In a mountain town like Park City, there’s no shortage of sports-induced soreness and injuries. Now, thanks to Park City Healers, locals and visitors have access to a wide range of professionals who can restore and rejuvenate our tired bodies — in the comfort of your own home.
The backstory
Leilani Stafford, a licensed massage therapist, founded Park City Healers, a collective of wellness experts, last year, but she’s had a deep interest in alternative and natural medicine since childhood. “I grew up in southern California near the Santa Monica mountains, and I always felt nature’s healing powers,” she tells Dishing. “I also learned that my great grandmother was an herbalist in the Philippines, preparing herbs and concoctions to help cure illness.”
An unfortunate life event — her father’s cancer diagnosis — solidified Stafford’s passion for alternative medicine. Her father turned to alternative modes of treatment, including herbal supplements and massage therapy, which helped extend his life by three years.
When Stafford moved to Park City with her daughter eight years ago, she worked her way up to management in local resorts’ spas. She also formed many personal connections with both residents and second-home owners in the area through her massage therapy work. “I found myself constantly giving out referrals to other therapists, so I wanted to start a business that would help to connect vetted clients with pre-screened, qualified therapists,” she says.
Park City Healers’ services
Think of Park City Healers as a personalized matchmaking service — but for massage instead of dating! Stafford speaks with potential clients, and after determining their needs, she pairs them with an experienced, licensed massage therapist who comes to their home. Services include sports massage, recovery massage, energy healing, reflexology, reiki and other custom massage services.
Currently, all services are mobile, but Stafford is looking into a permanent space. She will gladly bring Park City Healers’ services to your home for any number of guests — perfect for birthday parties, family reunions or anniversaries. She also provides services to athletes at events like the Freeride World Tour Qualifier (FWQ).
Recently, Stafford teamed up with Flowers by You, a florist and DIY floral bar, to offer flower-arranging and massage workshops — an ideal option for a girls’ trip. Another partner is Park City Desserts. You can add their healthy snacks, like blood orange cardamon muffins and super-food truffles, or a spa salad to your massage service or event.
Finally, keep in mind that getting a massage is almost like a workout, Stafford says. “You’ll be starving afterward, so it’s important to get some protein quickly.” Some of her favorite healthy spots to grab a bite include: Shabu for sushi, Kuchu Shabu for pho, Vessel Kitchen and Fairweather Foods. She also swears by the “flu shot” at Booster Juice, a ginger and cayenne drink, to keep her immune system strong and healthy over the winter.
Want more ways to stay healthy? Check out these 13 local businesses making it easy to keep your New Year’s resolutions this year.
