About Myself

​

This is my bio, about who I am and my experience in the field of massage . I have been practicing longer than most L.M.T.s, and still love my profession! Helping to facilitate ones recovery from injury is always my goal, though I am willing and able to help you just relax from the stresses of living...

I would say that my passion is facilitating rehabilitation from injury. While my interest in nutrition led me to train as a Dietician's Assistant in 1979-80 , and my participation in running track for Lane Community College furthered my interest in body mechanics, I became fascinated with the mechanics of movement, injury and recovery. I bring to each session over 35 years of skill, knowledge and experience, blended with observation and intuition, to assess and support homeostasis in your body. I have discovered that Deep Tissue work is the fastest way to go from being injured , to returning to your optimum perfect, and balanced form.

Tell us about your primary training and any continuing education you have done.

I completed my education at L.C.C. and was licensed as Massage Practitioner in 1981. It is my intention to work at fixing an injury immediately. Since then, I have pursued continuing education certificates in Myofascial Manipulation, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Reiki, as well as additional coursework in Medical Massage 1 & 2, and training in nutrition as a Dietetic Assistant.

What unique skills and gifts distinguish you? How would you describe your style?

I approach a patient with skill, knowledge, intuition, and years of experience. It is my intention to work immediately, fixing the injury. I am one of two Licensed Massage Therapists in the area who use Myofascial Manipulation and I am trained extensively in Deep Tissue work.

I have over 15 years experience as a Medical Massage Therapist. My expertise is facilitating the removal of muscular spasm or rigor in the body so that optimum flexibility and circulation is restored.

What issues are you best at addressing with your clients?

People that suffer with acute neck and back issues will especially benefit from my work; for instance, whiplash injury or any repetitive sports injury. Athletes have found that they experience better performance from the increased mobility and flexibility after they receive a treatment from me.

How do you assess clients?

I pay attention to what is bothering the person I am working with, and may ask them to point to the place where they have pain. I may ask them about their exercise habits and activities that may have led up to their discomfort , and observe posture and muscular tension.

Why did you choose this work?

I began my “career” at a young age. I use to play “fix the backs” when I was five years old. 
My dad asked me to work on massaging his feet after he shattered his ankles. I have always been 
fascinated by the body and body mechanics. My own structure had anatomical challenges that were congenital and this condition fascinated me.

Where were you born and how did you come to Eugene?

I was born and raised in the inner city of Chicago. I came to Eugene after visiting a friend. I thought this was “The Land of Plenty” –green, a great bicycle community, and an affordable massage school.

Share a little about your personal journey as a healing practitioner. What life experiences have enriched or changed your work?

One day while in a poetry class, listening to a "poet" read, I felt a great sense of well-being. As the students were leaving, someone made a comment, "Could I imagine ANYTHING more WONDERFUL than being a "Poet" ?
I answered, immediately, "Yes, becoming a Healer," and decided THEN, that I would l start taking massage classes in the evening to begin my career change.

What is your definition of healing?

Healing is facilitating homeostasis. I believe the body wants to heal. Homeostasis is balance in the body. Part of my work is teaching clients to observe what is going on in their body. Healing is about changing what isn't working and finding what does work so that a person feels happy and pain-free.

We lose homeostasis through poor posture, overuse of our muscles, emotional stress, repetitive positions (often work related), genetic structures, injury, muscle memory from trauma and holding patterns in the body. I educate the client by showing them through the experience of the massage, what their body is saying, ... I have tension here, I am stuck in this position, and it throws this body part out of alignment, etc.”

What are you passionate about professionally and personally?

I am passionate about body work as a whole. This would include exercising regularly, stretching, making good food choices, and having monthly maintenance done by a skilled practioner. I have found that it is the quickest way to move from injury and limitation, to ease and wellbeing.

When not working, my grandchildren fill me with joy! I spend time with them every weekend . My life is full with gardening, time with family and friends, and attention to my personal health & wellbeing, going to the gym, cycling and running, and trying to keep my body in good condition. I walk my talk!!

What life accomplishments are you most proud of?

Raising 2 incredible human beings and teaching them what I know on a regular basis.
The professional and athletic community has recognized my skills and integrity as a practitioner. 
I was hired to work the Prefontaine Classic twice, and numerous sports event and assisted chiropractiors for 23 yrs.
I didn't drive until I was 41 and commuted only by bicycle, even with toddlers, pulling an extra long blue sky cart with seatbelts behind me, that could hold 4 children. I was both a cub scout leader and a brownie leader when my children were young. I used to run 7 miles a day, which changed after I survived a rare type of thyroid cancer.

Personal Invitation
I consider myself to be an “investigative” massage therapist, a kind of a detective seeking to find the deeper issue. There is nothing that brings me more joy than watching someone walk in with intense pain and limitation, and leaving my office with more ease and flexibility.

Testimonial
“I have always used massage as a way to relax and sought out practitioners that would simply soothe and relax my body with a light touch. My first experience with Cindy showed me another way to approach what I would call a truly healing and transformative approach to body work! Not always comfortable, but to access and release very old and deeply entrenched tension takes a firm and unyielding hand. Cindy goes right to the spot and does not give up until ease and flexibility is restored. She was able to access some very long standing, deep tension in my neck that I had 
become so accustomed to, that I had no idea how good I could feel…until it was gone!”

How do you encourage and support clients in self-care at home?
I strongly encourage and educate my clients in self-care techniques – heat or ice, hydration, exercises, stretching, how to keep the body in optimal condition, flexibility& strength. My background in
nutrition allows me to support clients in understanding that food is a part of self-care for the body.

Maintenance is important for prevention - a once a month massage, is key to supporting the body. Life happens, patterns continue, people have stress, and overuse their body at times. The body takes it all on, and you can support , your well-being with budgeting a massage, monthly!

​