Getting Back on the Table

For two years, I didn’t receive massages from anyone else. When I tell other massage therapists this, I’m usually met with horrified looks.

But life was crazy. I went through a pregnancy, had my baby boy, and adjusted to a new life with a newborn and a pre-teen. It felt like I didn’t have the time… or the extra income… to spend on my own body. But I was still recovering and still needed bodywork, so I had to work on myself.
Through intentionally setting aside time for self-massage, I began getting to know myself and my body again. My last blog post touched on this idea: how touch can become a form of self-discovery.

After recently opening my new massage suite and finally getting settled, I decided it was long past time to start meeting other therapists and receiving massages again. I craved getting out of my comfort zone, having new experiences, and connecting with new people in the field.
And let me tell you… the past few months, I’ve met some of the most talented, genuine, and inspiring therapists. (See the end of this post to read about who I tried!)

Getting back onto the massage table felt unexpectedly vulnerable. Not just physically, but emotionally. Therapists asked about injuries, surgeries, stress, pregnancies, car accidents…the entire story of my body. Stories and experiences I haven’t fully recovered from emotionally. It reminded me how exposing receiving a massage can be.
I ask many of these same questions on my own intake forms, but it’s different when you’re the one answering them. It’s humbling.
As I talked through the history of my injuries, pain, and emotional stress, I realized how rarely we feel genuinely witnessed in that way. How often do most people experience touch with healing intention?

On a massage table, the body no longer has to be strong or hide its discomfort. The body can feel when it’s being genuinely listened to, and that kind of compassion helps it release some of the burden it has been carrying. For a moment, the outside world quiets down, and the nervous system feels safe enough to soften, speak, and be heard.

Getting to know someone through touch is a silent conversation.
It can feel awkward or uncomfortable at first.
It’s hard to let someone new in.
It can take time for the conversation to start flowing.
I was guarded at first, but slowly I felt my body beginning to trust each person working on me.
I could feel them paying attention to every scar.
I could feel them trying to understand why certain areas were protecting themselves.
And eventually, I let go.
It has been deeply needed healing.

This year, for me, is about stepping outside my comfort zone. It’s about learning more about business, massage, new techniques, and new people.
My plan is to continue trading with and trying new therapists whenever I can. These people are so caring and passionate about what they do. Their dedication is incredibly inspiring. I’m a student in this world, and I want to soak up every bit of learning that I can.

Amazing Therapists Ive tried and Recommend:

1. Alyssa Flores - Ashidojo Barefoot Massage Studio - Impressive broad pressure and barefoot flow. Intuitive with her toes!
2. Kristen Kreitzinger- Embodiment Spa Fusion -Talented lymphatic and renewed my silhouette for summer! She’s very knowledgeable
3. Nicole Gibbons - North Texas Integrated Wellness - She works down the hall from me and has an Amazing intuitive detailed touch