Welcome! I’m Paula Bernhardt, licensed massage therapist and founder of South Mountain Massage Therapy.

I am happiest when I am caring for my family members and my clients. My mission is to help you achieve drug free relief from pain and stress in your joints, such as knees, neck, shoulders, back or hips.

I’ve been a massage therapist since 2003, after years of working in education-related jobs. I am a service minded person by nature. After years of dealing with the pain of scoliosis, combined with my desire to help others, I realized that massage therapy would allow me to blend my intuitive skills with massage techniques to improve musculoskeletal issues. Some years before coming to this conclusion, I visited my first massage therapist due to severe spasm in my low back, caused by the anxiety and stress I experienced as a new Administrative Assistant. I was so nervous to go, yet was blown away by the practitioner’s compassion and skill towards relieving my pain. These experiences, along with recognition that I feel best working in a one to one environment, inspired me to become a licensed massage therapist. I understand pain, stress, and anxiety, and I am dedicated to helping you be relieved of yours.

I have worked with hundreds of clients since 2003, helping to reduce their pain from stress, overuse, and postural habits. My clients enjoy my ability to relax them, even while performing deep tissue work.  Many fall into a restful sleep while I resolve their muscular discomfort and wake feeling de-stressed and revitalized.

I have helped many clients prepare for and recover from joint replacement surgeries. (NEW! My new credentials as a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage therapist will help you prepare for and experience quicker, more complete recovery from surgery - see my Services page to read more).I have also helped others avoid surgery altogether. My attention to detail, communication skills, intuitive hands, and calming nature keep clients happy and feeling good. Most clients book once or twice a month to get relief and to maintain good health. I care deeply about every person who comes to me for a massage. Please know that I will give YOU my FULL ATTENTION when you are with me. My clients express gratitude for the relaxing ambiance and personal service I provide each and every time.

My super power is making you feel important, heard, and cared for. I’m an empath, so when you feel less than perfect, I am compelled to help.

A dedicated mom, wife, and daughter, everyone comes to me to offload stress or just spend time together. I enjoy the simple pleasures of being at home with my husband, daughter, mother-in-law, and our dog, Chester.  I enjoy reading, kayaking, going to the gym, watching baking shows with my daughter, and movies or UFC with my husband (while cuddling with my little terrier).