Dreamclinic Massage now accepts Regence insurance

Regence Insurance, Insurance paid Massage Therapy and Acupuncture at Dreamclinic Massage Seattle and RedmondBig news for those requiring Medical Massage. Dreamclinic just got accepted into the Regence network and starting January 1, 2011 we are accepting massage and insurance clients under Regence, as well as under other Insurance plans – Uniform, Group Health, etc..  We are very excited about this development as Regence is very selective in credentialing for massage.

To have your massage covered by insurance, you need a prescription from a prescribing medical specialist and we need to confirm your insurance-plan benefits prior to your first visit.

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about having medical massage covered by your insurance. Just call us at (206) 267-0863 or email [email protected].

Client Spotlight on Jodie

Jodie Thomas dances for the Pacific Northwest Ballet.  From humble beginnings in St. Maries, Idaho (a town so small it didn’t even have a movie theatre), Jodie has danced her way into the big leagues. She moved from her hometown to study in Spokane at the age of 14, and then to Seattle two years later to study at the Pacific Northwest Ballet School.   Today, she is an accomplished soloist for the company.

 

With an uncommon grace, Jodie bends and moves in ways most of us wouldn’t attempt!     So, when Jodie began experiencing lower back problems, a major strength center for dancers, she had to take quick action.  She turned to Dreamclinic and therapist Drew Roehrich.  Working with Drew has allowed her to keep dancing at the highest level.

 

“Massage has helped loosen the muscles of my lower back so that I can properly stretch and strengthen my body… Dancing is tough on the body and the yearly wear and tear takes a certain toll—as I get older, I need to pay even more attention to ensuring that I keep my body strong and flexible to help ward off injury.  Dreamclinic has played an important role in this effort.”

 

Having performed leading roles in productions from Stowell’s Romeo and Juliet to Petipa’s Don Quixote.  This fall of 2008, Jodie turns her attention to a staple of the holiday season in Seattle – Stowell and Sendak’s Nutcracker – which runs November 28th through December 30th.

 

Jodie intends to keep dancing for many years to come and says “my primary goal is to keep my body strong, flexible and healthy so I can continue to enjoy my dance career!”

Myofascial Release for Posture and Chronic Pain

By Laura G., LMP

 

The Nature of Fascia

Fascia is connective tissue that’s made of thin sheets of collagen, the  main protein that supports all of our bodily tissues and organs. This paper thin tissue wraps each muscle fiber, group of fibers, muscle, group of muscles, and lastly each limb. Layers of fascia go from very superficial (directly under the skin) to very deep (inside joint capsules). Regular movement and good hydration keep fascia healthy. When fascia is working correctly, it provides a flexible structural support to your organs and muscles.

 
How Adhesions are Formed

When muscles are tight and circulation is sluggish, fascia becomes dehydrated and sticky. The layers may of fascia may stick together or fascia may stick to muscles or skin. Following an injury, fascia may also become attached to scar tissue as it forms. Because these adhesions are frequently painful to stretch, they tend to persist, limiting free movement and reinforcing dysfunctional muscle patterns. A person may feel a burning or tearing sensation when these adhesions are stretched.

Adhesions Restrict Movement and Effect Posture 

If the adhesions are close to the skin, there may be a feeling of tension around the affected muscles or even in the whole limb. A large area may feel too tender to touch. This painful, restricted feeling discourages a person from using the full range of his or her muscles and thus these adhesions limit movement. As movement decreases, fascial adhesions become more solidified and muscle patterns become more entrenched. When there are long term adhesions, even thorough massage that works the muscles, can still leave us feeling as if some tension was fully addressed.

 
Addressing Adhesions through Myofascial Release

Myofascial Release is massage designed specifically to address the problems associated with fascial adhesions. Myofascial massage is usually done without oil, so that the individual layers of fascia can be felt by the therapist. Although there is a common perception that fascial massage is painful, there are many forms of fascial massage. Some are very light to work on the superficial layers. Others use movement to release adhesions in the joints and deep muscles. Still others release fascial layers between muscles.

Though the breaking up of fascial adhesions can feel like a burning or tearing sensation, most fascial massage is not painful or uncomfortable. A skilled practitioner releases fascial adhesions gently and without pain. People who receive fascial massage usually experience a sense of profound relaxation as long standing patterns of posture and movement open up to freer movement. Many also feel a sense of emotional openness as these patterns release.

 

When combined with specific muscle work, myofascial massage promotes more rapid progress toward postural balance and injury recovery. Fascial massage addresses chronic pain patterns as well. Releasing fascial adhesions relieves pain patterns that other modalities may miss. Including fascial work in one’s massage regimen promotes an added sense of ease and freedom of movement to the other numerous benefits of regular massage. If you are experiencing chronic movement limitations, stubborn pain patterns or areas of extreme tenderness, myofascial massage may be just the answer.