Hello and thank you for exploring The Bodyhood’s website! Massage can be a personal
experience, and it’s important for you to feel comfortable and secure with your therapist.
I’m Liz Perna, a Licensed Massage Therapist in Decatur, Georgia. I received an Associate in
Occupational Studies degree (AOS) in New York City at The Swedish Institute and am a licensed
massage therapist (LMT) in Georgia and New York. A fun fact about me is I grew up in Chicago
singing and performing in theatre. My high school choir raised funds locally and traveled the
world competing in Italy, England, and on a cruise ship. We once gathered with choirs from
around the world to sing inside the Sydney Opera House! After moving to Decatur for my
husband’s psychiatry medical residency with Emory in 2022, I am thrilled to come across “The
Bodyhood” owned by Scott Doss, and have decided to make it my home studio for massage
clients. The Bodyhood is a coworking space for massage and bodywork professionals.
Who do I serve?
I am trained in a variety of techniques from sports to pregnancy massage, but my specialty is
stressed-out people with tension headaches and nagging joint pain! I truly enjoy giving massages
to people experiencing emotional stress because I love creating a safe retreat away from their
personal lives. If you have booked an hour-long massage, it’s likely the only hour in your week you
could fit this in, and I am going to let you have that time for your peace. I usually do not talk
during my sessions outside of a careful health intake and checking in on pressure so if you are
looking for a quiet space to truly let your mind go, give me a try. (We certainly can chat if you’d
like!) My training is in trigger point release therapy (aka neuromuscular therapy), sports
massage, reflexology, myofascial release, acupressure, and aromatherapy. If you’re having acute
pain in an area, I incorporate these techniques during a deeply relaxing session with music and a
sound machine. I frequently serve clients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome), high
blood pressure, fibromyalgia, migraines, tendonitis, and conditions of the wrist/forearm.
How can massage help me?
Some of what we know about massage is it can help you reduce your stress, anxiety, and
depression and help you sleep better. My outlook is that if you’re less stressed and sleeping
better, you’re probably functioning better at work and in your personal relationships. If you’re
functioning better, you may feel more confident and secure, thus making better choices and
thinking more clearly. I think these factors can help you improve your quality of life, and I am a
huge advocate for monthly massages for general mental health and well-being!
What inspired me to become a massage therapist?
I have always loved and been good at helping people relax. I grew up massaging my mom’s feet!
She also placed me in the middle seat deliberately to be the peacekeeper between my older
brother and sister. My mom has severe scoliosis and says a foot massage relieves the pain and
pressure in her back. It became normal for me to massage friends and family at the dinner table
or while watching TV. After receiving a bachelor’s in Communication Arts from Marymount
Manhattan College in 2011, I worked as a digital video producer for CNBC.com during the day and
a wedding video editor and videographer on nights and weekends. Working in news took a toll on
my mind and body. I often had shoulder pain and frequent headaches, and I knew I wanted a
more active job that allowed me to work directly with clients on a personal level, rather than being
stuck at a desk. Transitioning careers was a bold decision, but the fulfillment I experience from
providing massages and helping people relax makes it worthwhile. I can relate better to my clients
because I’ve had a desk job, too.
Do you have cats?
Why yes, thank you for asking! I have two tuxedo cat ladies, and I love them so much!
I’m typically open M-F 8:30AM-5PM but I am always reconsidering my availability so please don’t
hesitate to text message or call me at (470) 322-6368 with questions.
Book Here and please Leave a Review.
