Area therapist gets satisfaction in easing pain

HARTINGTON — Candice Cunningham, owner of Massage by Candice, has faithfully been serving the communities of Hartington and Wausa since she opened up her massage therapy shop nearly 10 years ago.
The dream of becoming a massage therapist sparked at an early age when Candice would help her mother and grandmother by giving them massages.
Her grandmother suffered from severe arthritis, and her mother suffered from fibromylagia, a long-term pain and tenderness disorder that affects the joints, muscles, tendons and other soft tissues throughout the body.

Through her massages, Cunningham helped her mother and grandmother retain their comfort level, despite their pains. In doing this, she realized she loved the satisfactory feeling of helping people and taking away as much pain as she can.
Ever since then, she has always wanted to be a massage therapist. Cunningham pursued this dream of massage therapy by attending the Myotherapy Institute in Lincoln, graduating in 2003 with her degree.
She then went on to open up Massage by Candice in Hartington and Wausa in December 2003.
By offering a variety of 12 different massages and therapy, Cunningham assists people of all ages with diverse pains and problems.
Ear Candling, Massage Therapy, Maternity and Infant massages, Soothing Stones, Salt Glows, Aroma Therapy, Wraps, Swedish, and Deep Tissue massages are some of the different massages and therapy she offers. Cunningham also provides Spa packages and offers massage and wedding parties.
Through the many therapies Candice offers she helps many people diagnosed with diseases or returning from a surgery or illness.
She said she often helps cancer patients to increase their comfort.
“I enjoy being able to help people every day, and see them feel better. It is very beneficial to see people go through a surgery or illness and come out of it feeling a lot better and relaxed, and that is the best part of this business,” she said.
As with every business, being a massage therapist has its ups and downs.
If people cancel or miss their appointment she loses the potential income, which can make it hard at times. Being a massage therapist is very hard on one’s body. Although most would think it would put pain and pressure on the hands, Candice says it hurts her back and is very hard on a person’s body.
Because she wants to continue helping others, Candice is now going to school full time to become a nurse, because it is similar to what she does now, but is easier on her body.
The time and dedication that Candice has invested in her business, the community, and helping other people is evident and appreciated by everyone.