THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK
"Touch was never meant to be a luxury.
It is a basic human need."
Irene Smith
WELCOME TO
RED BIRD
My mission at Red Bird Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork is to help you feel better in your body by providing a sanctuary where you can slow down, escape the stresses of everyday life and listen to what your body needs. I understand from personal experience the profound connection between physical and emotional well-being.
With training in neuromuscular therapy/myofascial release, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), oncology care, and Sharon Wheeler's ScarWork, I will work with you to develop a session tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply craving relaxation, my personalized approach and welcoming environment ensure that you leave feeling rejuvenated and restored.
REVITALIZE - REJUVENATE - RESTORE
I’ve been dealing with an inflammatory condition for most of my adult life. Starting in my mid-twenties, I would develop mysterious aches and pains that no one else my age seemed to struggle with. I tried at different times to get help from the medical establishment, but no one could find anything “wrong,” so I eventually gave up and continued to live and care for myself the best I knew how.
Then in February 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, and that almost year-long journey significantly impacted how I learned to care for myself and how I wanted to show up in the world.
I was fortunate to have access to a healthcare system with a strong integrative approach, and my care team encouraged me to explore acupuncture, Healing Touch and massage as modalities that could help me feel better during treatment. I’d been getting fairly regular massages for about 15 years, but I generally saw massage as a “luxury” and not as a core element of my wellness plan.
My breast cancer treatment protocol included steroids - which helped keep the underlying inflammation in check - but as I detoxed from treatment, the aches and pains started coming back.
"Massage therapy became such a critical part of my own journey back to health and wellness that I felt called to use it as a way to help others like me."
Christi Lee
LMBT NC #21942
My “pandemic project” was having both knees replaced, and while that did make a difference in how I was able to move my body, over time my physical condition got progressively worse, until some days I could barely get out of bed. I felt betrayed by my body, guilty that I couldn’t do the things I used to be able to, and really hesitant to make many plans for the future because I never knew how I was going to feel from one day to the next.
In 2023, I was connected with a rheumatologist who knew almost immediately what was going on. I was diagnosed with peripheral ankylosing spondylitis (pSpA) and started on a drug regimen that has given me my life back.
Massage therapy has become such a critical part of my own journey back to health and wellness that I feel called to use it as a way to help others like me – and in 2024 Red Bird Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork was born. My deepest desire in this next phase of life is to help people feel better in their bodies – to not just “survive” but to really thrive and be alive in their bodies - especially those struggling with chronic pain, dealing with a cancer diagnosis or serving as a caregiver for others.
Modalities
Massage & Bodywork
60 / 90 / 120 minute sessions
Red Bird offers a blend of classic Swedish massage and therapeutic bodywork, incorporating a variety of techniques aimed at improving overall well-being through manipulation of the body's soft tissues. We will work with you to assess the source of any pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses muscular tension, enhances circulation & tissue hydration, and promotes relaxation. The pressure applied can vary from light to firm, depending on the client's preference and the therapist's recommendation.
Massage & Bodywork
60 / 75 / 90 / 120 minute sessions
Red Bird offers a blend of classic Swedish massage and therapeutic bodywork, incorporating a variety of techniques aimed at improving overall well-being through manipulation of the body's soft tissues. We will work with you to assess the source of any pain and develop an appropriate treatment plan that addresses muscular tension, enhances circulation & tissue hydration, and promotes relaxation. The pressure applied can vary from light to firm, depending on the client's preference and the therapist's recommendation.
Is a special modality developed by Sharon Wheeler intended to help reintegrate scars into the body’s fascial web by coaxing the fibrous and random tissue to blend in with the established collagen matrix surrounding the site of the scar.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is not massage but a therapeutic technique that involves gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance the flow of lymph fluid. This method aims to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote overall detoxification by encouraging the removal of waste products from tissues. MLD can be especially helpful for those suffering from migraines and persistent conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
**Please note that MLD is not indicated for all clients and requires additional intake information be provided.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
MLD is not massage but a therapeutic technique that involves gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and enhance the flow of lymph fluid. This method aims to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and promote overall detoxification by encouraging the removal of waste products from tissues. MLD can be especially helpful for those suffering from migraines and persistent conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
**Please note that MDL is not appropriate for all clients and requires that additional intake information be provided.
Chair Massage
Chair massage is a form of seated, clothed massage focused on the upper body, including the neck, shoulders, back, arms and hands. Perfect for public settings, chair massage is a great way to refresh body and mind with minimal fuss. Red Bird is available for corporate retreats, staff appreciation days, community health fairs and more. To offer chair massage at your event, please reach out to inquire about rates and availability.
Red Bird Community Massage Fund
Therapeutic touch should not be a “luxury” but available to all. 10% of every session fee supports my efforts to make massage therapy more available and affordable for those in our community who may not have regular access to these services. I am dedicated to providing massage in a safe, welcoming and culturally respectful manner.
Why Massage
Receiving massage therapy on a regular basis can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility, which helps alleviate the stress and discomfort caused by daily activities or chronic conditions. Beyond physical benefits, massage also promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep quality, making it a powerful tool for managing stress. Integrating massage therapy into a self-care routine supports overall health and fosters a sense of balance and rejuvenation.
These benefits are supported by recent research: A 2023 study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage therapy significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, comparable to other therapeutic interventions.
Research from The Journal of Pain in 2022 demonstrated that massage helps manage chronic lower back pain and improves function.
Massage therapy can also enhance circulation and boost immune function, as indicated by a 2024 study in The International Journal of Neuroscience.
FAQ
Do you offer consultations?
Yes - and in fact, we encourage them! We want to be sure that Red Bird’s approach is a good fit for your needs. Click the “Book now” button to schedule a FREE 15-minute consultation in advance of booking your session.
Do I have to undress completely?
No, you do not. Our goal is to provide you with an effective session that addresses your issue, while protecting your privacy and helping you feel safe. We will work around any clothing you choose to leave on, and you will be covered completely during your session except for the area
being worked.
If we decide in consultation that bodywork would be beneficial for your issue, we ask that you wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing (sports bra/tank & shorts, etc.) that allows you to move easily.
Do you accept insurance?
Unfortunately, we do not. However, Red Bird can provide all the information you need to file with your insurance company directly.
Do you accept FSA or HSA cards?
FSA or HSA cards are accepted only with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which is essentially a “prescription” for massage.
Please let us know when booking that you have a LMN and plan to pay using FSA or HSA funds.
You can also pay directly out of pocket and then use your Red Bird receipt to submit for reimbursement from your FSA or HSA plan.
*Please note that even if you have a LMN to document your massage treatment plan and intend to pay using FSA or HSA funds, you are still required to have a credit card on file.
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Please reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
We look forward to hearing from you!