Therapist Spotlight: Amanda

/

We are going to do a spotlight on each of our therapists starting with Amanda. This is to learn more about her as a person and what you can expect from a session with Amanda! Speaking from personal experience, Amanda is a great therapist! She is always paying attention to my specific requests and is attuned to the flow of the massage. With 14 years of experience as a massage therapist, a massage with Amanda will not disappoint! Check out this interview and call or email to schedule your next session with Amanda!

What initially drew you to massage therapy, and how has that passion evolved over time?

I knew the many benefits of massage. Whether someone has a specific issue, is working on preventative care or just trying to relax, I wanted to be a part of the solution in making them feel better.

What are your main areas of expertise in massage therapy?

I specialize in prenatal and post natal massage. What should be the happiest time in a woman's life can also be the most stressful. Gentle massage can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), promoting relaxation and emotional well-being during pregnancy. It helps ease common discomforts like back pain, leg cramps, and swelling by improving circulation and relaxing tight muscles.

What can clients expect from a session with you(specifically with your specialty?

I always want to make sure all of my clients feel comfortable receiving their massage. I listen to their needs and make sure they are addressed.

What are some new certifications and massage techniques you are planning to take or are interested in learning more about?

I plan on taking a fertility massage certification this June!

What is your favorite type of massage to receive and how often do you get massage therapy?

I personally like to receive a firm Swedish massage. I want to feel my muscles moving while still feeling relaxed. My goal is to receive a massage once a month, but that doesn’t always happen. 🙂

What are you most passionate about outside of work?

Family, Faith, Food & Football. Exercise and overall wellness is also a very important part of my life.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I’d like to say my passion for Pittsburgh sports, but most people already know that about me. I also bake over 50 dozen Christmas Cookies every year. Another homage to my Pittsburgh heritage.


Raleigh Location

/

We are excited to now offer massage therapy in Raleigh! Our therapist, Alicia, is now seeing clients on select days in Raleigh from 9am-5pm. The space is located inside of the Soma Wellness Collective at: 

920 Paverstone Dr.

Suite B

Raleigh, NC 

 



Please let us know if this location is more convenient for you when scheduling! We are looking forward to working with you soon!



Trigger Points: What They Are and How Massage Can Help

/

Trigger points, often referred to as muscle knots, are small (can be as tiny as a mustard seed), tight areas in muscles that can cause significant pain and discomfort. These points are usually the result of muscle overuse, injury, or stress. Trigger points can lead to referred pain, meaning the pain may be felt in a different area of the body. For example, a knot in the shoulder may cause pain in the neck, head or down the arm. Some people have mistakenly undergone surgery to try to correct the pain they feel not knowing that the problem was a trigger point. Leading to high expenses and sometimes more issues for and still, they feel the same issue.  Sometimes it is better to get a massage first, try something non-invasive before going through a drastic measure like surgery.

The problem with trigger points is that they restrict blood flow, causing a build-up of waste products in the muscle tissue. This not only causes pain but also limits the muscle’s ability to function properly. Left untreated trigger points can lead to chronic muscle pain, stiffness, and even reduced range of motion making everyday tasks difficult. Massage is an effective way to treat trigger points. Trigger point therapy is typically done applying pressure with fingers, elbows and special tools.  Also, through techniques like deep tissue massage or myofascial release, a skilled therapist can target these tight areas. Massage helps by increasing blood flow, releasing built-up tension and helping to break down the knot. Blood flow helps deliver nutrients and oxygen to the muscles that are deprived of those things. Regular massage helps to reduce the pain associated with trigger points and promotes healing, allowing muscles to relax and return to their normal function. 

Whether you're dealing with persistent pain or simply want to prevent trigger points from forming, massage offers a therapeutic way to keep your muscles healthy and pain-free. Call or email today to schedule your next appointment! 919-322-8382


Happy Thanksgiving!

/

The holidays are upon us! As always, we are so thankful to all of our clients! We appreciate your business and thank you for trusting us to be a part of your wellness journey! 

We will begin selling Christmas gift cards on Friday November 29th.  Christmas Gift Cards will be 10% off! There is no limit and you can buy a gift card(s) for yourself. Christmas gift cards can not be used before Christmas. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

You may purchase a gift card over the phone and have it emailed. You may also schedule a time to come into the office and pick up a physical gift card. 

Email or call today to get your Christmas Gift Cards! 919.322.8382

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!



Earthley Product Update part 2: Postpartum

/

Here is the list of our new postpartum products, these are products I have been personally using myself and getting some great benefits from them! If you buy 3 at the same time, get a 10% discount! 

 Teeth Tamer 2oz: 

Teeth Tamer naturally soothes pain, drooling, and irritability due to tooth pain. Instead of using harmful medications or synthetic gels with unsafe ingredients and potential side-effects, experience the relieving power of herbs. Whether you’ve got a toothache or a teething baby, Teeth Tamer is the best natural solution!  Made with whole organic cloves, absolutely no essential oils.

Key Herbs:

Teeth Tamer is also great for molars, losing teeth, and general toothaches — not just for babies!

Baby balm Herbal Salve .5oz:

Baby Balm is our natural diaper cream that shields your baby’s skin from irritation while nourishing the skin to soothe away diaper rashes. Safe for cloth diapers, this salve is made to help those diaper rashes as well as minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.

This is a great all-natural alternative to those mainstream rash creams that are full of chemicals and unwanted ingredients. Baby Balm is made with soothing lavender, chamomile, and calendula in a base of olive oil, castor oil, and candelilla wax. Throw out those conventional diaper creams for our all-natural Baby Balm!

Key Ingredients:

  • Lavender Buds – promotes wound repair, anti-inflammatory

  • Chamomile – soothing, may ease pain, anti-inflammatory

  • Calendula – anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal, soothes skin

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil – softens and nourishes skin

  • Castor Oil – softens and nourishes skin

  • Candelilla Wax – softens skin

Breast Balm Herbal Salve .5oz:

Breast Balm is an all-natural, herbal salve created to help soothe sore nipples to relieve pain associated with breastfeeding. It also contains anti-fungal properties to help fight symptoms of yeast. Since it’s edible and safe for babies, there’s no need to wipe it off before nursing!

Our Breast Balm can also be used as lip balm, for diaper rash, and to help any skin rash or irritation you have!

Key Ingredients:

Apricot Oil – soothes skin, anti-inflammatory

Candelilla Wax – softens skin

Calendula – soothes chapped and broken skin, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal

Milk Flowin’ Salve .5oz: 

Milk Flowin’ Salve is an all-natural, herbal salve created to help relieve clogged milk ducts. This salve helps keep lymphatic fluids and milk moving to work out any existing clogs. Since it’s edible and safe for babies, there’s no need to wipe it off before nursing.

Massage our Milk Flowin’ Salve into the breast and nipple area to help release clogged breast milk and find relief!

Key Ingredients:

Mama’s Magic Milk Boost 1oz:

Mama’s Magic Milk Boost is an herbal tincture created to help increase milk supply with all-natural ingredients. Not only is this product high in vitamins and minerals to nourish the body, but it also contains herbs to soothe baby’s tummy. Made with the highest-quality ingredients, this tincture supports both mom and baby on their breastfeeding journey. 

Key Herbs:

Postpartum Balance 1oz:

There’s nothing quite like the major hormone surge you get right after having a baby. You’re flooded with oxytocin and you are so happy to have this baby, but it can be overwhelming! Postpartum Balance is formulated to help mamas break down no-longer-needed pregnancy hormones, balance your hormones, and to help lessen bleeding for an easier fourth trimester.

It is a must have for every new mom!

Key Herbs:

Earthley Product Update part 1

/

Hey Everyone! We started selling Earthley products last year and we are now offering a few more items! If you are interested in trying them out, come on in or pick some up at your next appointment! Now offering: 

Soothing Skin Balm 4oz.: 

Magic Muscle Ease (unscented)2oz:

Magic Muscle Ease is the perfect lotion for those sore muscles. The solution for either those annoying charlie horses or those sore muscles from the gym! We combined magnesium chloride with a blend of butters and oils to make a supple and soft lotion that massages into your skin smoothly, but we infused it with arnica flowers to help relax sore and tight muscles even more!

Vanilla Whipped Body Butter 8oz:


Check back next week for our pregnancy and postpartum products!






Summer Massage

/

The weather has been PERFECT this week! Nothing makes you want to get outside and be active like low humidity and sunshine! With the warm weather comes all the fun summer activities we love. However, sometimes we forget that we haven’t done these activities since last summer so our bodies are a little rusty. Make sure you are ready for your summer sports and activities by doing some regular cross training in the off season, warming up very well before the events (even yard work/gardening!) and keeping your muscles healthy with regular massage! Massage is beneficial in many ways. It helps you keep track of how your body is feeling and if there are any tension spots you weren’t aware of. It helps to keep your muscles loose by increasing circulation. It can help you to recover as you get back to doing what you love and have sore muscles. Massage is not benign. It absolutely feels great just generally, but it can also be a great tool to keep you doing the things you love!

Email or call today to schedule your next appointment!! 919-322-8382!

Package Pricing

/

At Oak City Massage, we understand the benefit of receiving regular massage, of course. We also understand that this can be a financial burden on some folks! While getting regular massage can help you to avoid injuries, lower other health costs and keep you in the activities you love, it can still be hard to justify. With this in mind Oak City offers some great package pricing to help lower your overall cost of massage therapy. Our packages do not expire and you are welcome to use them as frequently as you would like. We also allow you to share your package. 


Check out our package pricing before your next session! 


A package of 3 massages is 5% off (60 minutes are $95/session, 90 minutes are $137.75/session)


A  package of 6 massages or more is 10% off (60 minutes are $90/session, 90 minutes are $130.50/session)


Email or call to schedule today!! 919.322.8382



Returning to Work

/

Hello Everyone! 

   I am planning to return to work the week of May 6th! I will have random availability these first couple of weeks, so just message me with a date and time that you would like to come in and we will figure something out! 

My daughter Jaclyn is doing great and it is really hard for me to believe she is already almost 3 months old!! We have had a great few months together and I am looking forward to continuing watching her grow while getting back to work! 

Thanks for all of your patience!! See you soon :)



Last Week for Gift Cards!

/

I can hardly believe Christmas Eve is a week away!!

Just a reminder that this is the last week for Christmas gift cards, 10% off any regularly priced massage! If you are still looking for the perfect gift, look no further! Give the gift of relaxation with a massage gift card! Please call or email the office to schedule a time to come in and pick up your gift cards. We are also able to email gift cards if that is more convenient for you! 919-322-8382

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!


Announcement!

/

Hey Everyone, I hope you are all getting into the holiday spirit, but also taking time to relax this season! 

Many of you already know, but I wanted to officially share that my husband and I are expecting our second child! We are so excited to be adding to our family and are so looking forward to meeting our new baby girl at the end of January! 

I am hoping to work until delivery, unfortunately it’s just an estimate so we’ll see when that actually happens. As of right now I am stopping scheduling the week of January 22nd and may pick up some same day appointments that week if I’m still not delivered and feeling well. If anything happens before that time all of my scheduled clients have contact info easily accessible and myself, Amanda or Alanna will reach out to you and help you get rescheduled. I will be returning to work sometime in late spring.

We are so excited and look forward to this next chapter of our lives. Thank you for all your support and congratulations!




Now Selling Christmas Gift Cards!

/

 Having trouble deciding what to get someone for Christmas? What about the gift of relaxation? All Christmas Gift Cards will be 10% off! There is no limit and you can buy a gift card(s) for yourself. Christmas gift cards can not be used before Christmas. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

You may purchase a gift card over the phone and have it emailed. You may also schedule a time to come into the office and pick up a physical gift card. 

Email or call today to get your Christmas Gift Cards! 919.322.8382



Product Spotlight: Feel Better Fast

/

Another product spotlight! Today I am going to talk about a tincture that has truly seemed to work for my family and I. It’s called Feel Better Fast. This safe and effective remedy for common illnesses has been a great addition to our medicine cabinet! With a young child at home it’s terrible to see her sick and not feeling well. There are also limited options as to what you can give children at such young ages. I also try to avoid over the counter medicines that can have potential side effects to the liver and stomach. 

My daughter has recently started kindergarten so it wouldn’t be unusual for her to have gotten sick at least once these past couple of months. At the very first signs of a runny nose or cough I have been giving her Feel Better Fast  and she has not had a fever or any type of illness that has led to her staying home from school. Any runny nose/cough she has gotten has been extremely mild and short lived. We also try to keep her on a good diet and make sure she is getting enough sleep, though I do feel like the Feel Better Fast definitely has something to do with her lack of serious illness. 

With no side effects and for a child the dosage is just 5 drops every couple of hours, there is really not much risk in trying Feel Better Fast. Check it out at your next appointment or head on over to Earthley to order some. Don’t forget Black Friday sales are coming up soon so you can also wait to pick some up then!




Product Spotlight: Nourish Her Naturally

/

I just wanted to do a “spotlight” on one of the products we recently started selling at Oak City Massage. It’s a liquid vitamin called Nourish Her Naturally. It is a great option for females ages 1 and up! Nourish her naturally is an herbal tincture that provides nutrients in a more natural and gentle way than a typical multivitamin that has megadoses of nutrients in it.  I have been taking it for the past few months and I have been feeling really good. I have been using it in addition to a few other recommended supplements(Cod Liver Oil, Good Night Lotion, electrolyte powder and Immune-Aid Vitamin C powder)  as a prenatal regimen. The biggest difference I have noticed is that the liquid vitamins seem to be gentler on my stomach. I have also found that this regimen has decreased the amount of leg cramps I was getting at night. I have been feeling really good throughout my pregnancy and I feel this blend of supplements has been a contributor to that! 



You can pick up a bottle of Nourish Her Naturally at your next appointment! Earthley also has so many other great supplements and wellness products listed on their website, make sure to check those out as well!! 

Have a great week!



Thai Table Massage

/

Hey everyone! 

Recently our therapist Alanna took a certification for table Thai massage. This will be a new service we will be offering at our office so check out this blog if you are interested!! 

What is table Thai massage, what is the difference between this and floor Thai massage? 

Thai massage on the floor was the original way it was done & was offered to the farmer men back in the olden days. Thai massage was looked at as a way not of relaxation but more as medicinal-they didn’t feel they absolutely needed it unless you needed it-like seeing the doctor. Thai massage on the floor often has stretching involved & the therapist can sometimes use their feet to provide a deep stretch on the clients back while pulling their arms. Thai massage can be hard on the body, especially on the floor.  Some people may feel like they are in a pretzel like position during some stretching with their bodies turning & it can be aggressive. On the table it's a more gentle approach and easier on the body. The thing that is similar is that there are lots of compressions along the meridian of the body with some stretching. Stretching can still be delivered on the table without the therapist having to climb on top of them.  Robert Wooten taught me how to do table Thai massage. He said he developed it on his own for 30 years in Thailand. He says it’s helped him come up with a gentle approach for his body & his clients. He feels that Thai massage does not have to hurt. Wooten said that if done right by the massage therapist- it should feel like a type of dance & with ultimate presence can put us in another dimension, so to speak. 




What are the benefits of table Thai massage? 

The benefit for me as a therapist is it’s easier on my body & for my client it is more comfortable. It can be done laying on the back & in side-lying position. 



How often could/should you get a table Thai massage? 

Table thai massage feels somewhat like a myofascial release type of modality.  If it’s a really deep pressure & deep stretching Thai massage you may not want to do that before an athletic event -maybe a couple days before or after.  Once a month may suffice- it depends on how you’re feeling & what’s being worked with. If you’re on the  stiff side maybe twice a month, at least. 

What should you expect at your table Thai massage session? 

Thai massage does not require oil & can be done with clothes on. There’s some stretching, rhythmic movement & compressions along the meridians (energy lines) of the body. The therapist might use her feet on the clients legs & back.




How and when to schedule?

You can email or call to schedule 919-322-8382. We will be offering Thai table massages on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. We look forward to working with you soon!!





Additional New Products

/

Now selling new Earthley Products!

Earthley is an all-natural company that focuses on using whole herbs and ingredients to provide folks with a different option for supplements, alternatives to mainstream medication and hair, body and skin products. We are starting out with just a few of our favorite products they sell.

The two new items we are selling are Cough-B-Gone and Arnica Salve.

Cough-B-Gone Herbal Extract(kids):

Cough-B-Gone is an herbal tincture created to help relieve colds, coughs, and congestion. Rather than use synthetic, chemical-tasting cough syrups, nourish your body and support the respiratory system with the natural power of herbs. Our kids (safe for ages 6 months+) is alcohol-free and tastes great with no added sugar or sweeteners!

Key Herbs:

Mullein — Supports lung health, anti-inflammatory

Fenugreek — Clears mucus from the body, anti-inflammatory

Dandelion root — Supports liver health, has mucilage, anti-inflammatory, rich in nutrients

Cough-B-Gone is great for supporting lung health, no matter your need!

A 1 oz bottle is $12.49!

Arnica Salve Stick:

Arnica is one of the most important herbs for families to have on hand. It’s the best option for bumps, bruises, stubbed toes, sore muscles, and more. We’ve infused organic arnica blossoms into organic olive oil to create a simple salve that’s completely clean and 100% beneficial (and safe) for your whole family.

This salve is fragrance-free (no scent at all), absorbs quickly, and nourishes your skin while it works. Comes in an easy-to-use, non-messy stick. Feel the pain of a bump fade away in minutes…and watch it heal fast with arnica!

0.5 oz. stick is $5.99!


New Offerings at Oak City!

/

We will now be offering some amazing natural products for sale. We are teaming up with a company called Earthley, out of Columbus, Ohio. They make all of their products in house and have made it their mission to use natural, quality and effective ingredients. Check out their website here to learn more about their company and all the products they offer! I’ve been recommending these products to clients for a while and I am very excited to be able to offer them at Oak City!  Here is a list and brief description of the items we will be selling along with their prices. All products sold in NC will have a sales tax added. 



Good Night Lotion , Sensitive and Blue Bliss

The one product I have the most experience with is Good Night Lotion. This is a magnesium lotion that is used to help with sleep, muscle cramping and constipation. We’ve been using this with my daughter since she was about 18 months old. I also use it on myself and notice a much better night's sleep. I have also used it to help with tension headaches that come from my shoulders and it works SO well!! 

Size 4 oz

Cost: $8.99

Feel Better Fast

Feel Better Fast helps with:

Upset stomachs (gas, bloating, nausea, indigestion)

Fever (balancing, not lowering)

Pain (headaches, achy muscles, and more)

Respiratory symptoms (runny nose, sore throat)

General “blah” feeling

Feel Better Fast is the “go-to” remedy for just about anything!

Size 1 oz.

Cost: $11.99

Vitamin D Cream

Vitamin D Cream is rich in vitamins A, D, and some K2. Studies show that vitamin D is absorbed nearly eight times better topically than orally! This is a perfectly natural way to get the nourishment you need without the taste you don’t want.

Size: 4 oz. 

Cost: $11.99


Pest Aside {Natural Bug Repellent}

Worried about ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and other pests that might bother you when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors?  We’ve got a solution for you!  Pest Aside is an all-natural, five-ingredient blend that’s very effective against all these insects (and more). 

Earthley uses coconut oil, neem oil, citronella essential oil, patchouli essential oil, and candelilla wax to create a salve that’s applied from a convenient, non-messy tube.  All four oils are known for their bug repellent properties — and neem, in particular, makes it work better than most essential oil-based options!

Size: 0.5 oz

Cost: $5.49

Size: 2 oz

Cost: $14.99

Nourish Her Naturally

Formulated specifically for women, Nourish Her Naturally is an herbal multivitamin made to fortify, improve, and nurture the female body. This tincture includes herbs that are packed with vitamins and minerals to help balance hormones, boost energy levels, and promote overall wellness. Herbal multivitamins use the power of nature rather than isolated mega-doses (which can create imbalances in the body).  It is safe for ages 1+ and can also be used as a prenatal.

Size: 4 oz

Cost: $25.99

Size: 8 oz

Cost: $41.99

Ease the Ache {Women’s Cramp Formula}

Alcohol-Free

Do you hate “that time of the month?”  Unbalanced hormones can lead to pain, bloating, heavy bleeding, mood swings, cravings, night sweats, trouble sleeping, and more — which can make you miserable!

Common remedies cover up the pain, but they don’t help balance hormones or solve the underlying issues.  Ease the Ache to the rescue! 

Earthley’s formula contains cramp bark, red raspberry leaf, motherwort, and nettle in a base of cane alcohol or vegetable glycerin as a highly bioavailable liquid extract.  It helps to reduce pain and bloating, slow bleeding, even out mood, and more.  You may just forget you’re on your period!  

Expecting a baby?  Ease the Ache is also great for postpartum afterpains!  Include it in your postpartum kit (along with Postpartum Balance) for a smooth postpartum experience.

Size: 1 oz.

Cost: $11.99


Breast Balm Herbal Salve

Breast Balm is an all-natural, herbal salve created to help soothe sore nipples to relieve pain associated with breastfeeding. It also contains anti-fungal properties to help fight thrush. Since it’s edible and safe for baby, there’s no need to wipe off before nursing.

Size: 0.5 oz.

Cost: $5.49


Anxiety Relief Herbal Extract

Imagine feeling calm and happy, without drowsiness or other unpleasant side effects. It can be achieved with Anxiety Relief! This herbal extract is full of adaptogenic herbs. Adaptogens help the body deal with stress, remain calmer, and gently balance stress hormones. They’re beneficial for adrenal function, and healthy adrenals equal a healthier stress response. Combine those with gently relaxing and calming herbs and you have a recipe for a good day! Anxiety Relief can relieve anxious feelings, improve mental clarity, decrease mild insomnia, and more!

Size: 1 oz.

Cost: $11.99

Temporary change in hours

/

Hi Everyone!

For those of you that don’t know, our therapist Alanna will be out of the office until August. This will be impacting our schedule for the time being.

Our new hours will be Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5:30pm.

We will begin scheduling clients on Alanna’s schedule starting the last week of July. If you are a regular client of Alanna’s and would like to schedule something with Amanda or Alicia, please email(oakcitymassagetherapy@gmail.com) or call the office 919-322-8382.

Thank you and we look forward to working with you soon!