Massage services are offered by Dr. Carrie Ebling,
Chiropractic Physician and Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT #8058)
For additional information, email elementalmedicinepdx@gmail.com.
I was first interested in medicine, and hands on techniques in particular, after seeing the benefits of massage therapy on horses and dogs. I then began experiencing it myself after a nasty fall from my horse. I have been practicing therapeutic massage since 1999, as well as educating future therapists since 2002. My practice focuses on teaching you how to live in your most functional body, which also tends to reduce pain and overall tension.
What do you do that is different from other massage therapists?
Having doctoral education in anatomy and physiology as well as being a core instructor at a prestigious university for massage therapy training, I have a deeper understanding of how the body functions as compared to many massage therapists. I also believe in involving you in the work and incorporate many techniques that fall under the Neuromuscular umbrella to help your brain recognize the changes your body is trying to make, such as Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. Additionally I incorporate techniques borrowed from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage ("Gua Sha" in TCM) as well as negative pressure cupping to facilitate the break down of scar tissue and the release of fascia. I have found both of these techniques to drastically improve the removal of metabolic wastes from chronically tight areas, thereby allowing the body to heal faster and generate healthy tissue in a more functional way. See what the doctors of the Mayo Clinic have to say about Fibromyalgia and cupping by following the link to this Questions page at the Mayo Clinic.
What about "deep tissue massage"? Do you do that?
I absolutely work deeply into the muscles and connective tissues during a standard therapeutic massage. I do not however believe in the "no pain no gain" theory. I will always respect your individual pain threshold and work to keep you out of the breath holding, I can't take it for another second place, in favor of the "oh yeah, it hurts so good place".
Can people with cancer receive massage?
Of course! I have been working with cancer patients and survivors of cancer for many years. While there are some times during treatment when additional care might need to be taken, I firmly believe that EVERY BODY can benefit from touch. I actively take massage students to a local Portland oncology center and we provide massage to patients while they are receiving their chemotherapy as well as while waiting for radiation, PET scans, CT scans and generalized testing. Stress and anxiety relief are often my primary focus but I have also had great success minimizing the effects of neuropathy, swelling and even nausea. I have extensive experience dealing with scar tissue from radiation and multiple surgeries and have helped many people experience improved range of motion, decreased pain and hope that their body can move and feel so much better. I always recommend getting approval from your Oncologist and I am more than happy to discuss the benefits with them directly.
My doctor suggested massage therapy might help my condition.
What a great doctor you have! If you have health insurance and you have discussed massage with your primary care physician, it is possible that even without complementary care benefits, massage therapy will be covered. A prescription from your doctor would be required and to make it easy, you can download the form here to have your doctor fill out. It is always a good idea to verify coverage with your insurance company but understand that there is never a guarantee that services will be paid, even if coverage was verified.
I was in a car accident in the last year and still have stiff muscles. Could massage help me?
Most likely. Depending on the details of your accident and the care you have already received, you may still be eligible to receive treatment at no cost to you for the injuries related to the accident. Massage therapy is typically covered under the Personal Injury Protection benefits in the state of Oregon. We are happy to help you with the process if you have questions and we will perform all of the billing so you can relax and heal from your injuries.
