There’s always something happening around here, and this fall we have a few things we’re pretty excited to share.
Facials Are Back!
Beginning September 1, facials are returning to the menu at That’s the Rub.
We now have two people in-house offering facial services, which means you can once again give your skin — and yourself — a little extra attention.
As we move toward fall and eventually into the colder, drier months, it’s a great time to check in with your skin and give it a little pick-me-up.
And while healthier looking, refreshed skin is certainly part of the appeal, there’s another reason we love a good facial around here:
It feels really good.
There is something wonderfully relaxing about lying down and letting someone massage your face and scalp while you do absolutely nothing for a while. You leave knowing you’ve taken time to care for yourself — and you’ve had another trained set of eyes looking at your skin and noticing anything you may want to pay a little more attention to.
Facials will be available beginning September 1.
Call us or book online to schedule yours.
Curious About Craniosacral Therapy? This Is a Great Time to Try It.
Some of our therapists are currently studying their Craniosacral Therapy skills, which means we have Craniosacral Practice Sessions available at reduced pricing while they continue their training.
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle form of clothed bodywork. Rather than the pressure and movement you might associate with a traditional massage, sessions use gentle hands-on techniques and can be deeply relaxing.
People seek Craniosacral Therapy for many reasons, including stress reduction, chronic pain, headaches and migraines, TMJ-related discomfort, or simply because they want a quieter, gentler approach to bodywork and they can leave their cloths on.
Research is also beginning to support what Craniosacral Therapy practitioners and clients have experienced in the treatment room. Studies have found benefits for people living with chronic pain, including improvements in pain and physical function. Research specifically involving people with migraine has reported reductions in pain, frequency of migraine episodes, disability and medication use following Craniosacral Therapy.¹ ²
Of course, everybody and every session is different. Craniosacral Therapy isn’t about forcing change. It’s gentle, clothed bodywork that gives the body an opportunity to settle, soften and respond in its own time.
In our practice, we also recognize that bodies sometimes hold the effects of difficult or traumatic experiences. Craniosacral work offers a quiet, supportive environment in which the body can soften and release tension when it is ready.
If you’ve been curious about Craniosacral Therapy but haven’t tried it, these lower-cost practice sessions are an easy opportunity to experience the work while supporting our therapists as they expand their skills.
Call That’s the Rub for availability and practice-session pricing. 812-333-3393
And One More Thing...
I’ve been spending some of my time away from the massage table with a paintbrush in my hand.
On Friday, September 4, I’ll be sharing my body of work for the first time, Articles of Connection: Between Shadow and Light, during Gallery Walk at Gather in downtown Bloomington.
This series has grown over time into a visual journey exploring connection, change and what happens in the space between shadow and light. I’ll also have pieces that I painted prior to this exhibit so you can see how far I’ve come.
If you’re downtown that evening, I’d love for you to stop in, see the work and say hello.
Gallery Walk — September 4, 5–8 PM Gather, Downtown Bloomington
Facials. Craniosacral Therapy. Art.
Like we said, there’s always something happening around here.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Research & Further Reading
1. Haller H, Lauche R, Sundberg T, Dobos G, Cramer H. Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020;21:1. The review included 10 randomized controlled trials involving 681 participants and found significant improvements in pain intensity and functional disability following Craniosacral Therapy.
2. Muñoz-Gómez E, et al. Effect of a Craniosacral Therapy Protocol in People with Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2022;11(3):759. Participants receiving Craniosacral Therapy showed improvements in pain, migraine frequency, disability and medication use compared with sham treatment.
Bloomington knows the difference between “that felt nice” and “that actually helped.”
For 15 years, That’s the Rub has focused on the second one: treatment-based massage therapy built around real bodies, real patterns, and real goals.
In a recent feature, Lisa Keplinger—National Board Certified (BCTMB) and Indiana Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)—described the philosophy simply: therapeutic massage is meant to do the body good. Not as a slogan. As a plan.
What “results-oriented” means at That’s the Rub
A results-oriented session isn’t about chasing pain around the table. It’s about connecting dots:
What your body is doing repeatedly (work, training, stress, old injuries, weird sleeping positions)
Where it’s compensating (the “why does this hurt when that is the problem?” effect)
What kind of work supports healing and movement over time
Lisa put it this way in the feature: the goal is tailored treatment plans and consistent care—showing up as a wellness partner, not a one-off appointment.
The Center + The Boutique (and why that matters)
That’s the Rub has two distinct yet equally important sides to what we do. Treatments happen in The Center—that’s where the hands-on work lives, where we assess what’s going on, make smart decisions, and put a plan in motion. Products live in The Boutique—curated tools, supports, and small upgrades that help your body keep the gains you just paid for.
And it’s not “retail for retail’s sake.” The point of both is the same: support what your body needs between sessions, not just during them.
Because the truth is, most of your life happens off the table. It happens at your desk, in your car, under a barbell, on your feet for eight hours, on the couch with your kid asleep on your shoulder, or in that one position you always end up sleeping in even though you swear you won’t. The Center helps change the pattern. The Boutique helps you hold the change—so your next session builds on progress instead of spending half the hour undoing the same old tension.
A quick self-check: when therapeutic massage is the right call
You’re a strong candidate for treatment-based massage if any of these sound familiar:
You feel “tight” in the same places no matter how much you stretch
Your range of motion is shrinking (or you’re guarding movement)
You’re dealing with recurring neck/shoulder/back/hip issues
Stress is showing up physically (jaw, traps, headaches, shallow breathing)
You want a plan—not a roulette wheel
Why Bloomington keeps coming back
The impact of massage doesn’t end when you stand up from the table. It follows you out the door like a quieter nervous system you didn’t know you were carrying around—shoulders sitting lower, breath dropping deeper, jaw unclenching on its own. The feature nails the real-world effect: people leave feeling lighter and more at ease—and that shift doesn’t stay politely contained in your muscles.
It leaks into everything.
You answer emails with less edge. You drive without white-knuckling the steering wheel. You pick your kid up and realize you didn’t brace first. You sleep longer before your brain starts its 3 a.m. meeting. You train better because your body can actually move the way it’s supposed to, not the way it’s been compensating. Your mood stops getting hijacked by a low-grade ache you’ve been calling “normal.”
That’s the sneaky magic of therapeutic bodywork: when the body calms down, the person comes back online.
Book a session (and tell us what you’re trying to change)
If you’re ready for massage therapy that’s built for progress, not just relief, book a session and bring your goal with you—pain reduction, mobility, recovery, or “I don’t even know, I just feel off.”
Bloom is a Bloomington culture and lifestyle magazine distributed widely around town and published bimonthly, which is why we were proud to be included.
FAQ about Therapeutic Massage
What’s the difference between therapeutic massage and relaxation massage?
Therapeutic massage is goal-driven: pain relief, movement, recovery, and pattern change over time. Relaxation massage prioritizes general comfort and stress downshifting (also valuable—just a different aim).
Do I need to know exactly what’s wrong before I book?
No. “Something feels off” is enough to start. A good session can help clarify patterns and next steps.
How often should I come in?
That depends on your goal and how long the issue has been around. Many people get the best results with consistency—especially early—then shift to maintenance.
Is deep tissue always necessary for results?
No. Results come from the right technique applied intelligently—not from maximum pressure. Deep work is a tool, not a personality.
A Community Wellness Event to Kick Off 2026 Strong
If your New Year’s resolutions include feeling better, moving better, or finally getting serious about your health, the New Year’s Resolution Health Fair is a smart place to start.
Hosted by Paragon Wellness Center, this free local wellness expo brings together a wide range of health-focused businesses and practitioners in one place, making it easy to explore your options, ask questions, and build a realistic plan for the year ahead.
Event Details at a Glance
The New Year’s Resolution Health Fair will take place on:
Saturday, January 10, 2026 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Warehouse 1525 South Rogers Street Bloomington, IN 47403
Admission is free and open to the public, making it accessible to anyone curious about improving their health in the new year.
What to Expect at the Health Fair
This is a hands-on, in-person event designed to help you explore wellness resources available right here in the Bloomington area.
Throughout the four-hour event, attendees can browse booths and tables featuring a diverse mix of health and wellness vendors, including:
Gyms and fitness providers
Massage therapists and bodyworkers
Chiropractors and physical therapists
Acupuncturists and herbalists
Functional and holistic health practitioners
Local farmers, ranchers, and apiarists
Insurers and wellness-focused service providers
In addition to vendor booths, the fair will include wellness talks, local food options, raffles and door prizes, and curated goodie bags. It’s designed to be informative without being overwhelming and welcoming whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing health routine.
A Practical Approach to New Year’s Wellness
Many people start January with big intentions but little guidance. The New Year’s Resolution Health Fair flips that script by offering face-to-face conversations with professionals who can help you make informed, sustainable choices.
Instead of guessing which gym, therapist, or wellness service might be right for you, you can meet providers directly, ask specific questions, and learn what each approach actually offers. That clarity alone can make the difference between resolutions that fade and changes that stick.
That’s the Rub & Wellness Through Art at the Fair
That’s the Rub Massage Therapy Center will be participating in the fair alongside Wellness Through Art, offering attendees a chance to learn more about results-oriented massage therapy and creative approaches to wellness.
Our team believes effective self-care should be practical, evidence-informed, and personalized. At the booth, you’ll be able to ask questions about therapeutic massage, injury prevention, stress management, and how massage fits into a broader wellness plan, without hype or pressure.
Wellness Through Art will also be on hand, sharing insights into how creative expression can support emotional health, stress regulation, and personal growth. Together, we’ll be focusing on tools people can actually use, not trends that look good on social media and disappear by February.
Vendors & Community Participation
Paragon Wellness Center welcomes a wide variety of wellness vendors to participate in the event. Past and current listings include energy workers, physical therapists, farmers and ranchers, apiarists, insurers, dispensaries, and more.
Businesses and practitioners interested in becoming a vendor can inquire by emailing [email protected].
The event is also listed on regional platforms such as Eventbrite and local tourism and community calendars, where attendees can find updates or additional details as the date approaches.
Why This Health Fair Matters
Bloomington has a strong, diverse wellness community, but it’s not always easy to see the full picture. The New Year’s Resolution Health Fair creates a single, accessible space to explore what’s available, connect with local experts, and make informed choices without sales pressure.
If your goal for 2026 is better health with fewer gimmicks and more clarity, this is an event worth putting on your calendar.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 10, 2026, and join us at The Warehouse for a practical, community-driven start to the new year.
As funny as it sounds, there was a time that online booking software wasn't as prevalent as it is today. In fact, while I'm not certain of this, I believe That's the Rub was the first "spa" to have a full online booking package in Bloomington (we're really not a spa, we prefer "massage center"). But, online booking software is not good at everything, and one of the things it really struggles with is room allocations. This is why, to this day if you look at your emails confirming appointments you'll often see you are in one room only to arrive at The Rub and end up in a different room entirely.
Enter The Booking Board. When we opened The Center, we had three treatment rooms, but those rooms were shared by as many as seven therapists at any one time. In order to keep track of who was where and when we purchased this whiteboard (which really was white at the time) and the closing front desk person the night before would organize the therapists for the following day into the rooms based on preference, seniority, the needs of the client (some rooms are better for hot stone or pregnancy massage, for example) and post it for the morning shift to coordinate the rooms.
Your therapists would come in every single shift, check this board to know where they would be working, sometimes they would have to "jump rooms" in the middle of a shift, and this simple board is what made it possible as we grew from 3 rooms to 4, to 5, to 7...and beyond!
This humble board has been our silent partner every single day of That's the Rub's existence--over 5000 days, in fact--which explains why it looks very used, very loved, and has now, just last week been retired.
I'm sorry to say the retirement plan for such an important piece of equipment is less than ideal. There's no gold watch, no grand vacation plans, just a heartfelt goodbye as it moves on to the local landfill. However, it has honestly been such a big part of all of our lives for so long, it would have been a shame not to eulogize it for you here.
I am happy to report its replacement is young and shiny, and while it is not the same friend we have all known for nearly 15 years, I believe it will be excellent in its new role and in time will find a place in our hearts as well.
The holiday season is here, and at That's the Rub, we're embracing the spirit of giving with a delightful twist! 🌟
🌈 Discover Bloomington's Premier Holiday Gift Cards
This year, we're taking our traditional paper gift certificates to the next level. Introducing our Brand New Custom Gift Cards - the perfect choice for massage therapy and personal training gifts in Bloomington.
🛍️ Your Destination for Holiday Shopping in Bloomington
Step into The Boutique at That's the Rub for an exquisite selection of skin and body care products. These luxurious items make perfect companions to our therapeutic massage gift cards, ensuring a holistic wellness experience.
💻 Convenient Online Gift Certificates for Last-Minute Gifting
Can't make it to our Bloomington location? No problem! Our easy-to-use online gift certificates bring wellness and joy instantly. Ideal for last-minute holiday shopping, they're available here: Online Gift Certificates.
🎁 Why Choose Our Gift Cards for Your Holiday Gifts?
Our gift cards are more than just presents; they're an invitation to a personalized wellness journey. Perfect as unique wellness gifts for Christmas, they offer the recipient a choice of tranquil massages or energetic personal training sessions.
Join us at That's the Rub this holiday season and transform your shopping into an adventure of relaxation and joy. As always, we're here to help you answer, "What is YOUR Goal?" Let's make those wellness dreams come true this holiday season!
In a world where wellness often feels like a buzzword, it's refreshing to meet a therapeutic massage professional who genuinely puts your health and well-being at the forefront. Enter Conner Weir, a Licensed Therapeutic Massage Therapist at That's the Rub Massage Therapy Center in Bloomington, IN. With hands that seem to have an intuitive touch, Conner is not just another name in the industry; he's a game-changer in the realm of therapeutic massage.
A Natural Talent Turned Professional Passion in Therapeutic Massage
From an early age, Conner discovered his knack for soothing and healing through the art of therapeutic massage. What started as a childhood interest has blossomed into a full-fledged professional passion. Conner's approach to therapeutic massage is as unique as you are. Whether you're looking for focused, intensive work or a holistic, relaxing session, he begins by understanding your specific goals. Then, he crafts a therapeutic massage experience that works in harmony with your body's unique needs, reviving its vitality and restoring its flexibility.
Not Your Everyday Therapeutic Massage Therapist
Conner is a maverick both inside and outside the massage room. When he's not kneading away your tensions, he's diving into a world of diverse hobbies, from MMA and card games to culinary adventures. His vibrant lifestyle mirrors his diverse therapeutic massage techniqueshttps://thatstherub.com/therubblog/deep-tissue-massage-and-weight-loss-the-perfect-partnership/. Skilled in delivering heavy pressure, Conner is also proficient in the myofascial technique for deep tissue work, promoting overall muscle health.
Your Wellness Journey Starts Here with Therapeutic Massage
Ready to embark on a wellness journey with a difference? Whether it's a Swedish, myofascial, or deep tissue therapeutic massage, let Conner's expertise guide you toward relaxation and rejuvenation. After all, your body goals are his mission. Schedule with Conner right now by heading over to our booking portal or giving us a jingle at 812-333-3393 and we'll get you on his books! So, we'll ask again—What is YOUR Goal?
