Heidi Siegenthaler

How long have you been a licensed massage therapist?

I have been licensed since 1992.

How many hours of training do you have?

I have at least 1000 hours of training.

Why did you choose massage therapy as your career?

My earliest goal was to become a veterinarian. As my awareness to the unhealthy aspects of the medical world grew, I started to change course. I have continued my living caring for various animal species, and have also focused on childcare and senior care. After having my first professional massage when I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, I started exploring the possibility of massage training. Seven years later, after my third child was born, I started my formal massage training and have been grateful for that choice ever since!

Where did you go to school for massage?

I went to the Lauterstein-Conway Massage School.

How do you describe your massage/work to others?

I am delighted to work with people of all ages! I like to meet my clients where they are. If a client wants to just “zone out,” then I can provide a relaxation massage. If a client wants a more specific therapeutic massage, then I like to engage with the client as the session progresses so that I can provide details that might otherwise be missed. With this kind of approach, there is likely to be more movement and client participation. As always, the client can choose at any point if they want more or less communication/participation. In all of my sessions, I work with the client’s breath as I incorporate my various trainings where appropriate, ranging from light lymphatic or energy work to firm circulatory strokes to deep tissue release with structural balance in mind.

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

I am interested in a more in-depth study of lymphatic massage to aide in reducing inflammatory responses. I am interested in improving my structural bodywork knowledge and having more info on self-help exercises to give my clients. I am interested in the further study and possible certification of Zero Balancing because it is a powerful modality that can be experienced by clothed clients who may be more intimidated by massage or have other reasons to not want some body sytems overstimulated by circulatory or lymphatic massage. I will continue to get refreshers on modalities that I am using in general!

How has receiving massage affected you personally?

Receiving knowledgable touch has definitely helped me learn more about myself. It helps me to breathe and let chaos flow around me. It helps me to balance myself and to have the energy to help balance others.

What do you do to stay healthy?

I am a longtime vegetarian and am always trying to improve my diet further. I continue to strive toward a toxin-free lifestyle. I walk regularly with friends and travel when I can with hiking and camping. I like to ice skate and tap dance and play music. I spend much of my time caring for horses, goats, dogs and cats. All these things make me happy and healthy!

What do you like about working at Myo Massage?

I have been a self-employed massage therapist for a long time, and am very happy doing that. For a while, though, I have thought that it would be nice to be in an environment with other therapists. I have explored other massage venues and was not impressed. Myo is in a good location for me, is staffed by therapists who are similarly trained, and the owners have set up an environment that feels right! I am thankful for this opportunity to enhance my current practice.