If the stress of the holidays has gotten to you, a local massage therapist is ready to help you relax and unwind.

Patrick Martin came on board as massage therapist at Kuttin’ Up in Cleveland at the beginning of December. A resident of the area for 14 years, Martin has spent the majority of his life in a rather different line of work. He was formerly in the Air Force, then held various jobs in construction and plumbing before working at Caterpillar for 10 years. After an injury forced him out of work, he decided not to continue in his current vein. Instead, Martin finally decided to pursue a passion that had interested him for decades.

“I first started studying and reading books on massage therapy when I was 17,” said Martin.

And although massage therapy may seem like an odd line of work for someone who has spent their life in jack of all trade jobs, Martin had a personal reason for becoming involved in massage therapy.

“One of the main reasons I got into this line of work was my wife. She has rheumatoid arthritis, and I would always massage her hands and back,” he said.

Martin enrolled at ECPI, where he completed the massage therapy program and then received his license in October.

He performed his externships at Rex Cancer Center and a chiropractic office in Cary, providing massages to not only patients, but family members, doctors and nurses as well. Martin is also a member of the American Massage Therapy Association, or AMTA.

“The body needs human touch, and massage is a great thing for the body,” said Martin. “I can offer relaxation and a limited amount of pain relief. Massage isn’t a complete pain relief, but it does release endorphins and toxins that are bad for your body.”

Martin has a particular interest in sports medicine. He hopes to work with local athletes and provide pre and post event massages - pre to loosen and warm up the muscles, and post to relax and unwind.

“There are so many benefits of massage - improved range of motion, reduced pre-event anxiety, decrease the chance of injury, eliminate toxins, and more,” he said.

Martin also hopes to continue with the work he started during his externships, devoting at least one day a week to providing massages at local hospitals, hospices and other medical facilities.

Martin has a special going on now for an hour-long Swedish massage for $40 – the normal rate is $60. The special rate ends Jan. 31.

And for those who want to give the gift of relaxation, Martin offers gift certificates for any occasion and can print a certificate specific to the event – birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day and more.

Martin’s services include Swedish, deep tissue and sports massages. After the first of the year, he will be offering hot stone, aromatherapy, paraffin treatments and chair massages.

Appointment hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment only on Saturday and Sunday.

Cancellations need 24 hours advance notice or a fee of $25 will be charged.

To make an appointment or for more information, call Martin at 919-550-1784 or Kuttin’ Up at 919-661-0551. You can also e-mail Martin at pmmartin6713@yahoo.com.

Rates: $40/half hour

$60/hour

$85/hour and a half