After passing by "Holistic Touch" several times, after researching therapeutic massage, after asking a colleague to come with me, I finally gathered the courage to make an appointment for therapy for Frozen Shoulder. Sam was out of the country then, so, my appointment was w Naomi who was wonderful ! Not knowing what to schedule (Swedish, Deep Tissue, Acupressure ..), Naomi did Guru (Customized), a good choice for a newbie. Days later, I dropped in to get additional information (Can therapist do myofascial release for tissues that feel stuck?), when I was met by Sam who gave me a shoulder and neck anatomy lecture, and what needed to be done.
Hence, therapy sessions started. At that time, I had 20-40% shoulder range of motion, hard stiff lump along my biceps, duct tape feeling on my biceps, pain in front and back of shoulders, my scapula felt stuck against my back, my shoulder ball joint felt glued into its socket, etc. Using criss-cross motion w thumbs, Sam teased out the fibers that were stuck together. Sam worked on releasing subscapular area, a very difficult area to get to. Sam used a combination of stretching, pulling, pushing, pressure, muscle energy, and about 2 sessions of basalt hot stones. I need to add that one should not be shy about requesting a break, as Energizer Bunny Sam just keeps on going. I also need to add that for those who need to work after a massage, let therapist know, or else, one can get so relaxed, lazy, and unproductive. I have had several sessions w Naomi whose style and techniques (subscapular release, pressure points...) differ from Sam's but nonetheless helpful and excellent. I continue to get therapy w Sam or Naomi (mostly with Sam), sometimes focused on shoulder /neck... sometimes Guru...sometimes 1/2 feet, 1/2 shoulder... as aches and pains might be different on day of appointment... or there may be no issue on day of appointment. I was hesitant about writing on Yelp, as 1). I have never done a Yelp review. 2). I was wondering about mentioning the tears and facial contortions that came. 3). Need to ask for break... But I hope this will help others in their decision. Therapies (along w physical therapy, active release therapy, home exercises) helped release tissues and muscles, decrease pain, improve function, and avoid surgery. Thank you.
- A B.
I saw Naomi here. I have a massage membership at a chain place, but they are more fluff; this place was more therapeutic. I had recently made a long drive to the desert, and muscles were compromised sitting in car so long. She knew what was going on, and how long I needed to wait before coming back. I liked her honesty. It wasn't about high turn over, it was about what was safe for my body. I will keep seeing her.
- Jessica M.
I found this place on Yelp during a recent stay in Palm Desert. The prices were great, and my daughter and I both enjoyed our one hour massages. I had Sam, and he is really wonderful. His massage was both therapeutic for my aching back, and relaxing. I will come again next time I'm in the Coachella Valley.
- Katie T.
Carolina is the best! She got out years of tension and stress in one session! Make an appointment with her!!!!!
- Corbyn W.
Carolina is the absolute best! I'm an athlete so the extensive deep tissues massage was much needed. My muscles feel looser and more relaxed after that visit. I definitely plan on going as much as possible! Great service, great employees, and nice scenery. Carolina is super sweet and will go with whatever you feel comfortable with. I feel so much better now. Definitely a 5/5.
- Justine K.
My name is Amy but my nickname is meehmeeh and I have lived in the Coachella Valley for almost 22 years. I have had several physical issues and seen by several physicians and all consultations and doctors' visits always resulted to numerous prescriptions. To my surprise, these medications are all temporarily to mask out my physical pain. I am extremely glad I found Holistic Touch as my alternative place of holistic healing treatments and my refuge.
I was in constant severe pain, some of which were on my fingers, hand, wrists, (hand wrists & finger braces were also prescribed to me) legs, (restless leg syndrome) and sciatica. I have been suffering from TMJ (wore several night guards) but none of them helped. Most medications gave me negative side effects (a ton of them) that messed up my stomach. I was given prescriptions for nerve testing, MRI, bone scans, CT Scans & Bone Density. All these tests takes time and not to mention the costs of each tests. Given the high cost of medical care and not getting any reprieve, I knew I had to find better alternative measures because I am so tired and exhausted from all my physical ailments.
All these pain changed when I met Sam at Holistic Touch. Then, there I was - I had my first treatment with Sam, and it HURTS so bad that I never went back. Several weeks past, then I started to feel much better and went on with my life until one day I could barely have energy to walk. My legs felt like mashed potatoes with no energy to even drive. So I went back to Sam and was determined to make myself better.
Sam is a natural healer; he has some spiritual & healing hands. Initially, I went in to find treatment for my shoulders and during the treatment, I informed Sam regarding my other physical pains and he said all my problems are treatable but I need to have strong determination and willingness to take the pain before I will feel better. My problem is very unique and complicated. I am frequently exhausted and had pain everywhere, of which I never understood the etiology. My whole body and including lower back, buttocks, knees, feet and my leg went dead multiple times. So if anyone of you that are suffering from any physical ailments please do yourself a favor and choose Holistic Touch & Reflexology to free yourself of any physical issues you may be suffering from. Just ask for Sam - your Holistic Healer!!! Thank you!
- MeehMeeh U.