Cat Paws Massage

Why Cat Paws Massage?

Because I am inspired by the masters of relaxation:

Cat Paws is a unique massage studio because:

• In addition to massage therapy, I have worked off and on as a CNA since 1988. — I turn, lift, and position people who are in pain, stiff, or have limited mobility.This helps me to position you with comfortable pillow support, no matter whichdirection you face.
• I studied Animal Behavior in college. Working with animals honed my skills of observing nonverbal behaviors, such as pain reactions of people who can’t speak (or are too relaxed to speak!), so I can adjust pressures.
• This is a dedicated fragrance-free office. I am Chemically Sensitive to artificial fragrances, as are some of my clients. Everyone is expected to help maintain this healthy, non-toxic environment by not wearing perfumes, strong deodorants, hair products, using dryer sheets, etc. Thank you!
• I offer a Traction Table, which is ADA compliant.

Natural products are used:

• Organically grown coconut oil
• Borage lotion for hands and feet
• 100% cotton sheets, unscented laundry (soap nuts, ask me about them!)
• Air is filtered

Did you know that your head weighs as much as the average bowling ball?

Walking upright is great, but over time that weight compresses your spine.

Traction is one antidote.

Like a mini inversion table, my table inverts the top half of your body, relieving pressure on the discs and nerves of the entire vertebral column.

Comfy and Safe:

• Since I work in facilities, I always wear a mask during treatments, to protect both you and my vulnerable patients.
• All tools are sanitized with hospital-grade hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner.
• Feel free to bring any support person or translator with you.
• Please inform me at any time of your needs, like temperature, pressure, or if you don’t like a technique I’m using. This is your haven, where it’s all about you!
• Quiet.

Massage Benefits:

• Pain Reduction
  

  Did you know that pain can turn into its own disease?

• “Now researchers are recognizing that chronic pain can be a disease in its own right: a disorder that happens when the nerves in our bodies … become hyperactive, or ‘sensitized.’ “ Jan 31, 2025, nytimes.com
• ScienceDirect.com adds: “Functional imaging of nervous tissue has demonstrated distinct anatomical and molecular changes in people with chronic pain.”
• harbinclinic.com includes the specific example of: “Studies show that people who suffer from chronic pain have a lower level of long-term memory, processing speed, and selective attention … than those
  who do not …”

Pain is complex, can be acute or chronic, and is experienced differently from person to person. The full explanation of just why massage works to reduce pain is still under investigation, but some research has shown:

• “Stimulating pressure receptors – or nerves under then skin that convey pain-reducing signals to the brain – with moderate pressure leads to reduced symptoms (or arthritis).” Dr. Tiffany Field, 2010 International Journal of Neuroscience
• Harvard Health Publishing lists several mechanisms, including, “Relaxing painful muscles, tendons, and joints, and relieving stress and anxiety.”
• Another idea being researched is the idea that there is a “gate” to the brain, and since pain signals travel slower than other signals, a distracting sensation, such as massage, can “close” that gate.

Because I work in hospice care, I am attuned to adjusting pressure for many pain-related conditions. Over two decades of practice have sensitized my hands to feel when a patient is tensing from too much pressure. This is NOT a
“no pain/no gain” experience! We’re shooting for, ‘Oh my gosh, that hurts so good!”