"I can put my pants on WITHOUT pain! I have had chronic lower back pain for years. The pain has limited my activities. I was a little nervous to receive massages and skeptical of the benefits. I noticed a reduced amount of pain after the first massage. Now after several months, the pain is almost gone and I am able to do activities that I enjoy doing!"
- Hans M. (after receiving Spinal Touch and Myofascial Release)
"I want to thank you for helping me with my headaches. It has been a month now that I haven't had a single migraine. Thank you :)"
-Susana Z.
April 2015
My parents were living in Germany when my mother fell and tore her medial meniscus while on an assignment in London. She had surgery to repair it, but her recovery was long and painful. If you know my mother, you know that she didn't let surgery and pain stop her. She would go up and down the the four floors in their apartment building by putting a trash bag on and sliding down the stairs or scooting up them! She was unable to walk for several months, but my parents were still sent on assignments throughout western Europe, so mom used a wheel chair. That was not easy for a prideful Dane! But even after she quit using the wheelchair, pain and swelling persisted.
I wanted to get my hands on her leg and help speed up the recovery with massage, but they lived too far away, being in Germany and I am in Utah. A year later they returned to the US and the leg was still swollen and tender. She said the leg felt like a water balloon blown up tight, ready to burst and and she couldn't put any pressure on it - just setting a book on her knee was painful. She was also limited in how much she could move her leg, thus hampering how much she could walk. As soon as they visited us, I put her (with a lot of protesting - she is a also a very stubborn Dane!) on my table and gently began to work on her knee.
I began with manual lymph drainage to help decrease the swelling. Since her leg had been swollen and tight for so long, I also figured there was some kind of lymphatic restriction caused by scar tissue. When I reached the knee with the lymph work, I began to do some myofascial release. My mom was nervous about me touching her knee because it was so tender. I worked gently, relying on her feedback. I felt a lot of adhesion around the scars, but also several inches away from the visual scars. As I worked on her knee, my mom could feel "pulling" all the way up thigh and down to her toes. As I worked slowly and carefully she could also feel heat. I explained to her what fascia is and how when I am working in one area, even if it is very soft and gentle, she can feel it elsewhere in her body.
As I explained to my mom what I was doing, she commented that my explanations of scar tissue being more far-reaching than the visual scar made sense to her. Mom was a nurse anesthetist and she said that sometimes when she was helping with a second surgery on the abdomen she had seen scar tissues wrapped around the organs. This comment made me excited because I had abdominal surgery many years ago and feel that my scar tissue is the root of some of my problems. But that is entirely different post. ...
When my mom stood up from the table, she was amazed at how much easier she could move and that her leg did not feel like a ready-to-pop balloon. Within an hour all of the swelling was gone!
Two weeks later my parents (who are 74!) hiked Angel's Landing in Zion's National Park with several of their children and grandchildren! (The photo shows part of the trail.) Mom said that her knee didn't bother her too much. Obviously, she can move easier now!
She can also set things on her knee without pain. She can even kneel to do her gardening. Sometimes the knee still swells up, but doesn't feel tight and the swelling does not persist.
Each time I see my mom, I massage her knee for at least a few minutes. I can work more aggressively now because it is not tender to the touch. Whenever I talk to her, she marvels at how much improved her knee is. This is why I studied massage therapy: I love to help people live fuller pain-free lives! To be able to help my mom was the most rewarding!
"I have gone to Heidi many times to receive help with my knee that had ACL and meniscus surgery as well as for occasional migraines. She is very knowledgeable professional and competent and I felt relief from pain in both my knee and migraines when I was treated. I also saw an increase in range of motion in my knee. I believe that by going to Heidi I was able to heal quicker which allowed me to participate more fully in activities."
-Dallin H. (after many Myofascial Release and Cranio-Sacral sessions)
“I had ACL surgery on both my knees (33 & 24 years ago) and have since suffered from chronic pain and reduced range of motion. I am pleased at how quickly my knees responded to the massages I received. The increased range of motion and the decreased amount of pain has been excellent.”
-Darin H.
Heidi came to my rescue last Friday. At 2am on Friday morning I was awakened by severe back pain. I was unable to get an appointment with my physician that day, but was told to take a prescription of prednisone for a week. Then my physician failed to send the electronic prescription to the pharmacy and I didn’t find out about it until after the physician’s office was closed for the weekend. I called the physician’s answering service, but they couldn’t get the on call physician to respond. As a result, I received no help from my physician and was left to experience continued severe pain over the weekend.
I decided to call Heidi and see if she could find time to massage this painful area of my back. It was Friday evening and Heidi had family visiting her home from out of town. Heidi was very empathetic and responsive to my needs. She had me come immediately for a back massage. She massaged my back for only about 15 minutes. I experienced almost instant pain relief. I went home from the massage and fell asleep. The pain was gone and hasn’t returned.
Heidi’s willingness to quickly respond and her expertise rescued me from having to continue suffering in severe pain. She is a hero health care provider.
-Russ H.
I am a breast cancer survivor. During this past year I have been receiving chemo treatments. I also have been receiving massage therapy from Heidi! She gives me a Lymph massage the day before I have the chemo infusion. This activates my lymph system and has helped move the chemo toxins out of my body.
I also find that hydrating, drinking plenty of water before and after helps too. I see less of the potential side effects. Less nausea and gastrointestinal issues, less fatigue and "chemo brain."
I have also received other kinds of massage which have been so helpful! Energy work seems to help my overall feeling of well being and I find that I seem to heal quickly. Heidi is very intuitive to what kind of massage will benefit me and areas of the body that need attention and the amount of pressure needed. I trust her judgement for what is needed and may be most helpful.
I have also received massage therapy for injuries. Heidi is very good at releasing the muscles and promoting healing. Heidi listens to my concerns and allows me to help guide the course of massage for healing. I believe that Heidi has a gift for healing! I highly recommend her massage therapy to my family and friends!!
-Michelle W. (Oct 2014) Died 30 January 2015 - a great loss
“For years I have been plagued by symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome: pain, burning sensations and numbness in my hands and fingers. Heidi began treating me with massage and after one treatment the improvement was incredible. After three treatments I am now pain free and have no numbness or tingling in my hands and fingers.”
-Michele W.
"I love your massages and appreciate you being attentive to my needs and injuries. You have helped release tight muscles in my back and other areas, given me more mobility and range of motion, and helped relieve stress. Thanks for all of the helpful tips and for sharing your amazing skills!"
-Lisa S.
"Heidi is awesome. She was very attentive to my particular needs coming into the massage and I felt a lot better afterward."
-Farrel E. (after neck massage)
3 October 2014
Hi Heidi!
First off I have to thank you again! I can't believe the difference in how my legs feel. Does it make sense if I say my legs feel relaxed? It's the best word I can think of. My left leg feels unbelievably good although there is still a hint of stiffness in my right leg. Not a lot though but if I'm going to compare legs there is a slight difference. But the right leg is always more stiff and this is still such an improvement. I definitely slept better last night and this morning when I woke up I wasn't stiff. [My husband] noticed immediately and [my walking partner] noticed also when I bent down to tie my shoe. Funny huh? Right now I don't even have a hint of pain which really makes me happy. I realize that I'm conscious that the pain could come and automatically take precautions. I didn't fully realize I do that but this morning it's obviously different.
I'll keep you posted and let me know if there's anything I should try and be aware of. This is just great. I like feeling good!
Have a great day!
-Becky M.
10 October 2014
Hi!
I just wanted to let you know that once again you have worked your magic. I feel so much better! I slept better again and my legs feel relaxed and I've had no pain at all today. This really works! The inside of my leg feels great too. I'll continue to do my stretches like you said and I won't be afraid to use heat if I need to. But for now all is well. Thank you again! You are a good friend.
-Becky M.
15 October 2014
Hello again!
I just wanted to update you on my status. I feel great! I haven't had any problems at all. My right leg is a little more stiff than my left leg but I think it's just always going to be. It's still so much better! I've continued to do my stretches and I can tell that my muscles aren't nearly as tight as they were. I have good mobility and absolutely no pain. This is great! Thanks again.
-Becky M.
"I need to thank you again for being my miracle worker! I can't believe how much better my neck feels! There's still a tiny bit of stiffness on the right side but not very much and it isn't painful. There's no pain down my arm so it seems like the pinched nerve issue has been resolved. Yay! It's amazing to me how much movement I have on both sides of my neck. I haven't been able to move this well for a long time! I definitely should have come to see you sooner!"
-Becky M. -again! (Oct 2016)
"Heidi performed lymph massage on my daughter after a root canal gone bad. She had excessive swelling and pain - her symptoms were markedly reduced and her recovery time decreased after her massage with Heidi!!"
-Janeal I.
"Heidi is one of the most knowledgeable massage therapists I've been to, and I've been to a lot. Her holistic approach is ideal for people with chronic pain and injuries, as she's gone more than the extra mile to learn her craft."
-Kim T.
"I was going to text you earlier today and tell you how amazing my lower back was feeling. I haven't felt this great in a long time. Usually I am so uncomfortable and in a lot of pain throughout my day. I've been able to enjoy my weekend without having any back pain."
-Stephanie J. (Jan. 2015)
When I was walking home from school at the age of 8, I was struck by a moving car. As a result, I fractured my femur and hip. As my body healed, I compensated from the injury on the opposite leg which resulted in sacral misalignment. As a teenager and young adult, I experienced chronic lower-back pain which at times prevented me from bending over or participating in my favorite athletic activities. Although the severity of pain was not consistent, I experienced pain on a daily basis.
After college and beginning my career, my back pain worsened. As a runner, I found my post-run recoveries much more difficult and sleep was often interrupted by deep pain. I was referred to Heidi by a close family member, so I knew I was in good hands.
Heidi is not only professional, but she is a very thorough caregiver who seeks to solve a problem rather than simply give relief. While the relief I felt from my spinal-touch therapy was incredibly liberating after only a session or two, I noticed that my diminished pain was lasting. In the past, a massage elsewhere gave me relief for a matter of days, but after consistent work with Heidi, my relief lasted longer and longer. Even after I stopped seeing Heidi (due to moving to another state), I noticed that my pain level and occurrence of back pain had decreased significantly.
Heidi's approach to massage therapy showed me how important it is to understand the human body. I felt that she considered my whole-body wellness and not only my problem area.
Stephanie J.
"The opportunity to have Heidi work on my sports induced issues was helpful. She has a calming and reassuring disposition that makes the process smooth. Being afraid she took the time to explain what was happening with my body and how I could assist in the healing process as she massaged, found pressure points and moved the legs and back. I am hoping for a return appointment."
-Stephanie P.
"My experience at Renewal Massage Clinic has been such a blessing as I was recuperating from chronic sciatica and hip bursitis. I had been seeing a physical therapist and was released from his care with a slight amount of relief from pain. Heidi was successful with doing positional release in the area along with her healing touch massage over several months of therapy. Now, free from pain, I feel like I have my life back again and will be forever grateful to her and her knowledge and expertise."
-Janeen S.
Oct 2014
Heidi,
Thank you so much for all you have done for me. . . . Here's my story:
My condition is trigeminal neuralgia. I've had it on and off since 2009, but in June of 2014 it became constant and unbearable. We didn't know what it was until June. I had gotten a root canal last year unnecessarily, which obviously did nothing for the pain.
All of June was spent pretty much not talking or moving, eating, smiling, nor laughing. They all caused intense pain. I was still under the impression that my body could heal itself and God would help.
I had taken Tegretol on and off and that seemed to squelch the pain and work for up to 24 hrs. The morning I went to see you was very excruciating. So much so, that I took 2 tegretols. 400mg.
I believe that you knew exactly how to interact with the rhythms of my body, and create the vibrational flow. Your massage helped so much to get my system open and responding to energy, including the abdominal massage. Then you ended with a cranial sacral that pulled all the energy up to my brain stem where I needed it the most. You did it flawlessly. This takes education and talent. I know because I have only had two people who were able to do this on me. I have been to multiple massage therapists here in Miami, many claiming to do cranial sacral - and they all do it a bit different - but none were able to channel the energy and get the flow going.
I was pain free - completely - for 2 months!! That was fantastic! I really believe you played a major part in healing me.
As this condition goes - it "grew" back in August and by September I was in excruciating pain again. I have gone to multiple massage clinics, but have not been able to find another person to do it the way you did, and I'm still in pain - taking 2 tegretols a day and not having it completely gone.
I'm scheduled for an HDMRI with a trigeminal protocol so they can further diagnose correctly my condition - because the only long term treatment is a brain surgery.
Last week I found a myofascial lady who worked on me and she was able to take me to 75% pain free. She did a cranial sacral like you did, but her massage techniques beforehand were different. I was so happy to have found someone that does cranial sacral massage the way you do. In fact, because I was able to get one from her that also improved my condition, it enforced my opinion that your massage did indeed heal me and played a major role in my pain free summer.
Thank you so much for working on me. I wish I lived closer because I would be seeing you every month for wellness. I have told all my friends and family who live in Utah about you, because I believe that what you do is a vital part of our health and healing naturally.
Melissa O.
“Heidi has worked to find the best methods to assist me with my neck, lower back and right hip. Not only has it provided relief physically but it relaxes my psyche too! She is professional and very dedicated to her work. She will take extra time to be sure that she has addressed all of the areas of my body that need work.”
-Shannon C.
"Good morning! I slept like a baby last night. My body felt so good. I had forgotten how great it feels to stretch.Thank you so much. You are wonderful."
-Tess N.
"Heidi is so amazing! I am 8 months pregnant and I had a really painful pinched nerve in my neck for several days. I called and she was so accommodating to get me in right away. As soon as she started working on my neck the pain was instantly gone! She is very talented and also very concerned about your comfort level during the massage. I plan to continue to get massages through the rest of my pregnancy and after I deliver."
-Sunnee G.
"I began therapy with Heidi about two months ago, and I have seen good improvement in my flexibility and circulation. I've broken the seventy-year-old barrier and my muscles and joints have gotten stiff and sore from injury and over-use, plus the circulation isn't as efficient as it once was. Heidi has done a lot to improve my overall well-being and lift my spirits in general. She's easy to talk with, listens closely and thinks before speaking. I've worked with several massage therapists for health reasons over the years; my profession was a very physically demanding one and I incurred much injury and tissue damage before retiring.
Heidi continually adds to her knowledge database, uses her books and the Internet to learn about specific issues pertaining to her clients, is one of the more knowledgeable therapists I've found and is my favorite. I'm sincere when I say I am grateful to her for her innate need to understand the human body, her (ongoing) help, her ability to communicate on a deeper level and her compassion. These are the things I find important in a medical professional, and that is where she excels Thanks, Heidi!"
-Jim M.