Pam Goebel and Shannon Engebretson, two massage therapists in Gonvick

By Bonnie Kirchman

Two massage therapists with different experiences and backgrounds met this year in Gonvick. Out of that meeting, a cooperative relationship has grown, with each therapist running their own business, while sharing the same space in the Clearwater Life Center of Gonvick.

Pam Goebel has been providing massage therapy in the area for several years. She grew up in Gonvick and graduated from Gonvick High School. She moved away from the area for many years, but was able to return around 10 years ago. Pam tried working in Bemidji after she returned to the area, but wanted to be in a career where she could feel she was part of her community in the Gonvick area. At a Thanksgiving dinner, her relatives were discussing their concerns about their massage therapist leaving the area and they would have to drive longer distances to get services. Pam was struck by the need for therapy services here, started exploring, and was soon enrolled in classes at Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls.

Pam’s decision proved to be a good one as she was able to open her business, Clearwater Massage, in her community of Gonvick. She likes being located in the building that was once her school. Pam also enjoys filling a need in her community, by providing massage therapy in a convenient location for many clients.

Shannon Engebretson’s path to Gonvick is quite different from Pam’s. She is from Montana, and graduated from a massage therapy program there in 2015. For Shannon, the field offered her an opportunity to help people and she found that she liked being able to spend time with clients, listening to them and tailoring her treatments to their specific needs. She practiced in Montana until January of this year, when, after marrying Brian Engebretson, she relocated here. Shannon knew she wanted to continue practicing massage therapy in her new home. Brian and his family told Shannon about Pam, and Shannon thought it might be a good idea to meet her.

“I came to talk to her about practicing in the area,” Shannon said. But as Shannon and Pam talked, the idea of having both therapists share the space began to develop. Since Pam generally sees her clients on Monday through Thursday, the space is open for Shannon to work on Fridays.

Although Pam and Shannon attended different schools, their programs of study were similar. They took courses on anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, learning about the human body and how it works. They also took courses on business and ethics. Lab work and practicums allowed them to practice what they were learning in classes. Both Shannon and Pam continue to study, both through their own research and through classes that focus on various aspects of their field.

While each therapist develops their own particular style of practice, Shannon and Pam both focus on using massage techniques to relieve stress that their clients are experiencing. Reducing stress has enormous health benefits, including helping with pain management, anxiety, sleep issues, and recovery from illness and injury. Because massage treatments are less invasive than many of the more traditional medical treatments, massage often poses fewer risks than other treatment methods.

An important aspect of massage therapy is providing clients with a safe space where clients can relax and let go. Pam and Shannon create this type of space by considering all the senses. Low lights, music, essential oils, and a heated table are part of the calming environment used for treatment.

“This also helps me to be calm and focus on the client,” Pam said.

Privacy and confidentiality are also important to the client’s sense of comfort and safety during massage therapy. Besides protecting their clients’ personal information, Pam and Shannon also respect the modesty of their clients. They have been trained to drape their clients, covering them with blankets and sheets throughout the treatment session. Only the body part the therapist is directly working on, such as the neck or shoulder, is uncovered. Clients can also experience chair massage, which does not require them to remove their clothing.

Shannon and Pam see a wide variety of clients in their practices. They treat people of all ages, including children.  Many who come have job-related issues that arise from postures or repetitive motions used at work. An advantage of massage therapy is the amount of one-on-one time the therapist spends with their client, making it easier to learn more about the client. As each client is different, both therapists approach their clients by first assessing their unique needs and then providing treatment based on that assessment. Pam and Shannon are also aware that a client may have varying needs from session to session, so they also adapt to that as they provide massage therapy.

Massage appointments can be made for 30 minutes or an hour. Gift certificates are also available for both half hour or full hour sessions or for chair massages. Employers can even request that therapists bring their massage chair into the place of business and allow their employees the opportunity to have a massage during the work day, possibly as part of a wellness day program.

Appointments are available with Pam on Monday through Thursday, generally from 9 until 5. Shannon schedules appointments regularly from 9 until 5 on Fridays. Both therapists also try to be flexible in scheduling if a client isn’t able to be seen during the regular hours. Pam can be reached by texting or calling her at 218-280-2356. Shannon’s phone numbers are 406-579-6925 (cell) or 218-776-3953 (land line). Shannon and Pam will be happy to schedule appointments or answer questions about the services they provide.

Shannon expressed appreciation for the warm welcome she has received from her new community. Both she and Pam are excited to make a difference in the lives of people though their continued work as massage therapists.