Merey Kate Grearson, MA English, LMT
I
came to massage therapy after a successful thirteen year career as an
English
teacher and soccer, ice hockey, lacrosse, and recreational sailing coach
at Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, and Berwick Academy in South Berwick,
ME.
After
moving to the Northwest, I attended Bodymechanics School of Myotherapy and
Massage in Olympia, WA, where I graduated with distinction in
May of 2008. The program I followed was 900 hours over 13 months. The
coursework included but was not limited to the following areas:
- Anatomy, physiology, and
pathology
- Kinesiology
- Swedish massage
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Injury Treatment
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Sports Massage
- Special populations: seniors,
cancer, pregnancy, AIDS/HIV
- Hydrotherapy
- Hawaiian Lomi Lomi
- Chair Massage
- Breast Massage*
Since graduating in 2008, I have completed over 500 hours of additional training in Visceral Manipulation with Michael Hahn, Orthopedic Massage with James Waslaski, Myokinesthetics with Michael Uriarte, and many other classes focused on bringing the latest and most effective treatments to my patients.
*
Breast massage can be essential for those coping with the aftereffects of
breast cancer treatment. It can help reroute lymphatic drainage, increase scar
functionality, and provide pain relief. However, even healthy breasts can
benefit from regular massage. Massage increases circulation and moves fluid,
transporting toxins associated with cancer risks, into the lymphatic system
where it is filtered. Breast massage is non-sexual, but I would never
incorporate it into a massage without a specific request from a client, without
discussing it first, and without getting express consent from a client. Even if
you are not comfortable having breast massage incorporated into your massage,
learn more about the benefits and techniques by reading an excerpt from Debra
Curties’ book Breast Massage. If you have questions,
please feel free to ask me.
On
Wednesdays from 10-12 I offer 15 minute massage treatments at the Olympia Senior
Center.
From 2007-2011 I volunteered at St. Martin’s University in Lacey,
WA, where one morning a week, I treated male and female athletes
involved in soccer, cross country, track, basketball, baseball, softball, and
volleyball.
I
am a member of the American Massage
Therapy Association (AMTA), and certified in CPR and First Aid.