Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Prietto-Boone.
Hi Lara, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I received my BA in Physical Education/Kinesiology from San Diego State University and have always been obsessed with health and wellness. I briefly did some coaching and teaching after college but the cost of living in California pushed me in a different direction. I entered the crazy corporate world and found myself accepting positions where the financial gains often matched the stress levels.
With the increase in responsibilities came the physical and mental exhaustion. Despite my climb up the corporate ladder, my body and spirit started breaking down. I couldn’t sleep, had unexplained stomach problems, developed all types of strange pains throughout my body and eventually sought medical attention when things became unbearable. I was constantly told by Doctors to reduce the stress in my life and that my symptoms were inexplicable. Here I was, eating clean, exercising all the time, making good money and living the dream…… it made no sense. Bottom line… it was stress! I finally decided it was time to make a major change in my life before stress killed my body and spirit completely. I decided to quit my sales job and go back to school. What could I do to bring back health and fitness into my career while utilizing my Kinesiology degree???? Here entered Massage Therapy.
After I graduated from CALCOPA College and took additional courses in Lymphatic Drainage and Oncology Massage. I now own my own practice in Long Beach… I see people who have tried getting help from Western Medical Doctors only to be told there is no cause for their pain. They often are made to feel like their symptoms are all in their head because they don’t tick all the medical boxes. They may carry emotional trauma or depression. They may have chronic pain disorders or autoimmune diseases. They may just be stuck on the corporate hamster wheel and need a break on my table… I teach my clients ways to incorporate self-care into their world and to find ways to reduce the stress in their everyday life. I provide a safe place to talk about whatever is troubling them I believe the pain our bodies manifest is due to what stresses we carry in life… I remind them to breathe and to pay attention to what their bodies are trying to tell them. I teach them that life is too short to be miserable in one’s career choice despite the almighty dollar and that self-care is not selfish… it is a necessity. I am living proof that a major shift in your career can save your body, mind, spirit and maybe even your life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My education was smooth and painless but the change in income was a big adjustment at first. Going from a six-figure income to working per the hour was a shock but the change in my lifestyle was well Worth those early struggles. Unfortunately, when I decided to branch off into my own business, the City of Long Beach made and continues to make it extremely difficult. Massage Therapists in Long Beach are not only required to get a business license like other businesses but we are required to pay for two additional permits to be a solo practitioners. To put it in perspective… an esthetician only has to pay about $125 for their license but a massage therapist pays that plus another $1300 for a massage establishment and then another $4000 for an administrative use permit.!!! We are also required in CA to join the CAMTC for legitimacy at another $200.
I have been told these exorbitant amounts are because massage therapy has a bad stigma attached to it. Massage therapy which is now considered in the Paramedical field, which requires training and certification, practices proper draping techniques to assure privacy and is used to treat all kinds of physical and psychological illness has a bad stigma!! Long Beach has forced many therapists to close their businesses because of these unfair fees. Add Covid closures to the mix and the eight months forced closure with the lockdown… it’s a miracle any of us are still practicing. Again…. I am living and breathing proof that we can overcome any obstacle. I am grateful for my loyal clients and friends who have continued to support me along the way. Without them, I would have been forced to close my doors in 2020.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Soothing Synergy?
I offer Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. I tailor each session to exact what your body needs at the time. Upon arrival, we will go over your intake form and will talk in depth about what brought you in and what you hope to accomplish in our session. This is not a one size fits all Massage and open communication is welcome and encouraged. I will assess your tissue and lifestyle and make suggestions on how to help. Stretches or other physical therapy movements will be offered for your homework. I truly believe the only way to feel better is to work together (Synergy) I provide Cupping Therapy to help release fascia adhesions and to release stagnation.
I also offer Lymphatic Drainage for people who feel sluggish, or with poor digestion, for depression or insomnia, for anxiety or past trauma. It is also used to release toxins in the body. I continue to practice Covid Protocols and your safety is my concern.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We are Massage Therapists not a masseuse! We are Massage Therapists not sex workers. We are part of the medical community and should be treated as such. I will continue to fight this battle and will Appreciate anyone who can help spread the word.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soothingsynergy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soothingsynergy/?hl=en
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/soothing-synergy-long-beach
