What if your body isn't the problem?

Licensed nervous system-informed therapeutic massage for people experiencing chronic stress, persistent pain, and stubborn tension.Instead of asking, "How do we get rid of it?" we start with a different question: "Why might your body be holding onto it?". Every session is designed to listen first, then respond with care tailored to you.Certified manual lymphatic drainage massage for people experiencing limb heaviness, swelling, and sluggish lymphatic movement.Rather than using pressure to force things where they need to go, lymphatic drainage uses gentle, rhythmic techniques that work with the body's natural lymphatic pathways. Each session is adapted to the areas being addressed and how your body responds throughout treatment.

Appointments take place inside The ELM Wellness Studio in Cadillac, MI at 820 S. Mitchell St. Cadillac, MI 49601. Book online or reach out to [email protected] for additional appointment times.

My approach

Your care is guided by what you're experiencing and how your body responds, rather than by a predetermined routine.Therapeutic massage may include a variety of hands-on techniques, gentle positional changes, movement, or simply slowing the pace enough for your nervous system to recognize that it no longer has to stay on high alert.Lymphatic massage takes a more specific approach, with treatment focused on the body's lymphatic pathways and the areas where support is needed. Depending on your goals and what is appropriate for your care, sessions may also incorporate techniques such as scar mobilization, gentle cupping, or other supportive hands-on work.

You might feel at home here if...

  • You often feel disconnected from your body or like it's working against you

  • You feel like you're running on empty, even when you rest

  • You carry tension that always returns no matter what you try

  • You've been told everything is "normal", but your body doesn't feel that way

  • You live with chronic stress, overwhelm, persistent pain, or feel like your nervous system rarely settles

  • Your body has changed during major life or hormonal shifts and doesn't feel familiar anymore

Each session begins with a brief conversation about what your body is experiencing and how it’s been responding lately.This work isn't about chasing perfect posture or eliminating every ache overnight. It's about helping your body feel safe enough to move, breathe, rest, and respond differently over time.

Services

Online booking is available for appointments Monday to Thursday, however additional availability can be coordinated via [email protected].All sessions are designed as time-based care. Session length determines how much time is available to narrow or expand the treatment focus for the day.Rather than choosing from multiple service styles or add-on menus, therapeutic massage is booked by session length at a simple flat rate. We'll decide together how to use that time based on what your body needs that day.Therapeutic massage and lymphatic massage are booked separately, but both follow the same simple time-based model with any treatment techniques included in the session cost. If you're unsure which session length is right for you, I'm happy to help you decide.Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to your first appointment to complete intake paperwork and any necessary assessments so you receive the full hands-on treatment time included with your appointment.30 minutes — $50
Ideal for focused work on one specific area or concern, such as TMJ discomfort, plantar fasciitis, tension headaches, carpal tunnel symptoms, or localized tension. For lymphatic massage, 30 minutes may be appropriate for focused postoperative care during the first several weeks following surgery when lymphatic treatment is appropriate. If you're unsure whether 30 minutes is right for your needs, please reach out before booking.60 minutes — $80
A balanced therapeutic session with time to assess your concerns, provide individualized treatment, and allow your body to respond. For lymphatic massage, 60 minutes provides a good starting point for addressing multiple areas and supporting overall lymphatic movement. Treatment is adapted to how your body presents that day rather than following a predetermined routine.90 minutes — $120
Extended time for multiple areas of concern, persistent pain patterns, complex presentations, or anyone who benefits from allowing more time for their body to settle and respond. For lymphatic massage, 90 minutes may be appropriate for an initial session when swelling or edema requires more extensive assessment and treatment than basic lymphatic care.Notes to considerWhen appropriate, techniques such as cupping, hot stone or salt stones, aromatherapy, assisted stretching, and other modalities may be incorporated into your session at no additional charge.Postoperative lymphatic massage may require clearance or specific instructions from the surgical/medical team depending on the procedure and individual circumstancesBecause I view massage as healthcare, you won't be prompted for a tip during checkout. Gratuity is appreciated but not expected.

Appointments are available Monday-Thursday at The ELM Wellness Studio, located at 820 South Mitchell Street Cadillac, MI 49601 (across from Dairy Queen). Parking is available on-site behind the building. Reach out to [email protected] for additional availability.

What To Expect

The ELM Wellness Studio's address is 820 South Mitchell Street Cadillac, MI 49601 (across the street from Dairy Queen). On-site parking is available behind the building, and the main entrance is located at the front. The building is not currently wheelchair accessible and requires clients to navigate a handful of steps with handrails to the front door. If you have accessibility or mobility concerns, please reach out through the contact form before booking so we can discuss available options.Please arrive 10 minutes early to your first session. This allows us to complete and review your intake form and any additional assessments without taking away from hands-on massage time. We'll spend a few minutes talking about what brought you in, what you've been experiencing, and what you're hoping to get out of your session before deciding how to use our time together.You are the expert on your own body. If anything feels uncomfortable, painful, or simply isn't helping, please tell me. My feelings will never be hurt when you advocate for what you need.After a brief intake conversation, I may make specific recommendations about clothing based on the areas we plan to address. Lymphatic massage may require access to a broader area of the body than therapeutic massage, but you'll remain appropriately draped throughout the session. Only the areas necessary for treatment will be uncovered, and you'll never be asked to uncover more than you're comfortable with.

Policies

Gratuity is accepted but never expected. Because I view massage as healthcare, you won't be prompted for a tip during checkout.Life happens and I understand emergencies, illness, and unexpected obligations come up. If you are sick within two days of your upcoming appointment or have an emergency arise, please contact me to reschedule. If you’re unsure if you should keep your appointment, please reach out. I’m happy to help you decide.Repeated day-of cancellations or no-shows may require a 50% deposit for future bookings.

Contact

Have a question before booking?
Reach out through the form below and I'll get back to you shortly.

© Alt Theory Bodywork LLC

How I Work

Every body has a story.

Pain, tension, swelling, and limited movement don't always originate in the place they're felt most strongly. Sometimes they're related to injury, surgery, repetitive movement, stress, illness, or major life changes. Often, they're influenced by more than one thing at a time.Rather than assuming every tight muscle needs deeper pressure or every area of swelling needs the same approach, I pay attention to how your body responds throughout the session and allow those responses to guide the direction of treatment.

Why I focus on the nervous system

Your nervous system is constantly gathering information about what's happening around you and inside your body. When it perceives enough safety, it allows muscles to relax, breathing to deepen, and movement to become easier.When it's under ongoing stress, it can become more protective. Muscles may stay guarded, movement can feel restricted, and tension often returns soon after treatment.That doesn't mean your nervous system is 'broken'. It means it's doing exactly what it was designed to do: protect you.Massage isn't something that's done to the nervous system. It's one of the ways we can give it new information about safety, comfort, and movement. My goal isn't to force your body to change. It's to create the conditions where change becomes easier.

What that looks like during a session

No single technique is the answer for every person or every session. Different approaches provide different kinds of input, and treatment is selected based on what your body is responding to that day.Therapeutic massage may include
- Deep tissue techniques
- Assisted stretching
- Positional changes
- Scar mobilization and softening
- Cupping or hot stone application
- Slower pacing
- Breath awareness when appropriateLymphatic massage takes a different approach. Treatment uses gentle, rhythmic techniques directed along the body's lymphatic pathways and may be focused on areas of swelling, heaviness, or restricted lymphatic movement. Depending on your needs, treatment may also incorporate scar mobilization, gentle cupping, or other supportive techniques.Sometimes we'll spend most of the session working in one place. Other times we'll address several areas or find that a different area begins responding first. Neither approach is better. The session follows what your body is communicating rather than a predetermined routine.

Working with your body, not against it

Massage doesn't have to be painful to be effective.While firmer pressure has its place, more pressure isn't always better. Many people find that when their body feels safe enough to let go of protective tension, meaningful changes can happen without needing to "push through" discomfort.Throughout your session, I'll check in with you about pressure, comfort, and how your body is responding. Your feedback is always welcome, and you're encouraged to let me know if something doesn't feel right.Every session is an opportunity to better understand how your body responds, not just to massage but to stress, movement, and recovery. Over time, the goal is not only to reduce discomfort, but to develop a better understanding of your own body and how to work with it rather than against it.

Questions are normal

Whether this is your first massage, your first lymphatic session, or you're simply looking for a new therapist, it's natural to have questions. You don't need to have everything figured out before you book. The questions below cover some of the things clients ask most often, but if there's something else you're wondering about, you're always welcome to reach out.

General & First Visits

Do I have to know what kind of massage I need before booking?No. You don't need to figure that out ahead of time.Most people don't walk in knowing exactly what their body needs—that's something we figure out together. Sessions are guided by what you're experiencing that day and how your body responds once we begin.If you're unsure which type of session or session length is right for you, feel free to reach out before booking.I've never had a massage before. What should I expect?Your session starts with a brief conversation about what brought you in, what you've been noticing in your body, and what you're hoping to get from your session.From there, you'll get comfortable on the table while treatment focuses on the areas you've discussed. You'll remain appropriately draped throughout the session, and only the areas being worked on are uncovered.You don't need to know how to "do" anything during the session. Just letting your body settle is enough.What should I wear?Wear whatever you're comfortable arriving in.For therapeutic massage, most people undress to their comfort level before getting under the draping. Some people prefer to leave more clothing on, and that's completely fine.Lymphatic massage may require access to a broader area of the body depending on what is being addressed. You'll remain appropriately draped throughout the session, and you'll never be asked to uncover more than you're comfortable with.What if I feel uncomfortable during the session?You are the expert on your own body. If something doesn't feel right, you can tell me at any point and we'll adjust.You can ask to change pressure, move position, pause, or stop a technique altogether. Your comfort guides the session just as much as anything I'm observing.There is no expectation to "push through" discomfort.

Lymphatic Massage

What is manual lymphatic drainage?Manual lymphatic drainage, or MLD, is a gentle, rhythmic form of hands-on work designed to support the movement of lymph through the body's lymphatic system.Unlike traditional massage, MLD uses very light pressure and specific techniques rather than deeper pressure or muscle-focused work.What can lymphatic massage help with?Lymphatic massage may be appropriate for people experiencing swelling, heaviness, or changes in lymphatic movement. It may also be used as part of postoperative care when appropriate.Lymphatic massage is complementary care and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Some types of swelling require evaluation by a medical professional before massage is appropriate.How is lymphatic massage different from therapeutic massage?The two approaches have different goals and use different techniques.Therapeutic massage generally focuses on muscles, movement, tension, pain, and how the nervous system responds to hands-on work. Lymphatic massage uses much lighter, rhythmic techniques directed toward the body's lymphatic pathways.If you're unsure which type of session is appropriate for you, you're welcome to reach out before booking.What should I expect during a lymphatic session?Lymphatic massage is typically slower and uses significantly lighter pressure than therapeutic massage. Depending on the areas being addressed, treatment may involve access to a broader area of the body.You'll remain appropriately draped throughout the session, and only the areas necessary for treatment will be uncovered. Your comfort and consent guide the process at every step.Can I have lymphatic massage after surgery?Lymphatic massage may be appropriate as part of postoperative care, depending on the procedure, your stage of recovery, and any instructions from your surgical or medical team.If you're considering lymphatic massage within the first several weeks after surgery, please reach out before booking so we can make sure the service is appropriate and discuss any specific instructions or restrictions from your provider.How do I know which lymphatic session length to book?A 30-minute session may be appropriate for focused postoperative care or a specific area.A 60-minute session provides more time to address multiple areas and is a good starting point for many lymphatic appointments.A 90-minute session may be more appropriate for an initial appointment when swelling or edema requires more extensive assessment and treatment due to lymph node removal or damage.

About the Practice

Do you work with people of all identities and backgrounds?Yes.People of all gender identities, sexual orientations, religious beliefs, body types, and backgrounds are welcome here. Every person who walks through the door is treated with respect, professionalism, and care.Where is your office located and is parking available?Sessions take place inside The ELM Wellness Studio at 820 South Mitchell Street in Cadillac, Michigan, across from Dairy Queen.Parking is available behind the building, and the main entrance is located at the front.The building is not currently wheelchair accessible and requires clients to navigate steps with handrails to reach the front entrance. If you have accessibility or mobility concerns, please reach out through the contact form before booking so we can discuss available options.Do you offer Reiki or other energy-based modalities?No.The work at Alt Theory Bodywork is focused on hands-on therapeutic and lymphatic massage informed by how the body responds to touch, pressure, movement, and rhythm.While Reiki and other energy-based modalities aren't offered as part of massage sessions, referrals to trusted practitioners in the area are available for clients looking for that type of care.If something is on your mind that isn't answered here, you're welcome to reach out before booking. I'm here to help.Lymphatic massage is complementary care and does not replace evaluation or treatment by a physician or other qualified medical provider. Certain medical conditions, medications, or stages of recovery may make lymphatic massage inappropriate. If you have questions about whether lymphatic massage is appropriate for you, please consult your healthcare provider or reach out before booking.