Massage Therapy

Carressa Clarke, LMT

Graduated from the Institute of Massage Therapies in 2012. She is a Liscensed Massage Therapist that specializes in Orthopedic Medical Massage and Zero Balancing. The goal is to bring balance back,alleviate pain, provide a restorative and beneficial experience to clients. For more information about Connective Massage and Bodyworks, please visit connectivemassageandbodyworks.com

My Journey

After receiving a Bachelor’s of Science from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Human Resources Management degree, I landed my first job with the state. Filing, managing employee’s leave, and providing assistance to human resource department filled most of my days. My desire to lend a hand to employees whom needed to be heard and trying to find solutions to their issues was the reason for my career choice. However, working in HR for a few years, my passion to help was not fulfilled instead it grew stronger as each day passed. Being a martial artist, I learned about Thai massage and the positive effects it had on the mind, body, and spirit. After my first massage, I was instantly fascinated by the power of healing through touch. For once, I felt my body as a whole, my mind at peace, my stress was gone and wanted everyone to experience this sense of connection. After years of searching for my “calling”, I finally found mine. I decided to leave the corporate world behind and pursue my passion for massage/healing arts.

I enrolled and graduated from the Institute of Massage Therapies located in Richmond, Virginia where I developed a strong foundation and understanding of massage therapy. Over the last few years, I have been able to develop my own style of massage which is using my intuitiveness as my guide and listening to the body. My knowledge in human anatomy allows me to develop a more focused/detailed massage.

Through massage therapy I have discovered ways to improve people’s lives while doing something I love. Helping my clients feel centered and creating a safe environment for them to experience a balance of the mind, body, and spirit is my goal. As a lifelong athlete and martial artist, I understand the importance of maintaining flexibility and strength within the muscles in order to remain injury-free.

Services Offered

Integrated Massage: Multiple techniques are applied to fit the client’s needs. Targeting specific areas of pain, relieving hypertension, and preventing injuries.

Zero Balancing: This technique addresses the connection between the body structure and energy. Every session has a protocol that lasts between 30 to 45 minutes and clients remain clothed as well. Zero balancing consists of gentle touch therapy along the skeletal structure, major joints areas, and slow traction along the bones that have areas of tension. Zero Balancing focuses on clearing energy blocks and balancing the bone structure causing better postural movement, balance, and clarity.

Orthopedic Massage: This technique gears towards athletes with upcoming competitions, post competition or training for specific goals. Specific muscle groups are targeted for active releasing to relieve muscle tightness, soreness, and pain for the athlete.