Why Does My Knee Hurt

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July 2026 Newsletter by Aubrey E. Garcia, LMT, RMT, Reiki Master Teacher

Distributed via Clinicsense

Hello Beautiful People!

Over the years, I’ve treated clients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. I wanted to share information about some of these conditions so that if you’re experiencing similar symptoms, you can be better informed and know what steps to take. This information explains what the condition is, how massage therapy may help, and whether it falls within my scope of practice.

In last month’s newsletter, I covered common conditions affecting the feet. If you’d like to read it, click here: https://mobilityinmassage.com/articles/

This month, I’d like to discuss one of the more common causes of pain on the outside of the knee: Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IT Band Syndrome).

The IT band is a dense band of connective tissue that runs from the hip to the outside of the knee. Repetitive bending and straightening of the knee can irritate the tissues beneath the IT band, resulting in pain on the outside of the knee. Symptoms often include a burning or aching sensation that may worsen during activities such as running, hiking, or cycling. Contributing factors may include a sudden increase in activity, running downhill, uneven terrain, inadequate recovery, muscle weakness, and worn or inappropriate footwear.

Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension and discomfort in the surrounding muscles, which can improve comfort and support recovery as part of a broader treatment plan.

As a massage therapist, my role is to recognize when your symptoms may be consistent with IT Band Syndrome, but not to diagnose the condition. If I suspect this may be the cause of your pain, I’ll recommend that you see your physician or physical therapist for an evaluation. They can provide a diagnosis, prescribe appropriate exercises, and advise you on activity modifications.

One important point to note is that the IT band is not a muscle, so it cannot be stretched in the way many people believe. Likewise, aggressive foam rolling directly over the IT band has not been shown to lengthen it and is often uncomfortable. Instead, foam rolling the surrounding muscles, such as the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles, may help improve mobility and reduce discomfort.

If you’re experiencing knee pain and you’re unsure whether massage therapy is appropriate, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss whether massage may help or whether a referral to another healthcare professional would be the best next step.

Saturday Availability in July

I’m offering afternoon appointments on Saturday, July 18 and Saturday, July 25, with bookings available from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

If you prefer to sleep in, spend the morning getting things done, and enjoy a more relaxed afternoon, here’s your chance to book a later appointment.

https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book

Referrals & Reviews

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has referred their friends and family to me. Your trust and support are what keep my doors open.

I’d also like to thank everyone who has taken the time to leave a Google review. Your kind words help my business remain visible and make it easier for the right people to find me.

Thank you for your continued support. It truly means more than you know.

With Gratitude,

Aubrey E. Garcia

https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book

Celebrate How Far You’ve Come

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Hello Beautiful People,

Over the years, I’ve treated clients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. I wanted to share information about some of these conditions so that if you are experiencing similar symptoms, you can be more informed and know what steps to take to address your concerns. This information explains what the condition is, how massage may help, and whether it falls within my scope of practice. I’ll start at the bottom of our anatomy and work our way up as I write these newsletters throughout the year. Let’s begin with the feet.

Plantar Fasciitis

What it is:

Irritation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot. Massage may help reduce tension and improve mobility.

Contributing Factors:

• Standing for long periods, especially on hard surfaces

• Sudden increases in walking, running, hiking, or exercise

• Tight calf muscles that limit ankle mobility

• Poorly fitting or worn-out footwear

• High arches or very flat feet (in some individuals)

• Carrying extra body weight

• Occupations that require prolonged standing

Scope of Practice:

✔ Massage is within the scope of practice to address soft tissue restrictions and discomfort.

✘ Massage therapists do not diagnose plantar fasciitis or prescribe medical treatment. Please consult your physician.

Achilles Tendinopathy (often called Achilles Tendinitis)

What it is:

Overload or irritation of the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel. Massage may help relieve muscle tension and support recovery.

Common Contributors:

• Sudden increases in running, jumping, or sports activity

• Tight calf muscles

• Inadequate recovery between training sessions

• Changes in footwear

• Hills, stairs, or sprint training

• Age-related changes in tendon capacity

Scope of Practice:

✔ Massage is within the scope of practice to address the surrounding muscles and soft tissues.

✘ Tendon rehabilitation exercises should be prescribed by a physical therapist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Heel Bone Spur

What it is:

A bony growth that develops over time. Massage cannot remove it, but it may help ease discomfort in the surrounding soft tissues.

Common Contributors:

• Long-standing plantar fascia tension

• Chronic foot stress from standing or walking

• Repetitive impact activities

• Excess body weight

• Reduced ankle mobility

• Age-related tissue changes

Scope of Practice:

✔ Massage is within the scope of practice to address soft tissue dysfunction associated with discomfort.

✘ It is outside the scope of practice to diagnose, treat, or remove a bone spur. Consult your physician for diagnosis and imaging if necessary.

Father’s Day

Don’t forget the dads and father figures in your life! An E-Gift Certificate is a quick and easy way to celebrate your husband, dad, grandfather, brother, or simply show appreciation to a male friend.

You can send it directly by email or send it to yourself and print it at home.

AND! Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

After years of studying, exams, and hard work, I think a massage gift certificate is well deserved!

E-Gift Certificates Here → https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/

Complimentary Reiki

If you haven’t tried Reiki yet, here’s your chance! I am offering a complimentary 30-minute Reiki session as a standalone service or combined with massage therapy. You win either way.

Book Here → https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book/

Weekend Availability

Saturdays, June 13th and 27th

I’ve moved my schedule from morning appointments to afternoon appointments, with sessions beginning at 2:00 PM on June 13th and June 27th. Perfect if you’d like to get your chores done in the morning and reward yourself with a massage afterward.

Sunday, June 14th

There is one remaining session available at 11:00 AM on Sunday, June 14th.

Claim Your Spot → https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book/

Google Reviews

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to leave a Google review. I truly appreciate your time and effort. Reviews help others find me online and determine whether my work is the right fit for them. If you feel called to do so, please help me stay visible and reachable by leaving a review.

Leave a Review Here → https://g.page/r/CaJz5ghcWLmHEAE/review

Referrals

If you have family or friends who suffer from chronic pain, injury, insomnia, or high levels of stress, send them my way.

I think that’s it for now. Thank you so much for choosing me to facilitate your healing process and support your health and well-being. Have a wonderful summer! Reach out if you have questions. Simply reply to this e-mail or send me a text at (208)462-0242.

With Gratitude,

Aubrey

May 2026 Newsletter

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This month’s update covers new massage packages in Boise, Sunday availability, and our latest Reiki immersion results.

By Aubrey E. Garcia LMT, Reiki Master

Distributed Via ClinicSense





Hello Beautiful People!

Can we talk about this spring weather for a sec? 70° and sunny one day, then it’s snowing and 32° in the foothills the next. Idaho’s really keeping us on our toes, huh? Hope you’re finding little pockets of sunshine anyway, literally and figuratively.
Here’s what’s going on at Mobility in Massage, let’s jump in:



New Availability ~ Sundays & Later Saturdays
To maintain the quality of care/service I pride myself on, I’ve adjusted my schedule. Sundays are now available by request, and Saturdays run until 3pm, with the last session at 2pm. Sustainability isn’t a luxury…it lets me show up fully for you.
Real talk: If you’re one of my regulars, please book your preferred slot in advance.
My books fill up fast and I’d hate for you to miss your usual “Wednesdays-at-10am-saves-my-sanity” appointment.
→Book your spot here: https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book/



Coming Monthly? Let’s Save You Some $$
If we see each other every month…first off, I love that you are prioritizing yourself. You should check out the package options. They drop your per-session cost and make self-care a little easier on the wallet. Win-win.
→ Peek at the deals: https://mobilityinmassage.com/christmas-packages/
Yes, it says “Christmas”, but the packages run year-round. I should probably update that… adding to my to-do list.



New: Articles & Past Newsletters Live on the Site
For the readers and curious minds: I’ve added an Articles section to the website with past newsletters and articles I’ve written. Perfect for your coffee-and-scroll time.
→ Browse here: https://mobilityinmassage.com/articles/



Reiki Update ~ My Heart is Full
Ok, I have to smile from ear-to-ear for a minute. The 6-Week Reiki Immersion has been so well received and I’m just so grateful. Watching people move through self-forgiveness, clear old blockages, ditch fears, and walk out lighter and clearer? It’s why I do this. Reiki is such a powerful tool for becoming that “best version” of you.

Never tried Reiki? Try pairing it with your next massage. It’s like hitting the “calm” button on your nervous system first, so your body actually receives the bodywork instead of fighting it. Game changer.
→ Curious about Reiki & offerings: https://mobilityinmassage.com/reiki/



I think that’s it for now. As always, thank you for being here, trusting me and choosing me to facilitate your healing process. If any of these sparked questions, just hit reply. I read every message.
Sincerely,


Aubrey

Practice Logo

Mobility in Massage
3350 W Americana Terrace, Ste 210A, Boise, ID, 83706
https://mobilityinmassage.com/
(208) 462-0242

April 2026 Newsletter

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Distributed via ClinicSense

Hello Beautiful People,

I want to start with a simple thank you.

Because of you, Mobility in Massage has once again been recognized in Boise Favorites. As a solo practitioner, this means more than I can fully put into words.

Every session you’ve booked, every referral you’ve made, every time you’ve trusted me with your body. It all adds up to this.

So truly, thank you.

If you’ve been on my table, you already know this.

This isn’t spa massage. This is structural work, nervous system regulation, and energy integration working together.

You’ve probably felt it. That moment when your body drops. Your breath deepens. Or something shifts that you didn’t even have words for.

And here’s the truth:
One session opens the door. Consistency is what changes your baseline.

With that said, here are offerings that support that consistency.

Massage Packages

If you receive massage regularly, packages are available at a reduced rate:
https://mobilityinmassage.com/christmas-packages/

6-Week Reiki Immersion

Who This Is Best For:
• The same tension or discomfort keeps coming back
• Stress or emotion builds beneath the surface
• You find yourself overthinking or trying to stay in control
• Relief helps, but it does not last
• You’re ready to work with what is underneath

This is not surface-level work.

What To Expect:
• 6 Reiki sessions designed to build on each other weekly
• Your body may begin to hold less tension and respond differently to stress
• Emotional processing may occur as stored patterns begin to move
• Greater clarity around patterns that once felt automatic
• Tools to stay connected to your body outside of sessions

Change happens through consistency, not intensity.

What Others Have Experienced:
• Feeling calmer and more grounded in situations that used to trigger them
• A decrease in physical tension and more ease in their body
• The ability to pause instead of react
• Speaking up and setting clearer boundaries
• Reconnecting with direction, purpose, or spiritual connection
• Recognizing and shifting patterns in real time

What You’ll Receive:
• A safe, supportive space for physical, emotional, and energetic patterns to surface and release
• Simple grounding and integration tools between sessions
• A calm, professional environment where your process is respected

What This Is Not:
Reiki is a complementary wellness practice.
It is not psychotherapy, medical treatment, or crisis care.

If you are working with a licensed provider, this immersion supports that work. It does not replace it.

Structure:
6 sessions
90 minutes each
Designed for integration, regulation, and long-term change

Each session builds on the last. We are not starting over each time.

Your nervous system begins to settle more efficiently. What once took effort begins to happen with more ease.

You may notice less tension, more mobility, and a different relationship to areas that once felt stuck.

Emotionally, things may surface. Not all at once, and not without support.

You will also experience moments of clarity. Patterns begin to make sense, and you’ll recognize them as they happen.

Between sessions, you’ll have simple ways to stay connected to the work.

A regulated system supports clear thinking.
Clear thinking leads to grounded action.

Investment:
$180 deposit + $100 per session
Or pay in full and receive an $80 discount

Not sure if it’s the right fit?

I offer a one-time complimentary 30-minute Reiki session so you can experience the work first:
https://mobilityinmassage.com/reiki/

Giving Back

For every session, $1 is donated to the Idaho Diaper Bank. The Idaho Diaper Bank provides diapers to families in need across Idaho, supporting the health, dignity, and well-being of children. Your healing extends beyond the room and supports families who need basic care.

If you’d like to contribute further:
https://idahodiaperbank.rallybound.org/Team/View/207230/Mobility-in-Massage

If You’ve Ever Thought About Leaving a Review

If you’ve walked out of a session feeling different. More grounded. More mobile. More yourself. Sharing your experience helps the right people find this work.

Thank you to those of you who already have

https://g.page/r/CaJz5ghcWLmHEBM/review

Booking, Waitlist, and Communication

My schedule fills quickly, and I know some of you have had difficulty getting in.

If you’re trying to get on the table:

• Join the waitlist
• Texting is the fastest way to reach me

https://mobilityinmassage.clinicsense.com/book

I think that’s it for now.

Reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you for choosing me to facilitate your healing process and journey.

With Gratitude,


Aubrey

Stories the Muscles Hold

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As Published on Hedra News January 2026 Edition

By Aubrey E. Garcia, LMT, Reiki Master

Before I ever understood the word subconscious, I had already met it. It wasn’t in a psychology book or a lecture hall or a meditation class. It introduced itself through other people’s bodies — loudly, unexpectedly, and with a personality of its own.

I was brand-new in the massage world back then, still working for someone else, still trying not to look like I was overthinking every move (even though I absolutely was). One ordinary afternoon, a woman came in for a standard one-hour session. Nothing unusual about the intake. Nothing suggesting anything big was about to happen.

But when I got to her right hamstrings, the moment I glided across a trigger point, she suddenly exploded into uncontrollable laughter. Not shy laughter. Not a giggle. We’re talking full-tilt, eyes-watering, body-shaking joy. It filled the room so fast I didn’t even have time to wonder if I’d done something wrong. She wasn’t embarrassed. She wasn’t confused. She was just… overtaken by something good. Something familiar. Something her body clearly remembered.

I had no idea what I had just witnessed. But the body did.

A few months later, another client came in — different age, different background, different everything. I laid a warm towel across her pectoral muscles, and just as instantly, she burst into tears. Not from pain. Not from fear. She wasn’t distressed. She was releasing something ancient and tender — something she’d held so long her conscious mind had forgotten it existed.

My younger, inexperienced self didn’t have the language for any of this yet. But I could feel that these were not random outbursts. They were keys turning. Doors unlocking. Memories — emotional memories — surfacing from places that textbooks never mentioned. And that’s what dragged me into the rabbit hole.

I started researching. I started listening more. I started observing the patterns between touch, emotion, and memory. That’s where I discovered the concept of the subconscious mind — the part of us that runs without us thinking about it. The part responsible for muscle memory, instincts, breath patterns, protective contractions, and all the hidden emotional files we never meant to store.

What most people call “the mind” is really just the conscious mind — the narrator, the planner, the talker. But the subconscious is the archivist. It stores everything that the conscious mind doesn’t have time, capacity, or courage to process.

And here’s the part people don’t talk about; the subconscious doesn’t just store trauma. It stores joy, too.

It holds:

  • the laughter you forgot you laughed
  • the comfort you didn’t know mattered
  • the safety you once felt in someone’s presence
  • the relief of finally exhaling after a long season of holding
  • the subtle moments where your body whispered, you’re okay now

Those live in your tissues just as much as the heartbreaks, the fears, the disappointments, and the shocks. We just tend to notice the painful ones more because they’re the ones that shout. But the joyful ones are there — quiet, warm, tucked away like handwritten notes in old books.

And because the subconscious stores all emotional states — not just the hard ones — you can actually work with it intentionally, not passively.

You can anchor a feeling in your body on purpose.

Say you just got a promotion. Relief washes through you. Pride rises in your chest. Your breath deepens without you even telling it to. That emotional wave doesn’t just happen in your mind — it happens in your body.

In that moment, if you firmly press the fleshy spot between your thumb and index finger for a few seconds, you’re creating a physical anchor. A physical bookmark for an emotional state.

Later — on a day when you’re discouraged, overwhelmed, or feeling like life is kicking you in the shins — you can press that same spot again. And your subconscious, which recorded the original sensation without hesitation, responds like:

“Oh. We know this one. We’ve been here before. This is safety. This is joy.”

This is neuroscience wrapped in ancient instinct. It’s how people rebuild emotional muscle memory after life knocks it out of them. And it’s exactly what I was witnessing back in those early days without knowing the name for it.

The subconscious mind doesn’t need your permission to speak — only your presence to listen. Pressure to a hamstring can unlock joy. Warmth to the chest can release grief. A simple touch to an acupressure point can restore confidence and calm.

Our bodies remember more than our minds ever will. Because while the conscious mind is busy telling stories, making lists, worrying, planning, comparing — the subconscious is simply recording:


This felt good. This felt bad. This felt safe. This hurt. This mattered.

It catalogs everything.

And when massage, Reiki, breathwork, or any embodied practice creates enough safety, those files rise to the surface — laughter, tears, softening, shivers, peace. It’s not random. It’s the ancient circuitry of being human.

My introduction to the subconscious didn’t come through a lecture.
It came through witnessing people’s bodies tell the truth their conscious minds forgot.

And once you see the body speak like that, you never forget its language.

Instead of Affirmations

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As Published on Hedra News February 2026 Edition

By Aubrey E. Garcia LMT, Reiki Master

As I sit here looking for inspiration that uplifts and brightens someone’s day, a myriad of topics come to mind. Seeing that it’s the start of a brand-new year, I decided to write about affirmations. What are affirmations exactly? Self-help books and budding life coaches will tell you they are statements meant to direct the psyche toward a desired outcome or state of being. Phrases like:

  • I am wealthy
  • I flow through life with ease and clarity
  • I am intelligent
  • I am beautiful
  • I have friends with whom I share mutual joy, genuine love, and respect

These are encouraging words, no doubt. They are well-intentioned. But for many people, especially those at the beginning of their healing, rebuilding, or awakening…affirmations can land sideways. Instead of lifting the spirit, they can trigger resistance.

If one is nowhere near the vicinity of peace, financial stability, or healthy relationships, repeating these phrases can feel dishonest. The nervous system knows it. The mind knows it. AND it will not hesitate to push back.

The mind will quickly chime in and reiterate the reasons why there is no wealth in the present moment. It will list the bills, the debt, the uncertainty. It will point out the people who seem ahead of you or the relationships that fell apart. It may even replay moments of rejection, failure, or shame to reinforce its argument.

The conversation often goes something like this:

Affirmation: “I am wealthy.”
Mind: “Oh yeah? Then why are you driving a rusty, old hooptie?”

And the mind isn’t doing this to be cruel. It’s doing what it was designed to do, which is to assess evidence and protect you from perceived falsehoods. This is why affirmations, while powerful tools, aren’t always accessible at the start of the journey. When there’s no tangible proof yet, the conscious mind has plenty of ammunition to sabotage the exercise.

So, the question becomes: is there another way in? Instead of stating affirmations, what if we asked? Questions invite exploration rather than confrontation. They bypass resistance and open the memory bank. They allow truth to surface gently and honestly.

For example, instead of declaring, “I am beautiful,” ask:
Why am I beautiful?

If you allow the answers to unfold without forcing them, the mind will respond. It may recall moments when someone complimented your presence, your kindness, your eyes, your laugh. It may point to resilience, to compassion, to the way you show up even when it’s hard.

Instead of, “I am wealthy,” ask:
In what ways am I already supported?
When have I been provided for before?

Instead of, “I have loving friendships,” ask:
Who in my life has shown me care, even briefly?
How have I shown up as a good friend myself?

Instead of, “I am confident,” ask:
When have I handled something difficult well?
What challenges have I already survived?

Instead of, “I trust myself,” ask:
When have my instincts protected me?
What decisions am I proud of making?

These questions don’t demand belief. They invite evidence. And evidence is something the mind respects.

What emerges from this practice is far more believable than rote repetition. The answers are affirming not because you’re trying to convince yourself of something new, but because you’re uncovering what is already true. This makes the process sustainable. It builds self-trust instead of bypassing it.

Over time, something interesting happens. The answers accumulate. The nervous system softens. The mind begins to cooperate. And one day, the affirmations that once felt hollow will land with weight and sincerity. Because now they’re backed by lived proof.

To tie it all in. Affirmations can be powerful, but they aren’t always accessible when the nervous system and mind lack evidence to support them. For many people, especially at the beginning of their journey, affirmations can trigger resistance rather than uplift. Asking questions instead of making declarations allows the mind to participate rather than rebel. Questions invite memory, truth, and proof which then create affirmations that are believable, embodied, and sustainable. Over time, this approach builds genuine self-trust and allows affirmations to arise naturally, grounded in lived experience rather than wishful thinking.