Sheena McLaughlin, BCTMB, LMT SC#8393, is the board-certified and licensed massage therapist & owner of Gaffney Massage & Holistic Therapies. Located at 310 N. Limestone St, UNIT B, Gaffney, SC 29340. Sheena offers targeted massage therapy specializing in shoulder & upper body pain and injury relief. As an Acute Pain Management Specialist, she has a proven track record of helping clients, including first responders, military personnel, athletes, and health professionals, alleviate pain and prevent secondary injuries. Sheena collaborates with other skilled massage therapists in the office, each offering unique specialties to provide a comprehensive range of healing modalities. Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, TMJ, migraines, frozen shoulder, or other issues,; Sheena and her team are dedicated to helping you find relief and improve your overall well-being. MysticMag finds out more.
Sheena, can you tell us more about your unique “bio-individuality” model and how it informs your approach to massage therapy?
As a massage therapist, certified functional blood work specialist, and student of classical homeopathy, I witness incredible transformations every day. I’ve seen the power of human touch and holistic therapies in creating a strong mind-body connection. My approach focuses on looking at the whole person and addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. Bio-individuality is central to this idea, as it involves treating each person uniquely and getting to the root cause of their symptoms. In massage therapy, we often target pain, but each person is different. Even with the same injury or diagnosis, the way it manifests in the body varies. The body’s ability to heal itself is remarkable, given the right tools and guidance, even from conditions considered incurable. Healing is a journey, unique to each individual. The bio-individuality model considers five main factors: sensitivities, deficiencies, toxic load, mind-body connection, and any residual trauma. Each person’s healing journey is different, and this model allows us to tailor treatments accordingly.
How do you work with clients to develop customized treatment plans for their specific needs and conditions?
In my practice, new client appointments are at least two hours long. I really take my time to do a deep dive into their health history and perform a postural analysis. This helps me to immediately identify any issues, such as one shoulder being higher than the other or the hips being pulled forward by tight muscles. This thorough approach allows me to get to work and achieve results quickly.
What inspired you to expand your services to include functional medicine coaching, and how do you see it complementing your existing massage therapy offerings?
I want to change the way we think about life transitions. Just because we age doesn’t mean we should automatically start experiencing aches and pains. Similarly, becoming a parent shouldn’t mean exhaustion and burnout. I believe we should live full, active lives regardless of our age or life stage. As a massage therapist for over 18 years, I know that retirement is inevitable, and I’m currently healthy, but I need to plan for it. While I’ll always want to help people with chronic pain, I also want to address the underlying inflammation that often causes it. Functional medicine and homeopathy will play a role in supporting my clients on their healing journey.
What do you hope clients take away from their experience at Gaffney Massage & Holistic Therapies, beyond pain relief and injury recovery?
My ultimate goal when clients come to me is for them to feel seen, heard, and understood. I believe that healing begins at Gaffney Massage and Holistic Therapies. We take our time to truly listen to our clients, aiming to uncover the root cause of their symptoms. Sometimes, just listening to their story is the first step toward healing.
What advice do you have for individuals who may be experiencing chronic pain or discomfort but are hesitant to try massage therapy or holistic healing modalities?
For massage, my approach is clear: it should never hurt, not even deep tissue. If you’ve experienced pain during a deep tissue massage, it was not done correctly. There’s a fine balance between therapeutic “hurts so good” discomfort and actual pain. Massage should never cause pain. It’s essential to find a therapist who understands this distinction.
How do you ensure a collaborative and supportive environment among the massage therapists in your office, each running their own business?
Building a collaborative team requires finding teammates who share the same mindset and values. Being a great leader is crucial, as it takes a special person to foster a drama-free and supportive environment. In our office, growth is rooted in collaboration, not competition. I believe in this principle wholeheartedly, and it guides my leadership. While we do have healthy competitions to encourage growth, such as booking appointments or filling our schedules, the focus is always on working together. We hold events together and constantly refer clients to each other, ensuring that everyone finds the best fit for their needs.
If you would like to find out more about Gaffney Massage and Holistic Therapies, please visit https://gaffneymassage.com/
