Massage Therapy Available at Lou's in Gulfview Resort Hotel
According to Rebecca Tiikkala, "I feel massage is one of the best things a person can do for themselves. It is as beneficial for mind and spirit as it is for the body." If it looks to you like Clearwater Beach area residents are walking straighter and for longer stretches it's probably due to Rebecca Tiikkala, a massage therapist who's been practicing in the Gulfview Resort Hotel at Lou's Spot Salon & Spa, 521 S. Gulfview Blvd. She is adept at getting the kinks and knots out and can help ease the pain from more serious aches, too. "Back and neck pain are probably the #1 complaint for most clients. A lot of this type of recurring pain is due to postural problems from how we hold the phone; sit at our desks, etc. Massage combined with specific releases in problem spots can significantly reduce the pain by relaxing muscles and bringing back good circulation to the area," says Tiikkala. One of the oldest forms of healing, the main types of massage are generally considered to be deep tissue, relaxation, and neuromuscular. Tiikala explained the emergence and acceptance of the popular Swedish massage, "Massage has evolved over time to help people with pain and discomfort. Massage therapy has been around for centuries and was used as a cure for many ailments. Most people looked to massage for comfort rather than medicine. Henrick Ling founded Swedish massage in the nineteenth century by curing himself of his rheumatism through massage. He began as a gymnastic coach who helped his athletes with their injuries. He later formed the Royal Gymnastic Central Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, where his students carried out his work. They proved that injuries could be cured through various types of massage, Swedish being the most practiced. Today massage is used on athletes for their injuries and on everyday regular people to relieve stress. It helps release toxins in the body by helping the flow and movement of bodily fluids." Tiikkala resides with husband David and sons Jacob and Nathan in Dunedin. She's originally from Dryden, NY. She received training in massage from The Humanities Center of Allied Health / School of Massage, now Cortiva, in Pinellas Park. She offers neuromuscular, relaxation, positional release, miofacial release, and trigger point therapy. New to her offerings is a hot stone massage, which she says,"…works in harmony using various massage techniques and warm stones to relax the body and create a positive energy flow." Tikkala's esthetics training is from Elite Academy of Skin and Nails in Dunedin, Fla. Waxing, bridal makeup, facials and peels are among her specialties. "I've recently taken a couple of classes with the wonderful skincare line Eminence. It's an organic skincare that's been made in Hungary since 1958. The line addresses a variety of skin concerns such as pre-mature aging, wrinkling, skin damage, acne and loss of tone. The natural aromas are a treat for your senses; yam and pumpkin enzyme peels for instance." Classic Facials for various skin types, i.e. dry/mature, oily/acne, sensitive/rosacia, or normal/combo are also available. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's best to call for an appointment. Tiikkala's regular hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Evening sessions are available by appointment. For information, phone 727-447-8802.
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