Stephen Shortnacy

stephen

About Stephen

Pronouns: He/Him

  • Training: 600+ hours
  • School: Texas Healing Arts Institute
  • Licensed since: 2007
  • With Myo since: 2019
  • Continuing Education: Trigger Point, Myofascial Meridians, Body Breath & Awareness
  • Areas of Expertise: Myo, Deep Tissue, Swedish
As an ex-employee of the high-tech industry Stephen understands how prolonged sitting in front of a computer and job stress can lead to chronic pain, headaches, tension, and muscle dysfunction. As a professional dancer, yogi, rock climber, and ex-runner, Stephen knows that one’s passions can at times lead to injury and in some cases crippling injury. He understands the pain and needs of those who suffer from symptoms found in such conditions as ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, or spondyloarthropathy, which makes him a very effective therapist in treating and managing pain.
A session with Stephen includes communication and feedback to provide a treatment process that includes right pressure and best technique to help alleviate muscle tension and relieve pain. He seeks to create an environment to help you relax and breathe comfortably during your massage session. He has over 12 years of experience as a massage therapist in the Austin area and over 10 years of experience as a clinical massage therapist in a chiropractic environment. When Stephen is not providing massages, he is often practicing self-care and relaxing with his cats or he is exploring the many different cultures and communities that can be found in the Austin area.
How long have you been a licensed massage therapist?

I’ve been a licensed massage therapist since the fall of 2007

How many hours of training do you have?

More than 600 hours

Why did you choose massage therapy as your career?

Massage was the primary thing that would help with my chronic pain that resulted from recreational sports injuries, computer work related discomforts (constant sitting, high stress, poor diet), and autoimmune related symptoms. After giving up my technology job to become a massage therapist, I’ve learned how to take better care of my body and help others do the same.

Where did you go to school for massage?

Texas Healing Arts Institute

How do you describe your massage/work to others?

My massage style is customized to the clients needs. Typically a combination of Swedish, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release is used to alleviate tension and tightness. Pressure levels are adjust from light to deep depending on the client’s preferences. Because of my experience with chronic pain, I’m very familiar with most sources of pain and tightness. After a good warm up, my massages often go straight to the source.

What are some examples of Continuing Education you are interested in and why?

Because of the positive experience I have had with meditation to reduce pain, I am very interested in learning more about the mind-body relationship of pain. Because I have learned from experience that tightness in one part of the body can cause pain in another part, Anatomy Trains and myofascial meridians is a topic that I will often revisit.

How has receiving massage affected you personally?

Massage has helped to reduce a significant amount of pain that I have been experiencing in my life. Also, it has helped with stress relief and typically gives me an increased sense of euphoria.

What do you do to stay healthy?

Meditation, yoga, tension\stress release exercises, moderated diet have all benefited my health. I’ve also stayed healthy from years of social dancing, including ballroom, salsa, bachata, and especially Argentine tango.

What do you like about working at Myo?

Myo is a laid back, stress free, positive environment. The therapists are a group of caring, conscientious, and very talented individuals.