Jonathan Groger, Licensed Massage and Bodywork Therapist

03/25/2026

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a70224575/kneeling-chair-review/

I read a scientific article a couple years ago that claimed back pain wasn’t from sitting, but instead from not engaging our back muscles when we sit. I especially have high praise for these ergonomic kneeing chairs that encourage core engagement and take pressure off the hip flexors, an area that tends to aggravated in prolonged seating.

And it lessens my chronic back pain.

03/20/2026

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” Anne Lamott

03/14/2026

https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2025/nov/13/massage-health-benefits

I took a thai bodywork class last fall and the woman who taught the class was from Thailand, where she said people used massage as preventative health care. Most people received bodywork on a weekly basis as a way to maintain the body, starting from a young age. And because of this cultural habit, the need for western medicine and doctors is much lower. Fascinating :)

While they can be seen as a luxury, massages are often part of healthcare – here’s how they affect physical and mental health

03/10/2026

“Just when you feel you have no time to relax, know that this is the moment you most need to make time to relax.” -Matt Haig

03/06/2026

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/06/nx-s1-5719268/sauna-heat-health-benefits-science

Science shows that saunas can support heart health, mental health, and reduce inflammation. Not quite the same as a massage, but worth adding to the self care rotation. :)

It's an age old practice that's having a moment right now. But is there anything to the health claims? Scientists say sauna is more than hot air.

03/03/2026

“If you don’t know, now you know” -Notorious B.I.G

02/25/2026

I am presently running a special from now until April. Anyone who leaves a review will receive a $10 discount off their next massage. Let’s call it the “non binary special” in honor of this fun comic. 😉

02/20/2026

“I lied and said I was busy.
I was busy;
but not in a way most people understand.

I was busy taking deeper breaths.
I was busy silencing irrational thoughts.
I was busy calming a racing heart.
I was busy telling myself I am okay.

Sometimes, this is my busy -
and I will not apologize for it.”

Brittin Oakman

I read an article recently about how rest is not doing nothing - it’s doing something that feels neutral or positive to the one doing it. I hope you all are finding your neutral or positive breaks from life’s chaos. 💜

02/02/2026

https://sandiegomagazine.com/features/i-tried-it-a-robot-massage/

Wow, robots giving massage. A friend asked me the other day if I was worried about losing work to ai, and I don’t think I am. No matter how precise and fine tuned a machine can get, it won’t replace human contact -being met with compassion, intuitive understanding, and the human to human exchange.

I hope you are all well and sane during this time of winter snow disruptions and a general world on fire. I have openings next week if you’d like to get on the schedule. Take care. 💜

08/19/2025

“Rest is revolutionary—it defies the pressure to always be ‘on’ and reminds us that we’re human, not machines.” -Ken Breniman

08/19/2025

https://www.npr.org/2025/08/14/nx-s1-5501610/counting-steps-health-fitness-tracker

I am a big believer of the idea that movement is life and when we stop being able to move comfortably and frequently, that's where trouble starts. I enjoyed this article as it highlights the correlation between walking and improved health, both mentally and physically. I hope your movements are easeful and supportive. And if they are not, come get some work. :)

Counting steps is easy using a phone, a wearable or a fitness tracker. And scientists have lots of data to figure out how many daily steps you need to improve your health. Here's what they've found.

05/31/2024

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2024/05/20/1251561467/biking-knee-pain-longevity-arthritis

I’ve noticed that once clients get in their mid 40s or so, the knees start aching and groaning. According to this article, biking is a great way to prevent that! Plus an excellent low impact way to support the body and immune system with movement.

“Cycling also helps to build strength in the muscles around the knee which can help protect the joint. In addition, the rhythmic motion of pedaling on a bicycle can move synovial fluid, the viscous, egg white -like liquid in joints that helps reduce friction and absorb shock. ‘What it does is help to circulate the synovial fluid throughout the joint to help to kind of lubricate [the joint] and provide nutrient delivery to the cartilage.”

Sounds like we better hop on our bikes and get rolling! 🚴🏿‍♀️🚴🏻🚴🏽‍♂️🚴🏼‍♀️🚴🏽🚴🏿‍♂️

New research shows lifelong bikers have healthier knees, less pain and a longer lifespan, compared to people who've never biked. This adds to the evidence that cycling promotes healthy aging.