About Marta
Hi, I'm Marta Magaw, Licensed Massage Therapist since 1998 and owner of Mt Lebo Massage. I specialize in clinical neck, shoulder, and back massage because that's what really speaks to my own body. It's where all of my tension goes.
I'm on a mission to bring massage into your life because I believe you can live a more comfortable life and that massage can help you do that. What would be possible for you if you hurt less, felt better, or slept better? Would you be more patient? more resilient? more energetic? more focused? What would you accomplish and how would you feel about it?
I know that regular massage can be life-changing. During my corporate life, I got weekly massages to manage muscle-based headaches and back pain. The relief was amazing and made me realize that I wanted to do massage as a profession.
After a massage, my body is relaxed and comfortable. My neck turns properly and the ache under my shoulder blade goes away. I feel really positive about myself and my life. I've just had a wonderful mini-vacation. I can handle anything that comes my way. That's the same experience I try to send my clients away with.
Please contact me via phone, text or email. I love talking with potential clients about what I do and how I can help.
Marta Magaw, LMT
412-427-9047
My approach
Precision and persuasion
"Persuasion and precision rather than force" is my approach. Massage pressure shouldn't go above "hurt so good" (except with scar tissue). The brain doesn't make good choices about the muscles when under threat (pain). A lot of massage work and its level of effectiveness is about the brain: what the brain has decided about the length and tension in a particular muscle/soft tissue area. I like to use enough pressure for the brain to know that I'm there ("hurt so good"), but not be sorry that I'm there, to know that the tissue has something going on and pay attention to my attempts to change it. If I'm hurting you, that's all the brain can pay attention to. Yes, please ask for more pressure if I'm not at "hurt so good," but don't ask for "as much as you can stand." Pain is not an effective long-term strategy. Massage, combined with other inputs for the brain and soft tissue --- cupping, stretching, rocking, heat, etc. -- can be very effective without causing pain. Combine persuasion and precison with a thorough intake, a mutually-designed plan, and some post-massage self-care ideas and my clients get a really effective session that also feels wonderful.
credentIALS
I am a graduate of Sewanee, The University of the South (1987) and the Medical Arts Massage School (1998) in Raleigh, NC. I continue to take classes, learn new skills, and read the latest research, so that I can provide you with the most effective treatments available.
In my 21 years of continuing education, I have chosen to pursue advanced training in trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy (NMT), deep tissue massage, sports massage, orthopedic assessment and clinical applications.
I am licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Massage Therapy (#MSG009966) and am a professional member of Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP).