PJ Falkner, who performs variable-force deep tissue massages at Hands 4 Health in Ballston Spa, says that type of massage seeks to relieve areas of muscle that are not getting enough oxygen, blood or nutrients. CLARK BELL/The Saratogian

Business Q & A: PJ Sparks

Business: Hands 4 Health

Position: NYS licensed massage therapist

Address: 85 Rowland St., Ballston Spa

Phone: 461-8085

Web: www.hands4health.com

What do you do? I specialize in variable-force deep tissue massage, which is very muscle specific. This type of massage works a person's individual needs and normalizes body tissue, improving a muscle's range of motion.

How does this type of massage vary from others? Because the body is like an onion and has lots of layers, variable-force deep tissue massage has a few steps that have to be taken, unlike other types of massages. Swedish massages are pretty popular, and those are geared toward just relaxation. The Swedish massage does have a very positive effect on the whole body, but I work very muscle-specific. I find the person's trigger points, which are areas in a muscle that are not getting proper oxygen, blood or nutrient supplies. I use this trigger point therapy to get blood flowing and to increase circulation to this particular muscle. Variable-force deep tissue massage is a very therapeutic massage.

Does it hurt? No. I get people to focus in on their breathing, and that gets them to relax their muscles. It's when people have deep trigger point issues that it might hurt more, but I encourage people to drink lots of water following the massage. The next day they could feel like they had a good workout, but they shouldn't be sore if they drank enough water. Water is key.

What type of people is this type of massage best suited for? I have a wide range of people who come and see me - from their early 20s to mid-80s. It's really nice that all kinds of people come to me - some with specific problems and some without. I massage area dentists often because of their poor posture while they work. I can't say that I fix or cure people, though, because I am not a doctor. But by normalizing certain tissues, people usually get the benefit of ridding a looming pain.

What should people expect when they come to see you? They need to fill out a health history form, so they should arrive about 10 minutes early to do that so it won't cut into the massage time. They will know from talking to me that they should wear shorts or something comfortable from the waist down but that they will be wearing a gown. I use gowns instead of linens and cocoA butter instead of oil. People have to remember that this is a very interactive massage and I usually look for two areas of the body that are experiencing stress tension. For that reason, I think a person's first session should be about an hour long.

What are your rates? For variable-force deep tissue massage, I charge $75 per hour and $40 per half-hour. I also will do Swedish massages, which are $60 per hour and $35 per half-hour.

How did you get interested in massage therapy? About 15 years ago, I had my first massage in Glens Falls and it was wonderful. Every time I kept getting a massage after that, I told myself this is what I want to do. A few years later, I went to Palm Springs on vacation and I had a stone therapy massage. It was at this particular massage that I finally told myself I really have to do this. It took 13 months of training, working full time and going to school nights all while being a single mom to accomplish all of this. But I did it.

What was your training? Massage therapy is a 1,000-hour program. Once I completed that, I had to sit for the state board exam. So, right now I am a New York State licensed massage therapist, but by the end of the summer, I want to be nationally licensed. I also have been doing an on-going training with Dr. Macie at his Structural Release Center. I work one day a week with him and will continue to do so because I think I will always want to continue learning about the human body.

What is it about massage therapy that continues to inspire you? I think I take people-watching to the next level. I look at people - their posture, the way they walk - and I think to myself that I could help them. People come into this office looking and feeling one way, and when they leave they look and feel another way. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.

What advice can you give the new business owners out there? You need to believe in yourself to keep your dream going and to get through the lows. People who believe they are doing what they should be doing - hang in there. I have been there, too, and I know the first year of a new business is the hardest. Just remember that if you do what you love for work, you will always love Mondays.