Bodywork By Design

Bodywork By Design Bodywork Studio in Battle Creek, Michigan.

01/14/2026

Is it okay to fall asleep during a massage… or is that awkward? 😴

This is one of the most common (and quietly worried-about) questions people have before or during a session. So let’s clear it up once and for all.
Here’s what falling asleep during a massage actually means:

• Your nervous system feels safe - drifting off is a sign your body can fully relax
• Your muscles are letting go - sleep often happens when tension releases
• You’re not “missing” the massage - your body still receives the benefits, even if your mind checks out

Falling asleep during a massage isn’t rude, embarrassing, or wasted time - it’s your body doing exactly what it needs in that moment.

01/13/2026

The 5 Way Shoulder Warm Up looks simple… because it is. 😝

But don’t underestimate what a little daily movement can do. Just five minutes a day can help improve your posture, breathing, upper body flexibility, and even calm your nervous system.

Mobility doesn’t have to be complicated, it doesn’t have to hurt, and it definitely doesn’t have to take more than a few minutes.

You just have to do it… consistently.

Move your body in ways that aren’t hunched over your phone or computer, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel.

01/13/2026

Hello everyone 💜

To those I had to cancel on last week after the death of my brother - thank you so much for your patience and understanding while I took the time I needed. And to those who’ve reached out to schedule and are waiting to hear back, thank you for your grace as well.

I’m slowly working my way through rescheduling and returning messages, and if you’ve been waiting, you should be hearing from me soon.

One thing I want you to know is that when you’re on my table, my priority is always to be fully present: mentally, emotionally, and physically... so you get the level of care you deserve. Taking a little time to reset allows me to show up at 100% for each session.

Thank you for being such a kind, supportive community. It truly means more than I can say.

You don’t need a “new you.” Your body just needs a little support. 🤍So much of wellness messaging makes it sound like yo...
01/12/2026

You don’t need a “new you.” Your body just needs a little support. 🤍

So much of wellness messaging makes it sound like your body is broken, behind, or something you need to overhaul. But most of the time, what your body is actually asking for is much simpler than that.

Here’s what support really looks like:

• Consistency over intensity - small, regular care goes further than waiting for a breaking point
• Listening instead of pushing - responding to tension early instead of powering through it
• Recovery without guilt - rest and care don’t need to be “earned”

Your body isn’t failing you - it’s adapting. And with the right support, it can soften, recover, and function better without needing a complete reset.

Double tap if this feels like permission you needed today - and let me know in the comments what kind of support your body could use right now.

01/09/2026

Massage helps.
But it can’t fix everything.

I want to say something gently and honestly... even knowing it may not land comfortably for everyone.

Massage can help regulate your nervous system.
So can breath work, rest, time outside, movement, and connection.

But when we’re living in a time where the world feels unsafe, unpredictable, or heavy - when there is fear, grief, anger, or shock woven into daily life - no single session or self-care practice can magically make that disappear.

And that’s not a failure of your body.
It’s a normal response to an abnormal amount of stress.

I believe it’s important to acknowledge this out loud, even if it risks making some people uncomfortable - because pretending everything is “fine” doesn’t actually support our nervous systems. Honesty does.

If you’ve noticed that your shoulders won’t fully drop…
your jaw stays tight…
your sleep feels lighter…
or your system feels on edge no matter how much you try to relax...

You’re not broken.
Your body is paying attention.

Massage isn’t about numbing or bypassing what’s happening around us.

It’s about giving your system a moment of support, safety, and steadiness within real life.

Sometimes that means leaving a session feeling calmer.
Sometimes it just means feeling a little more grounded (or a little less alone) for a while.

And sometimes, that’s enough for today.

If you’re carrying more than usual right now, you’re not the only one.

You don’t have to carry it perfectly.

My space exists to support your body as it navigates the world we’re actually living in - not an imagined, easier one. 🫶

It’s National Bubble Bath Day! And yes, bubbles are fun… but let’s talk about what your muscles really love after a mass...
01/08/2026

It’s National Bubble Bath Day! And yes, bubbles are fun… but let’s talk about what your muscles really love after a massage. 🛀

Bubble baths are great for comfort, scent, and relaxation. They help you slow down and feel cozy - which absolutely counts as self-care.

But after a massage, your muscles are already softened and primed for recovery. That’s where Epsom salt baths come in. The warm water paired with magnesium may help calm the nervous system, ease post-massage soreness, and support deeper muscle recovery (not just surface-level relaxation).

Think of it like this:
Bubble baths = relaxation vibes
Epsom salt baths = recovery support
Both feel good. One continues the work your massage started.

Here’s how to celebrate National Bubble Bath Day massage-style:
Enjoy the warm soak - but swap the bubbles for 1–2 cups of Epsom salts and soak for 15–20 minutes. Hydrate afterward and let your body fully absorb the benefits.

Are you team bubbles 🫧 or team Epsom salts 🧂?
or do you mix it up depending on the day?

Tell me in the comments, and let me know if you want more simple ways to get longer-lasting results from your massage.

And the personal reason is because I want to and I deserve it!
01/07/2026

And the personal reason is because I want to and I deserve it!

Looking forward to your relaxing massage? Remember to allow your body some time to digest your meal first! Eating just b...
01/06/2026

Looking forward to your relaxing massage? Remember to allow your body some time to digest your meal first! Eating just before a session can lead to discomfort and reduce the benefits of your treatment. Prioritize your well-being for the ultimate relaxation experience! 💆‍♀️💖

01/05/2026

Ever wondered why your massage therapist gently shakes or rocks your arm or leg? 👀

It can feel a little unexpected if you’ve never had it done before, but this technique is intentional… and it serves a few important purposes during your session.

Here’s what’s actually happening when you feel that gentle movement:

• It helps your nervous system relax -
rhythmic movement can signal safety to your body, helping muscles let go without forcing them

• It releases tension without pressure -
rocking can reduce guarding and resistance, especially in areas that are holding stress

• It improves body awareness -
small movements help your body sense where it’s holding tension and adjust more naturally

Shaking or rocking isn’t random - it’s a subtle way to encourage relaxation, improve mobility, and help your body respond more easily to hands-on work.

Double tap if you’ve experienced this during a massage - or drop a question below if you’ve ever wondered what your therapist was doing at that moment!

01/04/2026

Think you know your body pretty well?

It's National Trivia Day...so let's play a quick trivia round: Massage Therapy Edition!

How long can muscles start losing flexibility without pain?

A️. After a few weeks
B️. After a few months
C️. After a few days

⬇️ Pause the Reel and guess…

Most people wait until something hurts before paying attention to their muscles.
But your body sends quiet signals long before pain shows up - tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, stiffness, that “why do I feel blah?” feeling.

That’s why tension can feel like it came out of nowhere… even when it didn’t.

Here, try this:
Take 10 seconds today and scan your body.
Jaw. Shoulders. Low back. Hips.
If even one area feels tight, your body’s already asking for support - no pain required.

Did you guess right?
Drop a 🧠 if this surprised you, or tell me which area always sneaks tension into your day.

Wishing you a joyful and rejuvenating New Year!May this year bring you peace, health, and relaxation. As your massage th...
01/01/2026

Wishing you a joyful and rejuvenating New Year!

May this year bring you peace, health, and relaxation.

As your massage therapist, I look forward to helping you achieve your wellness goals and enhance your well-being in 2026.

Here’s to a year filled with balance and tranquility. 😌

Address

131 E Columbia Avenue
Battle Creek, MI
49015

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