Massage in Ankeny

Cindy Larson, the massage therapist behind Total Relaxation, has relieved aching bodies with a variety of hands-on techniques since 1997, including at the Special Olympics in 2006 and at Iowa State University's dance marathon in 2009. At her practice, she discusses the ins and outs of different massage modalities with clients before sessions, helping them choose the most beneficial one for them. Relaxing Swedish massages alleviate tension with light pressure, whereas trigger-point and muscle-release techniques work to unclench tense muscles and constricted fascia. Cindy specializes in relieving hip, back, and shoulder pain, as well as headaches and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Even down to its decor, Sacred Stone Massage & Bodywork exudes comfort. The space’s airy feel and soothing color palette take guests in with slate-gray walls, soft lighting, and plush blankets and pillows that adorn the furniture. The spa’s licensed massage therapists embrace and complement the mellow ambiance with a host of massage services. They stretch and soothe aching muscles during relaxing Swedish and deep-tissue sessions and give expectant mothers a break from the tension that comes with carrying an infant and constantly fighting off flocks of storks with prenatal treatments. Hot stones and paraffin wax augment some sessions, whereas others include peppermint- and lavender-infused scrubs.

Rather than viewing massage and chiropractic treatments as separate disciplines, the wellness experts at Reset view them as complementary tools that can be used together to reinvigorate bodies. The simplest path to wellness consists of three components: massage, chiropractic, and an active lifestyle. However, their primary focus is energizing and refreshing clients through bodywork, which can consist of soothing aching muscles, improving structural and spinal alignment, and relaxing the back with a massage—or a custom blend of all three. Through these methods, the therapists can minimize pain and stress and boost energy levels.

Even as a young girl, Kate had a knack for kneading away stress. Her talent for easing aches and pains—along with her gift for playing piano—even earned her an appropriate nickname: “Magic Hands.” Later in life, after 13 years of working in retail, Kate realized the full potential of this nickname when she shifted gears and began working as a professional massage therapist.

Today, Kate presides over Soothe Massage Therapy, where she prides herself on customizing treatments for each of her clients. “I like to start out by just having a conversation,” she explains before describing how she uses knowledge of a person’s occupation and lifestyle to respond to individual needs. Rather than limit herself to a single modality, Kate relies on Swedish and deep-tissue techniques to soothe nerves and heal shoulders sore from carrying around backpacks or suits of metal armor.

To help her clients relax, Kate has decorated her studio in a soothing, neutral palette. The notes of a piano or classical guitar mingle with the quiet burbling of a fountain as she begins to work her magic, stroking away tension and removing loose change lodged between shoulder blades.

At The Zone of Comfort, licensed massage therapist LaTonya Carroll heals and soothes the bodies of clients with calming massage and bodywork treatments. Living up to the promise of the business name, each procedure takes place in a comfortable room, relaxing worried minds and sore bodies with warm temperatures and soft music. Treatments run the gamut from soothing Swedish and hot-stone massage to reinvigorating deep-tissue treatments that rout chronic pain with targeted muscle manipulation. In addition to assuaging body aches and melting away stress, professionally executed massages deliver myriad benefits, including enhanced immunity, reduced stretch marks and scar tissue, and temporary flight.

Naya Spa Sanctuary eases the earth-conscious and body-conscious with a broad catalog of customizable holistic treatments. Eschew a first-frost fleece blanket for the seasonal cinnamon and nutmeg hot oil body wrap (a $100 value), a 50-minute treatment replete with winter spice and elements of massage. The 25-minute Shirodhara scalp massage, a tradition in Ayurvedic medicine, relaxes with streams of epidermis-nourishing oil (a $45 value). Naya Spa Sanctuary features Naturopathica products to give an Old World spin on the services that Naya's accommodating staff administers. Use the bonus gift card toward any service costing $50 or more, such as a 25-minute back facial ($50), a 50-minute deep-tissue massage ($80), or a warm mud wrap ($85).