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Body & Soul Massage Therapy
At Long Beach Wellness
240 West Park Ave.
Long Beach
516-998-6412
Many of us think of getting a massage as a luxury — a spa-like way to relax and escape. While this can be true, there are actually a myriad of other benefits. Therapeutically, massage can help improve flexibility, circulation and joint range of motion. It can help reduce stress, anxiety, aches, pain and sometimes even depression. What’s important, however, is finding a reputable and licensed professional.
Peggy Butts, LMT, is a licensed massage therapist who has been working as an employee of Massage Envy in Oceanside. In January she also opened her own business — Body & Soul Massage Therapy — and works independently at Long Beach Wellness. She is a graduate of New York College of Health Professionals in Syosset, where she trained to care for different aspects of the body’s muscles and bones.
Depending on the type of massage chosen, one can enjoy something light and soothing or deep and therapeutic. Prior to an initial session, a medical form is filled out, so that Butts can be aware of any heart, blood, skin or bone conditions that might exist. She is also an X-ray technician.
There are a variety of services to choose from. Swedish massage increases oxygen flow in the blood, releases toxins from the muscles and stimulates circulation. Deep Tissue massage is aimed at the structure of the muscle and connective tissue, releasing knots and chronic tension. Sports massage helps prevent injuries. Hot Stone massage, which is known to help arthritis, improves energy flow and induces a calming state of mind. Aromatherapy, which involves the inhaling of oil molecules, can be incorporated into any of the treatments.
At Body & Soul, the environment is serene, calming and private. Butts works only by appointment, so there is never any waiting. Her sessions are customized to the individual. Part of getting to know her clients is learning limitations on certain body parts or areas, pressure preferences, and what positions (face down, face up, etc.) they prefer. She listens to what people say and follows through. Her clients dress down only to their own comfort level.
Prices are kept affordable and no membership is required. While sessions are usually an hour, they can take 30 minutes for half the price. Senior citizen, referral and “thank you” discounts are offered as well. Body & Soul hours are 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday. For a sample chair massage, visit the Long Beach Craft Fair on the boardwalk on July 16 and 17.
