Although I have known the CEO/Lead Therapist of The Body Shoppe, Morgan, since childhood, I guarantee you this post is unbiased.
I have gotten many massages over the years, but my experience at The Body Shoppe was by far the BEST. Even though Morgan and I grew up together, it wasn’t until recently that I actually got on her table. In all honesty, I was a bit hesitant having my friend rubbing on me and being so exposed. I thought that all that touching was just too much intimacy for our friendship. It just seemed so weird to me but my experience was totally the opposite of weird. After a stern lecture about how I need to prioritize self-care (which I do), I was treated just like any other client.
The Zen music and peppermint essential oil lining the face rest of her table created a very relaxing environment. The massage was magical! I felt lighter physically and mentally. I had heard so many wonderful things about her massages from her clients but never experienced it myself. Now that I have, I can’t wait to book my next appointment.
Here is more about The Body Shoppe from its CEO, Morgan:
What makes you passionate about massage therapy?
I chose this profession after questioning what my purpose was. I even had a conversation with a close friend about it. The day after the conversation, I got into a car accident. My driver side was hit and I was told that I should have shattered my elbow. I was seeking ways to heal this injury and that is when massage therapy changed my life. I knew then that my purpose was to help change the lives of others, in the same way that my life was changed.
What makes what you do important to one’s health?
Massage therapy helps a person both physically and mentally. Physically, it helps improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and helps alleviate pain. Mentally, it helps eases stress and anxiety by relaxing a person and bringing about mental clarity. We are all affected differently by life. We want to help guide everyone—no matter the size or body type—to their body’s greatest potential. They can’t fulfill their obligations if they don’t first take care of themselves.
What are some common complaints clients have when they come to see you?
Many clients suffer from physical ailments that reflect their daily lives—stress residing in their neck, shoulders, upper or lower back. From more active clients, I see muscle strain in their hamstring, glutes, feet, and the sciatic nerve. We have also helped ease the pain of clients that have fibromyalgia, fibroids, and more.
What are some tips one can do to help ease those complaints?
Here’s a Quick Tip: Take 20 minutes for yourself and stretch. Stretching is so beneficial to the body. It improves circulation and eases the stress on the body. For all my clients I encourage stretching but, especially, to those sitting at a desk 40 hours out of the week.
Do you feel this is a good substitute for more invasive treatments?
Absolutely! I think that massage therapy has two benefits. The first being that it helps prevent illnesses or injuries. Stress can kill someone and a massage is a great way to prevent and reduce stress. It also helps prevent injury by circulating blood flow, which helps the body function as it should. The second benefit is that it is also a treatment for those same conditions and so much more. We have been grateful to help ease the pain of our clients, which oftentimes, helps them to stay off of meds and even keeps them out of the operating room. We are grateful that we are able to encourage our clients, through knowledge, to take back one’s life and to work smarter not harder
What are some things you wish your clients were aware of concerning their bodies?
The Body Shoppe and our technicians stand firmly on listening to the body. Many of our clients don’t listen to their bodies and what it’s telling them. Our clients live very busy lives and often separate their bodies from their day-to-day tasks because they are trying to get through the day. So when we see a lot of our clients, they feel as if their bodies are beyond repair and they come to us seeking some relief just so they can get through the day. I wish that our clients took the time to get to know their body and how wonderful the body truly is. I want them to know that the body can heal and massage therapy is a great way to help the body heal.
What are some misconceptions that people have about your profession?
Massages are not a luxury, but rather, a necessity. We all need an escape, mentally, and many don’t know where to begin. We help by resting the body and quieting the mind so our clients can continue to push forward.
Tell us something that you feel people should be informed about?
If we had to inform others of one thing, it would be that, if you don’t take care of YOU, you can’t take care of anyone or anything else.
Body Shoppe:
Our mission is to introduce self-care tips to everyone. We encourage, assist, and promote self-wellness with massage and skincare. We want to teach and guide others that self-care and wellness begins with them. Here at The Body Shoppe, YOU are our first concern. We customize many of our services for one-on-one experiences. It’s important that our clients understand that healing begins with SELF, and we want you to be the best version of YOURSELF.
To Learn More:
The Body Shoppe
Located Inside Phenix Salon Suites
19800 Hawthorne Blvd. #118
Torrance, CA 90503
By Appointment Only:
(562) 584-7964
www.shoppebody.com
IG: @bodied_mo
FB: @shoppebody