Head to Toes Massage Therapy and Body Treatments is offering great new services to treat and de-stress yourself, and relieve pain.
“We feel everyone should be able to experience the benefits of massage, and pamper themselves in a safe, relaxing environment,” says Nikki Bateman (Olsway), owner of Head to Toes.
Bateman began her business in Lake Orion about a year and a half ago, and has years of experience in massage therapy as well as membership in the Association of Body Workers and Massage Professionals (ABMP) in her credentials.
Bateman says she has served clients as young as 12-years-old, and her clientele includes both men and women.
“We specialize strictly in massage, so if a man feels uncomfortable going to a salon or day spa, he can feel relaxed about coming here,” says Bateman.
Head to Toes main business is massages, including: European full-body, a technique that incorporates long, gliding strokes, muscle kneading and manipulation of “trigger points” to soothe sore muscles and stimulate the nervous system to promote good health and relaxation; sports massage (involving a lot of stretching); and therapeutic deep tissue, a type of massage that works deeper into the body’s tissues. This kind of massage can feel less relaxing, but is well-suited for relieving chronic pain and helping rehabilitate the body after injuries.
Head to Toes also offers an aromatherapy massage, hot-stone therapy massage, a seated chair massage (a 10-15 minute massage that can be done at the office); and an express massage, working the back, neck and shoulders, for those clients on the go. The express massage is also a good introduction for anyone who has never experienced a professional massage before.
Besides the ability to heal and relax, massage has also been known to trigger the release of endorphins, natural pain-killers that bring about a feeling of well-being.
Massage is a holistic form of health care that also stimulates circulation, muscle relaxation and lymphatic flow. Therapeutic massage can increase circulation, reduce muscular tension and emotional stress, enhance flexibility and athletic performance, and correct posture.
Massage also benefits by stimulating lymph drainage, controlling musculoskeletal pain, and increasing alertness and energy levels. Massage is commonly used to help with stress, pain (back, neck and whiplash), insomnia, chronic headaches, arthritis stiffness, high blood pressure, digestive disorders, depression and anxiety, and rehabilitation after a musculoskeletal injury.
Head to Toes also offers Massage Doula Services. A private labor assistant, who is a woman experienced in childbirth, provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support for the mother-to-be and her partner. A doula can assist you during your pregnancy, and is with you during your delivery. She is also available to answer questions during your post-partum time.
Pre-natal massage is another service at Head to Toes, which relieves headaches, alleviates morning sickness, helps with backaches and leg cramps, reduces swelling, enhances sleep and prepares pelvic muscles for the birth process.
Starting in the summer, Head to Toes will offer Infant massage and couples labor massage. Infant massage benefits the parents by bonding them to the baby, and aides in growth development, soothes a colicky baby, promotes communication and improves the baby’s sleep.
Couples labor massage is beneficial by helping to ease the labor process and make the mother as comfortable as possible during delivery.
Head to Toes is offering new certified services, including medical massage, which deals with more therapeutic issues instead of relaxation, and is for problems that stem from head and neck injuries, low and mid back pain, and pain caused by repetitive use injuries (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).
Insurance reimbursement and billing will be available soon for clients that meet certain requirements.
Head to Toes recently welcomed the addition of two new massage therapists: Alisha Batchelor, a certified massage therapist specializing in Swedish, European and body treatments; and Teri Kammer, certified in sports massage and neuro-muscular therapy. Batchelor is a member of the ABMP; and Kammer, with 18 years of massage experience, has worked in the medical field for 26 years. She enjoys working with both children and adults on pain relief and stress reduction.
Bateman says Head to Toes is great for bachelorette and “girls night out” parties, and offers frequent specials. Gift certificates are available, and all major credit cards are accepted.
Head to Toes Massage Therapy and Body Treatments is located at 8 W. Shadbolt, and is open Tues., Fri. and Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Wed. and Thurs., 1-9 p.m. Bateman plans to expand her hours in the spring. To schedule an appointment, call (248) 693-2624. Head to Toes is also online at www.headtotoes.com.