Hi, I’m Alex. I have been a massage therapist for four years now. Ever since I was six years old I was giving massages to my family members. So, after graduating from high school in my home town Kent, Washington, I decided to become a professional massage therapist.
Massage Therapy is an ancient healing art with scientifically based Therapeutic Effects. Throughout the centuries, the healing powers of massage have been sought to promote relaxation and balance. Gentle kneading and manipulation of the soft tissue affects circulation of blood flow. This increase in blood carries oxygen and nutrition to areas of the body. Toxins are released from dormant tissues and the nervous system is soothed. Like a breath of fresh air your body responds with a new awareness.
Our massage therapists offer several types of massages from injury treatment to relaxation.
Massage is used to:
Increases circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs. -Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body’s natural defense system, against toxic invaders. For example, in breast cancer patients, massage has been shown to increase the cells that fight cancer. -Increased circulation of blood and lymph systems improves the condition of the body’s largest organ – the skin. -Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles -Reduces spasms and cramping -Increases joint flexibility. -Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates subsequent pains of the athlete at any level. -Releases endorphins – the body’s natural painkiller – and is being used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain. -Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
-Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
-Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication. -Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
-Assists with shorter labor for expectant mothers, as well as less need for medication, less depression and anxiety, and shorter hospital stays.
Manual Therapy Techniques are designed to relieve pain and muscle tension throughout the body. This type of massage is extremely beneficial because it reaches the deepest layer of muscles, fascia (connective tissue surrounding the joints) and tendons. The goal in deep tissue massage is to breakdown adhesions (tense areas within the muscle). Adhesions in the muscle are very important to address because they cause pain, inflammation and limit motion of the muscles and joints.
1.Alleviate pain
2.Recover from injuries (sports, traumatic, whiplash, falls, etc.)
3.Increase mobility
4.Decrease muscle tension
5.Recover from repetitive stresses (sports, computer use, lifting, etc.)
6.Improve Posture
Swedish Massage is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish Massage feels good, is relaxing and invigorating.
The main purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Some other benefits include shortening recovery time from muscular strain, increased circulation without increased heart load, stretching of ligaments and tendons, skin stimulation and soothing of the nervous system. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management.
The sequence of techniques usually used in a session of Swedish Massage are:
Effleurage: gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs and/or fingertips. Petrissage: kneading movements with the hands, thumbs and/or fingertips. Friction: circular pressures with the palms of hands, thumbs and/or fingertips. Vibration: oscillatory movements that shake or vibrate the body. Percussion: brisk hacking or tapping. Passive and Active Movements: bending and stretching.
If you have additional questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Call us during Office Hours Monday – Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 9am-1pm at 425.643.4454 or email us using the link below.