Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in your business.
I’m Donna Freeman, LMT. I first found my way into massage therapy sort of by accident. After I helped a supervisor reduce her migraine pain, the woman encouraged me to enter the massage field so that I could do the same for others. Since that first experience of helping reduce someone’s pain where other therapies had failed, my passion has been to provide relief to those who are suffering.
How long have you been in the community and why did you choose this community?
I have had my own massage business since 2001 in the City of Bellaire. I selected Bellaire for its hometown feel and charm and its awesome police force and city services. I chose the name Bellaire Massage Therapy in order to build a professional business model that, like the city of Bellaire, is constantly working to maintain a healthy and safe environment for its citizens.
What sets your business apart from others like yours?
I wasn’t satisfied to be just a massage therapist and have undergone extensive continuing education to become more of a specialist. My advanced training qualifies me as a personal trainer for corrective exercise and an integrated movement therapist, working with the central nervous system to remap the brain for permanent changes to increase strength and flexibility. I am often able to help clients achieve remarkable results within a few sessions, while other clients may take a bit longer. Communication is key to understanding a client’s history, which enables me to do the best job. I also track each client’s progress in a session to find out what is working best for that individual. When one approach is not as effective, I reach into my “toolbox,” which consists of thousands of hours of continuing education, for another way to move my client forward to an improved quality of life. I also love teaching my clients breathing drills, which decrease fatigue and provide them with more energy throughout the day. And yes, I have been known to give my clients “homework” in order to help them maintain their progress after the session and continue toward their health and fitness goals. I am passionate about improving the quality of life of those I meet.
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
- Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
- Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
- Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
- Increase joint flexibility.
- Lessen depression and anxiety.
- Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
- Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
- Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
- Reduce spasms and cramping.
- Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
- Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
- Relieve migraine pain.
