Meet Cristina Walters

Cristina Walters is the founder and owner of I Knead L.A. She is a graduate from the National Holistic Institute in Studio City, California. She completed a program which encompassed over 800 hours of massage training including participating in clinics, special events, and externships. A few of her favorite experiences were providing massage at Camp Keepsake, a program of the Cancer Hope Foundation and preforming sports massage at the Avon Walk to End Breast Cancer. Cristina loves to tailor each massage to fit the client and their needs. 

Frequently asked questions

What should I do to prepare for a massage?

Please make sure that you have recently showered before your massage and that you remove all your jewelry.



Do I need a massage table or sheets?

No, we bring everything we need to preform the massage. We do ask that we have access to a sink so that your therapist can wash their hands before the massage and if you are recieving a hot stone treatment we will need an outlet as well.



Do I have to disrobe fully?

You may disrobe to your comfort level (i.e. leave your undergarments on) but in order to recieve the full benefits of a Swedish, Deep tissue, or Relaxation massage we recomend that you fully disrobe so that the therapist can work continuiously over the different muscle groups. You will be modestly draped (covered with a sheet) throughout the entire massage except for the body part that the massage therapist is working on.



Am I supposed to tip a massage therapist?

Tips are very much appreciated in the massage industry. 20% is standard, however, any amount is taken as a kind gesture of appreciation.



What if I don't want you to massage a certian body part?

If you would prefer we avoid massaging your face, feet, hands, legs, or scalp ect. we would love to accomodate the request. Each massage is customizable to you.



Why are there so many questions on your intake form?

Our goal is to give you the best massage possible! Each of the questions we ask help us provide a better massage.



How often should I get a massage?

This is a question that is often asked. We recomend that whatever you can afford to recieve a massage consistantly is the best. Decide how often that is right for you. Some people are able to afford weekly massages, some are able to recieve them every two weeks, and some can only aford them monthly. Whatever that number is for you just be consistant. Each session builds on the last so it is important to be consistant so that you can recieve the best results possible.



I want to be a massage therapist too, how do I start?

We recomend visiting the website for National Holistic Institute at www.nhi.edu and find out how you can obtain an education to become a massage therapist.



What is neuromuscular massage threapy?

Spine-Health.com has a fantastic article that is useful in describing neuromuscular massage therapy in simple terms, "Neuromuscular therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm. The massage therapy pressure is usually applied with the fingers, knuckles, or elbow. Once applied to a muscle spasm, the pressure should not vary for ten to thirty seconds." The article also goes into detail about why neuromuscular therapy is helpful in reducing muscle pain: "Muscles that are in spasm will be painful to the touch. The pain is caused by ischemic muscle tissue. Ischemia means the muscle is lacking proper blood flow, usually due to the muscle spasm. This in turn creates the following undesirable process: Because the muscle is not receiving enough blood, the muscle is also not receiving enough oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes the muscle to produce lactic acid The lactic acid makes the muscle feel sore following physical activity. After the muscle is relaxed through massage therapy, the lactic acid will be released from the muscle, and the muscle should start receiving enough blood and oxygen." The subject is neuonced and vast but this description is a great start. If you have any additional questions reach out to us and we will be happy to answer them. But, the best way to get a feel for neuromuscular therapy and its benifits is to recieve the bodywork, so book a massage with us and let us show you! Sources: R.M.T., B. M. (2002, May 10). Neuromuscular Massage Therapy. Retrieved September 15, 2018, from https://www.spine-health.com/wellness/massage-therapy/neuromuscular-massage-therapy



TESTIMONIALS

"CRISTINA GAVE ME AN EXCELLENT MASSAGE AND SHE WAS KIND"

-AMANDA

"CRISTINA IS THE BEST! VERY PROFESSIONAL"

-SONIA