, dance performances, and massage demonstrations throughout the evening. You can also register for door prizes, including a free massage!

To learn more about Sole Purpose Massage or to book an appointment, visit www.solepurposemassage.com or call 541-610-8622.

 

About Ashiatsu Deep Feet Bar Therapy:

Ashiatsu is a barefoot deep tissue massage in which the therapist uses his or her feet to perform compression and gliding strokes along the body.  The force of gravity combined with the therapist’s weight creates an effortless deep tissue massage and a structural change in muscle tissues, while the client remains comfortable and deeply relaxed. Bars are used above the head for support and balance and warm oil is applied to the body to increase glide. The benefit of massage with the foot is the broad, continuous pressure that makes compression strokes smooth and comfortable instead bony or prodding as from an elbow, thumb or massage tool.  Most strokes are done with one foot on the table and one on the client, so pressure is easily adjusted to keep clients comfortable. Ashiatsu has been called “the deepest most luxurious massage on the planet.” Once your try it, you’ll never go back!

Sole Purpose Massage is Moving!

Exciting news! Sole Purpose Massage continues to grow and to better accommodate my clients, I will be taking over a beautiful studio space at 325 NW Vermont St #104 in Bend at the end of May. Formerly Roots Massage of Bend, I am purchasing Jen Spears' business and launching Sole Purpose Massage in a bigger, more convenient location. 

I'll be posting photos of my new space and updates, including business hours as the date approaches.

Jenny Spears & I: Ashi massage sisters!

Jenny Spears & I: Ashi massage sisters!

Hello, Bend, Oregon!

Deschutes River

The boxes are unpacked, the house is arranged and soon, I will be offering massage therapy services in Bend, Oregon.   After living in Portland for almost two years, I'm excited to be back to my first Oregon love--the amazing, active, high desert town of Bend.  I'll be offering Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, deep tissue, Swedish, and sports massage by appointment at my beautiful studio at 325 NW Vermont Place #104. I look forward to seeing you soon!  And if you've never tried Ashiatsu, check out this video from my former employer, friend, and mentor, Nancy DeLong at Mudra Massage.

~Karyn

Massage Myth #1: No Pain, No Gain

Painful massageFrom time to time clients will come in and say something like "go ahead and beat me up" or "you can go really deep on me.  I don't mind if it hurts."  Personal pain tolerances aside, the frequency of this request brings up a really good question: "Does massage have to hurt to be effective?" Therapeutic massage can be uncomfortable and yes, sometimes painful when working on recent or chronic injuries, but the pain should not be a result of a massage therapist digging an elbow into you and ironing you out like a sheet.  Therapeutic discomfort is something to be worked with cautiously and within limits.  For example, working within a client's pain tolerance using a pain scale of 1-10, a well-trained therapist will work within a range of 5-8 and only for a limited amount of time.

The body and mind work as one, with the body being a reflection of the mind and mental state.  When the mind can relax, the body will follow.  That is why I blend both therapeutic and relaxation work into all of my massage sessions, along with hydrotherapy and aromatherapy as appropriate to assist in this process.

If you are seeking massage for muscular tension or chronic injuries, look for a therapist who is able to work with you using a variety of techniques and whose goal is more than just giving a deep massage.  Do they check in regularly with you regarding your pain level when doing therapeutic work?  Are they able to develop and discuss a treatment plan with you if you plan on coming in for a specific injury or problem?  And most importantly, what does your body tell you?  Do you feel better for a few days after your massage or does your condition seem worse?

When it comes to massage therapy, tuning in to your own body and feeling its response to particular techniques or a particular therapist is a much better indicator of effectiveness than the how much pain a therapist can inflict during a session.

Want to relax? Your breath is the key.

Enjoy the Summer edition of Body Sense online magazine from the Association of Bodyworkers and Massage Professionals.  It has tips for getting the most out of your massage experience and a great breathing and relaxation exercise on page 13.  Cheers to your health and wellness this summer!

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