Michael Chapman

My basic motto is take care of your body and it will take care of you.  After many years of following this adage, I verged off my path and was lifting heavy in the gym for years.  This was mainly because of body dysmorphia that I have suffered in my early and adolescent life.  During this last year, I have gotten back on the right path after an injury to my back in June of 2018.  Apparently I herniated my lumbar disks 4 and 5. It's taken 8 months to recover and have no back pain while walking.  When my injury was acute (first 24 to 72 hours) I could barely walk. I had to stop every few steps for months subsequent to that.  Then I finally went to physical therapy and my pain was relieved after just a few sessions.  I then followed up on a prolonged shoulder injury that started over 3 years ago and started physical therapy for that.  Now I'm almost finished with my sessions, and although my shoulder is still painful, I have a huge increase in range of motion. During this process I have realized that it's not that important to look a certain way and more importantly, be healthy and pain free an in balance.  

I believe it is the same with massage.  I have clients that have many ailments and come religiously.  After I work on them a few times, they can significantly feel the difference in their state of wellbeing.  While other clients I have, come once every 2 months while they should be coming at least once a month and those aren’t getting enough care for their conditions. Other clients come once and think they are cured. 

I have therefore started a sit down talk period with my clients after their initial visit to plan a course of action, and book appointments accordingly. This has been a learning experience and my clients have noticed an improvement in their conditions.  If I can’t help someone, I will refer him or her to a professional that is best suited for his or her condition.

I believe massage is a very important part for overall health and wellbeing.  We can correct issues with alignment and body favoring, as well as recommend a different way of carrying their bag, or sitting.  It sometimes can be as simple as not texting unless they are in a comfortable position.  

In closing, I hope you give me the opportunity to work with you to solve your conditions, even if it is general stress relieve or a day at the spa.

Thank you,

Mike