Practitioner of Rolf Structural Integration, Practitioner of Ortho-Bionomy, Traditional Shiatsu, Therapeutic Massage, Reiki & Somatic Therapies
I've known Marilyn for over twelve years; first meeting her when she rented space in my building in Raton, NM. She has worked with me from time to time over these many years in her field of bodywork. Although I've been elsewhere for a relaxing massage, Marilyn is the technician I trust with the deeper issues in my body. She is skilled, knowledgeable, intuitive, caring and professional. I took my elderly parents to her as well, and they both fell in love with Marilyn. My recommendation is without qualification. John D., Professional Stress Manager
After a lifetime of normal physical challenges and stress, I found myself at age 63 knowing that I had the energy and motivation to live many more decades but being very concerned that I had a body nowhere near that readiness! I knew that I was carrying the normal years of wear and tear that age alone brings. I also knew that I was carrying the after-effects of a major car accident from years ago, involving a high-speed side impact long before air bags had been invented. After months of physical therapy, the residual damage from that even ended my professional dance career.
Recently I had developed a neck pain from an unclear specific cause, although I had experienced the loss of several family members and endured two fairly impressive skiing accidents that certainly could be listed as possible causes. I went through a number of medical procedures to find the cause and eliminate the pain in my neck, without much lessening of discomfort. It was time to pursue a procedure I had learned about years before during my dance and theatre work: Rolfing.
After 10 sessions with Rolf Practitioner Marilyn Casey, I am now walking around with a body that resembles the one I had before the car accident in the 1980s and certainly before the recent neck problems. In terms of my neck, it has not been a “miracle,” because I still have to concentrate on eliminating neck muscle tightening, and I have to closely check that area. Likewise, there are days when my neck hurts and is not as mobile as I’d like. On a scale of 1 – 10, 1 = no pain, 10= the pain I had before, I moderate between 0 and 2. Oh yes!
But, the real treasure is what has happened to my body, and in direct relation, my entire sense of well-being and attitude toward life. As I’ve told Marilyn, despite the fact that I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been and despite the fact that this flat-stomached dancer now has layers of fat around my mid-section, I feel like a tall and slender person. When I do my morning yoga stretching without effort, I am able to exceed the amount of stretch that I have been able to achieve with effort over the years since I stopped dancing. My torso is now straight rather than torqued slightly around. My shoulders are on a level plain, rather than the 1” slope I used to have on my right side.
The “well-being and attitude toward life” changes may end up being the most profound. I am aware of my body as I move through space, almost subconsciously. Whenever I connect with some tension starting to manipulate my body, I immediately find my body reminding me to acknowledge that tension and release it. When the tension moves from my body and into the floor and my body jiggles a little – as Marilyn did to it during sessions – I am immediately and consciously aware of how good I feel and how wonderful life is. The connection between body tension, lack of tension, and well-being is amazing.
A second consistent time when I’m aware of the connection between how my body feels and what is happening in my spirits is when I lay down in bed each night. Without consciously thinking about it, no matter what events precede the moment that my body stretches out for a night’s sleep, my mind takes over a conscious assessment of how I feel, releases all tension and creates in my mind an image of Michelangelo’s human body sketch. I feel the very center of my body, and I feel my arms and legs connected at that center point and stretching out, connecting to any imaginary circle that describes my entire body. Once that image is complete, my mind then moves through all the great things that have transpired during the day and moves into a litany of thanks and requests for guidance in the challenges of tomorrow. With each thought, my body sinks deeper into the mattress, and I move closer to a deep, cleansing sleep.
Finally, since completing the Rolf work, I have this insatiable need to talk about it all the time! Harriet V., Theatre Director
Marilyn has a true gift in massage therapy, and she incorporates various styles/methods into her work depending on what your body needs. She listens carefully to what you say are problem areas, but she is also attuned to the body so she can feel where problem areas are. I was surprised when she pressed a spot on my back and asked if it was sore - until then, I wasn't aware of it! My body always felt wonderfully relaxed and at peace at the end of her sessions. She has a gentle spirit, and a warm, caring heart! Jean P., Trinidad, CO
Marilyn Casey has always been a strong, skilled bodyworker, very sensitive to her clients' needs. What makes her truly amazing is that she is continually improving, seeking out more techniques, theories and methods that were always "just in the nick of time" as I developed some special trouble. She had the cure before I even knew I needed it! Marilyn is one of the most thoughtful, sensitive, yet honest women I know. She will speak the truth, but in a careful, non-harming way. She is morally and ethically beyond reproach. I become a better person just by knowing and observing her work. She is irreplaceable. Chris D., Math & Science Teacher
Marilyn Casey has been my massage therapist for several years. Her healing touch has calmed my spirit and restored a healthy balance to my life. She not only uses her hands but her spirit in the restoration of your heart and the alignment of your hips. You will be in good hands when you trust yourself to her talents. This recommendation is written with total confidence in the abilities of Marilyn Casey. Stephanie J., Business Owner