Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Massage Therapy Destination in South Windsor, CT
Established in 1990, River Bend Therapeutic Massage was founded by Barbara Higbie Nelms with a mission to improve health through therapeutic massage and alternative healthcare. Transitioning from a corporate career in insurance and banking, Barbara pursued her passion for holistic wellness, creating a sanctuary that combines professional expertise with a welcoming atmosphere. Originally located along the Hockanum River, the practice relocated to South Windsor while maintaining its signature tranquil environment. The business specializes in personalized massage therapy tailored to individual needs, offering services for clients ranging from first-time visitors to experienced recipients. With over three decades of operation, Riverbend has built a reputation for skilled therapists, diverse modalities, and a commitment to client comfort.The practice emphasizes open communication, ensuring each session addresses specific therapeutic goals. Located in the Rosewood Building, Riverbend continues to serve as a community resource for stress relief and pain management. The team prioritizes ongoing education to expand their expertise in massage techniques and bodywork. Client feedback consistently highlights the practice's ability to create a 'home away from home' atmosphere. Riverbend remains dedicated to making therapeutic massage accessible through flexible pricing options and loyalty programs.
Services
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Sports Massage
Pregnancy Massage
Chair Massage
Energy Balancing
Shiatsu
Foot Reflexology
Raindrop Technique
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 34 years of experience in therapeutic massage and alternative healthcare
- Our therapists provide personalized sessions tailored to individual needs
- We offer multiple massage modalities including Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage
- No long-term contracts required for discounted rates
- Our practice maintains a welcoming 'home away from home' atmosphere
What people say
Chronic pain relief
Caring and professional therapists
Personalized sessions
Home away from home atmosphere
Effective stress management
Services
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage offers gentle muscle relaxation through long strokes and circular movements. Ideal for first-time clients, this technique improves circulation while respecting individual comfort levels. Therapists use hypoallergenic oils to ensure skin safety during 30-90 minute sessions.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage targets chronic muscle tension using firm pressure and specialized techniques. This modality addresses dense muscle groups through forearm and elbow application. Sessions focus on releasing built-up tension while maintaining client comfort throughout the treatment.
Sports Massage
Sports massage combines Swedish techniques with targeted stretching for athletic performance enhancement. Pre-event sessions warm muscles while post-event treatments accelerate recovery. This modality effectively addresses sports injuries like tendonitis and muscle strains through focused therapeutic approaches.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage provides comfort through specialized positioning and gentle techniques. Therapists address common pregnancy discomforts including back pain and fluid retention. Sessions incorporate modified positions and supportive bolsters to ensure both mother's and baby's safety throughout the treatment.
Foot Reflexology
Foot reflexology applies pressure to specific foot points corresponding to body systems. Sessions begin with aromatherapy footbaths followed by targeted pressure application. This modality promotes systemic wellness while providing immediate relief for tired feet and legs through traditional reflexology techniques.
People
Barbara H. Nelms
Owner
Barbara Nelms founded River Bend Therapeutic Massage in 1990 after transitioning from corporate finance. With over 28 years of massage therapy experience, she combines business acumen with holistic healthcare expertise. Her practice emphasizes personalized care and ongoing professional development.
Questions
What massage modalities do you offer?
We provide Swedish, deep tissue, sports, pregnancy, chair, energy balancing, shiatsu, foot reflexology, and raindrop technique massages.
Are your therapists licensed professionals?
Yes, all our therapists are licensed and maintain continuing education in various massage techniques and bodywork modalities.
How do you handle coronavirus precautions?
We require health history reviews, implement enhanced sanitation protocols, and provide liability release forms for client safety.
Can I purchase gift certificates?
Yes, we offer gift certificates in various denominations and Frequent Sigh-er discount packages for special occasions.
What are your appointment policies?
Appointments require advance scheduling through our office. We maintain flexible cancellation policies and personalized service for all clients.
Videos
Reviews (1)
L. L. Y.
Dec 10, 2018
Report
This is such a relaxing place to have a massage! If your significant other doesn't like the spa atmosphere then I highly recommend coming here. You will have a full hour massage and you get to tip as you see best. The owner is friendly and downtown earth. It offers chair massage as well, there is plenty of parking and the owner is on schedule with appointments. I like that it's close to evergreen walk, so afterwards you can enjoy a relaxing dinner or visit the shops.
