Seattle 206-623-5422 | Bellevue 425-688-0223
Deep tissue massage is a type of massage aimed at the deeper tissue structures of the muscle and fascia, also called connective tissue. Deep tissue massage uses many of the same movements and techniques as Swedish massage, but the pressure will generally be more intense. It is also a more focused type of massage, as the therapist works to release chronic muscle tension or knots (also known as “adhesions.”)
Swedish Massage uses variety of techniques specifically designed to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones. By rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart; Swedish Massage is designed to increase the flow of oxygen in the blood. This also assists with the release of toxins from the muscles and flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid, and other metabolic wastes. Firm soothing strokes help to keep ligaments and tendons supple and pliable. This style of massage both stimulates the skin and nervous system while at the same time soothes the nerves themselves. Swedish Massage is excellent for stress reduction, both emotional and physical.
Bellevue Clinic
Josh grew up in Medina/Bellevue, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He chose to enter themassage career field, inspired by the treatment of his own sports related injuries by Chiropractic andMassage Therapy. Josh started out as a patient at Elite Sports and Spine when he was 12 years old andhad a thorough fascination with how the body worked and its self-healing capabilities. Working withathletes and getting them back to what they love to do is a great feeling.
When Josh isn’t at Elite Sports and Spine, he enjoys just about anything outdoors; camping, hiking,running (especially trail running), off-roading, dirt bikes, skydiving, swimming, kayaking, playing with his mastiff puppy, etc. On the contrary, he is also an avid movie/TV show enthusiast and reads 3-4 books ata time. A graduate of Cortiva Institue: Seattle School of Massage, class of 2008, Josh worked at various massage jobs before coming to work at the very clinic that helped inspire his path to massage therapy. There is no place better to work!
Seattle Clinic
Alexis has always been fascinated by the connection between the mind and body. Her interest led her to pursue training in clinical massage therapy in 2005 at The Soma Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Since then, she has worked with massage clients in a variety of settings, including sports clinics, massage studios, holistic wellness centers, and day spas. At the heart of each of her massages is a thoughtful, measured approach to treating and resolving soft-tissue restrictions to improve movement, reduce pain, and increase quality of life.
Whether you are a weekend warrior, professional athlete, or everyday hero, Alexis will work with you to identify your massage goals. Her massages are a blend of deep tissue and Swedish massage strokes, stretching, trigger point treatment, and myofascial work. She has helped previous clients with athletic performance, physical recovery from injury, stress management, and the ups and downs of infertility treatments, pregnancy, or chronic illness. Her favorite clients are those who believe that massage is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle, whether you are an Ironman competitor, marathoner, or just trying to make it to the weekend.
Alexis is nationally certified through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She also holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Texas at Arlington and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePaul University.
When away from massage, Alexis enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest by foot, bike, or kayak with her husband. She keeps balance in her life by mixing in yoga, quilting, and cooking.
Hollie IrishBellevue Clinic
Hollie grew up in the Seattle/Renton area and graduated form Renton Technical Collage in 2001 with a Certificate in Massage Therapy, specificaly focusing in Deep Tissue and Injury Treatment Massage. She loves reading, spending time with friends and playing with her dog, Raffle. Hollie started working for Elite Sports and Spine in 2010. “I absolutely LOVE E.S.S.! I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”
