Self care… To some, it means a night on the couch binging Netflix. To others, it means running regularly and eating healthy, locally grown food. Yet to others, it might mean regular massages, facials, hot yoga, and other healthy habits that contribute to the wellness of our mind and body… And the connections that lie between them.

Starting in my early 20s, I grew quite fond of the deep-tissue massage. My plate is always over-flowing with my full-time career and side hustles (Vermont Realtor, marketing consultant, wedding band manager, coach and trainer, travel blogger). Don’t get me wrong… I feel most fulfilled and my happiest with a long to-do list. I am energized by new ventures popping up regularly. I love having my hands in a variety of things at once. However, I do, as a result, have my fair share of stress that manifests itself in my back and neck. When I discovered the beauty of the deep tissue massage, it was a gamechanger for me. Regularly relieving the knots, kinks and other discomfort in my body, has aided my sleep and general recovery. Massage makes me a happier, more balanced person. And for that, I am grateful.

Massages in Burlington, Vermont

In the past 15 years, I’ve had many massages in Vermont and beyond. It’s one of few things I truly prioritize and protect, selfishly. I splurge on massages over just about everything else in life (well, maybe not travel…) But massage is for me and only me. And that’s okay. I deserve it. And you deserve it too! I have big dreams for my life after all. So I need to protect the only vessel I have to get me to experience all that life has to offer.

Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing – without doubt – the very best massage I’ve had in Vermont from Rod Cain himself from Rod Cain Massage Therapy. The 90-minute, deep-tissue massage I enjoyed, with delicate detail work where my body needed it most and a variety of modalities and techniques, reminded me how curative and truly restorative skilled bodywork can be.

Experiencing Rod Cain Massage Therapy

Located in Suite 224 in the Chace Mill in Burlington, Rod Cain Massage Therapy is a multi-therapist massage practice. The Chase Mill, lining the banks of the Winooski River, was once a cotton factory, then turned a mercantile facility. Now it hosts a variety of businesses – many encouraging health and wellness. Stepping into the terracotta hued space in Chace Mill immediately creates a sense of bliss. A warm brick wall lines one side of the room, while industrial accents on the tall ceiling give the space a modern, inviting feel. A pink himalayan salt lamp, trickling waterfall, a Buddha statue and orchid dress up the space. Once on the table and ready for my massage, I immediately felt a sense of calm. Perhaps it was Rod’s energy or perhaps it was the aura of the space.

Dance-Like Massages in Vermont

A deep tissue massage specialist, Rod graduated from the Florida School of Massage and has been working as a massage therapist for 28 years. His current practice has operated out of the Chase Mill for six years and in his current suite for the past four years. Rod is a master of massage technique. His skill is beyond (and far and away) from any other therapists I’ve worked with in Vermont. His hands somehow navigate to and intrinsically find the areas of your body that need extra attention the most. The detail work Rod performs on the muscular nooks and crannies of the body was unlike any massage I’ve experienced. Professional and knowledgeable, Rod truly is an expert at anatomy. Rod has an innate ability to sense where your body needs extra stretching, depth, and care. His hands can read your body, knowing how deep to work the muscles, and where to ease up.

During my 90-minute massage, I pummeled Rod with questions about his work. What struck me most is that even after 28 years in the industry, he still loves working on each client with purpose and presence. It’s evident his regular clients feel similarly, as Rod Cain Massage Therapy is a finalist for the Seven Daysies in Vermont for 2019.

I definitely experienced a difference in the 90-minute deep tissue massage I experienced from Rod. In trying to get to the bottom of it, I think a lot of it comes from the experience and skill Rod has. He explained to me that no two bodies are the same – ever- and they can’t be treated as such. The hands need to speak to each unique body independently. Rod described it like dancing… you may be doing the same dance but with different dance partners. No two experiences are ever the same. For me, Rod’s in-depth knowledge of anatomy, delicate care and professionalism, and detailed approach to bodywork is a winning combination. I felt leaving restored, without even minor aches and pains anywhere in my body, and blissfully happy.

Tips for Experiencing Rod Cain Massage Therapy Like a Local:

• Chace Mill offers extensive free parking. It’s easy to find a spot and get to your appointment on time. There is also ample parking in the back of the building.
• The massage suite is located in the middle of the second floor. Take the door on the right (on the opposite side from Pingala Cafe). The stairs are on your left. Proceed to walk straight down the hall to Suite 224. If the door is closed, there’s a leather couch and waiting area around the corner and across from the bathrooms. If you parked in the back lot, you will enter the back door located on the second floor.
• Worried about self care emptying your wallet? Massages at Rod Cain Massage are some of the most affordable in the area. A 60-minute custom massage is $80. 90 minutes is $110 and an 120-minute custom massage is $145. Rod also offers 90-minute couples’ massages for $220.
• All massages are fully customized to what your body needs most: deep tissue, Swedish/relaxation, pre-natal massage, restorative/rehabilitative massage and couples massage in Vermont.
• Time of year impacts your ability to get an appointment quickly. To be safe and have a variety of appointment times, try to book at least 2-3 weeks out. The summer months tend to have more cancellations and last-minute appointments available.
• If you’re like me and crave the convenience of online booking, you’ll be happy to know Rod Cain accepts online appointments here. You can also easily review, cancel or change your appointments.
• Interested in giving the gift of self care? You can order a printable gift certificate or emailed gift card for a 60-minute or 90-minute massage.
• Committing to self care regularly? Take advantage of Rod Cain Massage Therapy’s package pricing, which saves you typically 10-15% on packages. I can’t, personally, think of a better way to ensure you take care of yourself regularly!
• Always forgetting your check book? Rod Cain Massage accepts Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express at the time of booking or on site.

Rod Cain Massage Therapy
1 Mill Street, Suite 224, Burlington, Vermont
802-355-5585

*I received a complimentary massage to experience Rod Cain Massage Therapy personally. All opinions are my own.