Four Hands now accepts credit and debit cards.

You have been asking for it. So starting February 1st, you can now pay for your session or gift certificates using Visa/Mastercard or Discover. The equipment I have allows the use of your debit card as well. This also means that you can now earn miles (or any other rewards associated with your card) every time you come for a massage!

This Summer, I will update the web site to allow purchase of gift certificates online.

We, of course, continue to accept cash and checks. The updated version of the Payment Policy Document is available on the web site.

Celebrate your Valentine with a little help from Four Hands

Celebrate that special someone!
Show them that you care!
Offer them a waste free gift!
Give them an opportunity to take care of themselves
Give them a massage!

Gift Certificates for sessions at Four Hands are
only $85 for 90 minutes
or only $72 for a 60 minutes session
(when ordered between Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, 2009)

Yes, you can gift them to yourself :).
Regular prices are $80 for a 60 minutes session and $95 for a 90 minutes session.
For additional volume discounts, please contact me!
Gift certificates do not expire, however, the price per session is only guaranteed for a year. If the price of the session has increased after a year, the certificate bearer might be asked to pay the difference.
Cannot be used with other discounts.

Give the Gift of Massage!

This Holiday Season, Give a Massage!
with a little help from Four Hands Bodywork & Massage.

This year, how about offering a massage to someone you care about.
Give them a waste-free present.
Give them an opportunity to take care of themselves.
Give them some relief from chronic pain or stress.
Give them some support for that New Year's resolution.

Tell them that you care!

Gift Certificates for sessions at Four Hands
are only $85 for a 90 minutes gift certificate,
or only $72 for a 60 minutes gift certificate!
(when ordered between Dec 1st and Dec 31st, 2008)
(spread the word!)

Yes, you can gift them to yourself :).
Regular prices are $80 for a 60 minutes session and $95 for a 90 minutes session.
For additional volume discounts, please contact me!
Gift certificates do not expire, however, the price per session is only guaranteed for a year. If the price of the session has increased after a year, the certificate bearer might be asked to pay the difference.
Cannot be used with other discounts.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks
to my friends and clients for all their support

It is that time of the year. The time to remember and express what you are thankful for. I am very grateful for your continuing support. It has been a fabulous journey so far and I look forward to the path ahead.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you
and all whom you care for.

Advanced Orthopedic Massage

In an effort to further my training in more medical-oriented bodywork modalities, I have been pursuing my certification in Advanced Orthopedic Massage with James Waslaski. Now, after almost 6 months of hard work, I am happy to announce that I have achieved this certification.

So what is Advanced Orthopedic Massage?

Advanced Orthopedic Massage (AOM) is a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain conditions outlined by world-renowned bodyworker James Waslaski. This approach uses a combination of structural integration techniques, deep myofascial techniques and the latest scar management techniques to address complicated conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or frozen shoulders (adhesive capsulitis) in a pain free manner. The techniques have been developed using the latest medical research in musculo-skeletal related conditions and fascia.
The techniques used in AOM are many of the myofascial techniques I have used for years. The difference lies in how we approach the injury. You probably have heard me say that I imagine you have one muscle and 600 or so compartments of that muscle. It is referred to as structural bodyworking. AOM adds a balancing element to that equation. When using AOM, we work to balance out the different compartments. For example, if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), it is likely that the flexor muscles in your arm, the muscles that you use to flex your fingers and your wrist, are more developed than the extensor muscles. The extensor muscles are called the antagonist muscles (or more accurately muscle group) to the flexors. Restoring balance between the flexors and extensors would be the first step needed before we can efficiently address the tenosynovitis, adhesions and the other causes of CTS.
AOM is a more active or engaged style of bodywork. During the session, I use many joint movements and gentle muscle loading to help with scar tissue treatment. While this is always performed in a pain-free manner, it requires a greater participation on your part in the session than the traditional relaxation massage.

AOM results are truly impressive. It is particularly effective in treating frozen shoulders, thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, piriformis (also known as ‘false sciatica’) syndrome, knee problems and plantar fasciitis. Typically, you should see significant results after a couple of sessions. Combined with some gentle stretching exercises, you will be amazed by the results we will get using AOM techniques.

You probably have noticed that I have been using some of these techniques in your session. I am creating a new session format for the more medical-oriented treatments. This will help me better understand your expectations for the session, prepare the self-care exercises for you and give you some additional information about your session that you can share with your other medical providers (ie: primary care provider, physical therapist, or chiropractor).

If you are wondering if Advanced Orthopedic Massage would work for you, feel free to call me or send me an email with your questions.

4 Hands Now on Twitter

I am excited to announce that you can now follow me at Twitter.

If you don't know Twitter, it is a service that allow you to post short messages about what your status or mood is.

I will use Twitter to publish the availability I have for that particular day as well reminder of current promotions.

Check it out!

Vote!!

It is time! If you haven't voted yet, tomorrow is your last chance! Rain or shine!

To find the polling station closer to your home, click here.

After having voted, you can get a free cup of coffee at any Starbucks store.

Go Vote!


* the image I use here is from one of my favorite artist, Nikki McClure from Olympia. You can learn more about her work here.