Cindy Chambers, LMT
Massage Therapist - Myofascial, Deep Tissue Massage

I would say that my passion is facilitating rehabilitation from injury. While my interest in nutrition led me to train as a Dietician's Assistant in 1979-80 , and my participation in running track for Lane Community College furthered my interest in body mechanics, I became fascinated with the mechanics of movement, injury and recovery.  I bring to each session  over 32 years of skill, knowledge and experience, blended with observation and intuition, to assess and support homeostasis in your body. I have discovered that Deep Tissue work is the fastest way to go from injured to returning to your optimum perfect and balanced form. 
 
Tell us about your primary training and any continuing education you have done.
I completed my education at L.C.C. and was licensed as Massage Practitioner in 1981.  It is my intention to work at fixing an injury immediately. Since then, I have pursued continuing education certificates in Myofascial Manipulation, Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Reiki, as well as additional coursework in Medical Massage 1 & 2, and training in nutrition as a Dietetic Assistant.
 
What unique skills and gifts distinguish you?  How would you describe your style?
I approach a patient with skill, knowledge, intuition and years of experience. It is my intention to work immediately fixing the injury.  I am one of two Licensed Massage Therapists in the area who use Myofascial Manipulation and I am trained extensively in Deep Tissue work.
 
I have over 32 years experience as a Medical Massage Therapist.  My expertise is facilitating the removal of muscular spasm or rigor in the body so that optimum flexibility and circulation is restored. 
  
What issues are you best at addressing with your cients?
 People that suffer with acute neck and back issues will especially benefit from my work, for instance, whiplash injury or any repettive sports injury. Athletes have found that they experience better performance from the increased mobility and flexibility after they receive a treatment from me.
 
How do you assess clients?
 I pay attention to what is bothering the person I am working with, and may ask them to point to the place where they have pain. I may sk them about their exercise habits and activities that may have led up to their discomfort and observe posture and muscular tension.
 
Why did you choose this work?
I began my “career” at a young age.  I use to play “fix the back” when I was five years old. 
My dad asked me to work on massaging his feet after he shattered his ankles.  I have always been
fascinated by the body and body mechanics. My own structure had anatomical challenges that were congenital and this condition fascinated me.
 
Where were you born and how did you come to Eugene?
I was born and raised in the inner city of Chicago. I came to Eugene after visiting a friend.  I thought this was “The Land of Plenty” –green, a great bicycle community, and an affordable massage school.
 
Share a little about your personal journey as a healing practitioner.  What life experiences have enriched or changed your work?
 One day while in a peotry class, listening to a "poet" read, I felt a great sense of well-being. As the students were leaving, someone made a comment, "Could I image ANYTHING more wonderful than being a "Poet" and speaking with such healing words?" I answered, "Yes, becoming a Healer," and decided then that I woudl start taking massage classes in the evening to being my career change.
 
What is your definition of healing?
Healing is facilitating homeostasis.  I believe the body wants to heal.  Homeostasis is balance in the body.  Part of my work is teaching clients to observe what is going on in their body. Healing is about changing what isn't working and finding what does work so that a person feels happy and pain-free.
 
We lose homeostasis through poor posture, overuse of our muscles,  emotional stress, repetitive positions (often work related), genetic structures, injury, muscle memory from trauma and holding patterns in the body. I educate the client by showing them through the experience of the massage, what their body is saying –  I have tension here, I am stuck in this position and it throws this body part out of alignment, etc.”  
  
What are you passionate about professionally and personally?
I am passionate about body work as a whole. This would include exercising regularly, stretching, eating well, and having monthly maintenance done by a skilled practioner.  I have found that it is the quickest way to move from injury and limitation, to ease and wellbeing.
 
When not working, my life is full with gardening, time with family and friends, and attention to my personal health & wellbeing by keeping my body in peak athletic condition.  I walk my talk!!
 
What life accomplishments are you most proud of?
The professional and athletic community has recognized my skills and integrity as a practitioner. 
I was hired to work the Prefontaine Classic twice, and numerous sports event and assisted chiropractiors for 13 years  before coming to A Healing Space.
 
Personal Invitation
I consider myself to be an “investigative” massage therapist, a kind of a detective seeking to find the deeper issue. There is nothing that brings me more joy than watching someone walk in with intense pain and limitation leave my office with more ease and flexibility.
 
Testimonial
 “I have always used massage as a way to relax and sought out practitioners that would simply soothe and relax my body with a light touch.  My first experience with Cindy showed me another way to approach what I would call a truly healing and transformative approach to body work!  Not always comfortable, but to access and release very old and deeply entrenched tension takes a firm and unyielding hand.  Cindy goes right to the spot and does not give up until ease and flexibility is restored.  She was able to access some very long standing, deep tension in my neck that I had
become so accustom to that I had no idea how good I could feel…until it was gone!”
 
How do you encourage and support clients in self-care at home?
I strongly encourage and educate my clients self-care techniques – heat or ice, hydration, exercises, stretching, how to keep the body in optimal condition, flexibility& strength. My background in
nutrition allows me to work with clients on and support them in understanding that food is part of self-care for the body.
 
Maintenance is important for prevention - once a month massage is key to supporting the body.  Life happens, patterns continue,  emotional triggers, etc. The body takes it all on, and you can support continued balance by supporting the body in releasing the little knocks in life.  

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"I have been to numerous chiropractors in Eugene and elsewhere. I have also had massage from many massage therapists in Eugene but my experience at A Healing Space..."