Bridging The Gap: Theraputic Massage and Body Work

03/11/2026

I normally post before and after of the shoulders, but today I decided to do a before and after on a client's lower leg/ankle/foot. She has balance issues that result in falls and so I decided to spend a little extra time here today 💖

This is what THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE looks like...

The image shows a foot and ankle in a position of extreme plantarflexion (pointed downward) with a high degree of supination (the sole of the foot turned inward).

From a musculoskeletal and fascial perspective, this position involves several key structures:

Impact on Balance and Stability

The ability to balance depends on a "tripod" of pressure between the heel, the base of the big toe, and the base of the little toe. This specific position significantly compromises balance by:
Reducing Base of Support: By pulling the heel away from the ground, the "tripod" is lost, making the ankle highly unstable.

Proprioceptive Deficits:

If the ankle is habitually held in or lacks the mobility to move out of this position, the body's proprioception (the brain's ability to sense the joint's position in space) can become impaired, increasing the risk of falls.

Fascial Chain Disruption:

The foot is the base of the Superficial Back Line, a fascial chain that runs from the toes, up the back of the legs, and to the top of the head. Excessive tightness or "locking" in the foot can cause compensatory tension in the hamstrings, lower back, and even the neck.

* Note: If you are experiencing pain, a lack of mobility, or a "locking" sensation in this position, it is important to consult a physical therapist or podiatrist for a functional assessment. *

02/17/2026

What is Guasha?

The greatest self-care tool EVER ❤️‍🔥🙏

Gua sha is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses a smooth-edged tool to scrape the skin, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and relieving muscle tension and chronic pain. It promotes lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and, when used on the face, can improve skin tone and reduce tension-related headaches.

Key Health Benefits of Gua Sha

Pain Management & Muscle Tension: Gua sha is highly effective for reducing, chronic pain in the neck, back, and shoulders, as well as alleviating tension headaches and migraines.

Improved Circulation & Lymphatic Drainage: The scraping motion boosts blood flow to tissues (microcirculation) and moves stagnant fluids, which can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Skin Rejuvenation (Facial Gua Sha): When used on the face, it aids in reducing puffiness, promoting lymphatic drainage, and encouraging a more lifted, contoured appearance.

Reduced Inflammation & Immune Support: It can decrease markers of inflammation (such as IL-8) and trigger an anti-inflammatory response to aid in healing.

Stress Reduction: The technique has a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.

Enhanced Mobility: By easing muscle tightness and spasms, it can help increase the range of motion.

Common Conditions Treated:

Chronic neck and back pain
Migraines and headaches
Muscle soreness and tightness
Perimenopausal symptoms
Fluid retention (edema)

Safety Information:
While considered a low-risk, non-invasive therapy, gua sha can cause temporary, minor bruising (petechiae) as a result of broken capillaries, which is considered part of the therapeutic process.

Testimony:
As a therapist, we don't always get the bodywork we ourselves need. This is my go-to self care method, along with cupping, that never fails to amaze me! I had a good fall on some ice the other day and was pretty sure I jacked up my median nerve. My right hand especially has been giving me problems with mobility and a burning sensation from my palm, intonmy wrist, and down my forearm. On top of overworking these intricate muscles of the hand. So tonight I used guasha, and wha-lah! Thank you Lord!! Notice in my pictures it only pulled up color in my forearms along my median nerve and my radial nerve. Exactly where my pain has been. Then of course my biceps and extensors of the fingers. Our bodies are so uniquely designed by the greatest artist of all time!

02/12/2026

February is Rare Disease Month:

So many rare diseases bring invisible pain and suffering that others lack a concept or education of. This segment is in honor of those that struggle with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1NJRf3h458/

12/19/2025

Last minute stocking stuffer! Perfect gift for anyone on your list 💝

12/16/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/178tBHd7gF/

Herb Spotlight: Clove

This time of year, we are using a massive quantity of cloves! From our Elderberry Syrup Kits to Mulling Spices to our Orchard House and Bah Humbug herbal teas, we love the aroma, taste, and health benefits of clove.

Cloves, a popular cooking spice and important medicinal herb, are the dried flower buds of the Syzygium aromaticum tree, originally native to Indonesia.

The very distinctive flavor and aroma of clove buds comes mainly from the compound eugenol, which constitutes up to 90% of the essential oil of clove. Eugenol is also present in and contributes much to the flavor, aroma and medicinal properties of Tulsi, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Bay leaf. Eugenol is anti-inflammatory and has lots of good anti-oxidant properties as well.

As a medicinal herb, Cloves are gently warming and drying, increasing circulation and metabolism and stimulating the digestive tract. It does not generally aggravate unless taken in excessive amounts.

It is an astringent herb with a distinctive pungent taste, classified according to the following properties:

antiseptic (anti-microbial)
anaesthetic (pain-relieving)
carminative (gas-relieving)
antispasmodic (cramp-relieving)
antiemetic (nausea-relieving)
expectorant (congestion-relieving)

Modern medicinal research has focused on investigating the powerful potential of Cloves for pain-relief, including toothaches, reducing oral pathogens and gingivitis and boosting insulin and lowering blood sugar in people with diabetic conditions, among other potential uses.
Cloves contain compounds that have been shown to protect against formation of stomach ulcers in animal models, such as by increasing production of gastric mucus that helps prevent erosion of the stomach lining. At least one study has even found that clove can have similar effects as several anti-ulcer medications.

The beneficial properties of Cloves come in many different forms: it can be used in cooking or as a beverage spice or in tea (this is typically how we use it in our Apothecary products), as a powder, and as an essential oil.

Clove oil (if using essential oil, you need to dilute in a carrier oil like olive or coconut oil) applied topically can have a numbing effect on the nerves.

Clove essential oil can be mixed with olive oil and applied to the gums for a teething baby or to help reduce oral/tooth pain and infection. It helps reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bacteria in the mouth. (A good way to use clove oil if you have oral health issues is to add a drop or two to a teaspoon of coconut oil and do oil pulling for 5 minutes every day)

Cloves contain Manganese which is essential for bone health.

Clove tea (by itself or in a blend with other herbs) helps to reduce sore throat and a cough while supporting lung health.

So stock up on your favorite clove tea and grab a bottle of therapeutic grade clove oil to keep on hand as part of your home apothecary!

Elderberry syrup kits, Bah Humbug and Orchard House herbal teas can all be found here:
www.pharmhousefm.com/s/shop

12/08/2025

Available Massage Slots: Baraboo Location

This week:
Wednesday the 10th 2:30pm

Next Week:
Monday the 15th 1pm and 6pm
Wednesday 17th 2:30pm

Gift Cards Available for a special Christmas Gift Option 💖

ALL TIPS THIS MONTH ARE GOING TO SUPPORT A MEDICAL MISSION TRIP TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WITH MY DAUGHTER 🙏

11/21/2025

Decided to switch it up and show the effectiveness of FRONTAL body work 🥰

08/16/2025

We were made into perfection. Designed to heal ourselves and others. Connected to all living things. He is in us, created in HIS image. If you could only see the big picture yall. It brings me to tears. Our God is such a great great God. Don't put him in a box ❤️‍🔥

Jesus died at 33. The human spine has 33 vertebrae. The same structure that holds us up is the same number of years He held this Earth.

We have 12 ribs on each side. 12 disciples. 12 tribes of Israel. God built His design into our bones. He wrote Heaven into our anatomy.

The vagus nerve runs from your brain to your heart and gut. It calms storms inside the body. It looks just like a cross. That’s the power source running through us. Every time your body heals, every time your heart slows in prayer, every time peace shows up when it shouldn’t…that’s Him.

Jesus rose on the third day. Science tells us that when you fast for 3 days, your body starts regenerating. Old cells die. New ones are born. Healing begins. Your body literally resurrects itself. That’s not coincidence. That’s design.

And it keeps going.

Your heart has an electrical rhythm. Your brain lights up when you pray. Tears contain different chemicals depending on if you're crying from joy or grief. The blood speaks. The bones store memory. The body worships whether you realize it or not.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made. We are walking prophecy. Walking tabernacles. Dust and divinity in one.

God didn’t just create you. He carved Himself into you.

You don’t need to look far to find Him. You just need to look inward. He’s been in the design since the beginning.

08/14/2025

✨ Whether you believe you can or you can't, your right. The power of the mind and our belief system have an incredible influence on our ability to heal. The power to heal is within all of us. ✨

06/08/2025

Just some more of my favorite before and after shoulder work 🥰

Which one do you think is the biggest difference!?

04/29/2025

Today was SUCH a blessed day.

Having the time to put back into my business and offer the healing that we all so desperately need.

To be still, at peace, allowing our bodies to heal with the power of touch 💞

This client got ahold me last night in a panic. She had an epidural steroid injection scheduled and did not want to go. She hasn't tried alternative approaches and was desperate for help. After reviewing her medical records, I agreed to do a treatment and consultation with her. She doesn't like to be touched and has only had one massage she wasn't fond of, and has never seen a chiropractor.

We went over a lot of information from diet and lifestyle, to movement and body care. We just grazed the surface, but when someone comes in and falls asleep on your table, that tells me they feel safe enough to. When the say that's the longest they've been still in a long time, that tells me they needed that break. When they come in with a 6/10 pain level and leaves with a 2/10, I think we did some great work! This is just the beginning of her healing journey, and I am just honored to have the opportunity to walk it with her 💖🙏