Troubles melt away with a massage - nj.com

[massage]

Massage therapists come in many flavors. Some practice specialized massage therapies targeting specific needs of patients. These include aromatherapy, Swedish massage, geriatric and pregnancy massage, hot stone therapy, shiatsu and other related soft tissue treatments.

Reflexology is not technically part of the massage universe. A trained reflexologist applies pressure to specific zones located in the feet, hands, and outer ears. The idea is to cause nerves to carry these signals to other parts of the body, promoting healing.

Patients say many benefits accrue. These include deeper relaxation and stress reduction, along with improvements in the circulation of blood and lymph. Many massage therapists incorporate reflexology into their overall treatment offerings.

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Kimberly Redfern has over three decades experience as a massage therapist. She has extensive training in the field, and she offers many types of massage.

She also offers reflexology treatments and sessions.

“Reflexology promotes overall health and is used as a complementary care for people with a variety of conditions,” Kim said. “It can help alleviate headaches, reduce arthritic and back pain, decrease the symptoms of addiction withdrawal, ease the swings of premenstrual syndrome, and reduce the symptoms of diabetes.”

Kim has years experience making house calls. In addition, she has long kept appointments at nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

“I worked with people with multiple sclerosis and geriatrics, as well as average people just looking for stress reduction in their lives,” she says. “Then the pandemic hit.”

She decided it was time to open her own office. Her offices are now at 134 Main St. in Flemington. Visits are now by appointment only -- call either 908-303-5587 or 908-788-1974.

“People come to get therapy in a safe environment,” Kim notes. “The entrance is private and we follow all the rules.”

A reflexology session can be a standalone or it can be an add-on to another treatment option. “The technique is firm yet relaxing and most people are pleasantly surprised that it does not tickle,” she says.

For more information and to make an appointment, visit the extensive website TherapeuticTouchByKim.com. It is full of useful information describing different types of massage therapies, as well as Reflexology. Kim is also on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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These are stressful times. Our society is currently undergoing big-time changes. Technology has invaded every aspect of our lives. Time seems to have accelerated, and the movie is running very fast. It presses us to keep pace with an ever-changing world.

The result of all this is fairly predictable. We become more anxious. Stress and anxiety crowd our lives, and we are pushed into vicious cycles of concern and apprehension. Our bodies try to defend against this. It’s the human fight or flight reaction on steroids. Muscles tighten in an ever increasing defensive posture. We feel like running away to a quieter place. Depression can begin to set in.

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“For stress, I recommend an overall, full body massage,” says Gene Dillman. “The Swedish deep tissue massage can release muscle spasms.”

Gene runs the Lambertville Massage Therapy operation, located at 26 Bridge St.

“Our job is to help you get going again and live life to the fullest,” he explains.

He and his therapists begin sessions by “...taking the time to understand exactly what you want from your massage.”

Anxiety and depression are above normal right now, Gene notes. Dealing with the pandemic adds another layer to day-to-day issues.

One person’s problems are not like those of the next person. For example, tensions can accumulate when one sits at a desk all day. But these tensions will differ substantially from those of a runner prepping for a marathon.

“Our expert massage therapists know exactly how to help,” says Gene. “We focus on achieving results to ensure you leave our office feeling happy and healthy. No frills -- we’re trained in the different modalities.”

The most popular sessions here right now involve couples massage.

“Lambertville is a popular destination,” Gene notes. This is true for locals as well as out-of-towners.

The town is full of shops, galleries, and other attractions. Window shopping along blocks of sidewalks can be an adventure in itself.

Couples are attracted to the area for day trips or weekend getaways. And many make appointments for couples massage, making it the highlight of the outing.

Gene is not new to the massage field, having some three decades experience. He was the co-founder of Princeton’s Health Choices Massage School. He uses an eclectic style of massage, specializing in deep tissue, sports massage and mind/body work.

For more information and an appointment, call 609-397-3808 and visit the website at LambertvilleMassage.com or go to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Al Warr may be reached at 610-253-0432 or [email protected].