When Brianna Forbes was 18, the sledding saucer she was riding spun her around backwards into a tree. That night, her back pain was so intense she couldn't get out of bed without help. Four days later, she was walking with very little pain because she'd gone to a chiropractor and a massage therapist.
That experience enticed her to offer that kind of pain relief to others. She became a medical (sports) massage therapist, worked for several chiropractors, and opened
Urban Massage at 820 Monroe North three years ago. Now that building is undergoing a renovation into apartments, so Forbes relocated Urban Massage to 951 Wealthy St. SE and opened last April.
Forbes, now 26, and the two other certified massage therapists at Urban Massage offer a variety of therapies based on what a specific client needs.
"Clients may have a specific injury or just want relaxation or to treat chronic conditions to help alleviate pain in general," Forbes says. "We work with a lot of athletes, runners, people who work out a lot and tailor the massage to what the person needs."
Techniques include Swedish massage, medical (sports) massage, and deep tissue massage. All the therapists are also certified by
Deep Feet in ashiatsu (which means foot pressure) oriental bar therapy.
"We have two bars attached to ceiling that the therapists 'hang' from and we use our feet to massage the client. We're not walking on them, but using the bar for balance," Forbes says.
Forbes plans to add weekly yoga classes at the new location, led by instructors from Yoga Heat, and will eventually add a small retail section of massage creams and essential oils for aromatherapy.
A grand opening event on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. will offer free chair massages and massage technique demonstrations.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Mon. - Fri.; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat.
Writer: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor
Images courtesy of Urban Massage
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