The Story Behind MEND
I’ve spent nearly two decades with my hands on people — quite literally.
As a massage therapist, in clinical aromatherapy, and the skincare industry. I’ve worked with hundreds (probably thousands) of clients over the years, learning everything there is to know about skin — how it feels, how it reacts, what works and what doesn’t. When you’ve been up close with real bodies for that long, you quickly learn that skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. Texture matters. Function matters. And practicality matters most of all.
I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside practitioners for over a decade. During this time, I kept noticing the same gaps — products that didn’t quite perform the way we needed them to in a clinical setting. Magnesium sprays that irritated the skin. Oils that stained towels. Formulas that looked good on paper but failed when it came to real people, real results, and real skin barriers that are, well… designed to keep things out.
So I started MEND.
MEND was born out of the treatment room — created to fill the gaps between what’s needed and what’s available. Products that work as hard as the practitioners who use them. Functional, effective, skin-respecting formulations that support repair, recovery, and performance.
Like our Pre-Taping Gel — a true multitasker that cleans the skin, allows for manual work, cools, soothes, and delivers magnesium to support tissue recovery.
Or our Magnesium Massage Oil — formulated as a supplemented oil with an ideal glide for massage and zero residue on towels or clothing.
Or our DryTouch Magnesium Oil, which gives you the benefits of magnesium without upsetting the skin’s natural barrier.
These aren’t just products — they’re solutions, crafted from experience and built for real-world use.
MEND is the sum of all those years of touch, trial, and tinkering. At the heart of it, I care about the people behind the practice — the hands that mend, and the bodies they restore.
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When I’m not formulating, you’ll probably find me in the garden — though not the pretty kind. Mine’s full of comfrey, St John’s Wort, and burn jelly plants — all ingredients that find their way into my blends. My freezer holds jars for stability testing, and my pantry is lined with dried herbs instead of baking supplies.
My hobbies are: Driving my kids to their hobbies….I also enjoy waiting in the car and pretending it’s “me time”.
Hand holding a container of MEND massage balm with a leafy green plant in the background.
Hand holding a small amber bottle labeled 'MEND Magnesium Enriched Anti-inflammatory Lotion' in a gym setting.
A hand holding four small brown bottles labeled 'MEND' with a festive, colorful blurred holiday background.
A hand holding a small brown bottle labeled MEND Magnesium Oil,' with a spray nozzle, against a blurred background.
Assorted bottles of MEND massage and wellness products on a black surface, with exercise equipment blurred in the background.
Four jars of bath salts labeled Floral, Heal, Renew, Detox, with different colored salts overflowing from each jar onto a wooden surface.
A row of five containers of MEND magnesium body balm with different scents, placed on a beige towel with a blurred background of a room with framed art on the wall.
A hand holding a black container of lavender and patchouli scented MEND magnesium body balm with a purple and white label on sandy ground with wavy texture.
A hand holding a bottle of MEND magnesium massage oil with a scenic ocean view and a small island in the background.
Muscle Recovery Products – MEND Magnesium Relief
Welcome to MEND, we craft professional-grade magnesium-enriched recovery products for therapists, osteopaths, and wellness retailers. Designed for hands-on care and recovery—because we know what it takes.
Developed over years of collaboration with physiotherapists, osteopaths, massage therapists & acupuncturists our products are created with you, the practitioner, in mind.
Tested by athletes and thousands of patients (never animals), these formulas are made to meet the demands of your practice while prioritising safety for your hands and your clients. As a massage therapist myself, I understand the importance of high-quality products that perform effectively and protect the therapist’s most valuable tool—their hands.
MEND is more than our original product; it’s our philosophy. Standing for:
Magnesium Enriched Naturally Derived products, MEND brings together everything you need for manual therapy in one place.
Thank you for trusting us to be part of your practice. Let’s take care of recovery—together.
Products made by practitioners for practitioners
Where We’re From
Born in the heart of Taranaki, New Zealand - MEND embodies the spirit of our community. Surrounded by rugged coastlines, rolling farmland, and the iconic Mount Taranaki, we’re inspired by the strength and dedication of the people who call this region home.
"We craft products that work as hard as you do."
— Michelle Ackerman
Magnesium, the secret to pain relief & improved sleep
Magnesium is a vital mineral that acts as a catalyst for numerous essential bodily functions. From promoting improved sleep to aiding in muscle recovery, alleviating migraines, combating fatigue, relieving cramps, and soothing growing pains, magnesium offers a multitude of benefits.
MEND magnesium lotion combines potent anti-inflammatory ingredients with the added benefits of magnesium, earning praise from practitioners across disciplines.
For everyday use, our unscented magnesium lotion caters to both adults and children, making it a sought-after daily moisturiser. Seeking quick relief? Look no further than our rapidly absorbing magnesium oil, specially formulated to ease muscle cramps and favoured by athletes and those in need of post-workout recovery. Despite its name, our magnesium oil is water-based, leaving behind no oily residue and serving as an excellent base for supportive taping.
Our magnesium gel delivers magnesium in a gentle and soothing formula that is safe for use during pregnancy and on children, ensuring peace of mind for those with sensitive skin. Our magnesium gel offers enhanced glide during water-based, non-greasy massages, making it ideal for physiotherapy sessions or as a pre-taping gel. This gentle, soothing formula is safe for use during pregnancy and on children.
Each product has been specifically formulated for various practitioner needs. Have a read through our product making process.
