My approach to client wellness
Your Massage Should Be as Unique as You Are
When new clients ask about my massage style, my answer isn't a simple one.
After more than 18 years in practice, I’ve learned that the most effective massage isn’t based on a pre-set technique, but on a partnership built directly with you. My job is to find the precise approach that works for your body.
It All Starts with You
To give you a safe and effective massage, I need to understand your unique situation. A generic "Swedish" or "Deep Tissue" label doesn't capture the personalized approach we’ll take. Instead, our process begins with a conversation.
During your intake, we'll discuss:
- Your goals: Are you here to unwind and relax, or do you need relief from a specific pain or injury?
- Your health history: Past injuries, chronic conditions, and your overall health help me determine which techniques are safe and appropriate for you.
- Your preferences: Your body’s feedback - both verbal and physical - guides every decision I make, from pressure level to the specific modalities we use.
Your massage is a dynamic process. We’ll fine-tune our approach during your session and over time. My treatment style will adapt to how your body responds and what you need on any given day.
A Modern, Evidence-Informed Approach
My practice is rooted in a modern understanding of how massage works. While older theories focused on "breaking up" scar tissue or physically "remodeling" tissues, current evidence-based research points to a different mechanism: the nervous system.
Most of what manual therapy achieves is neurophysiological. We're not mechanically forcing change in your tissues; we're communicating with your nervous system to help it release tension, reduce pain signals, and relieve stress. Everyone's nervous system is different, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn't work. What one person finds deeply relaxing, another might find ticklish or uncomfortable. My job is to find the precise approach that works for your body.
Your Safety and Goals Come First
Your well-being is my top priority. If you're dealing with a serious medical condition, a traumatic injury, or a sudden onset of unexplained severe symptoms, I require you to consult with your physician first. Once your doctor confirms that massage is safe for you, we can create a comprehensive and effective treatment plan.
Ultimately, you are in control of your session.
- If you just want to relax, I won't push you to work on a sore shoulder.
- If you love deep, focused pressure, I'm happy to provide it.
- If a certain technique isn't working for you, we will immediately adjust.
Let’s work together to create a massage plan tailored specifically for you.
Comprehensive Pain Relief
I have extensive experience helping clients address pain, improve mobility, and recover from a wide range of injuries and surgeries once they have been cleared by their medical team. I offer relief from a variety of conditions and injuries - such as:
- TMJ-related dysfunction
- Tension Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Shoulder Pain (including rotator cuff injuries and various other shoulder pathologies)
- Hip Pain
- Knee Pain
- Foot and Ankle Pain
- Hand and Wrist Pain
- Post surgical recovery (including post-joint replacement recovery)
About Nancy Doss, LMT, GTS
With nearly 18 years of experience as a massage therapist, I bring a detailed, individualized approach to every session. My professional experience includes previously working in a physical therapy setting, where I developed an appreciation for the role that skilled soft-tissue work can play alongside other forms of healthcare.
My professional experience also includes serving as a lead therapist at a high-volume therapeutic massage practice, where I worked alongside a large team of massage therapists and helped support clinical consistency and professional development within the studio. In addition to my work as a lead therapist, I was invited to travel regionally to provide continuing education and hands-on instruction to other licensed massage therapists at affiliated locations.
Today, I provide customized massage therapy tailored to each client’s goals and preferences. Sessions may range from focused therapeutic massage and deep tissue work to relaxation-oriented massage, and utilizing specialized techniques such as Graston Technique®, Trigger Point Massage, Cupping, and Intraoral Massage.
Whether you’re looking for focused work on areas of muscular tension and pain relief or simply want time to relax and recharge, I am committed to providing thoughtful and professional massage therapy that's tailored specifically to you.
Nancy Doss LMT, GTS. MA00024917.
Curious about Graston Technique®?
I’m a Graston Technique Specialist (GTS), and I’m excited to offer this specialized instrument-assisted technique as part of my massage practice.
Graston Technique® uses specially designed stainless-steel instruments along with hands-on massage techniques to work with the body’s soft tissues. The instruments provide a different way of applying pressure and engaging with areas of the body that may feel tight, restricted, or difficult to address with hands-on techniques alone.
Graston Technique® can be incorporated into massage sessions when focused work is desired, including work around areas of muscular tension, reduced soft-tissue mobility, or general discomfort associated with physical activity and everyday demands. It can be used as part of a customized massage session and may be especially appealing to people who enjoy a more focused approach to their soft-tissue work.
My goal is not to make your massage uncomfortable or to force change in your tissues. We’ll work within your comfort level and adjust the technique and pressure throughout your session.
Never tried Graston Technique®? I invite you to give it a try and see how it feels for you!