Does pain or restricted movement keep you from living the life you want? Sports injuries, household accidents, repetivitve actions on the job, and tension from everyday stresses cause problems that too often take up permanent residence in our bodies.

Massage can help. Massage is a gentle therapy that can relieve pain and, in combination with medical attention, heal certain conditions and help prevent their return. In some cases, massage can reduce or even eliminate the need for medication or surgery.

What can massage treat?
• Stress
• Painful or tight muscles
• Delayed muscle soreness
• Pain or tingling in arms or legs
• Injuries
• Prevention of new injuries
• Pain or restriction in joints
• Posture
• Fluid retention

Massage induces the relaxation response, which aids recovery from stress, helps prevent the onset of illness and injury, improves circulation, helps reduce swelling from injury, enhances the function of the lymphatic system, flushes wastes, such as lactic acid from tired muscles to relieve aches and pains, breaks up adhesives from scar tissue, which restores flexibility and range of motion.

Will my massage be given by a professional?
Here at FAC, we hire only certified Massage Therapists. A certified therapist is someone who has attended formal training through a massage school and has many hours of training. They may be trained in several types of massage and have a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

What kinds of massage can I receive?
Most massage therapists are trained in Swedish Massage. This type of massage includes long strokes, kneading, friction, light tapping, and some light vibration given to the joints. There are many other forms of body work and many of our therapists are trained in some of those. Feel free to ask the therapist working with you about any questions you have in mind or what else they are trained in.

What can I expect on my first appointment?
Your massage therapist will ask you to fill out a Massage intake form. This is a series of questions related to daily activity and your general health. This helps to determine your specific needs. The two of you will discuss this form and the reasons you have decided to receive a massage. Your massage therapist will then leave the room while you undress and relax on the table, covering yourself with the sheet provided.

Traditionally your massage will take place on a massage table which is designed for stability and comfort. The room should be warm and quiet except for soft music playing. Your massage therapist may ask you if you would like a pillow to support your back or knees during the massage.

For a full body massage, you may undress completely or leave underwear or shorts on. If you prefer to leave on a article of clothing please feel free to discuss this with the massage therapist. You will be draped at all times except for the area being worked on and a blanket will be provided if you get chilly. Your massage therapist will use a light oil or lotion for the massage and perhaps add an aromatherapy scent the two of you agree upon.

Your massage therapist will start by warming up your muscles with long flowing strokes. This helps you to relax and release tension in the body. When the body becomes ready your massage therapist may choose to work deeper on specific areas for further relaxation, If at any time you have a question about the massage, feel free to ask your massage therapist.

What should I do during a massage?
Just try to relax. This is a good time to meditate, let your mind wonder, talk to your massage therapist or just have some quiet time. The massage therapist will not mind at all if you fall asleep. They may have to disrupt you for a moment by asking you to adjust your position, for instance to turn over, otherwise just relax.

Will a massage ever hurt?
Massage should never hurt to the point you feel like tensing your muscles or pulling away from the massage therapist. There are times when you may feel it "hurt so good". These are tight muscle areas that by applying pressure may release the tightness you feel. Always communicate any discomfort you are experiencing to the massage therapist. This can assist them in understanding what is occurring in your body.

How long is a massage?
An hour is a common length for a massage. This is enough time for a deeply relaxing full body massage, or more in-depth work on a particular area, for instance back, neck and shoulders.

A half-hour can be an excellent introduction to massage, with plenty of time for a partial massage, such as back, neck and shoulders or legs and feet. One and a half hours is enough time for a full body massage along with special attention to a problem area.

What do I do after the massage?
When your massage is finished, your massage therapist will leave the room while you dress. Be aware that massage can be profoundly relaxing, and it affects all of your body's systems. Give yourself a moment to reorient before slowly getting up from the table.

How will I feel after my massage?
After a massage, most people feel very relaxed. Many experience freedom from aches and pains that have built up from months of tension or repetitive activity in their daily life. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience an increase in energy that can last for several days

TARA FECHis a State Licensed and Nationally Certified massage therapist. She is trained in Neuromuscular Therapy, Myotherapy, Swedish, Sports, Deep Tissue, Polarity, Reflexology, Pregnancy, Cupping Therapy, Moxa, Hot Stone, Hydrotherapy, Cryotherapy, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy and Spa Treatments. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in 1995. Shortly after performing in New York and New Jersey, the desert became home where she attended the New Mexico School of Natural Therapeutics and became a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Natural Therapeutic Specialist (NTS) in 2001. Having a continuous love for the body and its awareness of movement, she studied The American Method under Judith Delany and received her certification as a Neuromuscular Therapist in 2001. She moved to Tucson to study trapeze and aerial dance and has worked at Bed and Breakfasts and various massage establishments for 6 years, until her recent move with her fiancée, dog Sage and cat Jacques, brought her to Flagstaff in February of 2007. As a trained dancer and experienced athlete, she believes flexibility, strength, nutrition and massage are important for prevention of injury, rehabilitation, optimal health and wellbeing. She welcomes clients to her practice and looks forward to serving you. Appointments may be scheduled through the Flagstaff Athletic Club. Tara works on Tuesdays at FAC East (526-8652) and Thursdays at FAC West (779-4593).

GENEVIEVE GARVINis an Arizona Licensed Massage Therapist, Nationally Certified in Massage Therapy and Bodywork, and holds degrees in Anthropology and Illustration/Fine Arts. She began her professional studies at the Baltimore School of Massage, and continued to study and practice bodywork in the New York Metropolitan area for the next six years. She has worked in some of the top spas in New York City and Arizona. She is trained in, and practices: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofacial Release, Reflexology, Zen Shiatsu, Lotus Palm Thai Massage, Hot Stone Massage, and Aromatherapy. A practitioner of Yoga for over 5 years, Genevieve believes in great potential of the human body and spirit. She encourages healthy living to support wellness and balance. She approaches her clients with respect to their own processes, and intends joy and gratitude into each of her sessions. In addition to working at FAC, Genevieve operates a Private Practice and Fine Arts Studio. She is available for On Site Chair Massage to local businesses and events. For questions and scheduling, please call FAC West at 779-4593 or 225-9964 to reach her directly.

AMANDA GRANDYis a licensed Massage Therapist. She received her training from the Arizona School of Massage Therapy, Phoenix campus where she has completed 815.5 hours of training in massage. She has over three years experiences in the field and specializes in Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Structural Massage, Hydro-Therapy, Infant Massage, Hot Rock Therapy, Reflexology, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Acupressure, Myofascial Pain Therapy. Amanda's goal is to increase health while achieving maximal relaxation with each of her clients. She understands the need for each individual is different and works to develop a personal wellness program that would be the most beneficial to the specific client. Currently Amanda is in the Exercise Sciences program at NAU. After obtaining her bachelors she plans on continuing her education in the doctoral program of Physical Therapy at NAU. Amanda is exited to help you achieve optimal health and well being. She is available for in-home massage, or at FAC-east on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please call 526-8652/779-4593 or (480)-720-4194 for an appointment.

JANUS HUDSONJanus acquired her initial training in 1978 at the Santa Barbara School of Massage in Swedish, Polarity, and Shiatsu techniques. She has since gone on to attend advanced trainings in Cross-Fiber Myotherapy, Deep Tissue and Integrated Neuromuscular Therapy, CranioSacral, Emotional Releases, and Myofascial Release work. She has been an assistant instructor for nine years with her mentor, John Barnes, PT, the leader in Myofascial Release techniques. Janus is a nationally certified massage therapist, which requires 50 hours of continuing education every 4 years. She has had a private practice in Flagstaff for 19 years, instituted and ran the massage program through the Flagstaff Athletic Club for 10 years, worked for the on-site massage team at WL Gore, and worked with several chiropractors and doctors sharing patients. She specializes in arthritic problems, sports- and work-related injuries, sexual abuse issues, and chronic pain and debilitating conditions. Her clients range from infants to the elderly.

RAYONNA LASHis a Nationally Certified and Arizona State licensed massage therapist. Her primary modalities include Lomi Lomi, Swedish, and Deep Tissue massage. Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian body work using gentle, persistent, and fluid strokes to penetrate deep into areas of tension and stagnation. Lomi also focuses on joints as particular areas for release. This style blends invigorating and meditative strokes to induce movement of lymph, blood, and energy. Rayonna has creatively integrated this intuitive modality in to all of her work. "I think one of the most important aspects of massage is presence. I strive to be totally engaged with every massage to give each person the individual attention and focus required of a good therapist." Rayonna finds massage rewarding because it is such an effective and immediate way to assist in the wellness of another. Rayonna was formally trained in Maui in a variety of other techniques including Shiatsu, Cranial Sacral, Hot Stone, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Myofascial Release. When not engaged in body work Rayonna enjoys an active life-style including mountain biking, swimming, yoga, running, painting, and web design. She feels that her own intense engagement in sports gives her a unique understanding of the special needs of athletes and particularly enjoys working in an environment conducive to health and fitness. Rayonna is available Tuesday from 3-8 at the West Side and Thursday from 3-8 at the East Side.

MIMI NEYMimi's passion for health, exercise and alternative methods of stress reduction led her to pursue an understanding of the benefits of massage therapy as it relates to ongoing health, as well as for the benefits of sports massage for all types of athletes, from the Olympic Gold Medalist to the weekend warrior to the senior citizen. Mimi owned and operated her own massage therapy practice in Atlanta for 9 years, where she developed and managed a diverse client base, providing long and short term therapies in the areas of sports massage, deep tissue, pain relief, flexibility and strength, injury rehab, and relaxation/stress reduction. She worked with professional athletes regularly and at the 1995 Olympic Trials in New Orleans, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and at the 1992 World Track and Field Championships in Goetburg, Sweden. Included in her client list are Olympic and World Champions and National, American and World record holders: Michael Johnson, Gwen Torrence, Juliet Cuthbert, Pauline Davis, Tisha Waller and Francie Larieu-Smith, to name a few. Mimi is certified in Sports Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy and is also trained in Swedish, deep tissue, cross fiber, hydrotherapy, extensive anatomy and physiology, and strength and flexibility. She graduated from the Atlanta School Massage in August of 1989, and began working in health clubs and chiropractic offices until she opened her own practice in 1990. Mimi has competed for over 20 years in many amateur sports, including road races, track races and cycling events. She is currently training for the mile in track and field (National Champion several times), and has remained injury-free due to her knowledge of massage, strength and flexibility, proper nutrition and proper recovery. Mimi welcomes an opportunity to work with you. She can be reached at (928) 606-2074.

HOLLY STONEspecializes in Neuromuscular Therapy and Advanced Sports Massage. She applies her massage, which serves to empower athletes and people of all ages to attain their peak performance by using specific and effective massage to prevent injuries, hasten recovery from hard word workouts and help them relax. She is a Nationally Certified Therapist (NCBTMB) and received her certification at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies. She attended Illinois State University and is a member of the American Massage Association. Holly's massage incorporates Myofascial Release, Hydrotherapy, Connective Tissue, Swedish Reflexology, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue, Anatomy and Physiology, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Sports Massage. Holly also is experienced with relaxing Hot Stone Therapy. She is currently a Massage Therapist at Flagstaff Athletic Club and has her own business Agassiz Massage located on the east side of town. She has worked with the NAU Track and Field Team and offers On Site Chair Massage to the business community. Holly can be reached at 853-5062. Visit her website at www.agassizmassage.com

TERRI TARANGOcompleted her 1984 massage certification at Southwest University of Natural Therapeutics in Tempe, Arizona. She immediately went to work in the massage departments of the five star resorts, The Registry and La Posada in Scottsdale. By combining Swedish, deep tissue and Reiki, Terri specializes in massage for relaxation and "first timers". With additional certifications in group and aquatic exercise instruction, infant massage instruction, pregnancy massage, elder touch, and Repetitive Use Injury Therapy®, Terri structures each session for your individual needs. Terri's business Relaxation Station also contracts with local businesses for workplace massage as part of employee wellness programs. If you have questions or difficulty scheduling w/Terri @ FAC, call her home office @ 606-1861. She would be happy to accommodate your schedule.