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Is Your Pain from Sensitization?

6/2/2025

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Woman relaxing after barefoot massage for pain relief at The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX near Dallas.

How Barefoot Massage Helps Manage Pain — Insights from Plano’s The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage

How to Recognize a “Stuck Alarm System” and What You Can Do About It.

You’ve tried stretching. Strengthening. Maybe injections or physical therapy. You’ve been told your scans look fine, but… the pain is still there. Sound familiar?
If so, it might be time to consider a different cause--not damage, but sensitization.
At The Heeling Hut, we work with clients every day whose pain has outlasted the injury, whose symptoms don’t “make sense,” and who feel like no one’s really listening. What they often need isn’t more fixing—it’s a nervous system reset.
Let’s talk about pain sensitization, how to recognize it, and how barefoot massage can help your system calm the heck down.

What Is Sensitization?

Sensitization happens when your nervous system becomes hyperalert.
After an injury, surgery, or even emotional stress, your brain becomes more protective. That’s normal. But sometimes, instead of calming back down, your system stays on edge. It becomes overreactive—even to things that aren’t dangerous.
This is called central sensitization, and it means your pain system is turning up the volume, even when there’s no real threat.
Think of it like a smoke alarm that goes off every time you make toast. The system means well—but it’s too sensitive.

Signs Your Pain Might Be from Sensitization.

Not sure if this applies to you? Here are some common signs:
  • Your pain has lasted longer than expected after an injury or surgery
  • You’ve been told everything “looks normal” on scans, but it still hurts
  • Pain seems to move around, or flare up without a clear reason
  • You feel sore or achy even with light touch or gentle activity
  • Traditional treatments haven’t helped—or made things worse
  • You feel like your body is “overreacting” but don’t know how to calm it down
  • You’re exhausted, frustrated, or anxious about your pain

​If this sounds like you, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Sensitization is a well-documented process in the nervous system. And it’s reversible.

What Can You Do About It?

The goal with sensitization isn’t to fix broken tissues—it’s to soothe a protective nervous system and create new, safe experiences for your brain.
Here’s our process for soothing your body and mind to calm a hyper-vigilant system. 

Safe, Consistent Input

Our barefoot massage provides deep, soothing pressure that your brain can interpret as non-threatening. Over time, this helps “retrain” your alarm system to chill out.

Education = PowerUnderstanding your pain helps reduce fear, which is huge for calming the nervous system. We share bite-sized, science-backed insights during sessions if you’re curious—no pressure, just support.


Nervous System NourishmentWe create an environment that signals safety—not just physically, but emotionally. This includes slow touch, soft lighting, supportive conversation, and zero judgment.


Repetition Builds New PathwaysLike training a new habit, rewiring pain pathways takes consistent, positive experiences. That’s why regular sessions—combined with movement, sleep, and gentle mindfulness—can be so effective.


You’re Not Broken. You’re Sensitized.And that means your system can change. Pain from sensitization doesn’t mean your body is weak or damaged—it means your brain is trying too hard to protect you.
As experts, we’re here to help it feel safe enough to back off.


Ready to Calm Your Nervous System and Reclaim Your Body? 
Are you located in or around Dallas, Texas? 
We’d love to support you on your HEELING path. Barefoot massage offers a grounded, science-informed way to reconnect with your body and rewire your pain responses—gently, respectfully, and effectively. 
​Learn more and book online at www.theheelinghut.com


About the Author

Hillary Arrieta is the barefoot boss behind The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in East Plano. She’s on a mission to stomp out stress and tension with her signature blend of barefoot massage, Ayurvedic vibes, and just the right dose of science-backed healing. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or book your session here.

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What Is Neuroplasticity—And Why Should I Care?

5/24/2025

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A woman getting Myofascial Barefoot Massage from a licensed massage therapist.
Your Brain Can Change. So Can Your Pain.
​

If you’ve ever been told “your pain is all in your head,” you probably felt frustrated—and rightly so. That phrase has been used to dismiss people’s real, lived experiences for far too long.
But here’s the thing: your brain is involved in your pain. And that’s not bad news--it’s very good news.
Thanks to a fascinating phenomenon called neuroplasticity, your brain and nervous system are constantly learning, adapting, and reorganizing. And when it comes to persistent pain, that means change is not only possible--it’s probable, with the right input.
Let me explain what that means—and how barefoot massage can help.
So... What Is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to experience. Think of your brain as a network of highways. Every time you repeat a thought, emotion, movement, or experience, you strengthen that pathway—like deepening a tire groove in a muddy road.

Sometimes, especially after injury, stress, or trauma, your brain can accidentally strengthen pathways that aren’t helpful—like chronic pain, tension, or fear of movement.
But here’s the good part: those patterns can be rewired. In the same way you learned to feel pain in a certain way, your brain can learn to feel good again.

Pain and the Plastic Brain According to pain experts like Professor Lorimer Moseley, pain is not just about tissue damage--it’s a protective response created by your brain when it thinks you're in danger.

The more often that danger alarm goes off, the easier it gets triggered—even by safe things like light touch, gentle movement, or stress. This is called central sensitization, and it’s one reason why pain can persist even after your body has technically healed.
Neuroplasticity is how we undo that oversensitivity.
How We Use Neuroplasticity at The Heeling HutEvery barefoot massage session is designed with your nervous system in mind. Here’s how we help you start changing those old pain pathways:
1. Safe, Positive InputSlow, intentional pressure from our feet during a barefoot massage sends calm signals to our brains. This helps turn off the “danger” sirens and create new, safe associations with touch and body awareness.
2. Movement Without Fear When you’re in pain, even small movements can feel risky. We help reintroduce gentle pressure and passive movement in a way that restores trust in your body.
3. Brain-Friendly Education We’re always happy to share simple, empowering info about how pain works—so you feel less confused, less afraid, and more in control of your healing.
4. Repetition = Rewiring Neuroplastic change takes repetition and consistency. Just like going to the gym builds muscle, regular exposure to safe, soothing input helps retrain your nervous system to calm down and back off.

Why Should You Care? Because this means your story isn’t fixed.
You’re not broken. And even if you’ve been in pain for years, you’re not stuck.

Understanding neuroplasticity gives you a roadmap to healing that goes beyond chasing symptoms. It’s about changing the way your body and brain respond to the world.

Want to Tap Into Your Brain’s Healing Power? Come experience what happens when barefoot massage meets brain science. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, recovering from burnout, or craving a more mindful form of bodywork--

​Bottomline: 
we’re here to help you reconnect, relearn, and reset.
We can rewire your pain story—one grounded step at a time.

Book a barefoot massage escape, adventure, or an Ayurvedic Ritual Today.

Author

Hillary Arrieta is the barefoot boss behind The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in East Plano. She’s on a mission to stomp out stress and tension with her signature blend of barefoot massage, Ayurvedic vibes, and just the right dose of science-backed healing. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or book your session here.

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Pain Is Weird—But Heeling Doesn’t Have to Be

4/19/2025

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Lower back pain can be helped with a barefoot massage at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage

Why Barefoot Massage + Modern Pain Science = A Powerful Combo for Your Body and Brain.

When most people think of massage, they think of sore muscles, tight knots, and the sweet relief of deep pressure. That’s all great—but here at The Heeling Hut, we’re working with something even deeper: your nervous system.
And to do that, we’ve taken our barefoot massage practice and laced it with modern pain science, especially the work of world-renowned researcher Professor Lorimer Moseley. His message? Pain is real, but it’s not always about damage.
Let’s unpack that—and explain why barefoot massage might be exactly what your body (and brain) have been waiting for.

The Truth About Pain: It’s More Than Tissue

We grow up thinking pain = injury. Twist an ankle? Pain. Pull a muscle? Pain.
But Lorimer Moseley and other leading pain researchers have shown that this isn’t the full story. Sometimes, the brain keeps sounding the alarm long after the tissue has healed. Or it rings it loud for a situation that’s not dangerous at all.
Why? Because pain is the brain’s protective output, not a direct measure of damage. Your brain interprets all kinds of input—stress, past injury, fear, movement patterns—and then decides if you need pain to stay safe.
This is why people can have terrible back pain even though their scans are clean. Or why someone might feel pain from a simple touch.

How Barefoot Massage Helps Rewire the Alarm System.

Barefoot massage isn’t just a technique—it’s a nervous system intervention.
Here’s what we’re doing at The Heeling Hut, and how it speaks directly to the science of pain:
🦶 Deep, Safe Touch That Tells Your Brain: You’re OkayThe broad, grounded pressure from the therapist’s feet activates the body’s natural relaxation responses. This safe input helps your nervous system stop bracing—and start unwinding.
🧠 Changing the Pain StoryBecause pain is learned, it can also be unlearned. That’s called neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire its responses. When your brain starts associating touch and movement with safety instead of threat, pain can decrease.
🫶 Moving From Fear to FreedomWhen you’re in pain, your body often stiffens up in self-protection. Barefoot massage helps break that cycle by creating space, ease, and gentle reconnection—so your brain stops freaking out and your body starts flowing again.

This Isn’t Woo. It’s Neuroscience.

A session with us might look like a massage, but the goal is deeper: we’re helping your brain stop overprotecting you.
We respect your body’s pain. But we also respect its power to change. That’s why we integrate:
  • Pain education (if you’re curious!)
  • Slow, intentional touch
  • Trauma-informed awareness
  • Deep pressure without sharp discomfort
All of this is designed to create a new experience for your nervous system—one that says, You are safe. You can let go. You can heal.

Who’s This For?

  • People with chronic or persistent pain
  • Those with stress-related tension
  • Folks who want deep work without feeling attacked
  • Curious clients who know: there must be more to pain than tight muscles

Let’s Change the Conversation Around Pain

At The Heeling Hut, we’re not just giving massages—we’re helping clients rewrite their pain stories using evidence-based care and grounded, compassionate touch.
So if you’ve been dealing with pain that just won’t quit—or if you’ve tried everything and nothing sticks—maybe it’s time to try something different.
Let us help you remind your nervous system what safety feels like. Sometimes, that’s the first real step toward healing.

Book your session today, and let your brain and body breathe again—from the ground up.

Author

Hillary Arrieta is the barefoot boss behind The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas. She’s on a mission to stomp out stress and tension with her signature blend of barefoot massage, Ayurvedic vibes, and just the right dose of science-backed healing. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or book your session here.

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Rebuilding Trust with Your Body: Movement After Pain

2/12/2025

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Person gently stretching during a mindful movement session at The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, TX -- rebuilding body trust and easing pain near Dallas.

Rebuild Trust with Your Body | Movement After Pain in Plano, TX

You’re not broken. You’re rebuilding—and that starts with safe movement.

After weeks, months, or even years of living with pain, it’s easy to lose trust in your body. Movements that used to feel natural might now feel scary, stiff, or unpredictable. You might catch yourself bracing before bending over, avoiding stairs, or freezing up when pain flares.

We get it. Many of our clients walk through the door not just with physical pain—but with fear, frustration, and a sense of being “stuck.”

The good news? That fear is learned, which means it can also be unlearned.
One of the most powerful ways to do that is through safe, supported movement—combined with the right kind of touch and nervous system care.

Why We Stop Trusting Our Bodies
​
Pain is not a direct measure of injury—it’s a protective response shaped by context, memory, and perception (Moseley & Butler, 2017). When your brain senses a potential threat, it turns on pain to get your attention and keep you safe.
But if pain sticks around, your system can become overprotective. This is known as central sensitization, where the nervous system amplifies pain signals even after the tissues have healed (Woolf, 2011). You move less. You tense more. You begin to fear your own body.

​This creates a loop:
Pain → Fear → Tension → Less Movement → More Sensitization → More Pain
Your body isn’t failing—it’s overprotecting. And that can change.
 How Barefoot Massage Helps You Reconnect
At The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, we use barefoot massage to gently invite your body back into a state of ease. This isn't about “fixing” anything—it’s about retraining your brain and body to feel safe.
💆‍♀️ Broad, Soothing Pressure = Nervous System Calm Deep, slow pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” branch), shifting you out of survival mode (Field, 2010). It tells your brain: “You’re okay. It’s safe to relax.”
🌀 Passive Movement Without FearFear of movement—also known as kinesiophobia—can prolong and intensify chronic pain (Vlaeyen & Linton, 2000). Our work gently reintroduces safe movement through passive joint mobilization and rocking techniques, reducing fear and increasing trust.
🧠 Positive Input = New PathwaysEach pain-free experience lays the groundwork for neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire based on new, safe input (Doidge, 2007). It’s not magic. It’s modern neuroscience.

What Rebuilding Trust Looks Like in Real Life
  • You breathe more freely
  • You get off the table feeling grounded, not guarded
  • You start moving because you want to, not because you have to
  • You feel less afraid of your own body
  • You realize: your body isn’t broken—it’s adaptable

Tips to Rebuild Trust Outside the Treatment Room
Here are a few science-backed ways to help your nervous system stay calm and connected between sessions:
  • 💨 Breathe before you move – Deep breathing modulates your vagus nerve, which lowers stress and inflammation (Porges, 2011)
  • 🚶‍♂️ Pick enjoyable movements – Movement you love boosts dopamine and reduces fear signals (Clark & Trevethan, 2015)
  • ✋ Use gentle touch – Self-massage and mindful contact activate sensory receptors that promote calming brain activity (Olausson et al., 2002)
  • 🧘 Stay curious, not cautious – “Graded exposure” to feared movements can help reverse chronic pain patterns (Moseley, 2004)
  • 📖 Learn how pain works – Understanding pain changes pain. Education alone has been shown to reduce symptoms in many chronic pain cases (Moseley, 2002)
You Deserve to Feel Safe in Your Body Again
You’re not fragile. You’re adaptable. And pain—especially persistent pain—doesn’t mean you’re broken. You can rebuild trust. You can relearn ease. And you don’t have to do it alone.
​
At The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage, we offer grounded, science-informed barefoot massage to help your nervous system settle, reset, and remember what safe movement feels like.

We’ll meet you where you are—no pressure, (Except while UNDERFOOT,)  just support.

​


References
  • Moseley, L., & Butler, D. (2017). Explain Pain Supercharged. NOI Group.
  • Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. Penguin.
  • Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3).
  • Field, T. (2010). Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A review. Developmental Review.
  • Vlaeyen, J. W. S., & Linton, S. J. (2000). Fear-avoidance and its consequences in chronic musculoskeletal pain. Pain, 85(3).
  • Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory. Norton.
  • Olausson, H. et al. (2002). Unmyelinated tactile afferents signal touch and project to the insular cortex. Nature Neuroscience.
  • Moseley, L. (2002). Combined physiotherapy and education is efficacious for chronic low back pain. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy.
  • Clark, J., & Trevethan, R. (2015). Reconsidering fear avoidance in chronic pain: A call for revising pain management strategies.


Author

Hillary Arrieta is the barefoot boss behind The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas. She’s on a mission to stomp out stress and tension with her signature blend of barefoot massage, Ayurvedic vibes, and just the right dose of science-backed healing. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or book your session here.

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The Best Deep Tissue Massage I've Ever had is Ashiatsu.

4/29/2023

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Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage on Man's Back

Upgrade your deep tissue massage: What you need to know about the Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage.

Barefoot massage, sometimes called Ashiatsu, is arguably the deepest, deep-tissue massage available at your local Dallas massage studio, The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage. With an exotic name and slightly intimidating equipment, Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage is when the licensed massage therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to give you a massage. The result is the most profound, consistent pressure you can ask for. It's a misconception that Deep tissue is just a DEEPER Swedish massage. Swedish massage, when done correctly, is a system that includes four kinds of techniques and joint mobilizations. Many therapists skip strokes and use long-flowing movements making it less effective. Deep tissue is a collection of actions that get to the deeper layers of tissue. Most clients who love Deep massages tell me that barefoot ashiatsu massage is the BEST deep tissue massage they've ever had = locally or on vacation. When massage therapist uses overhead bar support, they can use their weight instead of forcing pressure using pokey elbows and knuckles into their muscles. Getting the best massage in the Dallas area is easy with a well-trained massage therapist. 

Massage Therapist in Plano, Texas
Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051
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How to get the most from your barefoot Massage session.

3/27/2023

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Ashiatsu in Dallas, Texas
In Ashiatsu Massage we use our SOLES.

Get the best Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage with these tips.

By Hillary Arrieta, LMT
The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage and Wellness.
Plano, Texas.
When you invest in massage therapy as a way of self-care, it's natural to wonder how you can benefit most from your appointments. I'm here to share with you the habits that will get you the results you want in no time. 
When I start working with a client, we typically discuss their goals for their session. Clients are often trying to get rid of nagging pain, or they want to create a habit of getting massages more frequently. In the case of the first intention, I always suggest that they come in more regularly so I can help them overcome the musculoskeletal pain they might be experiencing at that time. It could be coming from stress or an injury. Either way, seeing them at least every other week three or four times is an excellent way to start. 
In the case of the second intention, We schedule standing appointments. They may choose a quarterly block or book appointments for the entire year. They get their preferred time every week or month and don't have to worry about scheduling. They already have all their sessions booked. Advanced booking makes it easy for them to make it a regular habit. Also, it's vital to always talk to your massage therapist about your health history and history of injuries. We can formulate the most customized session for you when we know everything. Working with a licensed therapist who knows you personally is a game changer for sports injuries, enhanced athletic performance or if you're dealing with life-related tension building up.
​I'm here to help you with your self-care or wellness goals. 

Was this blog helpful? Leave a comment! 
I'd love to hear from you.

Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051
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We are the Heeling Hut.

6/8/2022

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The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas
Gaia Bodywork is now The Heeling Hut, LLC

The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage now in Plano, Texas

By Hillary Arrieta, Owner and LMT

Did you know Gaia Bodywork is now The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage and Wellness? I recently changed the name of my massage practice to reflect the changes happening over the last few years. I've slowly grown my massage practice into a Barefoot Massage-only studio. After all the changes going on, what's one more? With this mindset, I retired Gaia Bodywork and revamped it as The Heeling Hut. You'll find more Ashiatsu and Barefoot Massage offerings as my transformation continues. The Heeling Hut will continue with GB's legacy of being Dallas, Fort Worth's premier Ashiatsu studio - now fully adopting the technology into each and everything I offer. It makes sense because I've been teaching Ashiatsu as an approved teacher with the Center for Barefoot Massage for the past four years. I'm so proud to be a part of this strong group of women taking Westernized Ashiatsu to the next level with their style, FasciAshi. Utilizing Jeni Springs's proprietary "Ashi Strap" technique, it's a thing of beauty. I hope my new name inspires my students and that my clients embrace all the changes. It's been a season. :)
In Joy!

​Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051
Ashiatsu Teacher
Hillary Arrieta, LMT
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I'm Adding Author to my resume!

3/16/2021

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Author Hillary Arrieta, LMT
Ayurvedic Head Massage for Beginners. By Hillary Arrieta, LMT

Teacher, Massage Therapist and Author, Hillary Arrieta

 By Hillary Arrieta, New Author and LMT
It's time to celebrate!

​I've been working on a project, and it's finally time to see all my hard work completed. I'm happy to announce that I'm the newest Author in a series of massage-related books called "Press Here!"
​Let me tell you my story. 
In 2019 I got an opportunity to write a pitch for this upcoming book on a topic I love, highlighting Indian head massage. I dreamed up an outline for this book with all the elements of the perfect spa-infused IHM - complete with recipes, and the publisher accepted!
I spent the next six months working with the publisher, editors, and artists to create what you see here. The title changed once; we spent countless hours on this project; my friends helped by sitting in as my models for the drawings. It was the best time, and I'm happy with the outcome. I especially love the art and the colors on the cover. I have always been very pro "pink and purple," This lady looks like Wonder Woman. It's perfect.
The publishers moved the release date from March 2020 (we all know what happened then.) to March 2021- delayed an entire year!
To see it be born has been a trip!
Other experts in the massage field authored books in this series, and I feel very honored to be a part of this. You can find it on the shelf at Barnes and Noble or online at Amazon and other smaller bookstores. It's offered all through the UK too! I hope you'll celebrate this event with me soon. 

In Joy!
Dallas Massage TherapistNew Author, Hillary Arrieta, LMT
Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051

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Four things your massage therapist wants you to know.

4/20/2015

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Massage tips from a licensed massage therapist.
Four things your massage therapist wants you to know. By Hillary Arrieta, LMT Texas 040051
Many people love to get massages but are unsure of the actual benefits and how to get the most from their sessions.
After working as a massage therapist for over a decade in Dallas, Texas, I've spoken to many clients and prospective clients about the important, need to know information regarding massage therapy. Its long term use for significant health and wellness benefits.
I've narrowed it down to address the most common questions I get from people wanting to know more about this amazing therapy. 

1. Massage therapy, like most natural therapies, requires consistency and time to reap benefits.
It would be fantastic to go in for a massage and come out feeling brand new, but that isn't always the case.

Our bodies create muscular imbalances over time, so naturally, it will take some time to undo them. Some styles of bodywork can release chronic muscular holding patterns and benefit your overall posture. Still, it will take several weeks, months, or even years, depending on what is going on.

Some therapists also make suggestions for home care or refer to additional health care providers so that your treatments will be more productive and last longer.

I always encourage my clients to make massage a regular self-care habit to prevent pain and stress. Massage Therapy works best as preventative care.

2. Massage therapy helps muscle tissue rest, repair, and recover after strenuous activity.
Not only does massage therapy feel good, it's also an excellent option for a speedy recovery for people with muscular pain or athletes wanting to enhance their performance. Thinking that the only benefit to getting regular massage is feeling pampered severely underestimates this extremely effective natural therapy.

Regular massage adds to our quality of life by reducing everyday aches and pains that nag at us and consequently makes our stress levels rise.

3. There are many styles of massage therapy, and every therapist is different.
It's true; we all study different types of massage and have different skills that are unique to each individual.

While we all study the same necessary massage foundations, some of us specialize in different areas. Many therapists choose to study clinical styles of bodywork, while others are passionate about relaxation and stress reduction. Some therapists want only to use modern Western techniques, while others enjoy ancient, Eastern styles of bodywork.

It's best to ask around for a referral to someone that can be a good match for your specific needs. Luckily, massage therapists are very friendly and love to discuss their work, so finding a good referral is pretty simple. 

For example, you wouldn't want to see a therapist who practices massage for relaxation if you need detailed work on specific muscles for pain relief from an injury. You'd want to see a clinical or medical massage therapist.
Whenever I hear someone complain about a massage they didn't like, it's because the intention of the session wasn't clear to both parties from the beginning or they were seeing a therapist who's style wasn't a good fit for them.

4. We are the facilitators, but you are the healer.
Massage therapists create space for our clients to rest and move their nervous system from its stress response into it's parasympathetic or "rest and digest" response.
When we can take a complete rest, miraculous things can happen. Our bodies can heal from many stress-related dysfunctions, we can see the world more clearly, and we can make better decisions for our well being.

Massage therapists can only hold that space for our clients, but we can not take credit for healing them. The real healing of our mind/body relationship happens in its own time and when we as individuals are ready.

Question:
What do you what your massage therapist to know?
Leave a comment.

Licensed massage therapist in Dallas, TexasLMT, Author, and Ashiatsu Therapist.
Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write,  and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051

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What massage therapy means to me.

8/31/2014

3 Comments

 
Picture
Massage therapy has become somewhat of a mainstream natural health practice in the past few years with the help of large chains that offer memberships for a monthly massage. Even before the rise in popularity, therapeutic massage found it's way into my life.
After years of dealing with intense anxiety, and feeling unraveled emotionally, I began a healing journey, becoming a massage therapist. It wasn't just to help others through the difficulties in life but also to help myself and grow me up into a balanced person.
​
It is an honor to do this type of work, and I feel like it was my destiny to become a holistic health provider. The perfect fit. A way to integrate my scattered self and become whole.
Massage therapy opened me up to a better understanding of how my mind and body work together and how, when using massage as preventative health care, instead of as a pampering treat, I could live a happier, relatively conflict-free life. Life became more relaxed. My emotions and thoughts were less overwhelming. Communication with others was more precise. I use my massage practice to inspire people to take care of the body-mind. The main focus of my work is stress relief, which is something that, for whatever reason, our culture doesn't value much, although everyone seems to want it. I love to create a healing environment for people. It gives my clients a place away from the rest of the busy world, working with people who are burnt out and needing to rejuvenate their lives, dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and stress-related illness. These are some of my regular clients.
My sessions are quiet and have a focus on healing for that reason. I work with people who need to step away from life and recover from being overwhelmed, lift depression, soothe anxiety, and all the adverse effects of our multitasking, pressured-filled, modern-day lifestyles. Dallas Texas is a big city and we have many stressers here. I love to bring a little magic back to the lives of people who need to feel inspired. Massage therapy has given me many gifts over the years. One of the most significant contributions has been an appreciation for self-care. I never thought about caring for myself before I found massage therapy. I use to do 
harmful things to my body and mind. I had no clue that I was in control of my mental health and that taking care of my physical AND emotional/spiritual self was important. I loved getting "pampered" at the nail or hair salon, but genuine self-care goes more in-depth than physical attractiveness.
Sometimes when I'm feeling off, I can explore how I'm feeling through meditation practices and often discover that what I'm experiencing is an emotion, thought, or an unhelpful belief lingering. Self-inquiry has brought me a lot of peace. I learn that I can resolve whatever is coming up for me and determine the pain that is showing up in my physical body.
A massage during a time when we need to release emotional or mental pain can be helpful because putting ourselves in a healing environment and allowing our body to rest and can stimulate our brains to process complicated information.
One of the reasons Massage therapy works in this way is It takes us from our hectic, stress-filled lives into a place where our nervous system can switch over to the parasympathetic "rest and digest" response. Rest is when healthy changes can occur in our minds and bodies. Mental clarity and focus are the benefits of regular massage.
It's safe to say that we can't be at our best when we are always in survival mode, frazzled, and living a lifestyle that doesn't allow rest. We are told that it's lazy or that being unproductive is terrible when, in reality, it's a vital part of healing and staying healthy.
Becoming a massage therapist also introduced me to the world of alternative health. One of the ideas of alt. health care is looking at not just the physical but also the mental, spiritual, and emotional parts. I read so many life-changing books searching for more and more on true wellness and what it means to be balanced.
I changed how I felt about myself, and the harmful negative self-talk turned into sweetness. I work on accepting other people and myself, just as they are. It's is a conscious and daily practice. I've developed a more in-depth spiritual knowing through meditation that gives me peace.
Reflecting over the past ten years as a licensed massage therapist gives me a sense of happiness and pride. I'm proud of myself and inspired by everyone I have met and studied under. It's a feeling of being home and centered in my life purpose.

With gratitude!

About the Author:
Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where 
I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051
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