WONDERFUL JOB: New FIVE STAR client review.

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ NINETY STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my latest five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Integrated Therapy Massage - 75min

Client Review: "WONDERFUL JOB - Relaxing Massage"

• "Cynthia does a wonderful job of creating a quiet, relaxing atmosphere and her positive energy is a bonus! Thanks Cynthia, I enjoyed the massage."

Need a gift for Mother's Day? (33 days!)

• I've got gift certificates available in my online gift shop. It's ok if Mom is hard to buy for... I've got you covered with certificates for a specific dollar amount. She can choose her favorite session!

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Social media and YOUR five star massage experience

I use Facebook, Google+, LinkedIN, Pinterest, and Twitter to keep in touch with clients and other massage therapists. I can reach thousands of other people with just a few clicks!

Here's a bit of what I research on a daily basis:

• special offers and marketing ideas to expand my clientele
• advanced training opportunities (continuing education)
• tools to use to help clients and save my body from overuse/injury
• case studies for specific conditions improved by massage

Every day I discover (and share) something new. All of this information helps me to improve your massage therapy experience. But I contribute as well as consume this info.

What do I share?I post client reviews, share articles/pictures, and communicate with thousands of people every day on the internet. It doesn't take a long time, but it has helped me become a FIVE STAR massage therapist!

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Five star massage therapy: new client reviews!

"I will be going back for sure!" --recent client

Thank you so much! I received three new five-star reviews this month. All three reviews came from new clients (thanks to your referrals!). Read them here.

This word cloud combines my three most recent reviews:

These first-time clients used phrases like "best massage," "first massage," and "enjoyed my massage." How exciting! 

If you are looking for a massage therapist in the Olney or Richland County Illinois area, please visit my website. I offer five star massage therapy in a clinical setting, and I am currently accepting new clients.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Pediatric massage: benefits for a client with ADHD

This post is about a little guy who was VERY happy to enjoy some time on my table on Sunday afternoon:

I had barely closed the door when he said, "READY!" 

He was three years old when he received his first massage on my table. He recently turned ten, and the years have not faded his enthusiasm. He absolutely loves massages! 

Around age five, this client was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His mom can see several benefits to him getting regular massages. She's seen an increase in the quality of his sleep, his manners/behavior in public and at home, and his ability to pay attention at school. 

At my office, children are treated like full-sized clients. I give kids the same amount of time when I'm listening and meeting their needs. This little guy likes ocean sounds, the smell of lavender, and firm pressure in his neck and shoulder areas. 

After the session, he always looks around the room and helps himself to a mint that I've left out for him. This time he grabbed the mint and lingered at my door. I caught him trying to walk with his foot inside a metal jewelry tray (shaped like a flip flop). It was exactly the size of his left foot, so we had a little chat about how it's not actually a flip flop. 

He enjoyed identifying which of his muscles were sore from playing video games by comparing his neck to the the anatomy charts outside my office door. I let him take a second piece of candy and thanked him for the massage he insisted on giving ME after his session. What a sweetheart! 

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

GOOD JOB: New FIVE STAR client review.

Note: I have 6-7 openings before Valentine's Day. Please let me know if you'd like to schedule a five star massage or send a gift certificate instantly.

= = = = =

I love having so many new clients! These days I'm helping clients redeem their Christmas gift certificates as well as issuing Valentine's Day Gift certificates. 

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ SEVENTY STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my latest five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Relaxation Massage - 60min

Client Review: "GOOD JOB"

• "Cindy did a good job on me, and she is very kind and friendly. I enjoyed my massage, and it was quiet in her place which is very important."

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

The hardest part of my job:

I hate hearing about bad massages! Here are two stories:1. Couples massage gone wrong.
2. Olive oil used as an emollient.

1. Couples massage gone wrong.

• On Tuesday, a man contacted me about getting a spa package for his wife for Valentine's Day. I also offer back-to-back sessions, so I asked if he also wanted a massage.

• Not no... hell no! He's never getting another massage! He had an uncomfortable experience at a local establishment during a couples massage. Rather than attack the facility (I've never even been there), I shared with him the gist of yesterday's post: three steps I take to keep clients relaxed.

2. Olive oil used as an emollient.

• A woman recently redeemed a Christmas gift certificate. She asked me over the phone if I used "greasy" oils. Apparently two local massage therapists have used olive oil on her skin, and she did not care for the texture (apparently she felt quite greasy).
• In the treatment room, I set out four professional-grade creams and let her choose: lavender, unscented, muscle therapy, or green tea. I alo removed most of the cream with a steamed towel. I am so happy she decided to get a massage, and I am even happier that she plans to return!

It is very important to establish a line of communication well before the client enters the treatment room and keep it open after the massage has ended. Last March, I wrote about creating the best massage in three steps, and to this day it's the most popular post on this blog.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Three ways I keep my clients relaxed:

The words "relax," "relaxing," and "relaxed" are always popping up in my five star client reviews. Here are three things I do to keep my clients relaxed:

1. Communication
2. Concentration
3. Isolation

Communication 

Before a massage, I ask every client to tell me what's going on. I do not interrupt. I may ask a few questions before offering a customized session, and I keep the line of communication open by checking in with clients during a session.

Concentration

During a session, I am constantly repeating two steps that I call "monitor and adjust." It means: 1) observe how muscle tissue reacts to a technique and 2) continue or try something else (like a t-bar). I am totally focused on what I am doing throughout the massage.

Isolation 

My Main Street location is quiet! It's set back from the road in a building near two chiropractors. It's quiet every day, but I also play relaxing music to help clients escape for an hour or two.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients five days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail
 http://olneymassage.com

T-bar: a five star massage tool

And you thought only my hands were magical: today I'm discussing my favorite massage tool. I thought it was fitting since I covered my clients' top 10 words to describe their massages yesterday.

• I use special tools to help clients de-stress. You have probably experienced at least one tool if you've scheduled one of my integrated therapy sessions. I love having heat, rocks, towels, my t-bar, pillows, blankets, and a variety of massage creams available in my treatment room. Clients love them because they get a customized massage session that they can't get anywhere else!
• I also use tools to extend my career, especially my t-bar. Tools allow me to take care of my body. My thumbs aren't overworked, and I only have to use a small amount of pressure to get results. The modality (therapy) I use the t-bar the most: Neuromuscular Therapy, but it's an all-around excellent tool for getting out knots! 
• I've been using the t-bar since 2010. I was introduced to the t-bar in a NMT class taught by Judith Delany (she's a phenomenal massage therapist who helped develop NMT in North America). www.nmtcenter.com

If distance prevents you from scheduling an integrated therapy session, you may find this video on Youtube helpful. See what Ryan Hoyme of MassageNerd.com has to say about his t-bar 
Watch this video: t-bar (Youtube video)

The t-bar in the video is similar to the bevel-tipped one I've used for years. Using it correctly takes some practice, but I've had clients tell me they don't even know I'm using it. It is truly an extension of my body.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients five days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the BookNow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Top 10 words that clients use about Olney Massage by Cynthia Given, LMT

Clients see me for very different reasons, yet here are the top ten words used in client reviews:

1. relax / relaxing / relaxed
2. professional / very professional
3. great / greatest
4. excellent 
5. again 
6. thanks
7. environment 
8. awesome
9. recommend
10. wonders/wonderful

I've also seen these words pop up a time or two: 

soothing, outstanding, miracles, fantastic, comfortable

Some of the reasons that clients schedule a massage:

• celebrating a birthday or engagement
• recovering from an injury
• training for an race / event
• stress at work / home / school
• living with a condition: cancer / fibromyalgia / depression / anxiety
• new job / baby / home / relationship
• Valentine's Day / Mother's Day / Christmas
• just because

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my office on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

http://olneymassage.com

Part 2: three secrets to getting real results from one massage therapy session

Yesterday I covered Part 1: three results from one massage therapy session

Here is Part 2: three secrets to getting real results
=======================

1. I use neuromuscular therapy (NMT) and gentle stretching as well as other complementary therapies which result in a unique session every visit. This client enjoys receiving a different type of session each week and has come to my office for several years.
2. In NMT, a therapist may use a small hand tool called a T-bar to target a very specific area of the body. My training consists of NMT work on the upper extremity (arm and shoulder). This client was able to really tell the difference after receiving NMT as a part of my integrated therapy sessions. 
3. In addition to living with upper back issues, this client's low back is frequently dysfunctional (dysfunction can present as "tight," "stiff," or even just "a little sore"). One way I help ease the dysfunction is to add stretching to a massage session. My training includes both assisted and passive stretching techniques. With this client I get good results with a gentle hand (light to moderate pressure) and hold each stretch for a few seconds. 

All I did was ask her if she felt better. Wow!
Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Part 1: three results from one client's massage therapy session

Hello, new readers! This post describes how an active (or inactive) lifestyle affects the human body (specifically muscle aches and pains). Tomorrow I'll tell you three very specific ways I helped one client with aches and pains related to her job.

• Our muscles adapt to the activities we repeat over and over. Muscle memory is great! It allows us to improve at doing the things we love to do. You can see babies develop muscle memory as they learn to stand and walk, and you will see it in your own body if you have a physical job or hobby (more on muscle memory).
• It can also lead to dysfunction/injury. For example, a man who drives an hour to work and remains seated for 6-8 hours might feel fine until he shovels snow when he gets home.
• One of the ways I help people get relief from injuries is through integrated therapy. Integrated therapy builds on a massage therapist's knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and massage therapy.

Part 1: three results from one client's massage session
=======================

Chief complaint: chronic soreness in back/neck
Session description: 60 minutes of integrated therapy (upper body)

After the session, the client complimented me on:

1. giving a unique massage during each session 
2. using a T-bar tool around the shoulder blades 
3. relaxing the lower back

All I did was ask her if she felt better. Wow!
Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:


Cynthia Given, LMT
604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

http://olneymassage.com

GREAT MASSAGE!!! New FIVE STAR client review.

NOTE: Last week, one of my new clients enjoyed a 75 minute relaxation massage. 

• Get a FREE upgrade for your first 60+ minute session of the year!
• Book online with web code "NY15." Ends 1/31/13

★  ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ SIXTY FIVE STARS ✰ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my thirteenth five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Relaxation Massage - 75min

Client Review: "GREAT MASSAGE!!!"

• "Cynthia did a great job!! I will definitely refer people to her. I booked online and it was simple and easy."

Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Outstanding job! New FIVE STAR client review.

NOTE: This client enjoyed a sampler massage. Click to enjoy three sampler sessions at a special rate in honor of Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Offer ends 10/27.

★ ☆ ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ FIFTY STARS ✰ ☆ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my tenth five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Sampler Session

Client Review: "Outstanding job!"

• "Gives an excellent massage!!!!! Very relaxing environment and does an amazing job with getting knots out."

Celebrate massage therapy awareness week with a pack of three sampler massages for just $109 (reg. $150). Choose from relaxation, deep tissue, or integrated therapy sessions. Ends 10/27.

Click here to purchase this special offer for yourself or a loved one.


Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Client Review: "I'd never go anywhere else."

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Integrated Therapy - 90 minutes

Client Review: "Awesome massage"

• "As always, Cindy gives the greatest massages! She's very responsive to her clients, leading to just the right amount of pressure. I felt so much better afterward. I'd never go anywhere else."

If you're looking for a relaxing massage with moderate pressure, but you have "knots" like this client, select one of the new integrated therapy options. The pressure is deep when necessary while allowing the client to totally relax.

You may even fall asleep! Choose from 60, 75, or 90 minute session lengths.
Not sure which option to choose? Click here for more popular packages.

See you soon!
-Cynthia

Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Client Review: "Best Way to Relax"

Note: This review comes from a longtime client. Here's what she had to say about her latest session:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Integrated Therapy - 60 minutes

Client Review: "The Best Way to Relax"

"Well... I basically fell asleep I was so comfortable :) Perfect amount of pressure and she is good at getting all the knots out. I'll go back again and again."

If you're looking for a relaxing massage with moderate pressure, but you have "knots" like this client, select one of the new integrated therapy options. The pressure is deep when necessary while allowing the client to totally relax.

You may even fall asleep! Choose from 60, 75, or 90 minute session lengths.
Not sure which option to choose? Click here for more popular packages.

See you soon!
-Cynthia

Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

"AWESOME!" - Cynthia's latest five-star review

One mom already redeemed her gift! Here's her FIVE STAR review of a "Sweet Feet" session:

"AWESOME -- Very good with pressure! Very relaxed environment! Loved the massage and foot treatment!! Would definitely recommend to a friend!"

Surprise Mom with an instant gift certificate for Sweet Feet (or 12+ other options)!

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Cynthia Given, LMT on Facebook