Concierge

If life becomes a pain in the neck, or back, or shoulder, or if you just want to loosen up, it's time for a massage. Whether you're an island full-timer, part-timer or some-timer, here's the lowdown on rubdowns. Open every day of the year, the 40,000-square-foot spa at Sanibel Harbour Spa and Resort is used by resort guests and area residents, who are offered a variety of massage therapy treatments. "We've had great success with aromatherapy, using Swedish massage-the classic lighter stroke-and two types of oils," explains spa director Thor Alan Holm. "You choose from a relaxing blend or a stimulating blend." Other treatments include sports massage with herbal elixir, a Swiss shower, and reflexology. The spa is one of only 16 places in the world to have a BETAR (bio-energetic transduction-aided resonance bed) grand salon. It enables you to "drift away, suspended on a bed in a geodesic dome that bathes the body in sound waves." 17260 Harbour Pointe Drive, Ft. Myers, 941/466-4000.

Diana Silverstone has been a massage therapist for Sanibel and Captiva residents and tourists year-round since 1985. She works at her Periwinkle Way office Mondays through Fridays and does many types of treatment, including Swedish, sports, and neuromuscular massage therapy. In addition, Silverstone explains, "I've taken it a step further by incorporating prayer, spirituality, and the Lord in the sessions." 1630 Periwinkle Way, Suite F, Sanibel, 941/472-5579 or 941/433-0626.

Massage therapist Brian Healy, who is affliliated with Sanibel Chiropractic, often focuses on "neck and shoulder work" and is studying clinical aromatherapy for specific therapeutic benefits, selecting from 75 to 80 oils. His specialty is using an orthopedic positioning system, known as a Bodycushion. Its benefits, Healy says, include "postural release, which takes pressure off the spine and helps you breathe by helping prevent sinus clogging." Healy is also a yoga instructor and holistic health educator. 1717 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 941/472-0900.

Hair, Skin & Nails Day Spa of Sanibel, in Periwinkle Place, employs four massage therapists. At least two work at the establishment on any given day, Mondays through Saturdays. The spa also works with some resorts on a contract basis. In addition to deep-tissue and Swedish massage, clients often request foot reflexology or aromatherapy massage with essential oils. 2075 Periwinkle Way, #27, Sanibel, 941/395-2220.

Thia Rodriguez's Healing Hands Massage Therapy has been in business for five years on Sanibel, working out of Island Chiropractic Center on Palm Ridge Road. "I gear rehabilitative and healing techniques to each person's needs," including deep-tissue and Swedish massage, or sports massage therapy, she explains. 2400 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel, 941/472-3481.

Charlene Black sees clients at her Rabbit Road home, "specializing in helping them reach a very deep level of relaxation." Swedish massage is the most requested treatment for stress release, relaxation, and enjoyment, says Black. "I also use an energy-balancing modality called Therapeutic Touch, in a small dose at the end of every session," Black explains. 647 Rabbit Road, Sanibel, 941/472-1571.

At the International Medical Center, massage therapist Glyn Grisham has a "strong clinical background in rehabilitative medicine." He specializes in working with clients who experience disease- or accident-related chronic pain. Grisham's treatments include deep-tissue bodywork, sports massage, therapeutic massage, neuromuscular, and myofascial release-to relax connective tissue. 4301 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 941/395-9355.

Also located at the International Medical Center building is International Physical Therapy, which offers physical and occupational therapy to island residents and visitors. The staff includes massage therapist Marva Sletten, whose methods of treatment incorporate "a variety of soft-tissue mobilization techniques and movement approaches." 4301 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, 941/395-1097.

Giove Kinniry's Oasis Massage Therapy offers a "relaxing experience in the stressful desert of life." At 'Tween Waters Inn on Captiva, her clients receive their massage therapy sessions outdoors by the pool, in the shade of a tree. Kinniry says people "basically want Swedish massage, and more and more are requesting deep-tissue massage." She has also developed a technique called hyrdossage, which requires two massage therapists and is undertaken in a pool or whirlpool. In addition, Kinniry is affiliated with Scarlett O'Hair's Salon on Sanibel. 15107 Captiva Lane, Captiva, 941/472-5161, ext. 352, or 941/851-6602.

Massage therapist Rob Corbin is based at Resort Salon Services, by South Seas Plantation's entrance. Residents and guests choose such treatments as Swedish and neuromuscular massage, or aromatherapy. The salon blends its own massage oils. In-room service is available with 24-hour notice. Corbin is also a personal trainer and looks forward to having more massage rooms when the salon and fitness center move to larger quarters in November. South Seas Plantation, Captiva, 941/472-5111, ext. 3311.

Karen Williamson customizes her Swedish, neuromuscular, or myofascial release therapy for "people who come down to the islands and are totally stressed-out and want to unwind." Although she has use of a room at the New Spirit Hair Salon in the Olde Sanibel Shoppes on Tarpon Bay Road, Williamson sees most of her clients at their homes. 941/395-9214 or 941/470-7342.

"People don't realize how stressed they are until they relax-then they realize!" confides massage therapist Jennifer Jura of Sanibel. The Palm Lake Drive resident sees the majority of her clients on their turf, be they visitors in vacation accommodations or residents in their homes. California-trained, she offers Swedish and deep-tissue massage, and also Shiatsu, a Japanese-style floor massage that incorporates pressure points and stretching. 941/472-8020.

If you're adamant about treating yourself to a massage only "in the comfort of your own home, condo, or hotel," make an appointment with Paul Zimmerman. A resident of Sanibel for the past 23 years, Zimmerman says that's how he prefers to do his therapeutic massage and bodywork. "It's best to do it at your place," he explains, "so after you are all relaxed, you don't have to climb in your car again and face traffic." 941/472-3752.

The most recent addition to the islands' list of licensed massage therapists is Amy Sbarra, who just opened an office on Captiva. Her practice features Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, foot reflexology, and acupuncture, as well as herbal detoxification programs. Paradise Shoppes, Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 941/472-0143. -LG