Massage by Melissa

A gentle reminder that Massage by Melissa is a safe space and a no-judgement zone.

A short list of things I’m not judging:
•Your weight
•Your gender
•Your medical history or medications
•If you shaved your legs or not (there’s a very solid chance I didn’t shave mine on any given day 🤷‍♀️)
•Your massage pressure preference (you don’t need to like intense massages - in fact I find gentle work to be more beneficial with longer-lasting results)
•If you have dry skin or dry feet (I have great massage cream I can use)
•Warts, acne, or other skin conditions you might have
•If you’re nervous about receiving a massage (I’ll explain everything in depth before you get on the massage table and you can ask questions at any time)

Clients who have appointments scheduled this summer: you’ll be receiving an email with an online intake form to be completed prior to your appointment if you haven’t completed a new health history form in the last year.

This will be sent to the email that’s on file with my online scheduling system. Please let me know if you don’t receive this email in the next few days. Also let me know if there are any bugs with this form as it’s brand new to me. Thanks!

I can’t wait to see you all this summer!

I still have a handful of massage appointments available in June and July. Grab one while you can!

**At this time I am not taking new clients except those with gift certificates to be redeemed.**

Click the Book Now button or visit www.MassagebyMelissaLLC.com to get scheduled.

My summer schedule is OPEN! 🥳

*Sorry, at this time I am not taking new clients except those who have a gift certificate to be redeemed.*

Click the Book Now button, or visit www.MassagebyMelissaLLC.com to get scheduled.

This summer I have availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in June and July.

If you are new or it’s been longer than a year since I’ve seen you, an online intake form will be emailed to you prior to your appointment at the email you used when scheduling.

My schedule will be quite tight and by completing this form in advance, it helps ensure you receive all of your hands-on massage time.

I look forward to seeing you this summer!

Probably the number one new service request in the last 5 years has been lymphatic drainage. It’s a gentle, relaxing massage using no oil, and is great for things such as swelling, injuries, and post-surgery.

I’m thrilled to say I just completed a lymphatic drainage continuing education course and will be offering it this summer. 🎉

(This is not appropriate for those who have lymphedema. While I do hope to take that training, it will be a bit yet.)

Speaking of this summer, I am working on determining what my massage schedule will be. I hope to have that ready in a couple weeks.

I’ve been tasked with rewriting my massage therapy program at NTC this summer due to a recent Department of Education change. Between that and my kids’ activities, appointment availability will be sporadic.

I have really missed doing massage over the course of this last hectic year, and I sincerely miss you all! I hope you’re all doing well and keeping up on receiving massage.

Stay tuned for more info about the summer schedule.

Looking for something fun to do this weekend while supporting a great cause?

Student clinics are beginning!

Many of you have asked me to notify you when student clinics begin at NTC in Wausau. Here's the info for those who are interested. The appointment spots are first come, first served and spots aren't confirmed until a student returns your call.

Clinics will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from April 1st – May 13th. Below is the specific schedule of dates and times for particular clinics. (This set up ensures students get a variety of experiences with different types of massages.)

April 1st 60 minute Swedish 10:30am (one spot left)
April 3rd 60 minute Swedish 8:30am, 1pm
April 8th 60 minute Swedish 8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm
April 10th 60 minute Deep Tissue 8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm
April 15th 60 minute Deep tissue, 8:30am, 10:30ma, 1pm
April 17th 90 minute Deep Tissue 8:30am
April 22nd 90 minute Hot Stone 9am, 12:45pm
April 24th 90 minute Hot Stone 9am, 12:45pm
April 29th 90 minute Hot Stone 9am, 12:45pm
May 1st 60 minute Therapeutic Massage 8:30am, 10:30am, 1pm
May 6th 60 minute Therapeutic Massage 8:30am, 10:30am
May 8th 90 minute Therapeutic Massage 9am, 12:45pm
May 13th 90 minute Therapeutic Massage 12:45pm

Descriptions of each type of service:
60 Minute Swedish Relaxation Massage: This technique employs long, smooth strokes to ease tension and promote relaxation. Our students will tailor the pressure to your preferences using light to medium pressure, providing a hands-on learning experience while you unwind and de-stress.
60 or 90 Minute Deep Tissue Massage: Experience targeted muscle therapy with our 60 or 90-minute deep tissue massage. This method focuses on reaching deeper layers of muscle tissue to address chronic tension and knots. Our students will apply firm pressure and deliberate strokes to alleviate muscle tightness, offering you a therapeutic session designed for relief and relaxation.
90 Minute Hot Stone Massage:. Using heated basalt stones to massage the body, this treatment aids in deep muscle relaxation. Combined with traditional massage techniques, our students provide a holistic approach to tension relief and relaxation, allowing you to experience a blend of soothing warmth and therapeutic touch.
60 and 90 Minute Therapeutic Massage: Customize your massage experience with our 60 or 90-minute therapeutic massages. Tailored to address your unique needs, our students blend various modalities such as Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy. Whether you're managing chronic pain or seeking overall wellness, our therapeutic massages are personalized based on your massage needs.

60 minute massages will be $40, and 90 minute massages will be $55.

Figure an additional 30 minutes per service for the students to do a thorough intake before the massage, and to fill out a feedback form after the massage.

And last but certainly not least, the phone number for the clinic is 715-803-1884. This is the number you’ll call to request an appointment. A student will return your call on a Monday or Wednesday morning. (We are off for Spring Break next week so no calls will be returned then.)

Please leave a voicemail with your first and last name, phone number, and requested clinic date and time.

When you arrive for your appointment, you'll enter the main entrance of the main building (NOT the tall health care building) and stop at the front desk. They will point you in the right direction.

Thanks!

I’m opening my schedule for a couple Euphoria treatments on Friday, March 15th around 2:30pm. (This is the only service being offered that day, in either 30 or 60 minute durations.)

This treatment focuses on the shoulders, neck, head, and upper décolletage area using super soft brushes, gua sha combs, and cooling globes. Add in warm, steamy towels, and your choice of essential oil blends for an extremely relaxing and gentle sensory experience.

Although there is massage used during this service, the whole treatment is quite different from a standard massage, and is great for people who love a calming, gentle approach to relaxation.

**At this time I am not taking new clients, except those with gift certificates to be redeemed.**

To get scheduled or for more information, click the link to my website in my IG profile, or visit www.MassagebyMelissaLLC.com and head to the Services or Schedule Appointment tabs.

It’s not a very exciting picture to look at but I’m thrilled !

For several years I’ve been been trying to find just the right memory foam for my massage table so you sink right in. 🫠

I finally figured it out! I now have 2” of super soft memory foam and a new face cradle that can be raised high enough. 🥳

Also worthy of noting is the PUL cover that I’ve had for years that goes on top. You don’t have to worry about lying on top of layers of oil below the bottom sheet, or someone else’s body sweat. This cover allows me to appropriately disinfect my table between each client.

Of course the big question is when will I have availability for you to try this out?!

Sadly that remains to be seen as I have taken on a new project related to my massage program at NTC.

I’m hoping to find some time in the next few months to open up my schedule for a few Euphoria treatments though if there’s interest.

Have a great holiday season!

Thank you to all who have served!

It’s been a busy summer.
Among working “straight 8s” creating a killer new massage program at NTC, gardening, baseball, and family time, there hasn’t been time to fit in clients thus far. 🫤

I sincerely miss you!

How have you all been?

Have you found a great new massage therapist? 🤞

Are you having a lovely summer?

Let me know how you’re doing in the comments, or feel free to send a text to catch up. 💕

Please don’t omit information on your health history.

I’m not asking about health conditions, surgeries, or medications to be nosey. Sometimes those things can require alterations to the massage to ensure your safety and comfort.

Can massage injure you or cause complications if you omit important information? It’s rare, but definitely possible. I’d hate for you to leave feeling worse than when you came in.

(Don’t forget that Massage by Melissa is a no judgement zone. I will never judge a client’s health conditions, surgeries, or medications among other things.)

I don’t have much to update business-wise at this time so instead I’ll periodically post on the topic of massage etiquette.

Do you have any specific questions you’d like answered or topics discussed?

(Every massage therapist is different and has their own preferences so I don’t attempt to speak for anyone but myself.)

Today’s topic: Arrive a few minutes early for your massage appointment.

👉 Arriving a little early allows you time to complete any paperwork, discuss goals for the massage, use the restroom, etc.

While I do schedule ample time between clients, not all massage therapists have time to spare. Even with ample time, if you are running behind your hands-on time may need to be shortened to ensure I am not running late for my next client. The time between clients once the previous client has left is spent sanitizing and disinfecting the room and supplies, replacing sheets, blankets, and towels, reheating hot stones, charting, grabbing a snack… There’s a lot to get done in a small amount of time.

👉 Rushing into your appointment can leave you feeling frazzled, making relaxing more difficult.

I’ve had many clients arrive late over the years and they have often been visibly stressed about running behind. It then takes them longer to relax on the table and begin to truly enjoy the massage. I want you to enjoy every single second of your appointment.

👉 At Massage by Melissa, if my door is open feel free to come in. If it’s closed, please have a seat in the waiting area up front and I’ll get you as soon as I’m ready. (Let’s be honest - 99% of the time I’m ready at least 10 min in advance. Running behind gives me anxiety. 😅)

Thank you everyone for the well-wishes and kind words on my return to teaching massage therapy.

I’m in my third week at NTC and I’m loving it! The support and access to resources and technology is beyond what I ever could have expected.

I am missing my clients though.

Although I do hope to eventually schedule clients here and there, I sincerely hope my regulars are having luck finding other good massage therapists to check out. 🤞

(And should you be interested in massage as a career for yourself, definitely check out the new massage program at NTC. I could carry on about why you should choose NTC, but I don’t want to become a broken record. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions.)

If you’re signed up to receive email “newsletters” from me, heads-up! I sent one this morning that includes a brief-ish list of other local massage therapists I recommend.

It’s not an exhaustive list and since I sent it I’ve thought of others I wish I had added. 🫤

Check your junk folder if you don’t see it.

Still don’t see it and want the list? DM me and I can copy and paste it for you.

(The referral list is based on my personal preferences. Massage is such a personal thing and what I love, you might hate. It’s a good starting point for my clients to try to find a massage match though.)

I had a cancellation for a massage this Thursday, April 27th around 2pm.

This is probably my last available spot before I start my new job creating the new massage program at NTC. Grab it while you can!

Visit massagebymelissallc.com to get scheduled, or click the Book Now button in my IG profile.

I’m slowly working on notifying clients with upcoming appointments (beginning May 8th) about my need to cancel due to accepting a position creating and teaching the new massage therapy program at NTC.

If you’re on my schedule and you’ve interacted with my previous post about this news, today or tomorrow I will be working on canceling your upcoming appointments.

As I stated before, this isn’t the end of me doing massage. I just don’t yet know what my schedule will look like, and how much time and energy I’ll have to devote to clients after my big girl job. (Not to mention a busy summer with rec and travel baseball, and other activities with my kids.) I should know more in the next week or two.

As always, thank you for understanding. Time and time again I’m reminded how incredible my clients are. 🥰

This weekend I got to attend my very favorite massage continuing education conference: the Oncology Massage Healing Summit in Bloomington, MN.

Outside of the world of oncology massage the names might not be familiar, but within our little (but very important!) world, this conference brings in some of the top educators: Ruth Werner, Gayle MacDonald, Nicola McGill, Ryan Hoyme…

One of the highlights was serendipitously meeting another local long-time massage therapist, Lisa Bennett. We had never met each other before but spent lots of time chatting like old friends.

The entire weekend once again emphasized what an incredible, friendly, and supportive group massage therapists are, including locally. 🥰

It is with utter excitement (and also a heavy heart for my business) that I’ve just accepted a position as a massage therapy instructor at NTC. Teaching massage is a passion of mine, and this opportunity only very recently presented itself and moved extremely quickly.

My start date is May 8th. While this means I will need to cancel appointments beyond that date (except Saturday, May 13th), that doesn’t mean I’m hanging up my massage hat just yet.

I am not sure what my schedule will look like going forward so if you have a gift certificate hold tight as I may periodically schedule clients again in the future (that’s my plan), or please get in touch. (Text is easiest: 715-572-5646 don’t forget to get include your name.)

Once summer has ended I plan on scheduling more Saturday Specials for sure.

I will post occasionally on social media, and if I have any spots open up for massage they will be posted on Instagram and Facebook.

Thank you so much for understanding, and thank you for 16 incredible years in business thus far. 🥰

When I get a massage I prefer stereotypical relaxation music. And historically that’s what I’ve offered to my clients during their massages.

Some people prefer music with lyrics, though. And I now have you covered! I created a playlist of almost 200 songs with relaxing vocals.

So far, 100% of the time I’ve forgotten to mention to clients it’s even an option. 😬 Sorry about that!

If you’d prefer to listen to the music with lyrics just let me know. 🙂

My summer schedule from June to the end of August will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays 10am - 6pm.

Once my boys are back in school this fall, Thursdays will be back on the schedule.

My hours overall have changed slightly to 10am - 6pm. (The last massage of the day ends by 6pm.)

For clients who are already on a regular schedule that includes evenings, this change will not affect your appointments.

I realize many people work during the day, and days and times outside of my regular working hours may be more convenient. Evenings fill up extremely fast and are rarely available.

On occasion I may be able to fit you in outside of my regular hours. Don’t hesitate to ask. Please note there is a $25 service fee for any appointment outside of my scheduled days and times. (This does not include the Saturday Special.)

Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

I have a couple last minute massage appointments tomorrow morning into early afternoon. (Tuesday April 4th)

If you schedule a 60 minute Euphoria treatment tomorrow it’s $10 off!

Online scheduling is available for a little longer at massagebymelissallc.com. Otherwise text 715-572-5646 to get scheduled. (Don’t forget to include your name. 🙂)

I have just a couple appointments available in May and most of the summer is booked by clients on a regular schedule. Grab an appointment while you can. 🤗

I had a couple spots open up on Tuesday morning into the early afternoon. 💆

Schedule a 60 minute Euphoria treatment on Tuesday and I’ll give you $10 off!

To get scheduled, visit massagebymelissallc.com. After Monday morning online scheduling is no longer available for the appointments so please text 715-572-5646.

I’ve had a handful of clients reach out about my schedule being booked up and not being able to find any availability.

As a business owner, while it’s a lovely problem to have, I wish I had a good way to deal with it. Despite trying a variety of things, I haven’t quite figured it out yet. Next up, cloning! 👯‍♀️

But seriously - I DID have a cancellation for the Saturday Special on Saturday, April 1st at 8:30am, so now is your chance.

More info on what the Saturday Special entails can be found on my website (massagebymelissallc.com) and in virtually any social media post that has the Saturday Special picture.

To get scheduled, send me a DM, or text 715-572-5646. (Don’t forget to include your name please.) Sorry, online scheduling isn’t available for the Saturday Special.

After your massage, the candy awaits. 🍬

Despite having Godiva and Ghirardelli chocolates, the two most popular have been Andes mints and Hi-Chew.

It’s like the cherry on top, after a relaxing massage. 💆

In January I celebrated 17 years as a massage therapist, and in April I’ll celebrate 16 years owning my own business. 🎉🎉 Thank you for joining me on this journey!

For those who are new, here’s a little bit about me outside of massage.

I’ve been married 13 years and have two sons who are 7 and 10.

I have an excessive amount of house plants (the overflow ends up at work!) and love to garden - especially flowers.

I love to travel. Russia will always be my favorite place.

I love listening to music in my car and the song in high rotation right now is Sanctity by Dystopia. (I’m throwing it back to my high school days.) A far cry from the relaxation music I listen to at work.

I’ve been a vegetarian for 25 years. I don’t miss meat, and no, I don’t care if other people eat it.

I got my nose pierced as a Valentine’s Day gift from friends in India 22 years ago.

I grew up on a dairy farm.

I see my parents and two of my three sisters every weekend at the farm. (The other one lives in MN.)

I taught massage therapy for over six years, and I miss teaching.

I’m obsessed with houses. I go to the Twin Cities Parade of Homes twice a year, plus the Artisan Home Tour. I adore the work of local builder, Jeremy Voigt. My heart belongs to old houses though.

My husband and I owned storage units. We sold them last year while the market was hot so we could have more time for family.

Do you have dry feet? A lot clients do, and over the years of giving and receiving massages I’ve found that the oil used for the rest of the massage just doesn’t cut it on the feet.

They need something thicker.

Enter one of my favorite products that I use in many of my massages: Peppermint Pedango foot cream.

It’s thick, not greasy, smells great (peppermint and lemongrass!), and allows me to give a great foot massage regardless of how dry your feet are, instead of just skidding over the skin which often happens with oil.

Top it off with a hot towel foot wrap… bliss!

(No, I don’t get paid to say how great the product is, but I’ll continue to carry on about it regardless.😁)

Part of my Saturday Special is a $10 gift card to a local small business.

Some of the businesses I’ve utilized in the past are the Chocolate Shop, Herbal Soap N Salves, The Local, Janke Bookstore, Milk Merchant, and Vino Latte.

What are some of your favorite local businesses in the Wausau area? I’m looking for places that offer products that are appropriate for a wide variety of people.

I’d love some suggestions. 💕

I had two cancellations and have the following spots open:

Today, March 6th at 1pm for a 60 min massage

Tomorrow, March 7th at 11:30 for a 30 min massage OR the new Euphoria treatment

To get scheduled, please text 715-572-5646.