Lately, I’ve been giving extra attention to ankle mobility in my massage sessions — and for good reason. After 20+ years in practice and countless hours teaching movement through my LimberJacks class (rooted in Per Henrik Ling’s Swedish Free Gymnastics), I’ve seen firsthand how limited ankle range can quietly affect everything from posture to balance.

When ankles are stiff, the body compensates — often resulting in knee pain, tight hips, or low back tension. By improving mobility at the ground level, we support the entire structure above. It’s a simple concept with powerful effects: when your ankles move better, you move better.

Walking and massage are two powerful tools for self-care, and at Solaris Massage, we embrace both! While massage therapy relieves tension and aids recovery, walking actively promotes circulation, mobility, and stress relief. The Solaris Massage Walking Club is a free, weekly event in downtown Kansas City, bringing movement and community together. Join us and feel the benefits! 🚶‍♂️💆‍♀️✨

Like many travelers, I enjoy a good massage on vacation. But on a recent trip to Sweden, I had to experience Swedish Massage in its birthplace! As a massage therapist, I was fascinated to find how closely it mirrored what I learned in school—effleurage, petrissage, and tapotement, just as Per Henrik Ling, the founder of Swedish Gymnastics, intended.

Swedish Massage was originally part of a holistic system focused on movement and rehabilitation, designed to promote the oneness of mind and body. It wasn’t just about relaxation but about restoring mobility and circulation—a concept that still holds true today.

This experience deepened my appreciation for how massage and movement go hand in hand. Whether for recovery, fitness, or self-care, the principles of Swedish Massage remain relevant. Have you ever connected massage with exercise in your wellness routine?

Ashiatsu is a painless deep tissue massage intense enough to relax every fiber of your being. This unique form of barefoot deep tissue massage (which looks a bit like acrobatics from the sidelines) is perfect for athletic clients who prefer deep work. For $90, clients can try a 90-minute session of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Ashiatsu is available 7 am - 7 pm Monday through Saturday at 2020 Washington KCMO 64108.