Massage & Bodywork

“To know a thing is to awaken to its depth, complexity, and presence”

– John O’Donohue

Massage works beautifully for those who seek non-pharmaceutical and non-surgical approaches to managing their health and wellness. Massage activates your body’s powerful natural healing systems, which seek restoration, balance and vitality.

Among the positive outcomes:

Reduced pain
Reduced stress hormones and deeper rest
Enhanced sense of well-being, attentiveness and energy
Improved immune function
Alleviation of symptoms of depression and anxiety

I was trained in the art and science of therapeutic massage by dedicated instructors and practitioners at the Baltimore School of Massage. Since graduating in 2001 I’ve completed extensive continuing education and studied the work of leaders in the fields of massage and bodywork. This includes certifications in orthopedic massage, myofascial release, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Somatic Coaching.

Simply put; our body is the physical representation of the life we’ve lived. I believe it’s essential to our health to understand and connect with this embodied experience, and navigate our responses to both the joys and the stressors. Because of this belief, I work with my clients to help them understand and integrate their life experience in such a way as to maintain balance and resilience, in mind and body.

A sense of ease is there for you.

Contact me to get started

When I first discovered massage therapy

I was in pain and desperate for relief. I was in college full-time and working full-time. The stress of this overloaded life was bringing regular, sometimes mind-bending headaches. I visited a local therapist on someone’s recommendation and within a few visits, my quality of life improved significantly. Not simply because of the massage, but because of what my time on the table taught me.

Almost a decade later I chose massage and bodywork as a profession – to share with others what I had experienced. Massage therapy is an extremely effective tool for enhancing well-being, deepening your relationship with your body, optimizing performance, and healing.

“Louise has been my massage therapist for 18 years and has been my source of mental and physical well-being. My hour with her every few weeks is my time of complete relaxation, a time to forget the long hours of work and commute, and repair of the physical stresses of work and play. She is the very best!”

Dr. Patrick Murray

“You have my utmost respect. You have helped me so much and I am so much further along than I was a year ago. I never would have believed at my age I could do what I am doing. I really look forward to my workouts to push myself harder than the week before.”

S. Slack

“How I describe Louise? Motivational, appropriately challenging, current in techniques and information, and positive and encouraging to achieve appropriate goals. Your messages are clear and consistent. I know that I can get a great, challenging (but not impossible) workout. You almost intuitively know how far to push so that we can succeed. You help me achieve more and live better.”

Joyce K.

“Working with Louise has helped me develop great physical and mental strength, giving me the confidence to participate in some awesome experiences, including the 56-mile bike leg of the Savageman Half-Ironman. As a mentor Louise has taught me that more than anything else it’s about the choices we make. My choice has been to take life’s difficulties and use them as stepping stones. Taking challenges with a positive attitude has shown me a better place.”

Penny T.

“I worked with Louise for many years and it was an amazing period of personal growth. She is focused on helping her clients embrace change effectively and on owning their choices. If you’ve reached that point where you’re ready to make a change, to overcome obstacles, to think, eat, or act differently then get ready; she’ll help you move.”

Dr. Leigh Clayton

“I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Not an easy thing to hear at my relatively young age of 50. I asked the doctor for 6 months to lower my blood sugar by changing my lifestyle. I realized Louise could help me. We worked together on a food and exercise plan. She asked me tough questions that made me examine my life. My results are completely mind blowing! I’ve lost 70 lbs, 50 in, and my blood sugar is completely acceptable. My doctor was floored! Louise has patiently, gently, and with a wealth of knowledge helped me come this far. My goal is to LIVE! “

Ann McGowan, ASID

In addition to massage and bodywork, I have education and experience in fitness, mindfulness, and coaching. I bring this broad skillset to all my sessions with clients, tailoring each session to your needs.

Education, Certifications, Coursework, etc.

Graduate, Baltimore School of Massage, 2001
Orthopedic Massage Certification, Level I, II, III
Certified Myoskeletal Therapist
Facial Release for Structural Balance
Advanced Deep Tissue and Myofacial Technique for the Neck & Back
Sports Massage
Advanced Balance, Flexibility and Stability Improvement
Introduction to Cranial Sacral Therapy
Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
Structural Release and the Cranial System

Redefining Health (Maryland University of Integrative Health)
Navigating Living (Wisdom Well / Dr. Bob Duggan & Dr. Dianne Connelly)
Somatic Coaching (Coaches Rising Institute)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (via Mindful Leader)