John Seitzinger, LMT, MSN, worked in the medical field as a nurse and anesthesiologist for most of his 20-year career in Portland, but he wanted to branch away from that type of medicine and move somewhere closer to nature.

After nine years as a nurse, he returned to school and pursued anesthesiology.

"I was a nurse anesthetist and did that until nine years ago, and then was a stay-at-home dad. My wife is an artist and supported her business and our son," he said.

He and his family moved to Sisters in 2019, wanting to get out of the hustle of Portland and move somewhere to do their favorite outdoor activities.

"I love hiking, biking, snowboarding, climbing, and anything outdoors," he said.

Seitzinger returned to school in November of 2022 at Sage School of Massage in Bend, and got his degree in massage therapy, wanting to break away from Western medicine and study massage and pain relief therapies. He worked in a chiropractic office for a couple of months before focusing on starting his practice. He opened True Wellness + Bodyworks in Sisters in March of 2023.

"The business is massage, but I offer guasha, cupping, more treatment-based as far as specializing in trigger-point release, and finding the problems," he said.

As stated on his business website: "I intend to cultivate a nourishing space that feels safe and warm for clients to experience healing and relief. Whether it's calming your nervous system and/or providing relief from chronic or acute aches, pains, and injuries, I'm passionate about the healing power of therapeutic touch via massage and bodywork."

Seitzinger believes in treating a person as a whole individual with unique experiences, and getting to the root of their ailment or concern.

Seitzinger has been interested in doing bodywork and health-related nutrition ever since getting out of the medical industry over the last 8-9 years.

"I pull a lot from my knowledge from being a nurse, and as far as the anatomy and kinesiology. I geek out on the kinesiology, I nerd out on the details," he said.

He wanted to start his own business to avoid the constraints of another office's philosophy in treating patients. Having his own business allows for more flexibility and the ability to connect with his patients more one-on-one. He treats 9-12 people weekly and can change or flex that. "I consider it a small-batch massage practice, and the sessions range from an hour to two-hour sessions and keep the number low to keep the quality up and give a good quality service," he said.

The practice offers customized treatments based on people's specific needs. Patients book with him and show up, depending on what they might need the day-of, and he can help treat them.

The practice's website states: "Each session is 100 percent customized for your needs. In a collaborative process, we'll discuss your goals before your treatment. We'll create a therapeutic plan for you, whether you want relaxation for your nervous system or more focused treatment for pain and mobility concerns."

Seitzinger's passion for this type of work compels him to work on the functional medicine aspect, looking at the person as a whole and having all-encompassing treatment versus treating the symptom.

"It feels more foundational as far as where people should come from and addressing chronic issues," he said. "I've always enjoyed service to and for others, and that's where the passion stems from."

True Wellness + Bodyworks is in the Sisters Art Works building at 204 W. Adams Ave., Suite 103E.

Book a session online by visiting: https://www.truewellnessandbodywork.com/book-now-contact.