MY STORY
Hi there, I'm Adrienne!
I'm a certified massage therapist, holistic health practitioner, 300-hour yoga teacher, and personal trainer with over 8+ years of massage experience and a passion for helping people feel better and more at home in their bodies.
My journey into this work started with my own story of chronic pain.
Growing up in Valley Center, San Diego, I was an active child who loved playing, swimming, surfing, and dancing. But by my early teens, I began to experience joint pain, lasting injuries, migraines, and anxiety--symptoms I later discovered were tied to me being a hypermobile, bendy-bodied person.
After a shoulder injury sidelined me from swimming and surfing, I discovered yoga and practiced devotedly throughout my early to mid-20s. The flowing, dance-like movements and flexibility came all too easily to me--hi, hypermobility--but it was the practice of mindfulness that truly hooked me, helping me regulate my nervous system and manage my anxiety. My love for yoga led me to complete my first teacher training in 2015, where I discovered a passion for hands-on adjustments and the art of touch. That moment sparked my decision to leave my then-career as a dog groomer and pursue massage therapy. In 2017, I graduated with 1,000 training hours from Healing Hands School of Holistic Health and launched my private practice, The Lioness Touch.
Initially, I juggled building a private clientele while working at chiropractic offices. My time at those offices allowed me to work with people seeking medical care, not just relaxation. Insight from the chiropractors and the other massage therapists there was invaluable and helped me gain knowledge and confidence to work with various populations. However, I eventually decided to leave and focus on The Lioness Touch.
Over the years, I have continued my education with courses and certifications in massage and manual therapy, yoga, mobility, fitness, strength and conditioning, pain science, and mindset coaching. Today, my history with chronic pain, along with my career experience and education, informs and shapes how I care for my clients. I understand firsthand how pain can be a huge barrier to enjoying your life, and I use my expertise to create a compassionate and empowering experience. I aim to help clients feel supported and informed on their journey to healthier, more fulfilling lives.
In my free time, thanks to a combination of manual therapy and massage, consistent strength training, and mobility practices, I have returned to activities I love that once caused me pain, like dancing and hiking with my dogs! And while I will probably always deal with pain flare-ups here and there (thanks, hypermobility), they are far more manageable and less frequent. And if you're curious, I also enjoy reading books, especially fantasy, attending music festivals, and spending quality time with good friends.
If you are still here reading this, thank you. I'll leave you with this. My experiences thus far have taught me that being an active participant in your health is essential. Having guidance along the way from trusted people and professionals is important, but what's most important is your steady consistency. Show up for yourself and pour back into your cup. Keep moving in whatever ways you are able and ways you enjoy as often as you can. And prioritize your nervous system: Surround yourself as often as possible with environments and people that make you feel safe, comfortable, and calm.
I look forward to the chance to work with you.
Be safe & be well,
Adrienne Johnson
THE LIONESS TOUCH
CMT. HHP. 300-HR YT. CST-1. MFD2.