Pretzel Massage and Bodywork

18/08/2025

I don’t usually share content from elsewhere, but this was too perfect:

You know where I am if you need to ‘pay a being’.

12/08/2025

✨ Staying Present… with a Little Help ✨

I was telling a friend recently that I struggle to stay in the present moment.

My brain is always full of ideas racing around, which often leads to mental burnout and a total disconnection from my body (think bad posture, jaw clenching, headaches, the works 😬).

I said I wished there was a little device that would just nudge me every now and then — not another phone alarm, app, or “track your progress” thing — just a simple reminder to check in with myself and reset. Something you could carry and use without your phone or a wifi connection.

Well… he only went and made me one! 🤯

It’s small enough to pop in my pocket, and every hour it plays three notes — A, D, D (yep… Attention Deficit Disorder 😂) — to bring me “back into the room.”

Today is my first day using it, and I’m ridiculously excited to see how it helps.
The best bit? It has a tiny message engraved on it just for me:

“Check your f***ing posture, Melody!”

Wish me luck — here’s to fewer hunched shoulders and more present moments.

Thanks Mitch. Such a thoughtful present from such a thoughtful human x x

08/08/2025

23 Years of Massage – and Still Loving It

It has now been 23 years since I completed my very first massage qualification. What a journey it's been!

They say it takes around 2,000 hours to truly master a skill. Well, the average massage therapist performs over 25,000 massages in a 23-year career… that’s a lot of practice!

Every client, every stretch, every knot worked through has helped me refine my craft and I’m still learning, growing, and loving what I do.

Thank you to everyone who’s trusted me with their body, their stories, and their recovery over the years. Whether you're a new face or one I've known for decades, you’re part of the reason I still look forward to every session.

Here’s to many more years of helping people feel a little looser, lighter, and more at home in their body.

With gratitude,

Melody (Pretzel) x

05/08/2025

My favourite flowers, from two of my favourite people. Thanks Caroline and George x

30/07/2025

You asked....so let's see how this goes!

From now until the end of September (and potentially beyond), Pretzel Massage & Bodywork will be open on Mondays, and I'm opening earlier in the day across the week.

🕒 New Hours:
– Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10am – 8pm
– Fri & Sat: Bright and early from 8am!

Whether you’re squeezing in a session before work or finally carving out some "you time," there’s now even more space to unwind, reset, and feel amazing.

📅 Book online anytime:
https://bookings.gettimely.com/pretzelmassageandbodywork/bb/book

Thanks for all your feedback and support Bungendore!

16/07/2025

Now offering Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) at Pretzel!

Did you know your lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pump like your heart does for blood? That means it relies on movement, breath, and gentle pressure to keep things flowing — and sometimes, it needs a little extra help.

That’s where Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) comes in. Using very light, rhythmic stretches to the tissue between your skin and muscles, along with gentle pumping motions, MLD encourages lymph to move through the body up to 5 times faster and more effectively than it might on its own.

The benefits?
✔️ Reduced swelling, fluid retention & puffiness
✔️ Faster recovery after surgery or injury
✔️ Support for lymphoedema & chronic inflammation
✔️ Improved immune function & detoxification
✔️ Relief from heaviness, bloating, and fatigue
✔️ Deeply calming and relaxing

Whether you're looking for gentle recovery support or a full-body refresh, MLD is a beautiful, non-invasive therapy that works with your body’s natural rhythms.

📍Based in Bungendore | 💻 Book online: pretzelmassageandbodywork.gettimely.com

04/07/2025

Early Saturday mornings in Bungendore: It’s frosty outside, quiet except for the sound of birdsong and honestly, it hardly feels like coming to work when the space feels this calm and welcoming.

I love these peaceful starts. I love my job. I love Bungendore.

If you’re in need of a little warmth, comfort or a moment to yourself this weekend, you’re always welcome here.Book online: https://bookings.gettimely.com/pretzelmassageandbodywork/bb/book

04/07/2025

Flaxseed Heat Packs Now Available at Pretzel!

Say hello to your new best friend for chilly nights, aches, and everyday comfort. These beautifully soft heat packs are filled with flaxseed instead of wheat — and here’s why that matters:

✅ Flaxseed stays warmer for longer than wheat
✅ It has a silkier, more flexible feel, allowing the pack to mould more comfortably to your body
✅ It’s less likely to develop that “cooked grain” smell over time

Each one comes with a plush fleece cover and clever internal stitching to stop the filling from pooling, so your heat is evenly distributed every time.

Sash-style ties on either end mean you can wear it hands-free:
Around your neck, back, hips, shoulders, or wherever you need a little love.

🌀 Just pop it in the microwave for 3 minutes = approx. 15 minutes of glorious warmth.
🌬️ Or use it cold straight from the freezer to soothe inflammation and injuries.

Perfect for:
💥 Period pain and cramps
💤 Neck and shoulder tension
🔥 Lower back aches
🎾 Sports injuries
🛋️ Or just staying cosy with a cuppa and your favourite show!

I’ve even taken mine for a dog walk and a coffee run — totally forgot it was there. They're that comfy.

Drop by the clinic to grab yours — or send me a message to reserve one. Stock is limited!

01/07/2025

🌧️ Cold, grey, and a bit too soggy for a walk? I feel you.

If the rain has dampened your workout motivation and indoor classes feel more like a chore than a cheer-up — I’ve got a better idea.

💆‍♀️ A massage at Pretzel Massage and Bodywork isn’t just about lying still. Gentle stretches, movement, and bodywork tailored to your needs can leave you feeling just as refreshed as a workout — without the wet socks.
⠀
✨ Think of it as movement with comfort:
🛏️ A heated, sheepskin covered bed with bamboo silk sheets
🌿 Calming essential oils
💡 Gentle lighting
🧖‍♀️ Hot towels and a dreamy head, face, and neck massage to finish

💫 Treat your body to what it’s craving this week — warmth, movement, and restoration.

📅 Limited spots available today, this Friday and Saturday.
🔗 Book now: https://bookings.gettimely.com/pretzelmassageandbodywork/bb/book

21/06/2025

What Remedial Massage Really Means:

When people hear “remedial massage,” they often picture a sporty therapist, listing muscle names, using medical jargon and telling you to “breathe through the pain.” 😬 Sound familiar?

Let’s clear that up.

Remedial means 'remedy'. It’s about addressing specific tensions, restrictions or dysfunctions in your body — not punishing it into submission.

A good remedial massage is:

*Given with intention and knowledge

*Tailored to your needs and comfort

*Designed to help your body feel safe, self-regulate and heal

Yes, some people love a deep, firm massage (me too, sometimes!). But let’s be real — deep tissue doesn’t have to mean brute force. You can work on deep structures gently, with precision and respect for the nervous system.

✅ You might feel pressure, a stretch, or a strong release —
🚫 But you should never feel like you have to grit your teeth, endure pain, or walk away bruised.

No pain, all gain. That’s the goal. 💛

If you're curious what remedial massage feels like when it's done this way — come and experience it for yourself.

📍 Pretzel Massage and Bodywork | Bungendore
🖥 Book online: pretzelmassageandbodywork.gettimely.com

18/06/2025

Massage feels amazing – it can ease physical pain, clear mental fog, and give you that reset you didn’t even know you needed. Even one session can feel like a sigh of relief – a few days’ reprieve from discomfort, stiffness, and overwhelm.

But while every little bit helps, the real magic happens with consistency. A body that's regularly supported responds better, heals faster, and feels lighter for longer.

Massage isn’t something that’s done to you. It’s something we do together.

When you:

✔️ Drink your water
✔️ Stretch (even just a little!)
✔️ Move regularly
✔️ Book massage sessions to suit your needs – weekly, fortnightly, monthly

… you’re making sure the benefits of our work last longer and go deeper.

I often explain this to clients by sharing that I used to run a cleaning business, and I see the parallels all the time.

You wouldn’t hire a cleaner once and expect your home to stay perfect forever. You’d still rinse the shower, line the bin, get the kids to pick up their towels. It’s a team effort.

Massage is the same – I bring the skills and care, and you bring the body and a bit of follow-through.

No matter your energy, goals, or commitment level, I’ve got an option for you:

🩹 Band Aid Solution – a mini-session when you just need a quick reset. Great for a short burst of relief when life’s been heavy.
💆‍♀️ Relax, Release, Restore – a therapeutic massage that lets you melt into the table while I gently work out the areas that need attention as I go.
🎯 Tender-Care Remedial – focused support for a specific issue, using a mix of remedial techniques to build a plan and help set you right.

And don’t worry – remedial doesn’t mean “hard, fast, and painful.”
All of my sessions are respectful to the body and can be as gentle and relaxing as you need them to be.

Whether you’re here for a top-up or a transformation, I’m here to help you feel at home in your body again.

16/06/2025

Can't find an appointment time that works for you?

Step 1) Remain Calm!
Step 2) Join the waitlist and tell me what you need and when: https://bookings.gettimely.com/pretzelmassageandbodywork/waitlist/join
Step 3) Send me a message (calls are tricky to get to, but voicemail, text or email are all fine).

My online booking system is an absolute blessing, but it can't read my mind. I only work part-time at Pretzel, so I have some flexibility.

Thanks :)

Online appointment booking