Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena McKnight.
Hi Marlena, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began with the awareness that God had given me a unique gift for healing, but it wasn’t until I fully surrendered my life to Jesus that I truly understood the purpose behind it. Once I aligned my life with Him, my desire shifted from simply having a skill to wanting to use that gift to change people’s lives. I started my business with a deep passion to help people live pain-free, balanced, and restored—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Over the past 19 years, I’ve grown through dedication, ongoing training, and a heart to serve my community. My clients’ trust, referrals, and encouragement have allowed my business to flourish, and the people who have supported me—especially those who believed in me and pushed me forward—have been a huge part of my journey. But above all, I recognize that I’m only here today because of God’s grace. He is the reason I’m able to do what I do, and He continues to guide every step of my path in helping others find healing and alignment in their own lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not always been smooth. One of the first challenges I faced was realizing that running your own business means you’re responsible for everything—finding your own insurance, building your own client base, and learning to navigate seasons when income isn’t always steady. There were years when I had to teach myself how to manage business taxes, licensing requirements, continuing education, and the day-to-day operations that most people never see.
On top of that, working in the healing profession requires emotional strength. Supporting clients through pain, trauma, and physical limitations can be rewarding, but it can also be draining if you don’t stay aligned spiritually and grounded in your purpose. Balancing my calling, my workload, and my personal life has been a learning curve.
There were moments of doubt, moments where burnout was real, and moments where I questioned whether I could keep going. But every challenge strengthened me. Over time, God brought me the right clients, the right mentors, and the right support. And even with all the ups and downs, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. It has shaped me, stretched me, and confirmed that this is exactly where I am meant to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hands Your Body Kneads?
My business is a holistic healing practice focused on restoring alignment, relieving pain, and helping people experience true, lasting wellness. For 19 years, I’ve specialized in medical massage, deep tissue therapy, lymphatic drainage, and cupping. I also incorporate Bemer therapy and Alphabiotic alignment to support circulation, balance the nervous system, and facilitate deeper healing throughout the body.
One of the things I’m most known for is my ability to figure out what others can’t. Many clients come to me after trying multiple practitioners without answers. My niche is identifying the root cause of pain, imbalance, or dysfunction and addressing it in a way that brings real relief. I listen to the body in a way that is intuitive, precise, and informed by years of hands-on experience.
What sets my practice apart is the combination of professional expertise and a holistic, faith-centered approach. I use my God-given gift for healing to serve the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. Clients trust me not only because of the results they experience, but because they feel genuinely seen, supported, and cared for. My work is personalized, intentional, and grounded in a deep passion for helping people live pain-free and aligned.
I’m most proud of the reputation my brand has earned over nearly two decades. Much of my growth has come through referrals from clients who believe in my work and share their experiences with others. That trust means everything to me. My practice is not just a business, it’s a calling, and every person I work with reinforces the purpose behind what I do.
For readers, I want you to know that my services are designed to create true, meaningful change. Whether you’re an athlete, someone recovering from injury, or simply seeking a better quality of life, my goal is to help you move, feel, and live better. My brand stands for integrity, excellence, and a commitment to long-term healing, not temporary fixes.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is the well-being of each person who walks through my door. My clients are never just numbers or transactions; they are individuals with unique stories, needs, and journeys toward healing. I take the time to truly connect, to listen, and to understand what their body and spirit are communicating. From the moment a new client schedules an appointment, I begin praying over them—asking God to prepare their heart, guide my hands, and allow the session to bring the healing they need. And if the Holy Spirit leads and the client is open to it, I offer prayer during their session as well.
Over the years, many clients have become like family. The relationships we build are rooted in trust, compassion, and genuine care. My goal is never just to treat the issue of the day; I care about the whole person—their physical comfort, emotional peace, spiritual alignment, and overall quality of life. The lasting friendships and spiritual connections that form through this work are some of the greatest honors of my career. Helping people feel seen, supported, and restored is the heart behind everything I do.
Pricing:
- $125/hour regular massage
- $145/ hour deep tissue massage
- $60 for bemer machine and alignment
- $40 alignment only
- $15 alignment with any massage
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hybk.massagetherapy.com
- Instagram: handsyourbodykneads
- Facebook: Hands Your Body Kneads
- Yelp: Hands Your Body Kneads
Image Credits
Photo Cred: Lakecia McGlothen
