Elgin massage center focuses on total body wellness
By Romi Herron For The Courier-News May 15, 2012 3:24PM
Carol Hayes, left, and Judi Risteca, right, at Hands-On Massage and Bodywork in Elgin, Ill., on Monday, May 7, 2012. | Andrew A. Nelles~For Sun-Times Media |
FYI
More information about Hands On Massage & Body Work, at 450 Airport Road in Elgin, is available at www.hands-on-spa.massagetherapy.com
Article Extras
Updated: June 17, 2012 8:02AM
Janet Gruenwald’s stressful job sometimes leaves her with soreness and tightness in her upper body, and a local massage therapist has been working with her to relieve the pain.
Hands On Massage & Bodywork in Elgin is owned by Carol Hayes, who also counsels clients on proper nutrition.
“It’s my passion, how proper nutrition affects the body,” said Hayes, who recognizes the benefits that massage and a healthy diet have on her own life. “I got a massage one day because I run a lot, and the massage fixed me up.”
Motivated by her own experiences with massage, and working in a chiropractic office, Hayes decided to become certified in nutrition and massage. She chose a two-year program at Trinity College of Natural Health in Indiana.
“Nutrition, of course, keeps all the systems working,” she said. “It keeps everything working in sync. Massage is for relaxation, which gets your circulation going.”
The majority of her clients have experienced tension-related shoulder and neck pain, she said.
She offers regular Swedish massage, prenatal massage, aromatherapy, and deep-muscle therapy. Judi Risteca is another certified massage therapist who works with Hayes.
“Prenatal relaxes the mom and helps during the pregnancy with the muscles in the back that get all tight,” Hayes said. “It actually has been proven that it makes labor easier, because the muscles are more relaxed.”
After about nine months with a chiropractor’s treatments for headaches, neck, shoulder and back pain, Gruenwald said she sought additional benefits.
“My headaches were mostly gone, but I was still experiencing soreness/tightness in my shoulder muscles and decided to try massage therapy to see if that would help,” she said.
After just four months, Gruenwald says, the muscle tightness has decreased greatly. “I also have a stressful job, and the monthly appointments help relieve the stress and tension that can build up.”
Hayes said improper nutrition also harms the body. She gives nutritional counseling upon request.
“Nowadays, the main problem is too much packaged food, too much convenience food,” she said. “There is a lot of (additives) your body doesn’t need.”
For instance, she said, some cereals seem like healthy choices because they are marketed as whole grain, but they still have synthetic ingredients.
“People should eat more fruits and vegetables,” she said. “I advise eating raw foods, but some foods do need to be cooked to release the enzymes, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts.”
Gail Dusek of Elgin said Risteca’s demeanor with clients contributes to the comfort they feel.
“Because of her calm, soothing demeanor and her dedication to whatever she sets her sights on, I had no doubt she would be a superb massage therapist.”
Dusek said a chronic injury she’s had for years often leads to back pain, and Risteca’s massages relieve the discomfort.
“Afterwards I feel totally relaxed and rejuvenated,” Dusek said. “I feel that my back is on the road to recovery, and I look forward to continuing my massage sessions.”
Hands On Massage & Bodywork is at 450 Airport Road in Elgin and online at www.hands-on-spa.massagetherapy.com.
