Business Details
16 Years
experience
Charlottesville Sports Massage & Therapy Experts
Move Medical Massage & Sports Therapy was founded in 2010 in Charlottesville, VA, and has grown into a team of licensed massage therapists and medical practitioners with over 12 years of combined expertise. Our mission centers on enhancing mobility, recovery, and performance for athletes and active individuals through outcome-based manual therapy. We specialize in bridging the gap between injury and recovery by combining active client participation with techniques like myofascial release, deep tissue massage, and assisted stretching. Our approach prioritizes personalized care, ensuring each session addresses individual needs without compromising quality for efficiency. Therapists are nationally certified and bring decades of experience in sports therapy, including partnerships with UVA Athletics and USA Swimming.We integrate advanced modalities such as Graston Technique, Kinesio Taping, and NormaTec Compression to deliver measurable results. Client education and self-care strategies are embedded into every treatment plan to promote long-term wellness. Our commitment to continuous learning ensures therapies evolve with the latest research and client feedback. The teams athletic backgrounds inform a deep understanding of physical demands, enabling tailored solutions for pain relief, injury prevention, and performance optimization. By balancing scientific rigor with compassionate care, we empower clients to maintain active lifestyles and achieve their health goals.
Services
Medical Massage
Sports Massage
Graston Technique
Kinesio Taping
NormaTec Compression
Acupuncture
Myofascial Release
Deep Tissue Massage
Neuromuscular Therapy
Assisted Stretching
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We have over 12 years of experience in sports therapy and medical massage.
- Our team includes Graston Technique Specialists and Kinesio Taping Certified practitioners.
- We combine multiple evidence-based modalities for comprehensive treatment plans.
- Therapists are nationally board-certified and licensed in Virginia.
- We partner with UVA Athletics and USA Swimming for elite athlete care.
Associations and certifications
- National Board for Certification in Massage & Bodywork (NBCMB)
What people say
Experienced therapists
Effective treatments
Personalized care
Improved recovery
Knowledgeable staff
Services
Move Medical Massage
This outcome-based therapy combines active client participation with manual techniques to address mobility limitations and chronic pain. Therapists use joint mobilization and muscle activation/release methods to improve range of motion and functionality. Ideal for individuals recovering from injuries or seeking performance optimization through personalized treatment plans.
Graston Technique
Advanced instrument-assisted therapy detects and treats scar tissue adhesions in muscles and connective tissues. Stainless steel tools help identify restrictions, allowing precise treatment to restore mobility and reduce pain. Beneficial for athletes and patients with chronic soft-tissue injuries or post-surgical recovery needs.
NormaTec Compression
Clinically proven pneumatic compression therapy enhances blood flow and accelerates recovery. The system targets legs, hips, or arms with dynamic pressure patterns to reduce soreness and inflammation. Particularly effective for athletes needing rapid recovery between training sessions or competitions.
Sports Massage
Specialized sessions focus on athletic preparation, endurance enhancement, and post-event recovery. Combines deep tissue work, assisted stretching, and muscle energy techniques to prevent injuries and maintain peak physical condition. Designed for active individuals at all performance levels.
Acupuncture
Traditional needle therapy integrated with modern sports medicine principles to manage pain and improve energy flow. Combines cupping, electro-stimulation, and gua sha techniques for musculoskeletal conditions. Effective for stress reduction, injury recovery, and optimizing athletic performance through holistic treatment approaches.
People
Emma Rowe
Owner/Director
With 23 years of experience, Emma developed the Move Medical Massage approach combining multiple manual therapies. She directs clinical operations and education programs while maintaining national certification through continued professional development.
Ainslee Wead
Therapist
A 10-year veteran in therapeutic massage, Ainslee specializes in sports recovery and prenatal care. She integrates applied kinesiology with traditional techniques and prepares to teach Move's certification courses while maintaining AMTA membership.
Rita Nelson Crawford
Therapist
Combining athletic training and massage therapy expertise since 2004, Rita offers dual certification in neuromuscular therapy and kinesio taping. Her background includes high school sports medicine program development and collegiate athletic event coverage.
Charles Peterson
Therapist
Specializing in sports performance enhancement since 2018, Charles applies his collegiate soccer experience to athlete-focused treatments. He integrates muscle energy techniques with traditional massage modalities to improve flexibility and reduce injury risk.
Skyla Shumway
Therapist
A certified Move Medical Massage practitioner since 2018, Skyla combines judo athletic experience with fascial distortion model techniques. She currently studies biological sciences at UVA while providing sports injury rehabilitation services.
Questions
What types of massage services do you offer?
We provide Move Medical Massage, sports massage, decompression therapy, Graston Technique, kinesio taping, and acupuncture treatments tailored to individual recovery and performance needs.
Do your services work with medical insurance?
Move Medical Massage may be reimbursed by medical insurance when prescribed by a physician. Check with your provider for specific coverage details and required documentation.
How do I book an appointment?
Schedule online through our website or contact individual therapists directly via email for availability and session customization options.
What experience do your therapists have?
Our team includes nationally certified practitioners with specialties in sports therapy, averaging 10+ years of experience. Members have worked with NCAA teams and Olympic athletes.
Are there package deals or membership options?
While we don't offer formal packages, regular clients receive personalized treatment plans and self-care education to maximize long-term benefits between sessions.
What should I wear to a sports massage session?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows movement. Therapists may ask you to adjust attire for specific treatment areas while maintaining professional draping protocols.
