New massage/bodywork business to open

Stressing that he is “ready to help people of all ages”, Minneota native Josue Leos will begin operating his Massage and Bodywork business on Feb. 4 in the Prairie Winds Wellness building.

After graduating from Minneota High School in 2016, Leos decided he wanted to work in the fitness and medical field after witnessing several sports-related injuries in high school.

But he said extensive schooling wasn’t in his plans. “So I decided to become a massage therapist and went to Broadview University in Sioux Falls,” Leos said.

“I like the idea of helping others relieve their pain and discomfort.” Leos earned certification in First Aid, CPR, and Massage Therapy.

He is also a member of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). He completed his externship from GreatLIFE Wood Lake Athletic Club in Sioux Falls.

“We also had clinicals at the university,” he explained. “That’s where we worked on patients free of charge to gain more experience before we completed the course.”

Dr. Stephanie Vlaminck of Prairie Winds Wellness is eager to have Leos on board. “We are excited to have Josue join our team,” she said.

“Patients have expressed interest in having extended hours for massage therapy.”

“We are hoping that this addition means more patients will be able to make time in their schedule to benefit from massage. In return, we hope that Josue will stay busy and enjoy his time with us.”

Even though he thought about working in Marshall or other areas, he feels Minneota best suits him.

“I grew up here and I know a lot of people, and a lot of people know me,” he said. “It’s a town with a lot of sports and I can relate to an athlete because I played sports here.”

Even though Leos admits that athletes are his biggest targets, he feels strongly that he can help all ages overcome discomfort and pain through various massage techniques.

For now, his business name is referred to as Josue Leos, Massage and Bodywork Professional. Leos was born in San Jose, CA.

He and his family, whom he still lives with, moved to Minneota 18 years ago. In high school, Leos participated in basketball, football, track, and cross country. He also played soccer in Marshall.

“I’ve seen a lot of athletes get injuries in sports, and now I’m hoping to help them, through various bodywork techniques for relaxation and therapeutic massage,” said Leos.

But like I said, I’m here to help everyone; not just athletes.” Leos explains that if someone injures a shoulder, for example, he will start out by determining which muscles to work on surrounding the injured area.

“Instead of working directly on the shoulder muscle, I might work on the muscles surrounding it,” he explained. “My philosophy is to determine what’s happening with the (injured or sore) muscle, so I might work on the pectoral or bicep muscle first before I work directly on the shoulder.”

Leos also is looking forward to helping elderly people with any discomfort. “There is a lot of misconception that elderly people can’t get help with pain, injury or tired muscles,” he said.

“I disagree. The process might be different than how I deal with an athlete, but I feel I can help them eventually get some relief.”

“I enjoy the challenge of helping clients by thinking outside the box to perform the most efficient treatments. I customize each treatment by combining techniques to give the best treatment possible.”

Leos has three areas that he specializes in: Customized Treatments, Sports Maintenance/Rehab, and Relaxation/Prenatal Massage.

Customized Treatments can include a combination of massage and bodywork techniques, such as Swedish, deep tissue, trigger point, sports, positional release, muscle energy, facilitated stretching, myofascial release, and lymphatic drainage.

Sports Maintenance/Rehab deals with massage and bodyworks techniques designed to help the body feel looser and stronger.

And Relaxation/Prenatal Massage includes smooth, gliding strokes, utilizing gentle pressure to promote relaxation, ease muscle tension and stress, and create other health benefits.

Leos’ Massage and Bodywork business, located in the Prairie Winds Wellness building at 202 E. 1st Street, will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays; or by appointment only on Saturdays.

For more information or to make an appointment, call or text Josue Leos at 507-476-2559 or email njleos03@gmail.com.