Anderson brings comfort through massage

For Sara Anderson, helping people in the lakes area through Therapeutic Massage is exactly what she wants to be doing.

Anderson, a Pine River-Backus graduate, is operating her business "Sara's Therapeutic Massage" out of Leigh's Hair Affair in Pine River.

A Pine River native, Anderson attended Northwest Technical College-Bemidji's Massage Therapy program where she took classes in massage technique, anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, body movement and awareness, ethics and more.

For Anderson, both the service her business provides and the location are ideal.

"I always wanted to be in a health care profession," she said. "I researched (massage therapy) and found evidence that it really worked and helped people," she added. "I believe in what I do."

After graduation from NTC, Anderson looked for work possibilities near the hometown she's so fond of, and found a great match at Leigh's Hair Affair.

"I really like it here (in Pine River); it's my favorite place, I can't imagine being anywhere else," she said. Anderson said she is very grateful for the opportunity to work out of Leigh's.

Anderson schedules half-hour and hour massage appointments at Leigh's Hair Affair Wednesday through Friday, after 6 p.m. when the salon is closed, so her clients have privacy, and Saturday through Monday, by appointment.

She has a portable, padded and adjustable massage table that includes a face cradle and a leg pillow for relaxation.

Through her massage, Anderson strives to create a relaxing and comforting atmosphere for her clients. While she received training in child massage, she focuses on adults.

Many of her clients seek massage to alleviate pain and stress. "There is a lot of stress and tension in everyday life," she said. And, massage is a good way to reduce the stress that often leads to pain in people's bodies.

Anderson works with clients to establish what will be the most beneficial to them. "You control the situation; I don't do anything that you're not comfortable with," she said.

Patients can lie on their front, back or side, depending on the area to be massaged. She'll ask for some basic health information - kept confidential - so she can ensure that the massage is a safe and positive experience.

"I always pay attention to the client," she said.