Guiding Principles of Healing Hands for Working Bodies

The union labor term "everyone deserves both bread and roses" speaks to the idea that people not only need the basics for survival, the "bread", but also the beauty, joy, and dignity that enrich life, the "roses". In massage therapy, this philosophy applies by recognizing that while physical relief from pain and stress is essential, massage also offers emotional and spiritual nourishment, helping individuals feel cared for, connected, and uplifted. Massage should provide both healing and a sense of well-being, embodying the balance between practical needs and the transformative power of touch.

The phrase "bread and roses" originated from a speech by American labor activist and feminist Rose Schneiderman in 1911. She used it to highlight the dual needs of workers—both the basic necessities of life ("bread") and the dignity, beauty, and enjoyment ("roses") that make life worth living. The slogan became widely associated with the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike, also known as the "Bread and Roses Strike," in which mostly immigrant women mill workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, protested for fair wages and better working conditions.

The phrase has since become a powerful symbol for the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights to not only survive but also to thrive, with a focus on justice, equality, and human dignity in the workplace.

Dignity in Labor

At Healing Hands for Working Bodies, we believe that everyone deserves access to therapeutic massage, regardless of financial circumstances. We know that self-care and wellness should not be a luxury, but a necessity—especially for those who work hard and may often be underappreciated. That's why we offer sliding scale pricing as part of our commitment to making massage accessible to as many people as possible.

Our sliding scale pricing allows you to pay what you can within a set range. This model supports our mission to serve individuals from all walks of life, including service industry workers, caregivers, artists, and anyone who could benefit from healing touch. By choosing a rate that fits your budget, you're not only taking care of yourself, but also helping to sustain our ability to provide care to others in need.

This system is based on mutual trust and respect. We ask you to consider your financial situation and select a rate that feels fair, knowing that your choice allows us to continue offering accessible services to our community.

At Healing Hands for Working Bodies, we value inclusivity, compassion, and community care. Our sliding scale pricing reflects our belief that healing is for everyone, and that financial barriers should never stand in the way of feeling good in your body.

Making Massage Accessible: Our Sliding Scale Philosophy

At Healing Hands for Working Bodies, we deeply value bodily autonomy and trauma-informed care, particularly in our work with queer, trans, and non-binary individuals. We understand that each body is unique, and we are committed to creating an environment where every client feels safe, seen, and respected.

Bodily autonomy means that you are always in control of your experience during your session. We honor your right to communicate your needs, express your preferences, and make decisions about what feels good and safe for you. Whether it’s adjusting pressure, focusing on specific areas, or modifying any part of the session based on your comfort level—your voice is central to the process. For queer and trans clients, we acknowledge the complexities of body-related trauma and dysphoria, and we approach our work with the utmost sensitivity and care. You will never be asked to push past discomfort or engage in anything that doesn’t align with your boundaries.

We practice trauma-informed care by creating a non-judgmental, inclusive space where you can feel safe, grounded, and in full control. We recognize that trauma, especially for marginalized communities, manifests in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Our therapists are trained to be sensitive to these dynamics and to work in a way that supports healing without retraumatization. We also understand that queer and trans bodies are often met with misunderstanding or disrespect in many areas of healthcare—at Healing Hands for Working Bodies, that will never be the case. We are committed to honoring your identity and affirming your experience at every step.

By integrating bodily autonomy with trauma-informed care, we create a space where healing happens on your terms. At Healing Hands for Working Bodies, we prioritize your body, your identity, and your boundaries—because everyone deserves to feel empowered, respected, and at ease in their own skin.

Bodily Autonomy and Trauma Informed Care