FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Massage Therapy
Physical Recovery for the People Who Never Stop Moving
The job takes a toll on the body. Regular recovery helps responders stay ready, avoid injury, and bring their best to every call.
About Us
Protecting the Ones Who Protect Us
We exist to strengthen first responders, their families, and the agencies that depend on them.
A Service Designed for Strength
Massage therapy at Birkley Consulting isn’t a luxury. It’s a recovery strategy.
First responders spend years carrying the physical weight of the work: gear, long shifts, tension, adrenaline. That constant strain builds up over time, showing up as fatigue, tightness, and chronic pain that impacts focus and performance.
Our massage services are designed to keep responders strong, flexible, and healthy enough to serve long-term.
First Responder Massage Therapist
Andrew Birkley, LMT
Andrew has been a licensed massage therapist for the past 12 years helping people with the stress of the world we live in and how it manifests in their bodies. Massage therapy is an extremely effective way to assist the body in its natural healing process and to help activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
As first responders your sympathetic nervous system can be easily overstimulated due to the constant need to be ready to respond to whatever situation you are called to handle. With more regular massage he can help reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke; increase digestive metabolism; and decrease headaches by assisting your body in returning to the “rest and digest” state of the nervous system.
He would be honored to work with you in our office or come to your department to provide massage on site to remove the burden of finding time outside of work to get a massage.
Founder & Chief Clinician
Meet Dr. Birkley
Dr. Erica Birkley
Erica has invested over ten years of service to first responders, veterans, and their families. She has has expertise in PTSD, anger, depression, sleep, and couples.
Erica serves as a clinician on several peer support teams, and provides training and psychological testing to agencies in the greater Cincinnati area.
Erica is married to her high school sweetheart, and they are blessed with a baby boy and a school-aged daughter.
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Perdue University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Trauma Treatment, Cincinnati VA Medical Center
Provider in: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART),
Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Peer Support Teams
Why Massage is Important
Reduces muscle tension and pain from long hours and repetitive movements
Improves circulation and flexibility, helping prevent injuries
Supports sleep, mood, and recovery during off-shift hours
Complements mental wellness programs by reducing stress stored in the bodyd recovery during off-shift hours
Advantages of Massage Therapy
Recruit & Retain Top Talent
Agencies are welcome to book Andrew for several hours across several shifts. He will come to your Department and rotate members through 15 to 20 minute chair massage sessions.
Protect your Mind & Body
First responders can individually book Andrew before, during, or after their shift to perform on-site chair massage at their station.
Treat your Shift
Treat your shift or firehouse to a round of chair massage or ask everyone to chip-in. Make it a regular routine, or a better-than-cake way to celebrate a promotion or a retirement.
Integrate Massage into Your Wellness Program
Massage therapy can be added as part of your agency’s ongoing wellness plan.
From individual sessions to group wellness days, we’ll work with you to design a recovery schedule that supports your department’s needs.
Book Your Massage Therapy Session
Appointments are not exclusive to first responders and are available for anyone.
We are committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and effective mental health care for individuals, families, and agencies.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1
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This publication is designed to provide general information prepared by a professional in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not intended to provide psychological or clinical advice. Although prepared by a professional, this publication should not be utilized as a substitute for professional service in specific situations. If mental health advice or other expert assistance is required, the service of a professional should be sought.
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