Robin Shope Massage Therapy

11/17/2025

If you have been a client of mine for any length of time, then you have had the pleasure of experiencing the BioMat.
For those who are interested in owning one for themselves, here is the link to learn more and purchase. This is my official distributor link.
Learn more about the benefits of the BioMat.
Also, take a look at the water ionization system.

BioMat® - Redefine the boundaries of health and comfort - Holistic healing - Natural Healing - Crystal Heating Pad Mats and Accessoires - Far Infrared Heating Pads - Professional and home use - Negative Ions - Heated Healing Product - Infrared Amethyst Mat - Christmas Gift - Natural Crystals - Mini...

11/14/2025

The sciatic nerve - always seems to be getting the blame for everything

Here are some cool facts about this powerful nerve:
(But remember - it’s merely an extension of the spinal cord)

It’s the longest and thickest nerve in the human body – The sciatic nerve can be up to 2 cm wide (about the width of your little finger) and runs all the way from your lower spine through your buttocks and down to your toes.

It’s actually a bundle of nerves – What we call the “sciatic nerve” is formed from five spinal nerve roots (L4–S3) that merge in the lower back, then branch out again down the leg. So it’s more like a nerve superhighway than a single wire!

It controls both movement and sensation – The sciatic nerve is a mixed nerve, meaning it carries signals to your muscles (motor) and from your skin (sensory). That’s why irritation can cause both pain or numbness and weakness or loss of movement in the leg.

The coolest part?
2 sets of our suboccipital muscles in the neck connects to the dura mater (protective covering of the spinal cord and brain), and tension in these muscles can affect tension along the dura mater, ultimately having the possibility of affecting the sciatic nerve further down!

Credit: &

07/31/2025

📣 Important Update: Robin Shope Massage Therapy Transitioning to Semi-Retirement!
Dear Valued Clients,
After much reflection, I've decided to begin my semi-retirement this November 2025. This means a reduced schedule and some big changes for my practice.
Key Dates:
Now – January 2026: Office open with limited availability. Book online as usual.
End of January 2026: My office will officially close. Online booking will stop.
Starting February 2026: I'll be offering in-home massage services exclusively for established Indiana clients. Please note: you'll need to provide your own table, appointments will be by text/phone only, availability will be limited, and all payments must be cash after November 2025 (no series/packages).
Any outstanding gift certificates must be used by January 1, 2026
I'm incredibly grateful for your trust and support over the years. Thank you for letting me be a part of your wellness journey!
Warmly,
Robin L. Shope, LMT

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2023

Our neighborhoods are filled with Sexually Oriented Businesses (SOBs) disguised as massage businesses. For over 128 years, the massage therapy profession has been entangled with these SOBs and has been struggling to separate itself from these businesses that hide under the disguise of massage therap...

10/13/2023

05/30/2023

A clinical trial showed that, rather than removing lymph nodes, leaving them intact could help immunotherapy activate tumor-fighting T cells in the lymph nodes.

09/28/2022

The time has come to take massage seriously as a mental health intervention.

06/08/2022

I regret that I need to suspend scheduling until further notice.

05/13/2022

What is MLD?
In the simplest terms, MLD or Manual Lymph Drainage is a gentle but powerful therapy that is designed to address swelling. There are multiple reasons why a person might experience swelling. Poor lymph circulation, post-surgery, lymphedema, Lipedema, injury or trauma, pregnancey, illness and more.
No matter what the cause, MLD might be the answer to reducing swelling and in turn, reducing pain.
As mentioned, MLD is GENTLE! I can not stress this fact enough. There have been many times that a client has come to me for treatment and expressed that they had an uncomfortable or painful experience with a previous therapist who claimed to be doing MLD or Lymphatic treatments. This should never be the case.

How can you find a qualified MLD therapist? First and foremost, remember that MLD is not massage. If someone is claiming to do lymphatic massage, lymphatic drainage, lymphatic detox, wound drainage, there is a good possibility that they are not certified in Manual Lymph Drainage. There are a few schools that offer certification in MLD. The one that I recommend is The Academy Of Lymphatic Studies or ACOLS. ACOLS has a directory of practitioners who are certified in CDT- Complete Decongestive Therapy & MLD-C- Manual Lymph Drainage Certification. You can be sure that those who have received certification from ACOLS are highly trained and qualified practitioners. If you are in search of a qualified MLD practitioner, be sure to do some research, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up and end any sessions that feel uncomfortable in any way. All certified professionals will be more than happy to provide proof of certification.
As mentioned, MLD is a very powerful modality and if done incorrectly can cause harm, injury, or even death. Take your healthcare seriously and do your homework. You are worth it!

04/26/2022

04/17/2022

03/22/2022

A wonderful explanation of MLD, it's benefits and, how it differs from massage.

As more and more massage therapists become certified to provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage to clients with swelling disorders, pain, post-op procedures and autoimmune dysfunction, more and more