Spring is the season of opening up, moving and stretching out after the long winter’s nap. If you are like me, the first long walk on the oceanfront, or in the back woods of First Landing State Park reminded you that your body may have been rooting in rest a bit more than you realized during the winter. The perfect solution to my aching body was a 90-minute massage. Read on to learn about why we believe this particular form of therapy is an essential part of vital living.
What is massage?
Massage involves a variety of techniques, from light stroking to deep pressure, used to press, rub and manipulate the skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. It is a broad term generally recognized as a component of integrative medicine. But that only tells part of the story. Massage also works to manipulate the fascial system, the webbing of connective tissue throughout the body. Massage moves stagnant lymph to help the body relieve itself of toxins and fluid build up, and it is an ally for other health practitioners, such as personal trainers, physical therapists, and yoga and Pilates instructors. We all work as a team to optimize your health.
How often should I get a massage?
This is a great question. You should work with your massage therapist and health care team to find the right frequency for you and to address any problem you are trying to solve. Each person has different needs and good providers will guide you for the best outcome for you personally.
How do I find the right massage therapist?
Like choosing other health care professionals, it’s important to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider, chiropractor, trainer or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist. Don’t be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified or registered?
- What is your training and experience?
- Where can I find your reviews?
- What are your specialties and style?
Massage therapy is a powerful tool for taking charge of your health and well-being, whether you’re managing a specific health condition or simply seeking stress relief. It’s safe and effective for people of all ages and is more than just an indulgence.
A good therapist has a vast repertoire of techniques and will customize and adjust them based on your individual needs and feedback.
Meet our Therapists
The Beauty Tree is very blessed to have attracted some of the area’s most sought-after talent in the industry. All of our providers are 5 star-rated therapists on Google, Yelp and Vagaro. They all bring different talents and abilities to the table.
Laura Ajtony: Laura is our triple threat! She has a wealth of experience with an associate’s degree in applied science and three licensed specialties. Laura is a Virginia-licensed and board-certified massage therapist with a very customized approach to the body utilizing deep tissue release techniques or relaxation triggers where needed. She is a licensed nail technician and professional esthetician as well. Her well-rounded education and approach to healing arts are ideal to help you live beautifully and age naturally.
Mary Mitchell: Mary is a Kansas native who moved to Virginia Beach in 2022. Mary brought specialized skills including Swedish and therapeutic massage, state-of-the-art moderated cupping, reflexology and plantar fasciitis relief footwork, myofascial release and more. As an Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)-certified health coach and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) fitness and nutrition specialist, Mary’s approach to wellness is broad spectrum.
Mary attended the Cayce Reilly School of Massage to further her education in the healing arts and continues to expand into specialty modalities, such as craniosacral relief therapy, manual lymphatic drainage and more. She is a fibromyalgia pain management massage specialist incorporating several tools and skills, diagnostic ability and sensitivity to client needs that reach beyond the traditional massage therapy modalities.
Ryan Bergstresser: A military veteran and a highly skilled massage therapist, Ryan was trained at Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) and has 10 years of experience as a practitioner. Ryan is nationally licensed and he is proficient in reflexology, Swedish massage and deep tissue techniques. His passion for helping others and dedication to providing exceptional service have allowed him to develop a strong client base and achieve outstanding results. Ryan is committed to creating a relaxing and therapeutic experience for each client, tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
Allyson Franklin: A graduate of Indiana Wellness College, Allyson is a licensed massage therapist who absolutely loves what she does. Being visually impaired, she has naturally developed a heightened sense of touch, allowing her to perform detailed, intuitive work. This gives her a unique and personal understanding of how powerful touch can be in healing the body and spirit. Every session is customized to your specific needs. As a pain management expert for body, mind and spirit, she combines her training in deep tissue, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, reflexology, cupping, assisted stretching, reiki, pre/postnatal and lymphatic drainage massages to help you find relief and balance. Her goal is to support your overall wellbeing through each session. Massage therapy is her true passion, and Allyson is dedicated to continually learning and growing.
We are committed to the health, vitality and wellness of this community and all of our beloved travelers who are passing through. Our doors are open, our tables are warmed and comfy, and we are ready to serve you. As we say in the South, come sit a spell, take a breath, drink a cup of tea — and get an amazing massage. See you soon!
