Kneaded Relief in Wis. Rapids offers variety of massage - Stevenspointjournal

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Jesse Austin 12:04 a.m. CST February 1, 2015


Kristine Ahles of Kneaded Relief works on a client.(Photo: Contributed photo)


WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Having practiced for more than seven years as a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Kristine Ahles is approaching her first anniversary as owner-operator of Kneaded Relief Massage & Spa LLC at 440 Chestnut St. in Wisconsin Rapids.

The practice of massage therapy involves pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain and stress. Massage works on soft tissues such as muscles, tendons and ligaments to improve tone, and also improves blood circulation..

One of Ahles' specialties is cupping, a 5,000-year-old deep-tissue healing technique in which a targeted area of skin is gently drawn upwards by creating a vacuum in a cup. Ahles also specializes in TuiNa, another ancient Eastern therapy that she finds to be especially beneficial for relieving pain in the hips. She said most of her clients come to her for conditions related to the neck, shoulders, back and hips.

Kristine Ahles of Kneaded Relief works on a client. (Photo: Contributed photo)


When Ahles was suffering from the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome nearly a decade ago, she turned to a massage therapist for relief. After what she laughingly describes as "quite a workout" over four months, her symptoms were alleviated — without surgery — and she was inspired to provide to others the help she received.

"My aim in life has always been to help others," Ahles said. "After receiving relief from my problems, I realized how I could truly achieve my goal.

"Massage is about more than just muscles," she said.

Another important benefit is mental and emotional relief from stress. In this regard, Ahles emphasizes her personalized approach to therapy. She starts her clients with a consultation, asking about any symptoms, emotional status amd overall state of well-being.

"By communicating and listening, I get a better sense of my clients' needs and can adapt the therapy accordingly," Ahles said.

This individualized approach is vital for Ahles.

"No two massages are just alike," she said. "People are not robots; I communicate with them, and then I respond to what their body is telling me."

Ahles studied for her career at East-West Healing Arts Institute, a private school in Madison that is a leader in fully integrated Eastern and Western massage therapy education. Her instructor, a native of China, guided her progress. Before opening Kneaded Relief, Ahles, like many massage therapists, practiced as an independent contractor, including a three-year stint at Pittsville Therapy Services.

Her practice philosophy may best be described by the name of one of her massage offerings: "Mind, Body and Sole" — suggesting a treatment of the whole person.

"My desire is to communicate my concern for them and reflect that concern in the way I go about my work," she said.

Kneaded Relief Massage & Spa LLC is located at 440 Chestnut St, Suite 300. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and by appointment Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Call Kristine Ahles at 715-423-9772 or visit www.yourkneadedmassage.com for more information.

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