Finding the Right Therapist | Massage is Life, LLC

Finding The Right Therapist For You

Every massage therapist has their own style, approach, and skill set. It’s important to find a therapist who aligns with your needs, your goals, and your comfort level.

For instance:
I am a therapist who focuses on relaxation-based work.

While I naturally have a firmer hand and incorporate deeper techniques where appropriate, I do not forcefully manipulate muscles or deliver extreme, aggressive pressure. My sessions are designed to calm the nervous system, support circulation, and help your body release tension in a way that promotes long-term balance — not overwhelm the tissue.

I do often incorporate deep tissue techniques — which target specific muscle layers to release chronic tension — but this is not the same as simply applying deep pressure.

Pressure is Subjective

One important thing to understand is that pressure feels different to everyone.

What feels firm to one client may feel light to another, and what feels perfect to one person may feel too intense for someone else.

Pain tolerance, prior injuries, inflammation, anxiety, emotional state, and even past massage experiences can all affect how your body interprets pressure.

Because of this, I don’t typically ask “What kind of pressure do you like?” before starting a session.
That question can feel overwhelming or vague — especially for newer clients who aren’t sure how to answer.

Instead, I’ll check in with you a few minutes into the session once I’ve begun working, and ask how the pressure feels. That response helps me gauge your comfort level and gives me a reference point based on what I know I’m delivering.

For example, if I’m working at what I know is a medium level of pressure, and you say, “That feels perfect,” then I now understand how your body is perceiving my medium. That helps me make mental notes for future sessions — and tailor things to you more accurately.

I Let the Muscles Speak

I believe in allowing your body to tell me exactly what it needs.

My hands don’t just feel — they listen.

As I work, I read the tissue, the tension, and the subtle signals your muscles give off. That helps me know when to stay, when to ease up, and when to go deeper — without forcing or overwhelming your system.

Your muscles will always communicate what they need. My role is to listen, respond, and work in partnership with your body — not against it.

Deep Tissue vs. Deep Pressure — They Are Not The Same

This is where many clients unknowingly get confused before booking:

Deep Tissue Massage targets deeper muscle layers using slow, focused, and controlled techniques to release chronic tension.
Deep Pressure Massage is often misunderstood as simply “stronger” massage, using intense pressure throughout the body — but that isn't always effective or safe, and it’s not the same thing.

Where Disappointment Can Happen

Many clients say “deep tissue” when they really want just more pressure.

Others may expect deep tissue results from a relaxation session, or expect extreme pressure but don’t realize that style doesn't match the service they booked.

This is why client education is so important.

If your expectations don’t align with the therapist’s approach, disappointment is almost guaranteed — even if the massage itself is skillful.

👉 If you're someone who needs extremely firm or sustained deep pressure throughout the entire session, I may not be the right fit — and that’s okay.

But if you're looking for grounded, intentional work that includes deeper techniques when appropriate — I would love to support your healing journey.