My goal is to provide a holistic experience and to create space for my clients to unwind mentally, emotionally and physically. As well as helping each client figure out how to use their bodies with the greatest ease and efficiency. My work is eclectic.
I incorporate Myofascial Release, NeuroMuscular Therapy, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Active-Isolated Stretching, and some other modalities to create a deep-tissue massage that allows restrictions in the tissue and fascia of the body to release and unwind.I also provide individually tailored functional strength training and stretching sessions.
I incorporate Myofascial Release, NeuroMuscular Therapy, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Active-Isolated Stretching, and some other modalities to create a deep-tissue massage that allows restrictions in the tissue and fascia of the body to release and unwind.I also provide individually tailored functional strength training and stretching sessions.
Services
I started practicing bodywork in the Pioneer Valley in 2002. I spent the first three years working at Ochoa Day Spa in South Hadley. Which was an invaluable experience. Not only did I learn how to keep my center and stay grounded for the numerous clients I would treat in a day, but I learned the ethics of business and having a practice.
Myofascial release technique or structural fascial release technique is a type of direct bodywork that engages the myofascia, using forearms, fists, knuckles and fingertips to slowly stretch the restricted areas. By applying firm pressure and encouraging movement initiated by the client, the tissue is slowly stretched or elongated.
NeuroMuscular Therapy (NMT) is a very specialized form of massage. NMT therapists go through extensive training and have a very thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the body. NMT incorporates various techniques such as static pressure, cross-fiber friction and long gliding strokes which are applied to the soft tissue of the body (muscles, tendons and connective tissue) to release trigger points and knots.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment, that is based on the science that each cell of our body breathes and holds an original blueprint of health, that gets formed when we are embryos. We all have the inherent ability to align with that health, dispite disease, physical and/or unresolved emotional trauma that gets stored in the body.
I have been a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council of Exercise since 2005. I've been teaching Group Exercise classes at the Hampshire Regional YMCA since 2003. I strongly believe in being proactive about health. It is important to sweat some everyday, increase your heart rate and challenge your body.
Reviews (9)
Robert Ostberg
May 28, 2021
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I started using Rachel Hannah, LMT on the advice of a trusted colleague about 10 weeks ago as I was experiencing lower back stiffness and discomfort. It was clear from our first session that this would be different. Rachel’s intensity, focus and skill were immediately apparent. My experience is that many massage therapists have a routine and execute that routine regardless of the client. Rachel possessed a “6th sense” about my needs and focused her efforts in a manner that had an extraordinary therapeutic impact. Rachel seemed to have unbounded energy and wellness and those were transmitted
Leah Howe
Apr 19, 2021
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In my humble though somewhat informed opinion, Rachel is an exceptional body worker. I have been receiving professional massage/NMT/CST/ bodywork for 35 years and I count her in my top 5.
What I have experienced in just a few sessions, is that Rachel has a deep knowledge base and is both highly skilled and intuitive. She is a great listener and is clearly committed to having open communication about your needs. This is after-all, all about you :). Rachel is kind, warm, and professional.
I sustained a serious neck injury, was in constant pain, had limited strength and movement, and have been unable
What I have experienced in just a few sessions, is that Rachel has a deep knowledge base and is both highly skilled and intuitive. She is a great listener and is clearly committed to having open communication about your needs. This is after-all, all about you :). Rachel is kind, warm, and professional.
I sustained a serious neck injury, was in constant pain, had limited strength and movement, and have been unable
Benjamin Lewis
Feb 13, 2021
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Everything about the experience with Rachel was wonderful. From the moment she greeted me at the door, it was clear that she is professional, maintains safety protocols, and really listened to what I had to tell her about my body. I originally came in following an injury and have now visited her multiple times. Each time she has utilized different techniques including making suggestions of stretches I can do at home afterward. Whenever I leave, I feel better than when I came in. I highly recommend Rachel Hannah Massage; you won’t be disappointed!
John Barber
Oct 11, 2019
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Rachel is an amazing practitioner of massage. As an avid runner and hiker, my leg muscles routinely get sore and cramp up. Her massaging techniques and ability to delve deeply into the muscle relieves the soreness and tension, with positive results that last. It's like pressing a restart button! Her craniosacral therapy work is phenomenal and leaves me feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Cheryl Krueger
Oct 07, 2019
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Rachel has been helping me out for a few years. She does an amazing job with my various aches and pains from my various golf and fitness activities. I have hip pain, which lead to back pain and she was so helpful with both areas. Recently, I had tendonitis in my elbow and she helped loosen up the shoulder and arm areas to relieve some of the pressure impacting the tendonitis. She listens to you about your pain areas and then help to resolve them. I cannot imagine the pains that I would have without help from Rachel in relieving them. She is great!
Vladimir Zaitsev
Jun 07, 2019
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I consider Rachel to be the most effective performer of therapeutic massage that I have ever personally encountered. I'm always impressed with the amount of benefit I derive from sessions with her. She has a lot of power in her hands so if you're someone who needs pressure this is the place to go. As someone who has seen a significant reduction in pain and discomfort as a consequence of my sessions here, I recommend Rachel wholeheartedly.
Jack McElaney
Aug 13, 2018
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I was lucky to be referred to Rachel Hannah: The infrastructure of my lower back and hip area was a goat rodeo.
After a high school and college career of competitive sports, I became a road runner, culminating in the NYC Marathon in '95. Two years later, I was a chronic limper. Eleven years later, I had both hips replaced.
The discomfort before and after the replacements had caused my body to veer far from the sacred geometries of the body. Fascia and other forms of support had evolved to "help". At the same time, however, they locked my body into the wrong positions. They had "robbed Peter to
After a high school and college career of competitive sports, I became a road runner, culminating in the NYC Marathon in '95. Two years later, I was a chronic limper. Eleven years later, I had both hips replaced.
The discomfort before and after the replacements had caused my body to veer far from the sacred geometries of the body. Fascia and other forms of support had evolved to "help". At the same time, however, they locked my body into the wrong positions. They had "robbed Peter to
William Gemmell
Aug 12, 2018
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John Delmolino
Aug 02, 2018
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Almost five years ago I was involved in a car accident resulting in soft tissue damage to my back. I was out of work - interior house painting- for five months. Rachel’s professional expertise and knowledge about body work helped me to recover and get back to work. I continue to see her every two weeks as I believe her ‘work’ is most beneficial to helping me maintain my active work and social activities, at almost 70 years old. There is much comfort in having her in place should anything crop up. It’s about a relationship- both ways. Rachel’s skill level in body work still continue to
