About us
At Armory Massage Therapy, we started with a single vision – to make our clients feel better than they ever have before. We attend to busy professionals who live and work downtown, local athletes, and those traveling through the city who are looking for a reputable, dependable, and well-located massage therapy practice. With years of experience, our expert staff prides itself on working hard to make Armory Massage Therapy the place to rely on in Syracuse, New York for all of your massage therapy sessions.
Meet Your Therapist
New York State Licensed Massage Therapists (L.M.T.)
Melissa Heavener
Owner of Armory Massage Therapy
Licensed Massage Therapist; 2001
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist
Traditional Usui Reiki Master Teacher; 1999
Crystal Shaman Reiki Level 1 & Level 2
Melissa combines a variety of Eastern and Western techniques in her bodywork to encourage the release of muscle tension, enhance fluid breathing, and achieve deep relaxation. She assists her clients in reaching their goals by listening to their needs and developing a personalized session that may include stretching and/or movement.
Melissa received her Associates Degree (A.A.S.) in Massage Therapy from Trocaire College, a hospital based program in Buffalo, New York, in 2001 and has continued to grow, personally and professionally, with her studies in energy bodywork, Andean healing methods, rituals, ceremonies, and Eastern inspired techniques such as Massage Cupping Bodywork, Japanese Zen Facial Rejuvenation, and Chinese Craniosacral Therapy/Daoist Pain Management. Her solid training in Western techniques has been enhanced by many years of experience and collaboration with Physical Therapists and Doctors of Chiropractic medicine, especially in the field of Chiropractic BioPhysics. Most recently Melissa completed a three year program and is certified in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy. Working in a variety of settings, such as upscale spas in Washington, DC, on-site for national recording artists and stage performers in Buffalo, NY, clinics servicing professional athletes, and massage therapy instruction, she has inspired and educated many people to utilize regularly scheduled massage therapy in their own lives.
Reiki Level I; 1997 Reiki Level II; 1997 Reiki Master Teacher; 1999
ACE MediCupping Certified – Massage Cupping Bodywork; 2006
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist (Foundation Training- Three year, 700 hour series)
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Teaching Assistant 2017-present
Karen Lesko
Licensed Massage Therapist; 1999
Crystal Shaman Reiki Level 1 & Level 2
Karen provides deep, yet nurturing, massage therapy sessions. She excels at treating chronic conditions and specific medical concerns such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, and multiple sclerosis. She also enjoys providing prenatal/pregnancy massage and, as a mother of two children, she understands the many benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy and the specific needs of a mom caring for young children.
Karen completed a three-year program in Athletic Training and received a multidisciplinary Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Psychology from SUNY Stony Brook in 1995. She went on to attend the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage, in Syracuse, NY and received her license in January of 1999. Her experience in treating athletic injuries has enhanced her massage therapy knowledge. For ten years, Karen worked alongside physical therapists, assisting patients in their treatment of various injuries. She has also worked in a day spa setting. Karen combines all her experience to provide the best therapeutic massage for your specific needs.
Tysheria Thomas
Licensed Massage Therapist; 2015
Crystal Shaman Reiki Level 1 & Level 2
Tysheria is a Syracuse native and graduate of the local massage therapy program at the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. She is familiar with a wide range of techniques and, with years of progressive experience, has deepened her knowledge and ability of deep tissue, swedish, hot stone, sports, and pregnancy massage. Complimenting her current practice of massage therapy Tysheria brings to the table five years of experience as Certified Nursing Assistant and Personal Care Assistant. With sensitivity and concern, she builds strong professional relationships with her clients and supports them in reaching their relaxation and therapy goals.
Michelle Finlon
Licensed Massage Therapist; 2017
Crystal Shaman Reiki Level 1 & Level 2
Michelle performs massage cupping, deep tissue, postural work, and sports massage to assist athletes with body maintenance and injury recovery. Most recently she has added Thai Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage to her skills. She enjoys working with a wide variety of people and finds her work fulfilling as positive transformation reveals itself during the sessions. In every session, her focus is to help relieve discomfort or pain in the body by providing an effective, yet relaxing experience.
Michelle is a Syracuse native and graduate of the Onondaga School of Therapeutic Massage. Michelle began her journey into massage therapy after seeing firsthand the support massage therapy provided to a close family member at a critical time of need. Since this time, she could not resist learning and advocating for this profession. She understands that touch is not a mere luxury but a catalyst for physical, emotional, and mental healing.
Michelle previously attended Onondaga Community College with a focus on psychology — specifically those geared towards mental health disorders and early childhood development.
Continuing Education:
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HOURS
OF OPERATION
Monday-Friday
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Walk-ins are welcome
with availability
Appointments are encouraged
Directions:
From 690
Take the West Street Exit off of 690, turn left onto West Fayette, and arrive at our office in the first building on the right hand side. Walt, the blue ambassador of the Creek Walk, is directly next to our building and in the parking lot accessible from Walton Avenue, across from Urban Outfitters.
In front of the building you will see Pure Salon. Our entrance is on the left side of the building under the Mill Pond Landing awning.
Conveniently located in the heart of Syracuse, New York, Armory Massage Therapy is located in historic Armory Square, alongside galleries, museums, shops, music, restaurants, clubs, events and other attractions. Our warm, contemporary practice is within a building with other business professionals and is only a few minutes away from Syracuse University, Carousel Center, and near many local hotels, such as The Genesee Grande, Crown Plaza Syracuse, Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center , Double Tree by Hilton Syracuse, is walking distance from the Jefferson Clinton Hotel and Suites, and door to door at Courtyard by Marriott Syracuse Downtown at Armory Square.
Look for Walt – the blue Ambassador of the CreekWalk.
Plentiful street and lot parking
Walking distance within the business district, bus lines available
FAQs:
Can I request a particular therapist or style of massage?
Yes. Let us know when you book your session and we will match a therapist to your specific needs. Our therapists are independent professionals and set their own schedules, decide which clients they want to work with, provide the tools necessary for their practice, and conduct themselves and their work entirely in the manner they see fit. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
Where will my massage take place?
Your session will take place in a warm, comfortable room. Lighting is dim, soft music will be playing to help you relax, and you will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Room temperature and music volume can be adjusted at any time to enhance your comfort.
How can I prepare for my massage?
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your appointment on time . This will allow you time to get settled, discuss your goals with your therapist, and give your therapist time to set up supplies needed for your session. Also, be well hydrated. Dehydrated muscles may be sensitive to touch and make your massage session less comfortable.
What do I wear during my massage?
What ever you feel most comfortable with. You may remain fully clothed, wear undergarments, shorts, or be completely disrobed. The choice is yours. You will be warmly draped with a sheet at all times to preserve your privacy. Only a specific limb or body part being worked on is exposed, and all else is securely tucked under the sheet.
Does massage therapy hurt?
That depends on the type of massage and the depth of the strokes. In general a muscle that is relaxed will be supple, soft and will not hurt when touched. While receiving a light, relaxing Swedish massage, you should find that it does not probe very deep into the muscles and will not cause discomfort. However, while lighter massage sedates the nervous system, it will not be able to release deep, chronic tension. On the other hand, with Deep Tissue massage you may experience a “good hurt” feeling as the therapist encourages blood flow into muscles that are tight, and in many cases have been chronically tight for a long time. This increased circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the area, relieving pain.
Will lubricant be used?
A light oil or lotion will be used to allow your muscles to be treated without causing excessive friction to the skin. Most therapists use and unscented, hypoallergenic lubricant to prevent allergic reactions to the skin.
Can or should I talk during my treatment?
Most people prefer to relax in silence with their eyes closed, but for some it is more relaxing to have a conversation. Feel free to ask questions or address concerns about your treatment at any time. If you have specific requests regarding the amount of pressure or type of technique, speak up! You as a client have just as much control during your session as does your massage therapist, so exercise your right to speak out.
How will I feel after my massage?
Most people feel very relaxed, yet aware. Some experience rejuvenation from long term aches and pains resulting from tension or repetitive activity. Many experience increased energy, heightened alertness, and greater productivity, which can last for days.
How often should I receive a massage?
It depends on your lifestyle, schedule, and wellness goals. A good rule of thumb is once a month. However, many people find it beneficial to come on a weekly or biweekly basis. Speak with your therapist to help determine what schedule of massage is best for you.
Our Policies:
Arrival Time
Please arrive 15 minutes before to your appointment. This allows time for necessary paperwork, discussion of any changes in your health or medical history, evaluation by the therapist, and assures a timely start for your session.
Illness
Massage Therapy greatly influences the circulatory system and can exacerbate illness. In the case of an illness please reschedule your massage therapy appointment for the health of the therapist and that of others receiving massage therapy at Armory Massage Therapy, PLLC.
Payment
Payment is due at the time professional services are rendered. Armory Massage Therapy, PLLC accepts cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.
A $20 fee will be charged for insufficient funds on all returned checks.
Package prices are as stated. Package sessions cannot be broken down into smaller increments of time.
Gift Certificates
Gift Certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase.
Gift Certificates are for Armory Massage therapy, PLLC and are not for a specific therapist. We will do our best to accommodate requests for a particular therapist as time and scheduling allow.
Gift Certificates are not redeemable for cash.
We require 24 hours cancellation notice for all appointments. Failure to do so will forfeit the Gift Certificate.
Cancellation/Late Policy
We require 24 hour advance notice when canceling an appointment.
If you are unable to give us 24 hours notice you will be charged for the full amount of your appointment. This amount must be paid before to your next scheduled appointment.
If you arrive late, your session may be shortened in order to accommodate others whose appointments follow yours and you will still be responsible for the full service fee.
Right of Refusal/Termination of a session or professional relationship
Therapists reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
Any inappropriate behavior and/or use of alcohol and/or drugs will result in termination of the session and professional relationship with the client.