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About Massage Therapy

Massage therapy uses touch to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. By manipulating the soft tissues we can increase the blood flow to an area which, among other things, helps to reduce pain, increase range of motion and help your body heal.

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Massage Therapy can be BENEFICIAL for:

  • Reducing muscle tension and stiffness

  • Increasing joint and limb flexibility and range of motion

  • Improving blood circulation and movement of lymph

  • Relieving tension-related headaches, migraines and eyestrain

  • Promoting faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments

  • Reducing pain and swelling related to injuries

  • Reducing the formation of scar tissue following soft tissue injuries

  • Improving posture by changing tension patterns that affect posture

  • Reducing emotional or physical stress and reducing anxiety

  • Increasing awareness of the mind-body connection and improving mental awareness and alertness generally

  • Enhancing health and nourishment of skin

 

People should AVOID Massage Therapy if the have any of the following:

  • Contagious diseases

  • Untreated heart disease or high blood pressure

  • Phlebitis

  • Deep vein thrombosis

  • Embolism

  • Bruises

  • Varicose veins

  • Broken bones

  • Some skin conditions

  • Contagious diseases

  • Blood clots

  • Metastatic cancer

  • Untreated kidney conditions or liver conditions

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*Please DO NOT come in sick to your appointment. Please call and reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/having chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue (tiredness)

  • Sore throat

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Vomiting

  • Change in or loss of taste or smell (if experiencing other symptoms of the flu)

  • Have had a positive COVID test in the past 14 days

About Lymphatic Drainage

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle form of massage used to move the lymphatic fluid through the body to help remove waste and toxins from the tissues of the body. Lymphatic fluid is the clear, colorless fluid in our body that flows throughout the body carrying (among other things) white blood cells to their targets, waste and toxins from the tissues to filtration organs (spleen, kidneys, and liver), and helps to hydrate the body. The lymphatic system is a manual movement system, meaning that there is no central pump (like the heart) to move the fluid. The movement of this fluid is caused by body movement. In some cases, lymphatic fluid can become “stuck” and can leave you feeling swollen, sluggish, tired, and mentally foggy (forgetful, lose track of what you are saying/thinking, having a hard time with word recall). Regular exercise can help you keep your lymphatic system healthy, but every now and then our bodies need a little help staying on track to optimal health. MLD Massage is a great way to flush your lymphatic system to help strengthen your immune system, help clear your lymphatic system of the natural backup of cellular debris and waste, and let your body rest and recover from daily stress. 

 

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage can be BENEFICIAL to people experiencing the following:

  • Lymphedema

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Swelling or edema

  • Skin disorders

  • Fatigue

  • Insomnia

  • Stress

  • Digestive problems

  • Arthritis

  • Migraine episodes

 

People should AVOID Lymphatic Drainage if the have any of the following:

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Blood clots

  • Kidney problems

  • Infections

  • Circulation problems

  • Metastatic cancer (cancer that spreads)

 

Recommended for most people once every three (3) months.

Recommendations for chronic illnesses and swelling reduction, please see your doctor for recommendations for your particular case.

About Therapeutic Cupping

Therapeutic cupping is a massage technique that uses suction on the skin in particular ways to increase the blood flow to that area of the body. Instead of pressing and kneading muscles to increase blood flow, cups are used to pull the layers of tissue apart to allow blood flow to naturally rush into the area. This promotes healing by allowing fresh oxygen and nutrients to get to the tissues that need it.

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Therapeutic Cupping can be BENEFICIAL to people experiencing the following:

  • Chronic pain

  • Inflammation

  • Blood flow

  • Arthritis

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Migraines

 

People should AVOID Therapeutic Cupping if the have any of the following:

  • Skin lesions

  • Open wounds

  • Acute infection

  • Bone fractures

  • Sites of deep vein thrombosis or varicose veins

  • Severe chronic disease (such as heart diseases)

  • Metastatic cancer patients (cancer that spreads)

  • Organ failure (renal failure, hepatic failure, and heart failure). 

  • Hemophilia or similar conditions

  • Using anticoagulants

About Intra-Oral Massage

Intra-Oral Massage is a technique that focuses on the muscles inside the mouth. 

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Intra-Oral Massage can be BENEFICIAL to people experiencing the following:

  • Pain in the head, mouth, ears, neck, jaw, teeth, or behind the eyes

  • Jaw clicking or popping

  • Clenching or grinding

  • Jaw deviation 

  • Limited mouth opening

  • Trouble swallowing

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People should AVOID Intra-Oral Massage if the have any of the following:

  • Drainage tubes

  • Prone to ear infections 

  • Vertigo, balance issues, tremors, or any other chronic condition of the inner ear, please seek medical clearance first

  • Wait 4-6 weeks after oral surgery, pulled teeth, crowns/root canals, or any cosmetic reconstructive work.

Call 

(206)930-8339

Email 

Shayne.wilkins-haigh@bastyr.edu

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