Massage—It’s not just for pampering anymore!

Did you know that massage is an important part of maintaining your health? All of us encounter stress in our daily lives, whether it’s a type of acute stress like loud noise or crowds, or a chronic type like relationship problems, financial issues, or work stress. While acute stress can be annoying, usually the body is able to self-regulate. With chronic stress, on the other hand, often the body gets confused and this can result in long-lasting, negative health effects.

My name is Annalisa Derryberry, LMT, and I’m an independent massage therapist with an office in Mandarin. I graduated from the Florida School of Massage in 2004 and my main specialties are therapeutic deep tissue massage and Thai Massage. Let me tell you a little more about how massage can help you deal with stress, and some of the ways I can help you with my massage therapy and bodywork techniques.

Stressful situations cause our body to react with “fight or flight,” as a result of the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Under ideal conditions, the body initiates its own relaxation response, but many of us are under such constant stress that the body is tricked into thinking it is constantly in danger, and we end up with consistently elevated levels of stress hormones. This can lead to conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and muscle pain and tension, which wreak havoc on our bodies, moods, and behavior.

Fortunately, massage can help as a part of a wellness program—ideally, a four part plan of diet, exercise, stress management (including massage, meditation, yoga, etc), and a sense of community and belonging. Massage has been proven to decrease cortisol levels, decrease pain, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety and depression. It’s a drug-free solution with both short term and long term benefits, and it also just feels good!

How can I help you?

I try to do my best to hear what you need on any given day, and then I adapt my skill and experience to help you feel better. I’ll listen to what you need from your massage, both before and during the session, and I’ll adjust accordingly, to the best of my ability. As an independent therapist, I have the time to listen to your needs and concerns, and I schedule at least 30 minutes between appointments to maintain a calm and relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to get the full session time without either of us feeling rushed. I care about helping people feel better, and my techniques have received a lot of positive feedback.

            On the table:  

My massage is deep, but gentle, and combines a variety of styles, customized to your individual needs. This includes (but is not limited to) deep tissue, pain relief/injury recovery (especially in the neck and shoulders), relaxation, and prenatal (lying comfortably on your side, bolstered by several pillows).

             On the mat:

In addition to regular massage, I have seven years of experience and several hundred hours of training in Thai Massage. It is a therapeutic blend of yoga and massage, and it is performed on a soft mat on the floor. No oil is used and the recipient wears loose, comfortable clothing throughout the session. I use my hands, feet, arms, and legs to gently move the recipient into yoga postures, while massaging along the body’s energy lines and pressure points. It is relaxing, restorative bodywork that affects the body from head to toe. You don’t need to be extremely flexible or familiar with yoga, as the session will be adjusted to fit your needs. It’s not just stretching, so don’t dismiss it right away if you love “deep tissue.”

My office (MA43061/MM30953) is located inside About Acupuncture and Wellness, at 2980 Hartley Rd, Suite 1, Jacksonville, FL, 32257, and you can learn more at my website derryberrymassage.wordpress.com, or on Facebook. You can also find me doing chair massage at the Ancient Oaks  Arts and Farmer’s Market on the 1^st and 3^rd Sundays of the month.

I am available Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, by appointment only. The price for a 60 minute massage is $65, but I’m trying something new for 2014: New clients receive their first massage for $33 (50% off). If you book again before leaving, your second massage will be $48 (25% off). Your third (and all future massages) will be $58 (10% off), as long as you book before leaving the session!

Want to win a FREE 30 minute session with me?  Simply LIKE my Facebook page and then leave a comment below, telling me what your favorite form of self-care is. Winner will be chosen via Random.org on Friday, Jan. 17.  (Winner will be announced on the Jacksonville Women’s Small Biz Facebook page and also notified via email.)

Note: It’s important to note that sometimes massage is contraindicated, so if you have any health concerns, please consult your doctor, or give me a call at 904-274-1584, and we can see what might be right for you. I look forward to helping you!