Keizer, OR Spa and Massage

Shiatsu is a Japanese term that means simply “finger pressure”, which is exactly how this massage modality releases tension from muscular tissue. Licensed massage therapist Robert Ellestad opened his practice to bring the relaxing, therapeutic qualities of Shiatsu massage to bodies of all shapes and sizes. In addition to this pressure-point-focused style, he soothes bodies with the gentle series of Swedish massage strokes. His Thai massage sessions incorporate a series of facilitated yoga-like stretches that work out stiff muscles and joints while the client lies on a mat or hovers slightly on a flying carpet.

Owned by a family of licensed massage therapists and clinical hypnotherapists, Liberty Massage and Wellness Center has helped clients to unwind and recharge for 15 years. Along with massages, body wraps, and facials, Liberty Massage calms the mind through alternative treatments including hypnosis, psychological acupressure, and kitten nuzzling.

Sherie Bruno has amassed a diverse staff that tackles every beauty issue under the sun. Rosacea, acne, and wrinkles take leave during european facials pumped up with Yon-Ka skincare products. A licensed electrologist wields a laser to remove stubborn body hair, and a waxing specialist banishes fuzz with strategically placed flypaper. Other pampering services include micronized green-coffee body wraps, therapeutic massage therapy, and infrared-sauna sessions. Best Face Forward is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Licensed massage therapist and aromatherapist Tiffany Watson has soothed tense necks, aching backs, and stressed shoulders since 2005. She pays careful attention to each client's muscles, tailoring her technique to soothe areas of tightness or pain. Feet soak in herbal footbaths infused with customized blends of essential oils and herbs, after which Watson gently scrubs the legs and feet with exfoliating grains of sugar or salt.

Each of Hydro Zen’s heated Aqua Massage beds harnesses the power of the tides to relieve sore muscles, targeting areas of chronic tension with rolling waves and vibrating jet streams. Personalized controls allow each guest to dial up specialized sequences from 36 water jets that send ebbing and flowing currents of water pulsating across the full body. Unlike a traditional massage, the therapeutic aqua massage does not require clients to disrobe, sparing them the awkwardness of explaining away a past therapist’s tattooed signature.

Licensed massage therapist Janet Shelton has been giving massages “since before I [can] remember,” she says. At first, these were mostly casual sessions for her twin sister, who “was born asking for a massage.” But as Shelton grew up, she came to take her hobby more seriously. Coming from a family of nurses, she “always want[ed] to do something to help people,” and with its positive impacts on injury recovery, therapeutic massage seemed to fit the bill.

Since then, Shelton has supplemented her massage-therapy license with work experience in chiropractic offices and spas. Depending on a client’s needs, she can perform an active clinical massage with stretching and feedback or gently knead for a soothing, quiet experience. No matter the modality, clients can bring in their own music on an iPod and breathe in the scents of botanical oils Shelton blends by hand.