Essential Synergy (Located inside Fitness 24/7), Virginia Beach

"Maggie's hands should be insured for a million dollars," said one of Essential Synergy's massage clients after Maggie was done with her, and if she were still at her previous job, Maggie might know how to go about doing that. The massage therapist began her career in the corporate world, where she worked as a human-resources specialist. After frequently dealing with stressed, overworked people, Maggie decided a career change was in order, and she headed off to massage school to learn how to combat the negative effects corporate life had on others.

She now lowers raised shoulders, eases sore lower backs, and alleviates wrist pain during massages that might incorporate relaxing Swedish strokes or ache-fighting deep-tissue strokes. She also gets rid of headaches and neck stiffness with targeted face and scalp massages, and she performs Reiki and reflexology.