Melt-A-Way Massage Invites Patrons to Relax

Up the stairs, in a suite with a scenic lakefront view of egrets, herons, and an occasional pelican, Jennifer Cummins is making people feel better. But unlike a doctor in a starched white lab coat, the medicine she gives is human touch and a listening ear.

Since 2007, Cummins has been the owner of Melt-A-Way Massage, 3418 Handy Road. She took her bachelor’s degree from University of Florida, training at a massage school in Virginia and her years of massage experience including five years within a chiropractic office and applied it to a Hillsborough County business license.

Despite not having an online presence, Cummins’ calendar is quick to fill up from word-of-mouth referrals and information shared at local networking events.  

Reservations are by appointment and her patients choose from a half hour, hour, or 90-minute treatment.  

Patch sat down with Cummins to discuss the business of touch.

Patch: Why choose massage as a career?

Cummins: I grew up taking dance class. When I was in college, I injured my back. I started all the physical therapy, but when they would do the massage, that’s what felt really good. I fell in love with massage and here I am, however many years later, still doing it.

Patch:  What type of massage do you offer?

Cummins: I’m very familiar with accident injuries, chronic pain, neck, lower back and shoulder pain – that type of thing.

I offer relaxation massage, deep tissue, neuromuscular, and prenatal. I also do onsite chair massage where I go to people’s offices for events like an employee appreciation day. I do not do out calls.

Patch: Are there misconceptions about massage?  

Cummins: Absolutely, massage is like exercise, you can’t just go once and be OK. People see massage as a luxury, but I want to show them it should be a regular part of their healthcare regimen. It’s not just a treat.

If you can decrease stress levels naturally without taking drugs or drinking alcohol and it is something that is good for you physically and mentally, why not do it? Why not add going to for a massage as a regular part of your health regimen?

Patch: Who benefits from massage?

Cummins: Everyone. From babies to the elderly, massage is for anybody. Studies show that premature babies that have massage gain weight, get off medication and are released from the hospital quicker than those that do not. These are babies new to this world. They are just reacting to stimuli. If their reaction to getting massage is all positive, why wouldn’t you try this?

Think about when you stub your toe or hit your knee – what’s the first thing you do? You touch it. You rub it. The touch stimulus blocks the pain stimulus.

Patch: Do you have set prices or are they based on the type of massage?

Cummins: My prices are set. I charge $35 for a half hour, $65 for one hour, and $90 for an hour and a half. One advantage of having my own place is I don’t cut people off at 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

When you work for someone else, you are booked every hour on the hour. People would be telling you their problems and you’d have to hurry them through their stories to get to the next person. I have the opportunity to be flexible. I like to be able to give people extra time, if they need it. That’s why I do this.

Patch: Do you offer any massage packages or specials?

Cummins: I do offer packages, like if you buy five massages, you get one free. You get a discount the first time you visit. We also sell gift certificates and I can even design a special gift basket for upcoming Valentine’s Day.

Patch: Do you accept insurance or take credit cards?

Cummins:  I do not accept insurance, but I will write receipts. In the near future we will be accepting credit cards.

Patch:  Lastly, what is your favorite part of your massage practice?

Cummins: When people come in and they’re so stressed, their jobs, kids, and spouse are driving them crazy, traffic; when they leave life looks different. Life’s happier and easier to deal with. I like making people feel better.

To learn more about Melt-A-Way Massage or to schedule an appointment, call 813-505-6890 or email tampalmt@hotmail.com.