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!
Hello, Bend, Oregon!
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
From 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.
Studio photos
Here are a few photos from inside my home studio. New photos from my space on NW 23rd will be posted this weekend. Next up? A grand opening party on NW 23rd. Subscribe to my email list for an invite!
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| My Home Studio |
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!
A New Space
I'm excited to announce that I'm moving into an office on lovely NW 23rd street and will be accepting new clients on Saturdays and Sundays. Photos and more details to come soon!