Meet Carla Epstein of Sierra Madre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carla Epstein.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I became a licensed Esthetician in 1998, worked in a well-known spa, and was often asked by both spa clients and massage therapists if I do massage because I have strong hands and a good touch. I believe in messages from the Universe, so I did some research and the next thing I know I’m a certified massage therapist. As a curious person and one who loves to learn more, I heard about John F. Barnes’ form of Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) through the brochures I received and was quite interested but didn’t like the price! Then I had a client who could tell that I was bored with doing Swedish massage only and told me about this MFR technique that her yoga instructor did on her so, for a second time, the Universe was giving me a message. I then worked part-time in a massage school where I met a woman who was trained by John F. Barnes himself and teaches at said massage school, so, my journey into learning the MFR technique began in 2008 and has continued to this day!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No one learns and grows on a smooth road! I’ve worked in several different types of venues, including: beauty salons, a workout facility, room rentals in a few different locations, even worked out of my own home. Now I have found the perfect venue that supports my work and my personality as a business woman that allows me the freedom to do my healing.

I resisted being on FB or using a portable credit card gadget, such as the square. I’ve since learned to embrace these tools and I now have a FB page and I use the square! Hurray for persistence.

On a personal level I had some challenges with depression, which made it very difficult for me to do just about anything, particularly be with people and have a positive, growth promoting attitude. As difficult as that experience was, as John F. Barnes’ states: “You must feel to heal”, having moved through it, I am now a more compassionate healer for my clients.

I’ve also had to “grow into” owning that I am an effective myofascial release therapist. I began this journey in 2008, stayed with it by continuing with classes, working on clients and receiving MFR sessions in order to improve my skills as well as confidently say, “I am an MFR therapist and a good one”! I always connected with this modality as a holistic, non-western form of healing body, mind and spirit and I now feel like it truly is my calling.

Please tell us about Carla Epstein, Massage.
I am a massage therapist specializing in John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Therapy. This is a massage technique that is compatible with physical therapy in that its purpose is to reduce/eliminate pain and restore full range of motion and movement, while it takes in the whole body-mind consciousness. MFR also offers the opportunity to release trapped emotions and to look at belief systems in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

By accessing the fascia or soft connective tissue in a gentle, slow, non-injurious way to bring it back to it’s natural, healthy state. Everything in our body is wrapped in the fascia, including our organs, so any type of trauma to the body affects the fascia, causing it to tighten up, like a strait jacket around pain sensitive structures, thus causing pain, lack of range of motion, knots and many other dis-ease in the body.

I have clients with all types of physical limitations, from stiff neck and shoulders to fibromyalgia, sciatica, jaw/TMJ; frozen shoulder; low – middle back pain; plantar fasciitis and more.

I am also a yoga instructor (I am a KRI certified Kundalini Yoga teacher) so I have been known to suggest yoga poses or stretches to strengthen surrounding muscle tissue. Healing is a journey and meant to be fun, I bring humor into my sessions, laughter in itself is a healer!! When we can laugh through our journey, we can be stronger and go further and deeper along our path.

I plan on offering workshops that will include and combine yoga and MFR self-treatments. I found my yoga practice deepen and become richer as I received more and more MFR sessions.

There are many ways to treat oneself with stretches and various massage tools.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think everything happens for a reason. If I did something differently I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am today.

I am grateful for the steps that lead me to where I am today.

The only thing that I would do differently is to begin this journey younger!!

Pricing:

• 60-minute session: $90
• Package of 4 Sessions: $315
• Package of 7 Sessions: $540

Contact Info:

• Address: Inside: Roots For Wellness
  38 E Montecito Ave
  Sierra Madre,CA 91024
• Website: www.carla.massagetherapy.com
• Phone: (626)372-3504
• Email: carlaepstein@sbcglobal.net
• Facebook: Carla Epstein Massage
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carla-epstein-lmt-sierra-madre