Scott Tignor, LMT
Scott Tignor, AOS, BFA, LMT, is licensed to practice massage therapy in both New York and Arizona and has over 7 years experience. An honors graduate of the prestigious New York College of Health Professions, Scott studied Therapeutic Massage, AMMA? Therapy, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone Massage, Deep Tissue Massage and Medical Massage. He was selected as outstanding Clinic Student by the faculty of New York College. While in practice in New York, Scott was frequently sought for his expertise in chronic pain conditions and for his ability to create a soothing, healing space for his clients to begin their own process of healing. Scott's philosophy of massage therapy is to hold a sacred space for the client to begin his or her own process of healing. His clients in New York included professional athletes, Olympic athletes, and world-renowned professional dancers. Scott is also a Reiki II practitioner in the Usui Tradition.
Scott has continued to expand his knowledge after receiving his degree in Massage Therapy. His post-graduate studies include certification in Myoskeletal Alignment Technique with Dr. Erik Dalton, Cranio-Sacral Therapy with the Upledger Institute, and Traditional Thai Massage through ITM in Chiang Mai, Thailand. He is the ONLY certified Myoskeletal Alignment Therapist in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Scott is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). His scholarly research has been published in Massage Therapy Journal.
Deborah Swanson, LMT, DN
Deborah Swanson is licensed to practice massage therapy in Arizona and Florida. Her 19 years of massage and medical experience will ensure that you will thoroughly enjoy your massage treatment. Deborah is available at the Plaza del Sol office, and may be contacted at (928) 239-0184. Deborah offers Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage, Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Thai floor massage (1 hour only), Myofascial Release Therapy or Sedona Crystal Energy Balancing sessions. Please contact Deborah directly to schedule an appointment with her.
News & Events
If this is your first appointment at Nizhoni Massage Therapy, you can save time by printing and filling out this New Client Intake form. An accurate health history will help me to better serve you and give you the individualized attention that you deserve! Please print and fill out this New Client Intake Form and bring it with you to your first appointment.
I am pleased to announce my new office location. All Tuesday-Thursday appointments are available at Plaza del Sol, 6050 Hwy. 179, Suite #5 in the Village of Oak Creek. Friday appointments will continue to take place at my home office on Flaming Arrow Way in West Sedona.
How Should I Prepare for Massage?
To prepare yourself for your massage, taking a nice warm shower, or a short soak in the hot tub is a great way to start to unwind and prepare yourself for the massage. Don't worry about your body type or appearance; massage therapists have seen hundreds of bodies of all types. We are here to work on YOUR body, and to do what we can to make this a positive experience for YOU.
Please refrain from drinking alcohol or any recreational drugs. These can seriously affect your body's ability to cope with the toxins that will be released with your massage. Most importantly, just relax, and look forward to this time for your health and peaceful state of mind.
What will my first session be like?
On your first meeting, your massage therapist will do an "intake" - asking questions about your general health, specific injuries and whether you are under a doctor's care. They may also ask you to stand or walk around for them to do a "postural analysis". Ask any questions you have for your therapist at this time. The entire process only takes a few minutes and will not cut into your massage time. For your first appointment, please allow an extra 15 minutes for the intake interview.
The therapist will then give you instructions on how they want you to lie on the table (face up/down, etc.). The therapist will leave the room while you are changing.
Music and soft lighting are used to assist your relaxation and enhance your massage. If you are getting a massage for relaxation, there should be little or no talking. For deep tissue work the therapist will be checking in with you to make sure you are tolerating the work and to remind you to breathe and relax. Instructions will be given during stretching protocols to assist you in completing the stretch.
The client is always in control of the massage -- whether to talk or not, if there should be music or no music or different music, whether to use scent or not during your massage, whether your massage should be deeper or lighter. If you are uncomfortable at all, always speak up and be honest with your therapist about your expectations and comfort. However, if at any time the massage professional feels threatened or uncomfortable with a situation, they can end the session immediately, and you will be required to pay the entire fee.
Afterward, if you are able and not restricted due to medication, drink plenty of water to help your body to flush the toxins which will have been released and cleanse your tissues and cells, replenishing them with new fresh blood and nutrients. Allow the effects of the massage to linger, and just let go, relax and enjoy the release of stress, soreness and pressure your body has been holding for so long.
