y kneading outside the boundaries of the traditional massage and applying a custom blend of several techniques, Keith Stiles gives his take on the signature technique that keeps some of the most acrobatic muscles limber. Find out why these talented gymnasts bend over backwards for his rubdowns.

Q: How long have you been with Cirque du Soleil? How many massages have you given?

A: I started working with Cirque in 2002. 7 years and 5 touring shows. I’d say that comes out to about 13,000, 30-minute massages. Over the course of my 16-year career I estimate I’ve completed 23,000 hours of massage.

Q: One thing that I loved about your massage is that magically you seemed to know exactly what I needed. Everybody is different, so how do you zero in on each person’s individual needs?

A: It’s a culmination of so many things. The extensive training that I received at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy, the mentoring I received from a genius in the field, Elaine Calenda, and the 16 years of massage on 20 thousand+ people. I’ve worked on clients with issues ranging from reconstructed bones, to head injury/trauma to degenerative disease such as MS and Parkinson’s. I’ve also worked on Olympic athletes, contortionists, dancers, victims of abuse, and people ready to pass to their next life. All of that combined with my passion for the human body and living with my own pain. It’s intuition and more. Experience, passion, and that thing you can’t teach or buy--That X Factor.

Q: What are the goals of your technique, and how do they differ from other forms of massage such as Swedish or Thai?

A: My goal is to create a safe space for people to begin their own healing process. I’m a facilitator, not a healer. The work is done between my client and myself; it’s a symbiotic relationship. Although some types of massage have very specific focuses with regard to the systems of the body, it’s my personal belief that all the modalities being marketed for profit are just massage in the end. My personal goal with every massage is to contact that particular body on a deep and meaningful place--A place where the client can still relax, enjoy, and know that the work will have a lasting effect.

Q: How does your technique “get the kinks out” so to speak?

A: My style is a combination many techniques: Pettrisage, effleurage, tapotement, vibration, rocking, shaking, friction and compression. It’s the knowledge of what each stroke does on a physiological level and how their combination generates desired effects. A basic principle of effective massage is that muscles need and want to be pulled away from the major bones, they want to function independently. Creating space for this to happen is a primary goal. The body is all about movement on all levels. Massage, with this in mind, accomplishes this task.

Q: What have you learned working with acrobats that has enhanced your technique working on the layperson?

A: All people come to the table with their own special uniqueness. In my experience, all people have their own form of repetitive work they do with their body. What I’ve learned from the acrobats is how to work with a wider range of injury. On tour with Cirque du Soleil, I worked on several people, several times a week, over the course of many weeks. This enabled me to gauge what was working and what was not. I’ve fine-tuned my method while working on clients with injuries, reconstructed joints, etc. Working with the Cirque du Soliel team has broadened my knowledge base tremendously--The opportunity has been invaluable.

Q: You take such great care of your body, what motivates you? Have you always been physically fit?

A: Yes, I’ve always strived to be the best in all that I do, especially when it comes to staying in shape. Clearly I’m in a profession where appearance and first impressions are very important. To me, a fit, healthy person generates a feeling of confidence in others. Plus I truly enjoy the feeling of physical activity. It’s my drug of choice. The more I sweat and feel my body move, the better.

Q: What inspired you to become a massage therapist?

A: I was business manager/accountant prior to massage school and I just hated sitting at a desk alone in an office all day long. I wanted a job that allowed me to give back to others in a more meaningful way. I’m passionate about massage. I feel I have a gift, and I truly enjoy passing it along.