September has a funny way of reminding us that change is happening all around us. The butterflies are becoming fewer, the flowers are beginning to fade, and the air is—blissfully—starting to chill out.
This perimenopause lady is grateful for the cooler weather. Grin.
The days have begun to shift. Schedules settle into new rhythms. We start thinking a little more about what we need, what we’ve been putting off, and where we might want a little more care, connection, or ease.
Around That’s the Rub, there are plenty of ways to find some of that this month. Our facials are back, with Maya and Ryn offering relaxing, customized experiences designed around what your skin—and the rest of you—needs that day. If your idea of self-care includes warm towels, soothing touch, refreshed skin, and a chance to simply be still for a while, this may be exactly the invitation you’ve been waiting for.
You can even schedule a facial and a massage and make it a spa day. We have robes and tea for just such an occasion.
We also have some great massage openings throughout the week.
Tuesdays are a wonderful opportunity to get on the schedule with Mike or Chris. Wednesdays bring some usually harder-to-find openings with Kevin or Terence, and Thursdays you may find time available with Mack or Noemi.
If you’ve been saying, “I really need to schedule a massage,” consider this your gentle reminder. And while we’re talking about connection, I’d love to invite you into another part of my world.
If you missed Bloomington’s First Friday Gallery Walk, my show, Articles of Connection: Between Shadow and Light, is still hanging at Gather through September 29.
Seeing the collection together is part of the experience. Each piece explores connection in a different way—the connection between body and emotion, between one experience and the next, between what we know about ourselves and what we are only beginning to notice.
When I stood back and looked at the collection as a whole, even I was moved by what I saw. I had never seen the pieces hung together before.
The work spans multiple series painted over the course of two years, yet somehow they all speak to each other. Together, they tell the story of my life in ways I didn’t fully see until they were all in the same room.
I found myself making new connections between their stories, seeing familiar pieces with fresh eyes. If you enjoy art, story, and noticing the connections that exist all around us, I think there is something there for you too. If you have a chance, stop in and spend some time with the collection before the show comes down at the end of September. I would love to hear about your experience. And if looking at art makes you wonder what might happen if you picked up the paintbrush yourself, there’s an opportunity for that too. My next Wellbeing Through Art 5-Week Journey begins Sunday, October 4. Register here: www.lisakeplingerwellbeing.com We’ll meet Sundays from 3–5 PM through November 1. You can participate in person—which is my favorite way to experience this work—or join us online. No art experience is necessary…really. You don’t need to know how to paint. You don’t need to consider yourself creative. And you definitely don’t need to make something pretty. We use art as a way to slow down, notice what’s happening inside us, work with places where we may feel stuck, see ourselves from a different perspective, and sometimes discover that throwing paint onto a canvas is simply ridiculously fun. All supplies are provided for in-person participants, and the groups are intentionally kept small so there is room for each person and whatever shows up along the way. Maybe that is the thread running through all of these things. Massage. Facials. Art. Community. It’s what That’s the Rub has always been about. Different ways of coming back into relationship with ourselves and with each other. Because healing, joy, curiosity, and sometimes a whole lot of laughter can happen when we give ourselves space to slow down and connect. And I don’t know about you, but I need a whole lot of that right now. Connection, as I’ve been learning again and again, changes things. That’s the Rub, Lisa
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.
For years, you've told us the scent of our space is part of the experience - that mid-century calm, the warmth, the way it feels to finally exhale.
Now you can take it with you.
We've partnered with Lakehouse Candle Company in Brown County to create an exclusive line that brings our vibe home. Three collections, each with a purpose:
The Rub - Our signature scent Library: Antique sandalwood that smells like worn leather, quiet afternoons, and rooms that have stories Bohemian Rose: Unexpected, a little moody, totally us
Intend - For when you need energy, motivation, creative spark Grapefruit & Mint: Bright and clean Ginger & Spice: Warm momentum Citrus Grove: Morning clarity
Presence - For grounding, meditation, the kind of calm you come here for Matcha & Bergamot: Soft focus Smoked Oud: Deep, earthy, centering
Every candle is hand-poured by Lakehouse Candle Company with 100% natural soy wax and clean fragrance oils - no phthalates, carcinogens, or the chemical garbage hiding in most candles. Just scent that does what it's supposed to do.
Pricing: Small tin: $10 Small glass: $20 Large glass: $25
Limited time: Buy a large candle, get a free eye mask while supplies last.
We’ve all seen the pattern here in Bloomington: February arrives, and the rush for generic, "fluffy" gifts begins. Whether you're a stressed entrepreneur, a busy Indiana University staff member, or a local athlete looking for recovery, you know the usual suspects: chocolates that disappear and flowers that wilt.
This year, break the cycle. Instead of a temporary gesture, give a gift that fundamentally changes how your partner feels.
Why Choose Therapeutic Results Over Pampering?
At That’s the Rub, located in the heart of Downtown Bloomington, we specialize in therapeutic outcomes. While a "spa day" has its place, we believe the greatest gift is physical wellness.
Our sessions are designed for long-term relief:
Chronic Tension Relief: Perfect for those spending long hours at a desk or in the lab.
Athletic Recovery: For the sporty IU students and local runners who need to get back in the game.
Clinical Excellence: Our advanced intake process ensures we understand your specific body goals.
Valentine’s Day Recovery Options
1. Digital Gift Certificates (Instant Delivery)
Perfect for the busy partner. You can purchase these online and have them delivered to an inbox immediately. If you’re strolling through the B-Line or visiting the Downtown Square, pop into our Body Boutique on North College Ave to pick up a physical certificate in person.
Our couples’ sessions are the most requested slots in Monroe County and require precise scheduling to maintain our clinical standards.
Call our Bloomington clinic at 812-333-3393 to secure your time.
Don’t Forget Your Own Recovery
Self-love is critical for staying active in the Bloomington community. While sorting out the perfect gift, ensure your own body is performing at its best. Hit the Big Friendly Booking Button below to get on the books for your next treatment plan.
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.
