Laura Johnson
Licensed Massage therapist
Manual LYMPHATIC drainage-Certified
Corrective ExerCise Specialist
Trauma informed STRUCTURAL Massage
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Corrective EXERCISE TRAINING
a (W)Holistic Approach to Massage Therapy
Hi there!
I'm so happy you're here. The intention for this space is to share a bit about myself and my approach to massage therapy.
My name is Laura Johnson, and I have been working as a licensed massage therapist since 2009 - specializing in chronic pain management, structural bodywork, and injury/surgery recovery. I personally have struggled with chronic pain from a very young age and experienced my first taste of honest relief through therapeutic structural massage two years into my career as an LMT. That relief sparked a fire inside my heart to bring that source of healing and comfort to other people dealing with similar issues.
As I built and maintained a private practice in Austin, Texas, I noticed a depth and precision to my work that flowed beyond addressing my clients' physical bodies; I realized I was capable of holding a space for individuals to process and integrate their life experiences on all levels of human experience: physical, mental, emotional, and existential. Our mental, emotional, and spiritual selves are not separate from our physical body.
I practice active listening, compassion, and intuition just as much as I utilize my knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, movement patterns, and postural assessments. I also work to continually educate my clients about what I find and frequently recommend specific stretches or activities to help maintain the work we do together.
My job as a licensed massage therapist is to remove the obstacles that are hindering the body's natural ability to heal itself. If you are looking for someone to help you regain the quality of life you deserve, while learning about your body and your individual needs, as well as how to care for yourself, I would love to connect with you.
From my heart to yours,
Laura
Come home to your body.
My Immutable laws: For my Practice & My Life
Present your
authentic self
Anything else is a disservice to your truest essence.
Communication is key
Verbalizing our expectations & goals is the key to gaining the most benefit from the work we do together.
stay curious
Allowing physical & emotional sensations to draw out a curiosity, to refrain from making it "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong", creates space for us to truly integrate our experiences.
Forms
All new clients: Please click the button above and submit your completed forms before your first appointment.
We truly appreciate it. :)
*If you are currently under a physician's care for any ailment or illness for which massage could be contraindicated, please print this form, have your treating physician sign it, and bring it with you to your first appointment after initial diagnosis and treatment.
Without proper physician's release, it is at the therapist's discretion whether or not you can receive massage.
Massage Therapy Services
I strive to customize each session based on my clients' individual needs and preferences. My work tends to be very detail oriented; I enjoy and experience great fulfillment from working with specific areas of pain and tracking postural patterns throughout the rest of the body that are connected to the client's initial complaints.
I use a blend of each modality listed below to alleviate muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and increase freedom and ease of movement.
Deep tissue massage
A modality that relies on petrissage (a massage technique of "kneading" the soft tissue) to access and relieve knots in the deeper muscles of the body.
Quick note: A frequently misunderstood modality, deep tissue massage is often thought to hurt - being associated with the "no pain, no gain" mentality. This is not true.
There can be a tenderness that is felt in the deeper muscles as knots are melted and released; it is not uncommon for individuals to feel a "more productive" kind of soreness for a day or two after their session. That being said, if you ever experience pain that forces you to hold your breath or tense and push against the pressure, please let your therapist know immediately. These actions cause your nervous system to switch into fight-or-flight mode, and the healing process that massage opens to door for cannot take place.
Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are knots that can exist in any layer of muscle or connective tissue, and create a pain pattern through an associated area of the body. Trigger point therapy is employed by using localized pressure to these tender areas to release the knots and corresponding pain.
Myofascial Release
Targets adhesions in the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds every muscles, bone, and organ in the body) with gentle traction and stretching. Fascia can become knotted up just like muscles, but because fascia is similar to a web, when one area is affected, the rest of the web picks up the slack. This leads to compensation patterns throughout seemingly unrelated parts of the body.
Swedish Relaxation
Using a lighter pressure accompanied by long, gliding strokes, Swedish relaxation massage is the most commonly known massage modality. Perfect for restoring tired muscles back to their naturally healthy, elastic state.
“Laura is an incredible massage therapist! I also appreciate her dedication to continued learning and how knowledgeable she is. I’ve been receiving therapeutic massage from her for years, and I always leave the massage feeling great!”
Rates
Because many of my clients understand the importance of maintaining their health, as well as staying on top of any recurring issues (mental, emotional, or physical), I offer packages for discounted rates.
I also charge flat rates and invite my clients to view the work we do together with the same significance as they would of any other health practitioner; people do not tip their doctors, chiropractors, mental health practitioners (counselors, psychologists, etc.). Thus, I have a "No Tipping" policy.
I believe charging flat rates and offering discounted rates through packages provides my clients with a financial ease that supports frequency of self-care through massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my massage take place?
Your massage session will take place in a warm, quiet room. You have the option of music or no music, and you will lie on a table specifically designed for your comfort.
Must I be completely undressed?
Most massage modalities are performed with the client unclothed on some level; however, it is completely up to you what you want to wear during your session. This is your time; undress only to your level of comfort. You will be securely draped with a sheet and a blanket the entire massage for both your comfort and your therapist's.
What is the 15 minute consultation for?
Every individual is different; each session is customized specifically to each individuals needs; that day, as well as taking into consideration all medical and pain history. The consultation allows time for you to let me know what's going on and how I can best assist you.
What if I don't want a full body massage?
That is completely OK. Most people have an idea of what would feel best for them, and you know your body best. Anything you want to have avoided will not be massaged.
What does a full body massage consist of?
A typical full body session will include your back, arms, legs, feet, hands, neck, scalp/face, and shoulders. The gluteal and pectoral areas can be worked on if requested. Again, you are always allowed to opt out of any of these areas. (Please note: A list of areas licensed massage therapists are legally bound to avoid: breast tissue, genitalia, and the gluteal cleft. - If you are in need of therapeutic work in any of these areas, contact a pelvic floor physical therapist or women's health practitioner.)
What will the massage feel like?
A lot of this depends on what you have going on/what you want to focus on. Most massage starts with the client face down (prone) and begins with work on the back, moving to the legs, and feet. Close to the midway point of the session, the client flips over to continue work on the legs/feet, arms/hands, neck, scalp and face. As far as pressure goes, I tend to check on people throughout the session, to ensure they are comfortable - you are always allowed to tell a therapist to provide more or less pressure anytime during your session.
I use a hypoallergenic lotion that allows the muscles and connective tissue to be massaged without causing excessive friction to the skin. Also, as I mentioned under the "Services" tab, massage is most effective when you and your body are relaxed. If you ever feel like you have to hold your breath or tense and push against the pressure, let me know immediately. These instincts cause your nervous system to switch over to fight-or-flight, and the healing process cannot take place while your nervous system is in this state.
What type of massage do you specialize in?
I work with a wide spectrum of clients, but I specialize in deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. I find the most fulfillment from alleviating pain and educating clients on self care tips to ensure they get the most out of the work we do.
What should I do during my massage?
Prior to your massage, feel free to ask any questions. During the massage, make yourself comfortable. I will either gently move you or tell you what is needed throughout the session (such as lifting your arm or leg). Many people close their eyes, some drift off to sleep, and others chat as much as their hearts desire. This time is your time - the only thing ever expected of you is to do what makes you most comfortable.
How will I feel after my massage?
Some people feel very relaxed, while others can leave a massage session feeling invigorated and ready to take on the world! Every client (and every session) is different. With deep tissue and trigger point work, it is common to feel a little tender - like you worked out - for the next day or two.
What are the benefits of massage?
Massage can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue, promote faster healing, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage is also known to promote better sleep, reduce anxiety, and create an overall sense of well being.
Are there any medical conditions that would make massage inadvisable?
Yes. That's why it's imperative that, before you being your session, we go over any changes in medical history. It is very important that you update me on any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor's care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.
Contact Me
Ready to feel better? Click the button below to book online now OR fill out the following form to contact me.
I appreciate any questions or feedback. Feel free to contact me for any further information.
License & CertifiCation:
MT#109237
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder Technique) Certified
Corrective Exercise Specialist
Trauma-Informed Care
Phone: 512-829-1503 (I tend to respond best to email)
Email: lauraejohnsonlmt@gmail.com