Massage Therapy
Seattle's Most Skilled Massage Therapists
Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Russian, warm bamboo, cupping, and more. Three licensed therapists with decades of combined experience.
Massage is in high demand and currently booking 2 to 3 months out. Need care sooner? Chiropractic, acupuncture, and red light therapy have sooner openings, and massage clients can join our cancellation list.
What We Offer
9 Massage Modalities Under One Roof
Swedish Massage
Classic relaxation massage using long, flowing strokes to reduce stress and promote circulation.
Deep Tissue
Targeted pressure on deeper muscle layers and connective tissue to release chronic tension and adhesions.
Sports Massage
Pre- and post-activity massage designed to improve performance, reduce soreness, and prevent injury.
Russian Sports Massage
Specialized technique brought by Ash Chima from elite athletic training, used with NBA, NFL, and NCAA athletes.
Warm Bamboo Massage
Mai Nguyen's signature modality uses warm bamboo tools to increase circulation, energy, and deep tissue release.
Myofascial Release
Sustained pressure into fascial restrictions to restore movement and eliminate pain across large body areas.
Cupping Therapy
Traditional suction technique that lifts and separates tissue to release tension and improve blood flow.
Lymphatic Facilitation
Gentle techniques to support lymphatic drainage, ideal for post-surgical recovery and immune support.
Trigger Point Therapy
Precise pressure on hyperirritable muscle knots to release referred pain patterns throughout the body.
Training for a race or recovering from competition? Athletes should start with our dedicated sports massage page. And if chronic back pain brought you here, massage is one of the core tools we use to treat it. Need massage as part of an injury or diagnosed condition? Our medical massage in Seattle is documented and can be billed to many insurance plans. Curious about cupping? Our guide to cupping therapy benefits covers what it may help with, the marks, and who should skip it.
Deep Tissue
Deep Tissue Massage in Seattle
Deep tissue massage uses slow, firm pressure to work the deeper layers of muscle and the connective tissue around them. It is the right choice when tension has settled in and stayed: a neck and upper back that lock up after weeks at a laptop, a low back that tightens every time you lift, or shoulders and hips that never quite let go after training.
Your therapist starts by asking where it hurts and what makes it worse, then warms the area with lighter strokes before working into the specific spots that need it. Pressure is a conversation. Firm is the goal, sharp pain is not, and you can ask for more or less at any point. Some people feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward, a lot like the day after a hard workout.
Often a good fit for
- Chronic neck, shoulder and upper back tension from desk work
- Low back tightness that keeps coming back
- Knots and trigger points that refer pain elsewhere
- Tight hips, glutes and calves from running or lifting
- Stiffness that limits how far you can turn, bend or reach
Tell your therapist first if you
- Have a fresh injury, swelling or bruising in the area
- Take blood thinners or bruise easily
- Are pregnant (we also offer prenatal massage)
- Have had recent surgery or a blood clot
- Have numbness, tingling or pain that shoots down an arm or leg
Because we are a clinic, deep tissue work can be coordinated with the rest of your care. If tight tissue keeps pulling on a sore joint, your therapist and our chiropractors can work from the same plan. Training hard? Deep tissue is also a core part of our sports massage in Seattle sessions.
Swedish
Swedish Massage in Seattle
Swedish massage is the classic full-body massage: long, flowing strokes, kneading and gentle circular work at light to moderate pressure. The aim is to ease general muscle tension, help you relax and leave you feeling looser overall, rather than to dig into one stubborn spot.
It is a good choice for a first massage, for stress that has settled into your shoulders and jaw, or when you simply want a stretch of time where nobody needs anything from you. It also works well as a lighter session between deeper treatment visits. If a particular area needs more attention, your therapist can blend in deeper work without turning the whole session into deep tissue.
Pressure
Light to moderate. You choose, and you can change it at any time.
Best for
First-timers, stress, general tension and people who prefer gentler work.
Swedish or deep tissue?
Not sure? Book massage and tell us your goals. Your therapist will recommend a mix.
Your Therapists
Licensed. Experienced. Exceptional.
Ash Chima
ACSM-CPT, LMT
Sports massage, Russian techniques, clinical conditions
Maitram "Mai" Nguyen
LMT
Warm bamboo, injury rehab, stress & repetitive motion
Natalie George
LMT
Swedish, myofascial, cupping, lymphatic, energy work
Deep Tissue and Swedish Massage Questions
What is the difference between deep tissue and Swedish massage?
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes at light to moderate pressure and is aimed at overall relaxation and easing general muscle tension. Deep tissue massage uses slower, firmer pressure focused on specific areas of chronic tightness in the deeper muscle layers and connective tissue. Many patients start with Swedish and move to deep tissue for problem areas, and your therapist can blend both in one session.
Does deep tissue massage hurt?
It should feel firm and sometimes intense, but it should not feel sharp or make you hold your breath. Tell your therapist when pressure is too much and they will adjust. Some people feel mild soreness for a day or two afterward, similar to after a hard workout. Drinking water and light movement the next day help many people feel better faster.
Is Swedish massage good for a first massage?
Yes. Swedish is the most common starting point for people new to massage because the pressure is gentler and the session is easy to settle into. If you find you want more pressure on certain spots, your therapist can add deeper work as you go.
Does insurance cover deep tissue massage in Seattle?
Insurance decisions are based on medical necessity, not the name of the technique. If massage is part of a documented treatment plan for a diagnosed condition, many plans may cover it, and deep tissue work is often part of that care. Our medical massage page explains how insurance billing works, and our front desk can help verify your benefits before your visit.
How far out are massage appointments booking?
Massage is in high demand and currently books 2 to 3 months out. Join our cancellation list for sooner openings, and if you need care right away, chiropractic, acupuncture, and red light therapy appointments are usually available earlier.
Most major insurance plans accepted for massage therapy when medically necessary. View accepted plans →
Wondering what counts as medically necessary? Read does insurance cover massage therapy.
Many patients stack a massage with a 15-minute red light therapy session, which may support recovery, in a single visit. Ask about combo pricing.
Massage Is Booked 2 to 3 Months Out. Need Care Sooner?
Chiropractic, acupuncture, and red light therapy have sooner openings. Call to join the massage cancellation list.