Earl “Bull” Tullock became a licensed massage therapist in 1980, but he didn’t fulfill his lifelong dream— starting his own therapeutic massage practice—until 2004, when he retired from the U.S. Air Force and opened Bodyworks by Bull Therapeutic Massage, in Shalimar.

So who wants to be worked on by someone named Bull? It turns out that a lot of people do. 

“Not many tourists find their way to us,” he says. “As a result, we are a family-owned, repeat-business practice that serves our local community.”

Susan Tullock credits her husband’s tireless enthusiasm for helping people and fierce entrepreneurial spirit for making and keeping their practice successful. 

“Bull’s mission for the practice is to improve people’s health and quality of life through the use of our 30-plus years of experience, our knowledge and our hands,” she says. “We’ve made it our goal to change and grow and stay educated on the latest modalities to help our clients get out of pain and continue on with their active and busy lives.”

Bodywork treatments

In that spirit, Bull and Susan have assembled a team of licensed therapists who are certified in a variety of natural and holistic therapies, such as ART (Active Release Technique), a trademarked technique that addresses issues resulting from either a specific injury or cumulative injuries caused by repetitive use; ACE Vacuum Therapies, a trademarked modality that “can profoundly affect physiology and structure, enabling the body to release old restrictions and compensatory patterns, and return to healthy functioning,” Bull says; and reflexology, a system of bodywork based on the principle that every part of the body, including the glands and organs, corresponds to a specific reflex in the feet or hands.

Other healing modalities offered at Bodyworks by Bull include neuromuscular therapy; Activated Isolated Stretching (AIS); Instrument Assisted soft-tissue manipulation (AISTEM); advanced orthopedic sports massage; myoskeletal alignment (MAT); RockTape; far infrared sauna; and Biomat.

Therapeutic skin and nail treatments

Bodyworks by Bull also offers selective therapeutic skin and nail services. It's premium pedicures, for example, address corresponding health issues such as broken or ingrown nails, stressed feet and diabetic foot care. 

Bull says he and his team hand-picked every product line used in their services and treatments, from Bioelements skin care, which targets the uniqueness and range of all skin types and concerns, to Melaleuca cleaning and laundering products. 

“We are always conscious of the environment and the health and safety of our clients,” he says.

Clients have responded in kind, so that 15 years after Bodyworks by Bull Therapeutic Massage first opened its doors, it continues to grow and evolve. 

“If you find yourself in our waiting room, just look around for the little white binder,” Susan says. “It’s a fun read that chronicles all of the journeys that have made us what we are today: bullish on pain.”

Location: 4 9th Ave., Ste. B, Shalimar, FL. For appointments or information, call 850-651-2286 or visit BodyworksByBull.com. Gift certificates and military discounts available.