About Myself
I have been practicing massage for over 24 years, having graduated from Brian Utting School of Massage in Seattle in 1998. I am certified by the American Massage Therapy Association, and have had a thriving massage practice in the University District since that time.
Prior to becoming a massage therapist, I had a different career in healthcare. For over 6 years, I was a Speech-Language Pathologist, working in the Pacific Northwest in Skilled Nursing Facilities, as well as in Outpatient Rehabilitation, treating people with a variety of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders. I received my MS (in Communication Sciences and Disorders) from the University of Vermont, and my BS (in Linguistics) from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. In 1997, I decided to start to make a career change, away from speech therapy, to become a Massage Therapist. I had been learning about the field of massage from friends who were licensed massage therapists, and I was ready for a change, away from the standard healthcare system. I wanted to continue in the field of healthcare though, as I thoroughly enjoy helping people in their healing process. So I went back to school, received my massage license, and have had a busy practice ever since. It was a path I wouldn't have predicted, and I couldn't be happier with my decision to make that career change!
In my spare time, besides being a self-professed 'word nerd' and avid puzzler (jigsaw puzzles, Wordle, Scrabble, puns...), I'm an outdoor enthusiast. I grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, enjoying all the beauty of the east coast and the Atlantic Ocean, and eventually made my way out west, and have become obsessed with the stunning surroundings here. I love hiking (having recently done a through-hike of The Enchantments in WA State), running (I've done over 50 half-marathons, and 9 full marathons), biking (I've done the Seattle-To-Portland bike ride twice, and the RSVP once), 4 sprint-distance triathlons, and prior to the pandemic did my first Half-Ironman Triathlon in Victoria, BC. Recently, I also joined a boxing gym, and have discovered a wonderful boxing community, which is also a great form of cross-training. I also love photography, especially taking photos of nature. All the nature photos on this website are ones I took from various hikes and travels.
I love to cook and bake, and recently discovered my love for baking pies and tarts, having been inspired by Lauren Ko's Pieometry cookbook. You can follow my baking journey on Instagram @dansbaking.
I've been happily married for 25+ years, and we have 2 grown sons. We can't believe it, but we're now in the next phase of life, as empty-nesters. We're a family of musicians, including piano, trumpet, flute, saxophone, trombone, bass, ukulele, and a variety of percussion instruments. During the start of the pandemic, we formed a family band, known as the "Tiny Porch Band", and performed a song every night on our front steps, for our friends and neighbors, for 81 consecutive days. Music is also an incredible form of therapy, and definitely one of my passions.
Whether it's through massage therapy, or the therapeutic nature of so many other activities (cooking/baking, exercising, music, socializing, puzzling, etc...), I have learned the value of self-care and health care. We only have one body, and it's way too valuable to ignore. I know that I can provide you with some of the therapeutic bodywork that will help you on your path to self-care and healing.
Treatments
Swedish
The goal of Swedish Massage is to melt away muscle tension and increase the blood flow to your heart. Swedish Massage is extremely therapeutic as it decreases muscle toxins, increases oxygen levels in the blood, and improves flexibility in the body.
Sometimes called a classic massage, Swedish massage is probably the most common type of massage. The goal of Swedish massage is to release muscle tension in order to promote relaxation and stress relief. It’s a gentler modality than deep tissue massage, focusing on soft, kneading strokes and light, rhythmic tapping on the upper layers of muscles. These stroke techniques are combined with moving the client’s joints to relieve muscle tension. The ultimate effect is both relaxation and reinvigoration.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage reaches deeper layers of muscles. It is used to break down knots and relieve pressure points throughout the body. This massage is beneficial for athletes and those who sit for long periods of time.
Deep Tissue Massage involves applying slow, firm pressure to the deepest layers of the muscles and connective tissues in order to release muscle tension. Benefits of deep tissue massage include stress relief, pain reduction, improved heart health, muscle injury rehabilitation, and more.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial Release Bodywork is a gentle, hands-on form of stretching that evaluates and treats the fascial connective tissue system, which can become restricted due to overuse, inactivity, trauma, or infection, often resulting in pain and muscle tension. The function of fascia is varied. It creates tissue spaces and plays an important role in support, protection, separation, cellular respiration, elimination, metabolism, and fluid and lymphatic flow. Dysfunction in these tissues can have far-reaching effects.
In Myofascial Release, the therapist applies gentle pressure into the direction of the restriction by following the motion of the tissue, barrier after barrier, with sustained pressure that supports the release. This process relieves restrictions throughout the body, promoting strength, flexibility, full range of motion, aligned posture, and fluid movement.
Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Point Massage involves applying firm pressure with a finger or an instrument for several seconds to tender muscle tissue in order to foster healing and reduce pain and stiffness; pressure is increased as the trigger point softens.
Sports Massage
Similar to deep tissue massage, this massage modality applies firmer pressure and targets the muscles and deep connective tissue in the body. Unlike deep tissue massage, the sports massage may incorporate stretching in order to help athletes recover from injury, increase their flexibility, and prevent future injury.
Muscle Energy Technique
This form of therapeutic bodywork uses a muscle's own energy in the form of gentle isometric contractions to relax the muscles via reciprocal inhibition to lengthen the muscle.
Pregnancy/Prenatal Massage
This form of therapeutic bodywork caters to the needs of mothers-to-be. In response to the body’s changes during pregnancy, this form of massage aims to improve the function of muscles and joints, improve circulation, and combat fatigue.
Prenatal massage uses techniques from deep-tissue massage, Swedish massage, Shiatsu massage, and others, using positioning recommended for pregnant women. It helps reduce pregnancy discomforts such as back pain, swelling and improves circulation and sleep.
Rate Increase for 2025
Beginning January 1, 2025, my rates will be increasing to the following.
60 minute massage - $120
90 minute massage- $180