Healing Hands: Herein Lies the Rub

Local business spreads the art of massage in Oxford

If pharmaceutical technologies became sophisticated enough to create a wonder pill that could help folks manage stress, have more energy, prevent disease, relieve pain, reduce blood pressure, improve circulation, increase range of motion, sleep more soundly, and experience less pain, then that pill would be on par with massage therapy, say the therapists at Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage in Oxford.

They also note that massage therapy has been around since long before modern chemical-based pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, massage therapy has never been responsible for fatal side effects, and has been around long enough for Hippocrates to have defined as “the art of rubbing.” But unlike pharmaceuticals, medical professionals have yet to accept massage therapy as a legitimate treatment that should be prescribed and covered by insurance plans. Because of this, it is always advised to consult with your physician if you have never had a massage, says Rebecca Kelley, owner of Healing Hands.

Staying true to massage therapy origins, Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage employs a thorough and professional initial assessment, creates a plan customized to the client’s specific needs, revisits the regimen to ensure continuous progress, and adjusts the therapy modalities as needed. Kelley says this strategy has proven effective since Healing Hands hung a shingle and opened its doors in the fall of 2011.

“When I opened Healing Hands, I was the secretary, the cleaning lady, the marketing department, the massage therapist, everything,” she says. “Those first couple months were very difficult.” She soon hired a secretary, and with Kelley njoying the newfound ability to focus more on the massage side of the business, her clientele quickly grew to the point where she needed another therapist. In less than six months after opening her business, she welcomed Scott Thielen, and to complete the team, she brought on Shireen Mullink.

Meet the Healing Hands staff of massage therapists: Rebecca Kelly, Scott Thielen, and Shireen Mullink.

In addition to massage therapy, Healing Hands also offers various bath salts, masks, essential oils, gift cards, gift baskets, and other natural products to promote relaxation, healing, and well being. Forever on a mission to become a “one-stop” source for a variety of well being products and services, Kelley recently introduced AdvoCare products to the retail line-up.

For customer convenience, Healing Hands utilizes scheduling technology so clients can get an appointment online, by phone, receive a message on their smart phone, automatically create a calendar entry, and receive text message reminders. Additionally, Kelley has began utilizing a new text message marketing program allowing those who opt in to receive exclusive discounts and weekly specials. For example, if you grab your phone right now and text “healinghands” to 57711, you’ll receive a confirmation and $10 off your next massage.

Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage is located at 1529 University Avenue. For more information, call (662) 234-2445 or visit HealingHandsTherapeuticMassage.massageplanet.com.

— Robert Tidwell, robert.tidwell@icloud.com