About the Practitioner

Robin Byler Thomas LMT, NCTMB, BS, MPH
is the owner ofHands on Health and brings seventeen years experience to the table as a massage therapist. Specializing in musculoskeletal pain and stress management, Robin is certified in a variety of techniques which are integrated into each session depending on your needs and goals. These techniques include Swedish, Esalen, Trager, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point, Sports Massage, Pre-natal, Cranialsacral Work, Reflexology, Manual Lymph Drainage, Russian Massage, and myofacial release, neuromuscular relief, and orthopedic modalities. Robin has also studied Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Thai Massage, and Five Element Theory which have helped her refine a holistic approach to client evaluation. The American Indian and Hispanic cultures have influenced her approach to stress and pain management, as well, with their traditional beliefs, and have given her an appreciation for the social context behind every health issue.

Robin earned a bachelor's in health sciences (BS) and a master's in public health (MPH) from the University of Arizona. As an undergrad, her studies had a physiological focus, and as a grad student - ergonomics and occupational health. She was also awarded a fellowship which allowed her to complete an additional year of complementary and alternative medicine research training (through the College of Medicine) while she studied medical anthropology and biostatistics.

Certified through the National Board
for Therapeutic Massage and Body Work (NCTMB), Robin is licensed by the state of Arizona (LMT) and a member of the Association of Body Workers and Massage Professionals (ABMP) as well as the American MassageTherapy Association (AMTA). Her experience, over the past twenty years, includes working in St. Mary's Occupational Therapy, Score Physical Therapy, Frederica's Desert Spa, Elkhorn Ranch, and the Arizona Inn. Robin is a current member of Referral Key, Massage Professionals, Holistic Tucson On-line, Linked In, and Face Book, and a past member of Women In Touch, The Business Professionals of Tucson and The National Association of Women Business Owners. She has been actively involved as a volunteer in the community and served seven years in the Army National Guard.

A personal statement from Robin:

"Having competed in the corporate world for many years, it became clear if I was going to work so hard it should be in an area that held more meaning for me. I became focused on health after having a child and wanted to learn more about fitness and nutrition. So, I went back to school and completed an udergrad in exercise and sports sciences. In my final year of the program I was introduced to massage therapy; it was a perfect fit. I love working one on one with folks and seeing them feel so good after a massage while also increasing awareness of their own ability to heal. Massage therapy - the natural approach to stress and pain management."