Jamie's Blog

When we think of tight neck muscles, most of us immediately imagine the trapezius—the big “cape-like” muscle across the shoulders. But another key player in neck tension is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) , a long, prominent muscle that often gets overlooked until it’s sore. Let’s dive into where it is, what it does, why you might want to get it massaged, and simple ways to stretch it. 

Whether you’re catching waves, cruising on a SUP, or diving into ocean adventures, water sports demand a lot from your body. Surfing and similar activities engage nearly every muscle group—from your shoulders and core to your glutes and ankles. They also require agility, balance, endurance, and mental focus.  With that physical demand comes tension, fatigue, and the risk of overuse injuries. Massage therapy is a powerful tool to keep your body fluid, strong, and pain-free so you can stay in the water longer—and recover faster.

Have you ever felt an achy sensation between your shoulder blades after a long day on the computer or behind the wheel? If so, it's quite possible that your rhomboid muscles are asking for attention. These hard-working muscles in your upper back are responsible for posture, stability, and upper body movement. Let’s take a look at what the rhomboid muscle group is, what it does for you, and why you might want to have it massaged. You'll also see some yummy stretches to lengthen your rhomboids.

If you’ve ever left a massage feeling like you could melt into your bed and sleep for days, you’re not alone. As someone who personally experiences insomnia, I know that massage can be a powerful tool for improving sleep quality and supporting deep rest. In a world where stress, screens, and overstimulation are constant, massage helps your nervous system slow down, your muscles let go, and your body relax into a state of true restfulness. Let’s explore why massage helps you sleep better, what happens in the body during a session, and how to make massage part of your healthy sleep routine.

I loved the academic part of massage school. It was fascinating to learn about each of our body’s systems and how they function for us. I thought it might be fun to write some blogs on the topic. Let me know if you’d like more of these in the future :) Have you ever wondered why stretching feels so good, or how massage actually helps your body? Our muscles work hard for us every day—whether we’re sitting at a desk, practicing yoga sculpt, or carrying groceries. But how much do we really know about how they function? In this blog, we’ll explore how muscles work, the benefits of stretching your muscles, and how massage therapy supports healthy, happy muscles.

Ever felt a deep ache or sharp pain in your glutes or lower back — perhaps even pain that radiates down your leg? That might be your piriformis talking to you. Though small in size, the piriformis muscle can cause a world of discomfort when it’s tight or irritated. Let’s take a look at what the piriformis muscle is, what it does for you, and why you might want to have it massaged. You'll also see some great stretches to relieve tension in this muscle.

What to Expect During Your First Session

You may not have heard of it by name, but if you've ever experienced nagging lower back pain, your quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle might be the culprit. This deep core muscle plays a key role in your daily movement—and when it's tight, weak, or overworked, it can cause discomfort that’s hard to ignore.  Let’s take a look at what the QL muscle is, what it does for you, and why you might want to have it massaged. Read to the end for some bonus yoga stretches for this muscle.

Massage & Recovery