Policies | Frequently Asked Questions

Aaron Shay

After years as an athlete and receiver of massage, Aaron made the decision to pursue a career as a bodyworker. He trained in massage therapy at the Body Therapy Institute, where he focused on Myofascial and Swedish massage; he later joined the faculty as a teaching assistant. Drawing on his understanding of how the body moves and learns, Aaron has developed his therapeutic approach over several years and thousands of hours of hands-on work.

Aaron’s work focuses on the fascial (or connective tissue) network that suffuses the entire body. By creating space in the fascia, muscles can move more freely, joints can operate smoothly, and important electrical impulses can travel unimpeded. Sometimes, what we think of as tight or knotted muscles are really taut or sticky regions of fascia. By slowly engaging and freeing this connective web, Aaron helps clients open new ways of occupying and moving their bodies, often breaking less supportive patterns of movement and creating more range and ease of motion.

A native of the Northeast, Aaron has called Durham home since 2001. He spent two years as a commercial fisherman in Alaska, operated a mobile climbing wall, drove an ice cream truck, and spent nearly ten years in the electronic security field before becoming a licensed massage and bodywork therapist (NC Lic. #6858).

Rebecca Brightly

I completed my initial training at one of the best private massage schools in the southeast, the Body Therapy Institute. I feel very lucky to have had quality of touch and presence emphasized in addition to the rigorous scientific aspect of massage therapy.

Dance, my other passion, contributes greatly to my practice. I specialize in helping clients move through their lives with more joy and ease by teaching the body new patterns of movement and organization. I’m also nationally certified and a member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals.

See what I’m doing with swing dancing at HotClubofDurham.com.

My Values as a Massage Therapist

Accessibility

Having been there myself, I do what I can to help make massage available to people with financial barriers. Students receive 15% off all bodywork, plus I run occasional specials by email (see home page to join the listserv). You can also get $10 off an appointment for each person referred.

Authenticity

Often health care professionals seem too hurried to give the attention and caring we’d all ideally like. As a massage therapist, I can serve this unmet need with my presence and through my hands. My goal is to make each interaction as authentic as possible, meeting clients on common ground.

Community Service

In order to make massage more visible while helping out causes I care about, I work with several nonprofit organizations, providing massage and donating part of the proceeds. Please contact me if your organization could use some extra funds!

Continuing Education

I regularly review and educate myself as well as take continuing education courses, as I can always learn more to help serve my clients and satisfy my intense curiosity about the nature of the human body.