Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Grueschow.
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi! Thank you to VoyageLA for featuring me as a hidden gem in Los Angeles!
Born and raised in Calabasas, I set off on a transformative journey around the world at 21 to explore the wisdom and history of ancient cultures. For over a year I traveled through India, Nepal, Thailand, Bali, Australia and New Zealand discovering alternative healing practices and amazing eco spas.
Inspired by the therapeutic power of touch, I followed my passion and became a licensed massage practitioner in the healthcare field in 2001. I was trained & certified in many Eastern and Western modalities, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Lymphatic Drainage, Pre-natal, and Hot Stone Massage from The Massage School of Santa Monica.
My career began working alongside Dr. Nancy Marcucella L.A.c D.C in Topanga Cyan from 2001-2007. In the winter of 2006, I returned back to Thailand to complete a Thai Massage Intensive in Chaing Mai and became certified in Thai Massage and Thai Foot Reflexology.
To further my range of modalities, in November 2021, I completed a 5-day intensive in LA with Yakov Gershkovich and became certified in Sculptural Face Lifting.
Today I have a thriving private practice at my home studio in Woodland Hills as well as on location in the LA area. My 22-year practice has evolved into a unique style of bodywork, which is an east/west fusion combining Deep Tissue and Thai massage. Each session integrates hot/cold therapy, world music, aromatherapy, and hot stones for the ultimate therapeutic massage experience.
My clientele ranges from A-list celebs, producers, and CEOs to local moms in need. I am so grateful to have found my purpose in helping others discover their own paths to wellness and inner peace.
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?
There have been many obstacles along the way! After about ten years of working as a massage practitioner, I began to suffer from chronic pain in my shoulders and elbows. I thought my body was burning out, which is very common for many massage therapists within the first 10 years.
Right at that time, I met a fitness trainer and began weight training regularly. To my surprise, within a few weeks, my pain had completely gone away simply by strengthening my body. Since then, I have become an advocate for weight. Lifting and physical therapy as a necessary part of achieving optimal health.
Another challenge along the way was launching a business from 2007-2012 called The Massage Express Co., On-Site Luxury Mobile Spa. We had many successes in working on gifting suites for the Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. We were hired by State Farm to launch a major PR campaign, as well as work in big events for Ray-Ban and other companies.
Ultimately, running a company comes with many challenges we were not able to overcome, and I have had a private practice ever since.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My reputation as a compassionate and skilled massage therapist attracts clients who seek not only physical relief but also a deeper sense of well-being. Some of my beloved longtime clients include Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone, Maggie Q, Norah Jones, and Anoushka Shankar. I have worked with Mr. T. on the set of his many commercials, including his most recent Skechers AD. and last year, I was hired by Bill Baretta (another amazing client) to work on-set with the puppeteers throughout the making of the film “Muppets Mayhem.”
I specialize in many modalities, including Deep Tissue and Traditional Thai Massage, working with injuries, muscle tension, and recovery. After I had kids ten years ago, I became specialized in Pre Natal Massage, as I saw a lack of experienced practitioners to help women through pregnancy. Additionally, I offer induction massage and post natal lymphatic drainage..
Most recently, I have become a highly sought-after practitioner in Sculptural Face Lifting. This amazing technique takes years off the face by combining Deep Tissue Massage, Lymphatic Drainage, and Buccal Massage. This treatment offers a holistic alternative to invasive lifting procedures without side effects and the risks of complications.
With a philosophy that “Self-care is a necessity, Not a luxury,” I enjoy helping clients on or off the table how to achieve their optimal health and wellness goals. I am committed to the belief that we can all live balanced, happy, and pain-free lives.
What matters most to you?
My family is my life! My husband Andrew and I have been married for almost 15 years, and I wouldn’t be able to manage life without him. We have two young kids, Leo, age 10, and Gia, age 8, who keep us on our toes and bring so much love into our lives. We are so blessed to have lots of extended family and an amazing community around us and supporting us. My work is a true passion, and I’m so grateful to love what I do, but family always comes first.
Pricing:
- 1-hour studio rate – $160
- 90 min studio rate – $230
- House calls in the LA area start at $330
Contact Info:
- Website: www.courtneygbodywork.com
- Instagram: courtneygbodywork
- Facebook: Courtney G Bodywork
- Yelp: Courtney G Bodywork
Image Credits
Rachael B Photography
