Carol Mikel, LMT
EDUCATION
SPECIALTIES Myofascial Release (MFR) Addressing the web-like connective tissue (fascia) that can adhere to the muscle fibers, MFR is performed at a specific area of the body. Neuromuscular Massage Therapy (NMT) is a technique focused on an area of the body that is experiencing muscle spasms and/or trigger points. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) involves passive stretching and isometric muscle contractions. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is subtle and effective. Treatments promote the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system, with the goal of enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. CONTACT 520-344-2207 Prices
60 minutes • $95
90 minutes • $130 “Life is integrative, as are my massage treatments.”
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Human touch is therapeutic—and powerful. Carol first became aware of this fact during a high school internship at City Hall. She noticed that many of her co-workers sat slumped forward in their chairs, hovering over computers, with visible tension in their necks. “I remember,” she says, “putting my hand on the shoulders of my co-workers and seeing—and, more importantly, feeling—the shoulder drop and soften.” As it turned out, it would be years later, after a career in advertising, that she would fully understand what she intuited then: that therapeutic touch is a wonderful and necessary experience for us all.
Flash forward. The recession came, giving us all the opportunity to reflect on our careers and life choices. A close friend asked Carol what she would do if a bag of money fell at her feet. Without missing a beat, she said “I would go to massage therapy school.” No moneybags fell, but she was financially stable enough that she registered for school that day and was sitting in classroom a month later. At school, Carol couldn’t get enough of all things massage, from the curriculum to Q & A with her instructors. She didn’t just lean into the profession and community, she jumped in with full force. She trusted that the factual knowledge she was working so hard for would eventually ripen into intuitiveness. “And one day, just like turning on a switch, it did!” This became an important aspect of Carol’s work. “My hands are driven by knowledge, experience, dialogue with clients, and, always, intuitiveness.” Carol is adept at addressing stress, chronic repetitive motion, and posture challenges, as well as issues of the neck and the upper and lower back. She uses various techniques, including trigger-point therapy, myofascial release, and pin-and-stretch to create space within the muscle fibers and attachments, allowing the body to function more properly. She uses CranioSacral Therapy (CST) to alleviate muscular tension as well as stress. “In the simplest terms, CST is a reset of the central nervous system,” she explains. “The body heals when it’s in a ‘rest-and-digest’ state as opposed to a ‘flight and fright’ state.” Carol encourages each of her clients to become more aware of their body and the signals it sends. Posture in particular holds a lot of information. “During an intake, I will gently bring to my clients’ attention to how they are sitting and/or standing, looking down when using their phone, or carrying purses that are way too heavy for the shoulder.” She believes that body awareness is at least as important as the massage. “I see my clients once or twice a month. You live in your body 24/7. Listen and adjust. Your body will thank you.” More than ever, Carol is a believer in the power of therapeutic touch. “Consistent massage therapy is a gift to yourself. An hour or ninety minutes on the table benefits your overall wellness.” Outside of massage, Carol’s favorite things are family, friends, food, and travel. “In this instance, more is more!” |