Dena

Owner + Creator of Applied Pressure

"The Surgeon" Dena has been honing her skills for 21 years. Yes, more than half her life has consisted of washing massage sheets every night and manipulating bodies every day. In that time, Dena has become a true master of her craft & created a style of bodywork that is stand-out! Dena goes to the places other massage therapists don't dare venture ... intuitively finding her way to the root of the issue, pulling (lots of pulling) the tight fascia/connective tissue away from the bone, almost like ringing the muscles out and putting them back into place > restoring blood flow, restoring posture. This is not simply massage; this is true treatment bodywork. If you're looking for someone who addresses the areas that are normally skimmed over. Book with Dena. Everyone at Applied Pressure is superb, but Dena is the most treatment oriented and precise on the team: it's like having surgery, without the scalpel. Now that being said, Dena brings a great deal of finesse to her sessions as well, intuitively sensing where your threshold for pain lies without needing to ask, so, this will feel good:
That *hurts so good* kind of good.
That *deep relief you've been searching for* kind of good.
That *you're getting your money's worth* kind of good.

A session with Dena is like nothing else. Enjoy!

SCHEDULE With Dena

LISA

MYOFASCIAL RELEASE PRACTITIONER

"A Gentle Approach" Lisa came to us with 2 decades of clinical myofascial release experience under her belt. Seeking out leaders in the field to apprentice under, becoming a master of MFR along the way. Growth and transformation (of herself and her clients) is her passion. She tells clients, "I'm here for the transformation. I don't care where we start, it's where we are going." Lisa intended to learn Applied Pressure from Dena when interviewing, but she has such a special gift of administering a much more gentle and bare bones classical Myofascial release that Dena didn't want to tamper with her skillset. Rather adding her to the team "as is." A great complement to what we already do. A session with Lisa is *GENTLE* in comparison to Applied Pressure bodywork. But gentle can be mighty. And sometimes a gentle, slow, focused, super intuitive approach is just what the nervous system needs. It's been great having her on the team to remind us of where our roots come from. Myofascial release is part of Applied Pressure, but we have definitely branched off from there. Therefore, Lisa keeps us grounded.
Nameste

SCHEDULE With lisa

An image of Amanda, an apprentice of Applied Pressure

Customer

Reviews

I am WILDLY particular when it comes to bodywork

I understand the body from the inside out and can tell within 10 seconds of someone working on me if they are the real deal.Dena 1000% is. She has a felt sense about the functionality of the body, which makes her work incredibly effective and precise.The work she does on my neck / head / shoulders is what I’ve always wanted someone to do during a massage. It always feels like she has 3-4 hands which is just so crazy and magical to experience!To top it off, she’s an awesome human being. Do your body and yourself a favor🙏🏻✔️

- Samantha C.

There’s is good massage and then there’s Dena.

- Megan K.

Consistently excellent massage...for starters.

When was the last time you had a meal that made you say "that was ALOT better than I expected"? Or, a music concert that left you in awe of how you felt afterwards? Fill in any number of your own personal peak experiences and then imagine yourself getting a massage that breaks open your idea of how good you can have it - that's what awaits for your first session with Dena (I've had approx. 10 of these in the last year - all top quality).

Dena's winning combination includes highly skilled / intuitive hands AND feet (not "Thai"), and is as unique as it is wonderful. She is both sweet & deep, but never painful. I have had 4 hip operations in the last 2 years, and have worked hard to bring myself back into an active lifestyle, which involves lots of excercise. After I see Dena I feel better for days afterwards, and move with the giddyness of a youngster.

If you want the best, get on her schedule. Just know its a busy one, so plan ahead...I promise the wait & $ will be well worth it.

- Gus D.

Applied Pressure is not a spa

You will not be given a 600-count Egyptian cotton bathrobe and a pair of organic hemp flip-flops to slip on your blistered feet or a glass of champagne served in Riedel stemware while you wait in an opulently decorated lounge for your massage to begin. A “massage therapist” will not infuse your skin with essential oils, or cover your face with Dead Sea mud. No hot rocks sourced from Mt. Etna will be applied to your back.

Applied Pressure is a real – sparsely, but tastefully decorated – massage studio, run by a BAD ASS massage therapist named Dena, with a bit of attitude, an infectious personality, and Minnesotan work ethic. Dena will use her hands, elbows, and feet (while suspended from custom-made oak monkey bars secured to the ceiling) to mend your broken body, so you can abuse yourself once again in your chosen field of sport.

My first massage therapist relationship lasted nine years, my second massage therapist relationship lasted 23 years. Some people die, others retire. It’s unlikely that I will be looking for a new massage therapist anytime soon.

Be punctual, because Dena always is, and if you lose your place on her regular’s list, you may be waiting a while for another spot to open up.

- Mr. G, ATX

I’ve never been more impressed and satisfied with a massage

Dena is exceptionally skilled and very passionate about her work. She is able to relieve tension without inflicting pain or discomfort. I’m very confident there is no one better in the Twin Cities.

- Corey S.

The most effective and deep massage you will ever experience

Truly one of a kind. Dena is the only person you will ever book again. She has essentially ruined all other massages for me. She is AMAZING and worth every penny.

- Olivia B.

Amazing! The BEST 90 minute massage I've had.

Dena is so knowledgeable and so welcoming. She did a wonderful job explaining the benefit of new techniques and reminding me to breathe/relax when she found tension in my body. After the first 15 minutes my back, shoulders, and neck felt better than it has in years. She's so in tune with what the body is going through - she's quick to find the real source of pain. I can't recommend her enough. It was an amazing experience. I'll be a lifetime client - best kept secret in the twin cities!

- Lacey S.

Dena is a tried and true bodyworker.

She's knowledgable, strong and thoughtful during her sessions. It was my first visit to Applied Pressure and I was so happy with my session. I recently moved back to the states from Asia and have tried lots of fun and different massages (Thai, Lao, Chinese TCM) and Dena's are incredible - they're up with the best of em! The massages are methodical and magical! If you're looking for the real deal bodyworker - not just a massage she's the one!

- Kristina C.