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(313) 277-0151

Therapeutic Massage Services - Serving Metro Detroit

At the core of therapeutic massage is Swedish massage. However the word “therapeutic”  indicates the INTENT of this work is not only relaxation but a focus on correcting muscle tension and bringing the body back to a balanced posture, easeful movement, full range of motion, and hopefully pain free.  Sandra Papiez has studied various types of bodywork during her 38 years of practice for just this purpose.  Sandra's massage skills vary from deep tissue work, to light energy work. Besides, the other modalities listed, she draws from a rich background of Bonnie Pruden’s work, Touch for Health, Shiatsu, Reike, Peter Levine’s Trauma Release work, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques and much more.  Homework may be given in the form of stretches or movements or body awareness to keep the body’s well-being memory of what was learned in the session.

Benefits of Therapeutic Massage

  • Relaxation
  • Body Awareness
  • Relief for Sciatic Pain
  • Relief for Stiff Necks
  • Relief for Back Pain
  • Relief for Headaches
  • Relief for Sinus Problems
  • Relief for Hip Tightness

SandraSelfportait copySandra Papiez - Choosing TLC
Licensed Massage Therapist

History of Therapeutic Massage in Michigan

In Michigan, Irene Gauthier (seen in adjacent photo) is considered the “grandmother of  Myomassology” a term she created for “therapeutic massage.”  Hundreds of massage therapist have trained under this gifted woman. Irene possessed an unmatched intuitive ability to sense a problem area in someone’s body. Frequently she astounded her class by sensing a student’s source of pain and relaying the information from across the room, even with her back turned. When asked about it, she would simply shrug and say, “I could just feel it.” She gave credit for this ability to what she called her inner physician or the Master Creator. It was her belief that everyone has this ability, and they only need to quiet their minds and listen.  

Irene practiced numerous therapeutic modalities. Following her intuition, she adapted each of her treatments to the client's individual needs. However, she often concentrated on energy balancing, reflexology and cranial techniques, because she found them extremely effective.

In 1982-83, Sandra has had the distinct privilege of studying with Irene Gauthier.  The following two years, Sandra was blessed with the opportunity of Assistant Teaching in Irene's classes which at that early time were in her basement.  Sandra also worked on Irene's  clients when she was out of town.  Irene and Sandra traveled together to various workshops for further education, opening up their horizons of what was possible.  Inspired by Irene’s style of work, Sandra’s passion for bodywork and it’s many different approaches continues to grow.  She also, as Irene once did, sponsored in many practitioners with different skill sets for her clients to experience and to be nourished.

Irene GauthierIrene Gauthier 1920-2010

Contact Sandra Papiez to Schedule a Therapeutic Massage Appointment

Interested in learning more about the benefits of Therapeutic Massage Therapy? Contact Sandra for more information or to schedule an appointment today!