I have been a practicing massage therapist since 2005 and I am licensed and insured in the state of Pennsylvania.  Over the course of my career, I have mostly worked for chiropractors, so my massage techniques have evolved into something that is deeply relaxing yet still focuses on problem areas.  During a massage session, I pull from many different modalities depending on what my intuition says my client’s body needs.  This can include but is not limited to trigger point therapy, myofascial release, gentle stretching, reflexology, and lymphatic drainage.  I’m also certified in massage cupping and have gotten overwhelmingly positive feedback from my clients who receive cupping therapy from me.

Aside from general aches, pains and muscle tightness, I have over a decade of experience working with things like sciatica, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder, scoliosis, tension headaches, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel.  My massage oils are botanically infused and I make most of them myself, so this only adds to the healing I can offer to clients on my table.

I am a judgement-free therapist and do not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, race, body type, religion, financial status, or ability.  I work on everyone: marathon runners, construction workers, new moms, still pregnant moms, busy parents, people with desk jobs (they can be the hardest on your body!), teens, grandmas….Everyone deserves healing touch!

My current rates are $75 for an hour, $120 for 90 minutes, and I usually incorporate cupping into your session.

Why cupping?

Cupping has become part of my everyday practice for so many reasons. Here’s what I tell someone coming to me receiving cupping for the first time:

~ Instead of the “pushing” action of my hands during a massage, the cups create a “pulling” action as the suction pulls muscle and fascia up into the cup. This lifts and separates stuck tissue, inviting in fresh blood and lymph while creating more elasticity.

~ Done properly, cupping shouldn’t hurt. Quite the opposite, actually. From giving and receiving cupping, I find that it puts you into a deeper state of relaxation and you can fell a release of tension and even and itchy sensation as blood flow returns to the area and your tissue “wakes up”.

~ It reduces inflammation by creating inflammation. (what?) I know, it sounds counterintuitive. Your body’s way of dealing with any type of injury is the inflammation process. When that process can’t complete itself, inflammation remains and the injury cannot heal. By creating localized inflammation with the cups and then using my hands to help your body get rid of it, you’re kickstarting that process again and telling your body there’s still work to be done there.

~ It helps me get more done in a session. By using my hands as well as the cups, I can cover more ground during your massage by using multiple modalities at once while not being so hard on my body. It’s a win-win.

~ I have also seen cupping help people release emotional tensions built up in their bodies.

If you are interested in scheduling an intuitive bodywork session with me, please email me at hayes.ruthie@gmail.com and I will send you a new client intake form.

Be well!