MEET THE WINNER | Best Massage Therapist
For the past decade, Rachel Gard has dedicated her career to helping people move better, hurt less, and get back to doing what they love. A licensed massage therapist and owner of Wolf River Massage Therapy in Collierville, Gard specializes in pain relief for active lifestyles, from athletes to anyone looking to improve how they feel and function each day.
Rachel has built a reputation for combining advanced therapeutic techniques with compassionate, individualized care. Her specialties include deep tissue massage, Ashiatsu, Table Thai massage, and cupping therapy, all rooted in a desire to help people find lasting relief from pain.
HER MISSION
Rachel believes massage therapy is about much more than relaxation. Her goal is to help clients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. Whether someone is recovering from strenuous activity, managing chronic pain, or dealing with the physical demands of everyday life, every treatment is tailored to their unique needs.
Rachel also emphasizes the importance of understanding how emotional and mental stress can influence physical tension and discomfort. By addressing both the body and the individual behind it, she strives to help clients move more comfortably and confidently long after they leave the treatment room.
WHAT SETS HER APART
While Rachel is known for her deep tissue expertise, she believes what truly distinguishes her practice is the level of attention she gives every client. Although new patients complete an intake form before their appointment, she personally reviews every detail with them again to ensure she fully understands their health history, concerns, and goals before treatment begins.
She also places great importance on creating a peaceful environment where clients can fully relax and focus on healing.
Rachel emphasizes the importance of the proper education and training required for experts in her field. Behind every treatment is years of study, hands-on experience, and a commitment to continually refining techniques that help clients achieve meaningful pain relief.
EXPERT ADVICE
One lesson Gard has learned from her clients is that movement remains essential, even when it’s difficult. She recalls the words of one longtime client living with chronic pain after two hip replacement surgeries: “Moving still hurts, but it’s necessary to keep moving if I want to be mobile and be around my grandchildren.” For Rachel, this perspective perfectly captures the goal of massage therapy: helping people continue doing the things that matter most in their lives.
LOOKING FORWARD
Rachel plans to continue expanding the services offered at Wolf River Massage Therapy. She hopes to complete prenatal massage training in the near future while gradually growing her team by adding additional licensed massage therapists.
Her long-term vision includes creating a comprehensive massage and recovery center that offers services such as cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and red light therapy, providing clients with additional tools for recovery and wellness.
Wolfrivermassage.com / rachel@wolfrivermassage.com / IG: @wolfrivermassagetherapy
By Zoe Harrison / Photo by Tindall Stephens
