Massage should never be painful! Often, I hear clients say "I can take it, be as hard as you need to get the knots out", and I reply "Please let me know if the pressure is painful. Otherwise relax, breathe, and let me assist your body to loosen up and begin to heal its own tight areas." Massage, like most modalities, is cumulative so please be prepared to come often and together we can begin to loosen the fascia which in turn will allow your muscles, organs, and joints to move a little more freely. 

I am Carrie Dahmer, LMT and the owner of Active Body Therapies. As a Colorado native I began my career in bodywork and health services many years ago at the University of Denver with a major in Sport Medicine and additional coursework in athletic training, medical terminology and lab services. I also had a passion for horses, and enjoyed a successful career riding, training, showing, and teaching. For years I vacillated between the two fields of interest and in recent years have transitioned back to my roots in structure and bodywork with focus on the body in motion. Keeping up with current license requirements, I became certified for Equine Therapeutic Massage through the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage. I then continued through Advanced Massage Therapeutics in Louisville, KY to update current hours of study required to take National Board Exam and receive my Kentucky and Louisiana [human] Massage Licenses. As much as I loved riding and showing horses, I loved caring for them more. Now back to working with human muscles, I can honestly say I feel my best when I am helping others to feel their best. 

I chose Advanced Massage Therapeutics in Louisville for school specifically because of my interest in therapeutic massage and how it can alter or affect structure. Additionally, I have completed John Barnes MFR Level 1, for his foundation course in Myofascial Release, and have received sessions in traditional "Rolfing" as first designed by Ida Rolf. Also certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage through the MLD Institute, core levels of Reiki, and Equine Therapeutic Massage. 

I understand pain and have sustained injuries myself. Yet, each injury has taught me more about the working structure of the body and has given me more tools for knowledge. During my College years I had a virus called Guillain-barre syndrome, which left me paralyzed for a summer and fighting to work and retrain my muscles to walk, talk, and even close my eyes as I recovered. Quite an education in muscular structure and how they are needed to work together from top to bottom! Over the years I have  sustained breaks and strains, sprains, and damage directly to muscles. Due to years of scoliosis and poor body mechanics I endured a level of pain from damage to hip and the piriformis muscle specifically. When I thought I could not walk, sit, stand, or basically function, I was fortunate to find a massage therapist with knowledge and patience to get me back on track. Now, I look forward to helping you. A single muscle may be weak or have a tear or a spasm, but is not likely the entire problem. When one muscle contracts, another corresponding muscle must lengthen. The joy for me is to work through the puzzle until all parts are working smoothly in their proper place and function to help you feel your best.

I feel especially fortunate to have previously rented space within a Medical community, I have had clients come with specific written prescriptions for massage, pre and post surgical work, and of course to work out the everyday tight spots. One of the most common statements I hear from all clients is "I slept so much better after my last massage!" This is a benefit not often thought of until some level of pain or stress is reduced and sleep is comfortable. I look forward to helping you in your quest for peak performance!