Hillary Bergman, Licensed Massage Therapist

Schedulicity | Book Appointments and Classes Online

If you've booked with me online, you know I use Schedulicity. When I finally decided to go to online booking it was scary to give up even a little control over any part of my business. I've been so happy with this company and now, I'm even more impressed. They've given every merchant three free months of service. If you're a service provider and have considered using online booking, please check them out! If you're a customer looking for wellness services, you can do a search for providers in your area. https://www.schedulicity.com/

Schedulicity | Book Appointments and Classes Online Mobile app available. Book all services and classes online instantly! Find more salon, spa, fitness, and health professionals near you. Discover local deals and support small businesses with us!

After careful consideration and with a lot of difficulty, I've reached the decision to cancel appointments through March 31.

If you have an appointment, please reschedule online, or contact me to rebook.

This was not an easy decision to make. But, the goal of my business is to be part of your wellness plan. Potentially transmitting a dangerous virus does not fit with the values of my business.

I'll keep you posted on my schedule.

Stay safe, and let's all take care of each other.

Hillary

Hillary Bergman, Licensed Massage Therapist updated their business hours.

Hillary Bergman, Licensed Massage Therapist updated their business hours.

Massage Can Aid in Pain Relief | American Massage Therapy Association

Did you know that there is research going on about massage therapy all the time?
To me, there needs to be no research to prove that massage is quite simply...wonderful!! But, through scientific methods, it is being proven that massage therapy does more than just feel good - it's actually good for many things that ail ya!
The link below talks about how massage therapy can help with pain relief. More than a quarter of Americans have suffered from pain lasting more than 24 hours. Time, money and energy are lost during this time. Massage therapy has been proven to help with headache pain, low back pain, and general chronic pain - without the unwanted side effects of drugs.
Let me know your thoughts and questions on massage therapy research!

Massage Can Aid in Pain Relief | American Massage Therapy Association Massage therapy for painful health conditions.

Vote on Best of the City 2016

Please vote for me for best massage!!! Thank you!!!!

Vote on Best of the City 2016 Vote for the very best of Austin, in categories, like Food, Drink, Health & Beauty and more!

Vote on Best of the City 2016

If you haven't had a chance yet ... please vote for me! Thank you!!

Vote on Best of the City 2016 Vote for the very best of Austin, in categories, like Food, Drink, Health & Beauty and more!

Vote on Best of the City 2016

A small favor... please vote for me for best massage! Thank you!

Vote on Best of the City 2016 Vote for the very best of Austin, in categories, like Food, Drink, Health & Beauty and more!

Vote on Best of the City 2016

Please take a moment to vote for me for best massage! Thank you!!!

Vote on Best of the City 2016 Vote for the very best of Austin, in categories, like Food, Drink, Health & Beauty and more!

Happy Monday!! I know my schedule has been pretty packed lately, but by some fluke I've got a few appointments available this week. Click on the link above to schedule something right now!! See you soon!

Wow. 17 years ago (yesterday!) I took a big step on my journey by completing my first massage therapy training program... Amazing. Seventeen years!!! Thanks, Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy for an amazing education and Bob Jantsch for taking a chance on me (and/or putting up with me!).

Stretching Doesn't Work (the Way You Think It Does)

I just read this great blog post about stretching and thought I'd share it with you.The author discusses how our nervous system is in charge of us, not the other way around! Well, ok, we get to decide what's for dinner, but the central nervous system (CNS) decides some other crucial stuff; like how much is too much bendy stuff! If you're in one position most of the time (maybe... sitting?!), the body adapts to that position. If you move out of that and into something different, like a forward bend, the CNS says, "well, uh, nope, no. We've been doing things the other way and that's how it is." Essentially, it puts on the breaks to make sure things don't go too far! So, how do we overcome this? GENTLY. You can't sit all day, every day, then one day decide to go to a master Yoga class and reap all the benefits, and in fact you'd likely hurt yourself! But, if you gently, slowly begin to move more, weekly, daily, hourly, the nervous system will recognize the new patterns and allow for more range of motion. Read the article and we can talk about it when I see you for your next session!
See you soon!

Stretching Doesn't Work (the Way You Think It Does) We are not lumps of clay that can be molded by tugging on things. Our nervous systems are actually what is in charge.

What a year!! It has been one of my busiest years yet! I can't express how proud and excited I am by the growth of my practice. And it's because of YOU. Allowing me to be part of your wellness regimen is an incredible honor. Thank you.
Just a few things to note:
Have someone on your list that's hard to shop for this holiday season? Why not give the gift of health!? Gift certificates are always available. And if you buy five, you can get the package discount! Give me a call for details.
My calendar is filling in about 3 weeks out. If you haven't already, please consider booking ahead. Also, I do keep an active waiting list for when I get cancellations, so if your ideal time isn't available, or you need to get in sooner, please let me know!!
I hope this year was amazing for you, too. And I look forward to seeing you very soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!! I am truly grateful for YOU. Being able to do what I love, and work with amazing people, is really a dream come true.
What are YOU thankful for?

25 Reasons to Get a Massage

It's Massage Therapy Awareness Week! What's your reason for using massage therapy?

25 Reasons to Get a Massage A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, chronic pain and more.

Best of the City Survey

If you haven't voted for me, now's your chance! Voting ends tomorrow. Please and thank you!!!!

Best of the City Survey Take Austin Monthly's Best of the City 2015 poll!

Best of the City Survey

Austin Monthly is running it's third annual 'Best of the City' right now! After my exciting win last year, I'd love to make it two in a row!!! Scroll down the ballot, you'll see the line for Massage Therapist. It looks like they eliminated the nomination process, so just type in my name (Hillary Bergman, LMT) and click 'vote'. Do it soon, we've only got a week...!!!
Please and THANK YOU very much!

Best of the City Survey Take Austin Monthly's Best of the City 2015 poll!

Whew, I have been busy! So busy I haven't had a chance to reach out with one of my dazzling and inspiring updates in awhile!! But, I am here, and I want to see you!!! If you haven't already, consider booking ahead of time- I've been scheduled about two weeks out lately. Remember, you can book right from my page, click on the 'Schedule Now' tab just below my cover pic. Also, let me know if you have a specific day and time you'd like, even if it's currently booked. That way if someone cancels, I can let you know and possibly get you in sooner.
And of course... THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! for allowing me to be part of your wellness plan.

Well, it's back to the usual Texas sunshine and heat!
Now that's it's bright and sunny out there, and the heat is back on, match your water intake to the weather. Don't just carry that water bottle place to place, drink it! Help keep your skin supple, kidneys flowing, and your muscles moving by staying hydrated. Even eating more fruits (like watermelon!) and veggies (like spinach!) will help ensure you've got enough water going in to stay alert and happy through out your day.
And, of course, if you increase your activity with the better weather, increase your water, too. Bring your big water bottle with you to the park, the gym, on the paddle board, or even out in the yard gardening. Take it easy, too! If you haven't exercised or gardened much lately because of the weather, pay attention to your body and don't over do it the first few times out there.
DON'T stay thirsty, my friends!

Ask Well: Massage and Toxins

Uuuuuuuuuuuugh! Toxins! I dislike that word!!! (But still, drink water!)

Ask Well: Massage and Toxins A reader asks whether drinking a lot of water after a massage really helps flush away toxins, or otherwise augments massage’s benefits.

You can now schedule directly from Facebook! How cool is that?! Click on the 'Schedule Now' tab just below my cover pic and you're on your way to a massage!!! Why not give it a try right now!?

Occasionally, someone begins to tell me about his or her problem areas, then trails off and says, 'well, I don't really know what I'm talking about, I'm not the expert, you are!'
Yup, I am. I know stuff. I know where muscles are and where they attach to bones. I know what those muscles do. I know what healthy muscle tissue feels like. But: I don't live in YOUR body. I don't know how those muscles feel from the inside. You are the foremost authority on your body. The information you share with me is how I put my knowledge to work. I most certainly can't do it without you!
Take time each day to check in with your body; what is moving well, what might be a little sore, what feels good today compared to yesterday. Keep track of that and let me know how you're feeling! YOU are the expert of YOUR body.
See you soon!!

Have you ever noticed how so many of our phrases about being upset or stressed are about our bodies? "Sick to my stomach, pain in the neck, it's my Achilles' heel"... even good stuff: "I was touched by his kind gesture, her jokes had me in stitches". All of these phrases connect an emotional response to a physical reaction.
It's no coincidence! Our bodies reflect our emotional state. If we are feeling sad, we droop a little, we don't hold our heads as high. If we're happy, we dance!! We are free in our bodies and flow through the day with ease.
And the reverse is true, too. If our bodies are hurting, or just not feeling right, it's hard to get through the day. We can do a little 'fake it 'til ya make it'- put a smile on and go about our days. But it's not easy, and it takes its toll. We condition ourselves to this new way of holding our bodies, until it becomes an unconscious habit. This can lead to not only more pain or discomfort, but likely affects our moods as well.
Break this cycle! Don't let a small pain become a long term problem, or affect your mood on a daily basis. Massage can help manage pain and discomfort, so you can put a REAL smile on your face!!
See you soon!!

10 Things your Massage Therapist Wants you to Know.

I wish I had written this!!!

10 Things your Massage Therapist Wants you to Know. Common concerns, incidents and what your RMTs are really thinking! Here are 10 things your RMT wants you to know:

25 Reasons to Get a Massage — American Massage Therapy Association

Why do YOU get a massage?

25 Reasons to Get a Massage — American Massage Therapy Association From broad liability insurance to the profession's best Continuing Education, AMTA membership provides the tools you need to thrive in your massage therapy career. Sign in to view your benefits » 

When do you get a massage? Do you wait until you're in pain?

I Switched to a Standing Desk, So Now You Should, Too - The New Yorker

A funny take on sitting/standing (swimming?!) at your desk! (But seriously, sit less!)

I Switched to a Standing Desk, So Now You Should, Too - The New Yorker According to an important WebMD article that my friend Tony described to me, every minute you spend sitting shaves several years off your life.

The heart is a muscle, and mine must be in great shape...it is filled with gratitude for another wonderful year!! Thanks for being part of it. Have a safe, happy and healthy new year!!

Hillary Bergman Massage Therapy Austin, TX

My old website is currently down, so if you've been using that to link to my online calendar, bookmark the new site. The online calendar is still up and running, no appointments were harmed in this transition! See you soon! Happy Holidays!

Hillary Bergman Massage Therapy Austin, TX Home

Whoohoo! Two new clients today, both from seeing my name listed as Best Massage Therapist in Austin Monthly!! BTW, have you told your friends that your massage therapist is the best in Austin!?!

I can't be the the best massage therapist without having THE BEST clients. THANK YOU!!! And ... Yay!!!!
I am honored to do the work I do. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

How Texting Hurts Your Neck

Smartphones, computers - and even books, really! - can alter our posture in a very bad way. Check in with your structure anytime you're in one position for a significant length of time.

How Texting Hurts Your Neck A new study suggests that looking down at a cell phone is the equivalent of placing a 60-pound weight on one's neck.

7 Simple Exercises That Undo the Damage of Sitting

This is a very manly article about stretching... everyone should sit less and stretch!!

7 Simple Exercises That Undo the Damage of Sitting this story is brought to you by vapor-distilled smartwater, who found unique inspiration for their water by looking up to the sky. we hope the change

Research: Massage Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain — American Massage Therapy Association

Ok, I haven't waded through the medical/scientific mumbo jumbo. But I like this: "Conclusion: multiple 60-minute massages per week are more effective than fewer or shorter sessions for individuals with chronic neck pain. Clinicians recommending massage should ensure that patients receive the most effective dosage." Get your correct dosage!! See you soon... and often!!!

Research: Massage Therapy for Chronic Neck Pain — American Massage Therapy Association From the profession's best education to broad liability insurance, AMTA membership provides the tools you need to thrive in your massage therapy career.