Body Kneads to provide services at Deer Crest

Deer Crest senior living complex has always offered massage therapy services in its third-floor spa. But beginning last month, Body Kneads & Wellness Center moved in and now offers a wider selection of services and longer hours for both Deer Crest residents and community members.

“This will be more full time with more flexible hours,” Deer Crest Executive Director Jill Prahl said.

Because Deer Crest was previously provided massage therapist services by Fairview, living facility officials needed to find a new provider when the Red Wing medical center was acquired by Mayo Clinic Health System last summer. They approached Body Kneads owner Dawn Bennett.

“They thought it would be a good fit,” Bennett said.

“Offering alternative care options for our residents is important for us,” Prahl added. “For many of our residents, it’s difficult for them to go to other locations. To offer services on-site is important.”

Having the location at Deer Crest is also beneficial for Red Wing residents who don’t live at the center, both Prahl and Bennett said. Unlike at the downtown Body Kneads location, there are no stairs at Deer Crest and there’s more room to maneuver walkers and wheelchairs.

“We’re handicapped accessible where their other location is not,” Prahl said.

In the nearly two months since Body Kneads opened at Deer Crest, Prahl said there have been quite a few residents using the new services. In addition to massage, therapists can also offer hot stone therapy, craniosacral (which focuses on the head and spinal cord) and the raindrop technique (which uses essential oils).

Right now, Bennett said the biggest challenge is getting elderly residents and community members comfortable with massage and the other services and aware of the health benefits they can have.

“It’s getting them over that this is not a luxury,” Bennett said. “There are medical benefits.”

Those benefits include help with joint stiffness and pain, circulation, arthritis, rehabilitation after a fall and insomnia, she added.

“A lot of elderly people say they sleep better after a massage,” Bennett said. “And it kind of takes away the general aches and pains.”

Massage can offer emotional benefits as well, Bennett said. Simply being touched by another person — something many seniors lack after the passing of their spouses — can be therapeutic.

“People do much better,” Bennett said. “It’s just good for their spirit.”

So far, two Body Kneads massage therapists will work out of the Deer Crest location. Temeka Wirkkala will be at Deer Crest full time while Pat Bien will split her time between Deer Crest and the downtown location. Bennett will be available by appointment.

Bennett said all scheduling and appointments for the Deer Crest location will be made through the downtown Body Kneads location.

“I just really want to get the residents to understand the benefits,” Bennett said. “We can really work with them and customize it to help them feel better.”

The details:

What: Body Kneads Massage & Wellness Center, Deer Crest location

Where: 470 Fairview Blvd.

Hours: By appointment, made through downtown Body Kneads

More information: 651-267-0118 or 888-367-0118, info@bodykneadswellness.com

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