Pressure in needed areas is part of the intimate work done at A Compassionate Hart massage in Erie.

"I'm very passionate about what I do, and I wanted to share that with the community," said longtime massage therapist Heather Hart, who owns the business.

She is one of four licensed therapists.

Since 2018, A Compassionate Hart has been located in the professional building at W. 8th and Vulcan St.

Inside, there are three rooms where clients can get relief six days per week.

"Our main service is the therapeutic massage, running from 35 minutes, 45 minutes, an hour, 75 minutes to 90 minutes," said Hart.

Ashiatsu massage therapy is offered.

Andrea Labowski is on the receiving end.

"I have a degenerative disease that often causes muscle spasms, a lot of stiffness," said Labowski. "I find that if I keep up with regular massages, it benefits me in multiple ways. Stress, and I can move easier."

Labowski comes each month to get relief.

"There's more than one therapist here, so I can feel free to schedule with anybody, based on what my schedule looks like that week," said Labowski.

Massage enhancements like the use of a Theragun are also offered, as well as the use of bio-freeze or CBD.

Pet massages are done, too, on dogs.

Abdominal massages are part of the services offered.

"If you have rib or even lower back problems, you can find are actually coming from the muscles in your abdomen as well," said Hart.

Visits create bonds and a break for bodies and brains.

There is more of that to come in the year ahead for A Compassionate Hart.

"It's chronic pain that we want to get people out of, so we're really looking to focus on that," said Hart.