Therapist Spotlight: Alanna

Here is our second therapist spotlight. Today we are going to focus on Alanna. This is to learn more about her as a person and therapist and what you can expect from a session with her! Check out this interview and call or email to schedule your next session! 919.322.8382 

What initially drew you to massage therapy, and how has that passion evolved over time? 

My older sister was a massage therapist when I was in high school, but I didn’t really know much about what she did, and she never worked on me- she was the first source that may have planted a seed in my mind about it. Years later, I was talking to a friend about how I was interested in psychology, but didn’t have the time or resources to go back to school for it. She told me she had a feeling I’d enjoy massage therapy, so I decided to give it a try.

What really drew me in was the idea that the body is like our subconscious, holding onto emotions and experiences that we might not even realize. I’ve had a few clients release emotions during sessions, and while it doesn’t happen every time, when it does, it’s such a rewarding and fascinating experience. It feels amazing to be able to help people heal in that way.

Since I’m an athlete myself, I really enjoy working with other athletes—helping them recover, perform better, and feel their best. Over time, my passion for massage therapy has only grown as I keep learning more about how powerful this mind-body connection can be.

What are your main areas of expertise in massage therapy?

I love mixing things up in my practice- it's what keeps me engaged and allows me to offer the best care to my clients. My foundation is in Swedish massage, which I use for relaxation, but I also incorporate deep tissue, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and elements of Thai massage. I've had the privilege of traveling to Thailand twice to study Thai massage and Muay Thai, which has enriched my understanding of body mechanics and movement.

That said, I don't often perform traditional Thai sessions. Instead, I prefer to blend what I've learned into a style that's uniquely mine- fluid, adaptable, and focused on what the body needs in the moment. I find this approach to be more effective and aligned with my philosophy of healing.

One area I'm particularly passionate about is addressing lower body issues. I'm not shy about working on the psoas, quadratus lumborum, glutes, and the small muscles along the spine- areas that often get overlooked but can be key to relieving back tension and improving mobility. I believe in being detailed and intentional in these areas, especially when clients are dealing with chronic discomfort.

As mentioned previously, I enjoy working with other athletes. I understand the physical demands and the importance of recovery, so I tailor my techniques to help them perform at their best and recover effectively.

Ultimately, my goal is to provide a personalized experience that not only alleviates physical discomfort but also promotes overall well-being. I believe in the power of touch to heal and am grateful to be a part of my clients' wellness journeys.

What can clients expect from a session with you(especially in regards to your specialty)? 

In a session with me, you can expect detailed, focused work tailored to your needs. I won't rush through areas that need attention; if you have specific concerns- I dedicate time to address them thoroughly. Whether it's releasing deep tension or improving mobility, I aim to provide effective, personalized care. I usually incorporate stretching into my routine- neck, legs, arms, sometimes the psoas and the glutes.

I especially enjoy working with a somatic empathy approach, where I try to tune in to how much pressure your muscles need and how long to apply it, making the experience deeply therapeutic and precisely targeted. When I get into this frame of mind - it really becomes a meditational practice for me.

If you're seeking focused work within a limited session, I’ll ensure we prioritize your main concerns. However, please note that with shorter sessions, we may need to adjust expectations for full-body work. I recommend longer sessions for comprehensive treatment, but I'm here to work with whatever time you have.

What is your favorite type of massage to receive and how often do you get massage therapy?  

I don’t have a single favorite type of massage- as long as the experience allows me to feel fully present and transported, that’s what matters most to me. Whether it's deep tissue, myofascial, or something more gentle, I value the kind of work that creates a deep sense of connection, grounding, and ease in the body. I often like to incorporate having my face massaged- people underestimate the tension we hold in our faces.

What are you most passionate about outside of work? 

I’m passionate about living a healthy, active lifestyle. I regularly train with strength work, conditioning, and cardio, and I enjoy combative training as well. Right now, I’m focused on kickboxing and getting back into competitions. Alongside physical training, I’m also working on strengthening my mind- reading more and prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. My goal is to keep my mind, body, and spirit in balance and in good health.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know? 

A fun fact about me: I can be surprisingly competitive- whether it’s in kickboxing, a workout challenge, or even a casual game night. I love pushing myself and bringing that same energy into everything I do.