Massage Therapy

Massage at the MAC
A long tradition of massage exists at the MAC Today we continue that tradition of expert care designed to relieve aches, pains and promote relaxation. In recent years research has shown that massage can help reduce blood pressure, decrease the perception of pain, stimulate the production of red and white blood cells, reduce the duration of headaches and much more.

Do people really need a massage?
The body ache that won’t quit; pent-up stress; tension deep in your shoulders and lower back; the soreness of an overworked arm or thigh: Your body does need relief.

Massage is a time-proven and medically sound way to relieve chronic pain and tension in muscles, reduce stress, relax your body, increase muscle tone, release muscle toxins, increase join flexibility and increase blood flow. It’s a way to help your muscles and mind work more in harmony.

What is it like to get a massage?
Plan to arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to talk to your therapist about your special needs. Then, in a peaceful setting free from distractions, you’ll lie quietly beneath a coverlet on the massage table while you experience this deep form of relaxation. Quiet, meditative music may be played to encourage your relaxation.

The massage therapist, after consultation with you, will massages your limbs, back, shoulders, hands, abdomen, feet, face and scalp. Special attention will be paid to any areas of tightness or soreness you have pointed out or which are discovered as the massage progresses.

Aromatherapy essences, pure botanical derivatives, may also be diffused into the room and used in the massage oil to promote relaxation, or energizing as needed.

An oil is used to facilitate the gliding action of the hands over the muscles, while various massage techniques such as Swedish, Trigger Point, Neuromuscular Therapy, Deep Tissue and other somatic approaches are utilized. You may feel free to request that certain areas not be massaged.

Some find the experience helps them release emotions stored in the stressed areas of their body. If you wish, allow yourself to give in to this release.

How does a massage session begin?
After a brief health history is taken, the therapist leaves the room while you disrobe and slip under the coverlet. Most people undress fully, but since comfort and relaxation are among the primary goals of massage, you may be as clothed or as clothes-free as makes you feel comfortable.

After you have positioned yourself under a coverlet, the therapist will reenter the room and uncover only that part of the body that is being massaged, ensuring that you are modestly covered. If you leave any clothing on, be aware that the oil used in the massage may accidentally come in contact with the fabric and could leave a stain.

Are Massage Therapists certified or licensed?
Yes, the same state board which licenses physicians requires that the massage therapists pass a test so that they are Nationally Certified in therapeutic massage and bodywork before they can obtain a license.

What is Hot Stone Massage?
The use of hot stones for therapeutic purposes is found in the ancient healing practices of China, Brazil, Europe and India. It is evident still today with the growing popularity of hot stone massage, which is one of the fastest growing massage techniques in today's spas throughout this country and across international waters.

This form of of bodywork involves the use of heated stones applied to the body in various ways to bring about relief to stiff and sore muscles, resulting in alleviation of chronic and acute problems that many of us deal with on a daily basis.

The type of basalt (for hot stones) that is used in hot stone therapy is modified igneous rock that is formed by volcanic and sedimentary action. The black basalt stones stay hotter longer than any of the other colors Mother Earth has to offer. The density of the stone is 2.5 times the weight per volume of water.

T he heat of the stone stimulates blood flow while allowing for deeper penetration of the muscle tissue. The hot stones act as a tool that manipulates the muscles to decrease tension as well as bring the body to a fuller state of relaxation. This therapy is very effective in creating harmony and a positive energy flow, thus promoting a sense of balance, energy and peace.

The $80 session is a 75-minute massage is done entirely with hot stones. To experience a hot stone massage, contact MAC West massage therapists, Kelly, Robyn or Mark F.

How do I schedule a massage?
We offer massages by appointment; walk-in appointments are accepted if the therapists are not already booked for an appointment.

Downtown Massage
For an appointment at the downtown clubhouse call 314-539-4481 for Bonnie (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., or Saturday by appointment only), or Curtis at 314-539-4491(Monday to Friday,  10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

West Massage
Simply call 314-539-4433 to arrange a time to fit your schedule at MAC West with Mark F., Robyn, Kelly, or Mark L. Massage therapists are available Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Call for yourself, a spouse or a friend **. A massage is a treat for the mind and body that offers real and lasting benefits. Enjoy what the nurturing touch of massage can do for you.

Giving the Gift of Massage
Gift Certificates are available year-round at the downtown Front Desk and special holiday gift certificates are available in late November and around Valentine’s Day. Also muscular pain relief products are available at the West clubhouse in the Fitness Center

**You must be a member of the MAC to receive a massage or present an MAC gift certificate (PLEASE do not ask others to charge massages or other services to your member number unless you are present to sign for the service).

Massage Gift Certificates
Massage gift certificates are available at the Front Desk of MAC West and at the front desk of the Downtown Club in one-hour or half-hour denominations. They make a thoughtful gift that is easy to give, always fits and gives the gift of good health.

Massage can reduce stress and pain, help alleviate depression, stimulate the body’s immune system, increase circulation and range of motion, improve the elasticity of muscles and skin and feels good.

Rates
1/4 hour massage: $25
1/2 hour massage: $35
3/4 hour massage: $45
1 hour massage: $55
1 1/4 hour massage: $65
1 1/2 massage: $75
1 1/4 hour hot stone massage: $85

Downtown Massage Therapists

Bonnie Ferguson
314-539-4481
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Saturdays, by appointment only
Bonnie has been with the MAC for 10 years but started her career in massage therapy more than 20 years ago after graduating from both Southern Illinois University and the Westwind Academy of Massage in Phoenix. Over the years, Bonnie has received advanced training in Swedish, St. John’s method of neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, shiatsu, sports massage and trigger point therapy. She is also a member in good standing with the Associated Bodyworks and Massage Professionals Association.

Curtis Green
314-539-4491
Monday - Friday
10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Curtis Green has been a massage therapist at the MAC for 40 years! He has a devoted group of members who have visited him for years for sore muscle relief. Curtis has earned the Club’s Distinguished Employee award.


Teah Folkerts,
314-539-4431  Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6:00 pm, or, by appointment.
Teah Folkerts is a Missouri Licensed Massage Therapist. She has experience working at spas and is skilled at performing Swedish, Chair, Sports, Deep Tissue and Prenatal Massage. Teah received her training from Iowa College of Natural Health.

West Massage Therapists

Robyn Farris
Robyn has been with the MAC for more than two years and received her training at Allied Medical College. Her massage is a combination of Swedish, Sports, Myofascial Release, Deep Tissue and Trigger Point Therapy. “I love working with people to help relieve their stress and pain, hopefully making a difference in their lives.”

Mark Freidman
Mark has been with the club for more than seven years. He trained originally at the Healing Arts Center in St. Louis and taught for three years at the St. Louis College of Health Careers. He incorporates Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trigger Point, Sports, Russian and Soft Tissue Release techniques in his massage. He also does Hot Stone massage. “It is a privilege to work with people to help reduce the pain and stress in their lives through massage.”

Kelly Carr
Kelly has been practicing massage for more than four years and has been with the MAC for 2 1/2 years. Her training was at the Wellness & Massage Training Institute in Chicago. Kelly’s massage incorporates Swedish. Deep Tissue, Sports, Reflexology and Hot Stone. “Through massage I feel I can help create a balance between mind and body, hopefully enhancing the view of massage as body maintenance, not merely a luxury.

Jerrod Benton
Jerrod has been licensed in massage for 5 years. He graduated from St. Louis College of Health Careers in 2002 and has worked at various salons. He attended St. John's Neuromuscular classes in 2005 to get additional training in neuromuscular massage. Jerrod specializes in Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular and sports massage.”