Massage therapist opens business in Plains

Fueled by corona virus concerns, unhealthy air from forest fires, a contentious political climate and a host of other issues, stress is on the rise in Montana and across the country.

For folks in Plains and the surrounding area, stress management in the form of relaxing massage therapy has arrived.

Licensed massage therapist Kelli Black recently opened her Evergreen Bodyworks business to provide a medically approved method to relieve stress, anxiety and other ailments.

Black, wife of Clark Fork Valley Hospital Emergency Department physician Dr. Ronald Black, said a trip to the Philippines as part of a humanitarian medical mission was the inspiration behind her desire to become a massage therapist.

“My husband and I went on a mission to the Philippines and I noticed many of the people with whom we interacted with were very hard working people,” she said. “I learned the level of stress under which they live produced a variety of chronic ailments, most of which could be lessened by massage therapy.”

A self-described domestic chef and super-mom prior to the trip, Black decided to explore the path to becoming a therapist and soon there after enrolled in a massage program in Missoula.

She graduated this past June and after searching for a good location for her business, she set up what is now Evergreen Bodyworks, located at 195 Boyer Street.

“Massage therapy is a way of providing instant gratification for the mind and body,” she said. “It can be beneficial to everyone and is a proven way to relax, which in turn translates into positive benefits to the whole body.”

She said she was impressed with studies showing human contact is also regarded as a way to promote healing for clients of all ages, especially elderly citizens who may not get much human contact.

After completing her educational requirements and passing the required state certification exam, she began looking for a place in the Plains area. When a previous tenant moved out of the Boyer Street location, she felt she had found a perfect place for her new venture.

“This place just fell into my hands,” she said. “It had everything I was looking for, including ambience. This setting is where I want to stay.”

With most massage therapy currently available through traveling therapist, Black said having a fixed location provides several benefits to local residents, including ease of scheduling and local access.

The one-hour to 90-minute sessions, which can include hot stones and heated towels depending upon the client’s needs, have been shown to trigger neuro-muscular responses that translate into relaxation.

The by-appointment only sessions can be booked on-line at evergreenbodyworks.net. Current plans call for Wednesday through Saturday appointments between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.