What Are Five Reasons Fort Collins Women Choose Us For Restorative Massage?

Your body has been trying to tell you something all week. We tuned in. This conversation with Rachel Hargrove, LMT and founder of Height of Health Massage in Fort Collins, digs into what makes a truly restorative massage work: clear priorities, real-time flexibility, and the kind of trust that only grows through consistency.

We break down the client journey from the very first hello. Rachel explains why removing front-desk handoffs creates a more personal, therapist-led experience where you feel heard and supported. You’ll hear how reflective intake locks in your top goals—maybe deep relaxation with extra time on the neck and shoulders—and how the plan can evolve on the table as the tissue tells a new story. We talk about the permission to pivot, the art of balancing pressure with nervous system safety, and simple ways to speak up without feeling awkward.

Then we explore the long game: why seeing the same therapist matters for outcomes. Rachel shares how consistent care reveals patterns—deadline shoulders, winter hip tension, commuter jaw—and lets your provider compare today’s tissue to your baseline. We also dive into the feedback loop that keeps sessions dialed in: how to use post-session soreness as data, when to go deeper, when to back off, and how to design a cadence that supports real life. You’ll get a feel for the studio’s culture too, from team mentorship to a welcoming vibe that helps clients relax before they hit the table.

If you’ve ever left a massage wishing the focus matched your request, this episode shows a better way—one built on listening, empathy, and smart adjustments. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a reset, and leave a review to tell us what area you want to focus on next time.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

Can A Therapeutic Massage Really Help Relieve Anxiety Or Emotional Tension?

What if one grounded hour could teach your nervous system to breathe again? We sat down with licensed massage therapist Rachel Hargrove to unpack how therapeutic touch lowers anxiety, supports deeper sleep, and creates a safer space for emotional relief without the pressure of salesy treatment plans. From the moment you step into a warm room with soft music and a heated table, your body starts getting different instructions: slow down, soften, and let go.

Rachel explains why massage can lead to a temporary drop in blood pressure and that familiar “massage brain” feeling where thoughts quiet and the body eases into a nap-like state. We get practical about what actually helps during anxious seasons: slowing the pace of strokes, spending intentional time on the scalp and feet, and using minimal, well-timed check-ins that calibrate pressure without breaking the spell. You’ll hear how a clear, consent-led intake builds trust, why “you won’t hurt my feelings” unlocks honest feedback, and how to set boundaries around tender or post-surgery areas so your session feels safe, not stressful.

We also talk strategy for making massage part of a broader mental health plan. Instead of rigid memberships or scripted routines, Rachel favors a flexible rhythm—many clients thrive on every four to six weeks, with permission to come sooner when life spikes. The goal is simple: leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more at home in your body. If you’ve ever wondered whether massage can move anxiety from a 10 down to a 4, this conversation offers both the science and the small, human choices that make it possible.

If this resonates, share it with someone who needs a gentle nudge to rest, subscribe for more behind-the-scenes bodywork insights, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your next calm hour might be closer than you think.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

How Do You Use Hot Stones?

Curious about hot stone massage but not sure what all the fuss is about? You're not alone! Many spa-goers wonder if those smooth, heated stones are just a fancy add-on or something truly beneficial. Wonder no more—Rachel Hargrove, with 14 years of experience using hot stones, breaks down this therapeutic technique in ways that might surprise you.

Most massage businesses charge at least $20 extra for hot stone treatments, but at Height of Health Massage, they're included complimentary with every session. Why? Because Rachel views stones not as a luxury upgrade but as essential therapeutic tools. Unlike spas that place stones on your body and leave them there, Rachel's approach is hands-on and targeted—focusing specifically on those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders where tension loves to hide.

The science is simple but effective: heat helps muscles relax and release, making it easier for therapists to work out adhesions. Using smooth basalt stones heated in water, therapists can deliver deeper therapeutic benefits while maintaining client comfort. Rachel discusses safety considerations, explaining why you'll never find her simply placing hot stones on clients (a big no-no that risks burns). She shares insights about different temperature tolerances among clients and the few contraindications to consider before treatment.

Whether you're an athlete with specific muscle concerns or someone seeking deeper relaxation, hot stone massage offers universal benefits that transcend seasons—though Rachel notes they're especially popular during winter months. Ready to experience the therapeutic warmth for yourself? Your shoulders weren't meant to live up by your ears. Let it all go with a hot stone massage that melts tension away. Schedule your appointment today and discover why this technique has remained a cornerstone of therapeutic massage for thousands of years.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

 What Is Prenatal Massage?

Pregnancy transforms a woman's body in countless ways, bringing joy alongside physical challenges that change with each trimester. In this enlightening conversation, licensed massage therapist Rachel Hargrove shares her extensive experience working with expectant mothers and reveals why prenatal massage deserves consideration as an essential component of pregnancy wellness.

Rachel immediately dispels common misconceptions about prenatal massage, explaining that contrary to persistent myths, massage therapy is safe throughout all trimesters when performed by properly trained practitioners. "I'm not that powerful," she laughs, addressing the unfounded belief that certain massage techniques can trigger labor or miscarriage. Her confidence comes from years of experience, including working with an OBGYN client who received massage throughout her own pregnancy.

The episode delves into the practical aspects of prenatal massage, with Rachel describing her specialized approach using hydraulic tables that adjust into comfortable reclining positions rather than traditional face-down postures. This attention to proper positioning ensures both safety and effectiveness as the pregnancy progresses. She explains how sessions typically combine reclining and side-lying positions with supportive pillows to accommodate the changing body.

The benefits extend beyond mere comfort. Rachel details how prenatal massage addresses specific pregnancy-related discomforts including hip pain, low back tension, and swollen extremities. Perhaps most significantly, she emphasizes the profound stress-reduction benefits: "We want to keep the blood pressure down, we want to keep the stress to a minimum. So massage can definitely help with that." Her passion for supporting women through this transformative journey shines through as she shares stories of working with clients in various circumstances—even providing weekly massages to a hospitalized client with preeclampsia.

Ready to experience the benefits of expert massage therapy? Book your appointment today at Heightofhealthmassage.com or call 970-673-0892 and discover why Height of Health Massage has earned its reputation for making people happy for a living.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

How Does Deep Tissue Massage Help With Chronic Neck And Shoulder Pain?

Chronic neck and shoulder tension has become nearly universal in our modern world. From "texting neck" to desk-job posture problems, most of us carry the weight of daily stress in our upper bodies. But what if relief doesn't have to mean enduring painful massage sessions?

Rachel Hargrove, licensed massage therapist since 2011 and founder of Height of Health Massage, dispels the myth that deep tissue massage must be painful to be effective. Drawing from her 14 years of experience, she explains that "deep tissue" refers to accessing deeper muscle layers—not necessarily applying intense pressure. The key lies in understanding the difference between therapeutic "good hurt" and counterproductive pain.

Communication emerges as a crucial element of effective massage therapy. Rachel creates an environment where clients feel comfortable providing feedback, noting that therapists want honest input to deliver the best possible service. Many clients, being natural people-pleasers, endure uncomfortable pressure levels rather than speaking up—a pattern Rachel actively works to change.

For those dealing with chronic pain, massage frequency depends entirely on individual circumstances. Occasional discomfort might require just one session, while long-standing issues benefit from regular appointments—potentially starting with bi-weekly sessions before transitioning to monthly maintenance. Rachel emphasizes that while massage provides significant relief, it works best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes movement and proper self-care.

Whether you're an athlete requiring recovery support or an office worker battling the effects of prolonged sitting, deep tissue massage offers a pathway to relief that's both powerful and gentle. Your shoulders weren't meant to live up by your ears—book your appointment today and discover what letting go truly feels like.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

What Makes A Fort Collins Massage Different From Big-Box Spas?

Ever wondered what really sets a boutique massage studio apart from those big box spa chains? Rachel Hargrove, licensed massage therapist since 2011 and founder of Height of Health Massage in Fort Collins, pulls back the curtain on creating a therapeutic sanctuary where both clients and therapists thrive.

Discover why massage therapist retention matters deeply for your experience. While most practitioners in the industry stay at one location for just 2-5 years (and at chain spas, often just three months), Height of Health has maintained relationships with therapists for up to seven years. Rachel reveals her meticulous hiring approach, featuring personal interviews, hands-on demonstrations, and mentorship—creating consistency clients can count on.

The conversation explores what Rachel calls "relaxing deep tissue massage," the perfect balance for modern professionals dealing with tech neck and computer-hunched shoulders who still crave that blissful escape. You'll learn how Height of Health has reimagined massage as accessible wellness rather than occasional luxury, working with insurance providers to offer sessions for as little as $25 through employer benefits. As Rachel notes, some clients tell her "the only reason I work for this company is for the massage benefits"—a powerful testament to bodywork's value.

Perhaps most refreshing is Height of Health's pressure-free approach. Unlike the membership-pushing tactics many have experienced elsewhere, Rachel emphasizes client autonomy: "Your body, you know what you need, you're in control." This philosophy extends through the entire experience, where your massage therapist—not a rotating cast of staff—guides your journey from greeting to treatment to checkout. Ready to experience massage that treats you as a person, not just an appointment slot? 

Visit Heightofhealthmassage.com or call 970-673-0892 to book your session today.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892

Meet The Host: Rachel Hargrove — Licensed Massage Therapist And Founder Of Height Of Health Massage

Ever wondered what it takes to turn massage therapy from a passion into a successful business? Rachel Hargrove, founder of Height of Health Massage in Fort Collins, takes us behind the scenes of her 11-year entrepreneurial journey that began when she was just 24 years old with "nothing to lose."

Rachel candidly shares the unconventional marketing strategies that launched her business, from walking into establishments with free massage coupons to building insurance partnerships that now comprise half her clientele. She discusses how guerrilla marketing techniques helped establish her initial client base and how she maintains relationships with clients who've been with her since the earliest days. While Colorado doesn't mandate insurance coverage for massage therapy (unlike California, Oregon, and Florida), Rachel has carved out valuable partnerships that make therapeutic massage accessible through affordable copays.

Despite the challenges of business ownership, Rachel still maintains her passion for hands-on massage work. She finds deep fulfillment in a profession where "people either come in happy or at least leave happy," contrasting her work with more clinical healthcare settings. When not working, Rachel embraces Colorado summers with her dog, tends to her growing houseplant collection, and occasionally travels while her capable team manages operations. Her story exemplifies how balancing therapeutic expertise with entrepreneurial drive can create something meaningful and sustainable in the wellness industry.

Ready to experience the Height of Health difference? Book your appointment today at Heightofhealthmassage.com or call 970-673-0892, because at Height of Health Massage, we make people happy for a living.

To learn more about Height of Health Massage visit:
https://www.HeightOfHealthMassage.com
Height of Health Massage
1035 Robertson St.
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-673-0892