From My Perspective: Massage & Bodywork
Often I get asked about the difference between massage and bodywork, I always pause for a moment. While they overlap, the mindset I have during each session feels very different. The truth is, they’re deeply connected, but the intention behind each feels distinct. Here are my thoughts I wanted to share with you to help you better understand my process.
Massage
Massage is the focused manual work of the body, where I interact directly with your muscles and tissue using a combination of techniques. My intention in this type of session is to relieve tension, ease discomfort, or create a profoundly relaxing experience. It’s hands-on and centered on the physical body.
It is hands-on work with muscles and tissues. It’s what most people imagine when they think of a session with long flowing strokes, deep pressure, or gentle touch designed to ease tension and bring relaxation. It’s used for pain relief, recovery from injury, or a gift to your body to decompress, massage focuses directly on the physical body.
Bodywork
Bodywork is a broader approach with massage being one part of it. My mental focus shifts away from working solely on muscles and tissues. Instead, I see your body, nervous system, and whole self as one interconnected being, not just individual parts.
It’s a broader way of supporting the whole person including the mind, body, and nervous system. While massage is one part of bodywork, I have also studied and integrate other therapeutic techniques in my bodywork like:
The Trager Technique – gentle, rhythmic movement to release long-held patterns
Cupping – suction that increases circulation and loosens tight areas
CranioSacral Therapy - subtle, light-touch work that helps restore balance and calm
In my bodywork sessions, I’m not just treating muscles, I’m listening to your entire system and choosing what will support you best in the moment. Often, massage and bodywork will blend together in our sessions.
These skills come from years of ongoing education and have reshaped how I work. Most of my sessions now fall under “bodywork” because I can draw on elements from all of these techniques, often blending them into sessions and shifting methods.
For me, the difference lies in focus and intention: massage tends to be about working on the body, while bodywork is about working with the body. The end goal is the same though, to help you feel better, move more freely, and leave with a renewed sense of ease.
Experience it for yourself and book a session with me that focuses on bodywork techniques and visit me (and Dezi and Rza) at my downtown studio in Bellingham WA.
