Massages are no longer reserved for spa retreats and personal relaxation—a growing number of people are turning to massage therapy as a restorative and preventative technique to treat multiple sources of pain and stress. Julie Thompson, owner of Elements Massage in Minnetonka, isn’t new to the wonders of massage. Her history of being a regular massage-goer alongside 20 years of corporate marketing experience led Thompson to turn her relaxing hobby into a career. “I believe in the benefits of it,” Thompson says.
Elements Massage has five locations around the Twin Cities area, with Thompson owning two of them. Her Edina and Minnetonka locations, which opened in 2012 and 2014, respectively, prove that massage is no longer just a relaxing treat on a special occasion. “I think a big part of it is that massage is becoming more and more known as an alternative form of medicine,” Thompson says. “It’s gaining so much momentum.”
A lot of that momentum is a result of the wide range of benefits massage therapy can offer, including arthritis relief, injury rehabilitation and improving cardiovascular health. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) noted in 2014 that 59 percent of respondents to a nationwide survey were recommended to get a massage by their physician.
This growth has led to more and more people seeking out massage therapy as a treatment to pain and injury, and companies are noticing the increase in business. “When we opened the Minnetonka location [in September 2014], the amount of business we had right out of the gate was stronger than it was when we opened Edina three years ago,” Thompson says.
Shannon Ramey, manager of massage operations at Elements Massage, believes the unique experience at Elements is what sets the company apart from more traditional massages performed at a salon or spa. “The mindset is different,” Ramey says. “Our therapists are more focused on long-term goals and not just what the client is getting from their session that day.”
Ramey and Thompson focus their business practice on “The Elements Way,” an attitude that provides a therapeutic and personalized massage experience to each customer who walks through the door.
“Our front-desk staff is trained to match a client’s need to an individual therapist based on why they are coming in,” Thompson says. “What a client needed last week may be totally different this week.” With each therapist having their own style and personality, executed through their technique, it’s important to find a good fit for each person’s individual medical needs. “Our therapists will refer out to one another for that reason,” Ramey says. “It’s all about finding the right therapist.”
To fully appreciate the benefits of massage therapy, regular maintenance is encouraged. “A once-a-month massage is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle to reduce effects of stress,” Ramey says. “It helps your body release toxins that the muscles are holding onto. Engaging those muscles increases blood flow, which in turn helps the body heal itself.” This can lead to long-term benefits such as increasing circulation, reducing blood pressure and overall mental health.
Thompson is a firm believer in Elements and the long-term benefits of massage therapy. “We’re just so impressed with not just the business model, but the culture,” Thompson says, “and the idea that we can run a business that helps people, helps them feel better, helps them live a better life.”
Elements Massage offers many different massage techniques to best fit the needs of the client. Thompson and Ramey are confident that anyone can appreciate the benefits of massage therapy. “You can find a type of massage that’s right for you,” Ramey says.
Adds Thompson, “Everyone should try it.”
Elements Massage
6001 Shady Oak Road, Minnetonka
952.405.6990
new clients receive special pricing for their first service.
