The Return of the House Call

Helen Lim, a New York State licensed massage therapist, is keeping in tune with the current cultural climate by harkening back to a simpler time when everyone from doctors to milkmen made house calls. Ms. Lim, who specializes in pre-natal and family massage, is now delivering her massage services directly to customers in the Bed-Stuy area. She offers pre-natal, Swedish, and deep tissue massage, and brings with her not only a very sturdy, comfortable massage table which she sets up in your home, but a wealth of knowledge about massage, and what might be a good treatment for a particular person.

Ms. Lim, who was certified in 2005 at The Swedish Institute in Manhattan, as well as licensed by the state of New York in the same year, also received an Associate’s in Allied Sciences in 2007 for pre-natal massage. She likes to make massage therapy accessible to everyone, and first speaks with clients on the phone, explains the process in detail, and recommends what sort of treatment might be appropriate for that person. I made an appointment with Lim a few weeks ago, and she arrived at my house 5 minutes before the start of the appointment, with massive massage table in tow. She set up in my living room, and while she was unfolding the table and pulling out other gear, she had me fill out a detailed questionnaire, which includes specifying your goals for massage, any previous injuries, and information about your general health and medical history. This is so she can avoid working on any areas that might be too sensitive, and can choose the most effective area to focus on during the hour-long visit.

Lim’s demeanor is well suited for massage therapy, as she is engaging, relaxed, and willing to answer any questions you might have before she begins. On me, she did a combination of deep tissue and trigger point massage, heavily focusing on an area of my back and shoulder which I injured years ago from repetitive use of, if you can believe it, a computer mouse. The session was relaxing and soothing, but with Lim working on gnarled and knotted tissue in my shoulder and neck, she said I might feel a little sore and tired afterward, and that was indeed the case. Lim said that massage is great for people with specific pain, and this is why she spends a good chunk of her time working with pregnant women. She explained that pregnant women commonly have pain in their lower backs, upper back and neck, wrists, and their feet and legs due to swelling, and that massage can really de-stress and energize an expecting mother.

Lim charges $90 for house calls, and appointments typically last 60 minutes, but upon request, she can do 90 minutes (for an additional fee). At the end of the summer, Lim will also be offering office visits on the garden floor of a brownstone on Greene Avenue. Prices for services will be: $75 for Swedish massage, $80 for deep tissue, and $85 for pre-natal massage. She can work out a discounted package plan for regular customers, and also will be offering Pratt Institute students the option of paying on a sliding scale. Payment is in cash or check. To learn more about Helen Lim’s services or to make an appointment, contact her at: Helen.massage@gmail.com or by phone at 917-848-9017.