ABOUT KATE
Therapeutic massage is a passion for me. Helping people feel better is rewarding. Discovering additional ways to be more effective through continuing education as well as noticing the improvements in client outcomes is very satisfying. As is the critical thinking and research supported by my Mechanical Engineering knowledge combined with various techniques for relieving pain, and knowing which actions and structures, i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, bones and nerves, are involved, then treating them with the techniques that will be most effective.
Collaborating with clients, e.g.checking in on the nature of their pain, where they feel it, intensity, when it started and what may have caused it, although it’s common not to know. Checking in with clients about how activities of daily living, gait, posture, and sleep positions may factor into the big pain picture is important, too. Encouraging client involvement like this greatly improves outcomes for successful pain relief.
So do specific self-treatment strategies like stretches, and contractions of the affected muscles held for 5 to 10 seconds, texted photos showing where the trigger points/knots are and how and where to apply pressure for pain relief and other techniques. Doing these, or a Physical Therapist’s or other healthcare professional’s exercises between massages can maintain progress and greatly improve outcomes. All of this keeps me excited about this important work!
I appreciate the uniqueness of each client, with his, her or their individual nature and love helping them achieve their goals. I enjoy working with a variety of people including seniors, athletes, those with pain, people with complex medical conditions,those with different abilities, and the LBGTQ+ community.
In addition to my private practice, I’ve worked in the medical office of a Physiatrist (MD, DO doctor of pain management & rehab) with patients with acute or chronic pain caused by workplace, accident or overuse injuries. I also have experience working in a Chiropractic office. Many of my clients are medical practitioners: Dentists, Physiatrist, Family and Internal Medicine Physicians, Opthalmologist, PA’s, NP’s, and Physical Therapists. Several PT’s refer to me occasionally.
Training: Myofascial Release Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Scarwork, TMJD Intra-oral Therapy, Cupping, Kinesiology, Sports Massage, Deep Massage, Acupressure, Oncology Massage, Chronic and Acute Pain Relief including for workplace, accident and overuse injuries.
Member: AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association)
Maine Sports Massage Team (AMTA Maine Chapter) past member
Licensed for Massage Therapy in the State of Maine
Background: An early interest in Physics led me to a degree and career in Mechanical Engineering. In addition, I’ve worked as a full-time Mom, a GIS Specialist, in K-12 education with students with Special Needs, and as a Reiki Teacher and Practitioner. These varied experiences, as well as having previously had debilitating back pain, have all contributed to my interest in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology and Kinesiology and a passion for Therapeutic Massage, Traditional Chinese Medicine in the form of Acupressure, and other fascinating and effective modalities.
I grew up in Waterville, Maine and attended the University of Maine in Orono, Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, and the Downeast School of Massage in Waldoboro, Maine. I have six grown children! I enjoy walks, hiking, biking, kayaking, reading, lakes, mountains and the ocean, movies, music, good food, spending time with family and friends and meeting new people.