Derek Hitchener
My Philosophy on Massage
It's a common misconception that massage should be only for those who are wealthy, that it's a luxury. This couldn't be further from the truth. In today's fast paced world, stress, tension, and exhaustion have become a part of everyday life; leaving people feeling drained both mentally and physically. This is where massage steps in - not as a luxury, but as an essential form of self-care.
Working With Your Pains
Realizing that each person is unique with different goals for their massage sessions is the first step in providing a quality service. Having helped thousands of clients throughout my years as a massage therapist, I've been fortunate enough to work on all different body and pain types. This allows me to work with my clients and tailor their massages into a unique experience every time.
How I Started
Having worked in an auto body shop for 11 years (also where my business name comes from), I am no stranger to stress and exhaustion at the end of a long day of work. Throughout the years of working with cars, I became jaded, unhappy with my situation as I knew it was not my true calling. Naturally, I started seeking massage therapy as a relief and something to look forward to each month. After years of treatments and getting to know my therapist, I did some soul searching and decided that I needed to make a change. Getting massages was one of the best parts of my month and I knew I had to make it a bigger part of my life. After a particularly rough day at work, I put in the call to enroll in massage school on a whim and to this day it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.
What to Expect
When you book a massage at The Body Shop, you'll get a text or email confirming your appointment, along with an intake form to fill out before your first session. A few days before your massage, you'll get another reminder of your appointment and a chance to confirm. When you arrive, we will go over your intake form and make a plan for reaching your goals for the massage. This usually only takes a few minutes but there's no rush, your needs are unique and it's important that we take the time to address your preferences and problem areas. I will then step out to give you privacy as you undress to your comfort level and get settled on the table. During the massage, feel free to ask for any adjustments, and if you feel like talking, that's perfectly okay too!