Cat Paws Massage

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Welcome to my web site! My name is Skya Fisher, and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist located in Bellingham, WA.

I offer many styles of massage: Deep Tissue, Swedish, Reflexology, traditional Thai Assisted-Yoga Massage, Sports Massage, and a bit of Trager. I am also a Third Degree Reiki practitioner. Please ask if there is a style you are looking for, as I may know it.

I have a background in dance and martial arts, and these disciplines have offered me opportunities to work with injury, and to discover healing techniques that work for most people. I practice Vipassana style meditation, which shapes the mindfulness I bring to my sessions. I like to work slowly and specifically, in rhythm with the breath, focusing on each unique being who seeks my help.

I am also a licensed Small Animal Massage Practitioner and Large Animal Massage Practitioner. I have a degree in Animal Behavior and over 20 years of experience working with domesticated and wild animals. Massage therapy goes beyond merely petting an animal; there are specific techniques to reduce injuries and induce a calmer demeanor. Animals enjoy the same benefits of massage as humans do! I do animal work "on site", not in my office.

Cat Paws is focused on being Earth-friendly: all products are organic, biodegradable, not tested on animals, and most equipment is purchased used. I use only organic, unrefined coconut oil, which is the healthiest form of fat you can absorb.

In addition to massage, I am active in the raw foods movement and have started a blog about the ups and downs - please check it out:
www.skyafisheroutofthefryingpan.blogspot.com

A session at Cat Paws is customized to what a client wants and needs, spanning the spectrum from pure relaxation to pure injury treatment. I mix a variety of techniques that release spasms, flush toxins through the circulatory system, and strive to re-condition the nervous system's holding patterns.

A muscle in motion cannot remained clenched, so much of my work incorporates rocking, vibrating, and jostling to relax muscular tension. In addition to the common Swedish and Deep Tissue modalities, my continuing education has included Beginning Trager, Traditional Thai (Assisted Yoga), and Reflexology of the feet. I am also a Third Degree Reiki practitioner, and include energetic healing when appropriate.

I use an electric table that can put a bit of traction in the spinal column, to open the joints and allow more access to deeper tissues.
* Please note that I am chemically sensitive and I ask clients to please refrain from coming to a session wearing scented products including perfume, cologne, strong deodorant or shampoo, and strong laundry detergents.

Horses are the primary focus of this practice, and have the longest history of receiving professional bodywork. Whether your horse competes in athletic events or is just your companion, s/he will enjoy the benefits of therapy.

Massage can help correct uneven gaits, making for a smoother ride and stronger performance. It can increase range of motion of all joints, which means higher jumps, sharper pivots, and faster responses.

Reduction of chronic aches leads to more confidence and comfort. Increasing circulation means less fluid build-up in the limbs from stalling and transportation. With overall relaxation comes improved digestion. The combined effects go towards preventing injuries from occurring in the first place.

Psychologically, horses today spend a lot more time in restricted spaces with less exercise and can get bored. Massage gives them something to get engaged in, and something positive to associate with their stall.

Other large animals that enjoy massage are alpacas and llamas, goats, and pigs. Whether working animals or companion pets, these animals will respond positively to loving touch.

Dogs and cats share many of the same benefits of massage as large animals, especially more rapid recovery from injuries and general well being from having tissues "buffed and fluffed".

Dogs in particular, especially if they are competing in athletic events, can sprain muscles, tear tendons and ligaments, and suffer from overworked joints, all of which will usually improve faster with massage.

Many breeds have been over bred for profit, and sadly suffer genetic defects such as hip dysplasia, hyperactivity, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Massage can help reduce the pain of misaligned joints and help calm the nervous system.

Unnatural diets of dehydrated kibbles, especially those with chemical additives, can encourage tissue fibers to stick together and lead to reduced movement. Massage can encourage fibers to separate and break up scar tissue, as well as increase peristaltic action in the intestines and improve digestion by overall relaxation. If your companion is overweight, then s/he is working harder to carry around that heavy fat, and massage can help ease the burden on joints.
As your companion ages, massage can reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritic joints, and improve failing muscle tone. Full body palpation can also detect early signs of lumps, bumps, and abrasions that you might not notice through surface petting of your companion.
Today's society requires people to be busy, and companion animals rarely get a chance to do the farm-based work that most of they were bred to do, leading to boredom.

Massage is one more interesting thing for your pet to experience. Animals are, in general, more "in their bodies" than humans are, but oftentimes they too can appreciate being reminded through touch that they are, for example, more sore on one side than the other. A calm dog has a better ability to focus on training tasks, too; a relaxed cat, however, usually wants to go to sleep!
Dogs and Cat clients must be spayed or neutered.

I believe in results-based work, and offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied within three days of your treatment; some people feel a little worse after a massage as their body releases toxins into their bloodstream, but they will feel better after a day or two has passed and then the effects of the massage will be noticeable.
Insurance work is done in 60 minute sessions, and is billed accordingly. I accept Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Labor & Industry.

My office is located in the converted garage of my Birchwood neighborhood home, conveniently just a mile off
I-5, with plenty of parking.

I work by appointment, and can often take a same-day appointment.
I am available Monday - Saturday, starting at 10:00 a.m., and last appointment times will vary.

Gift certificates are available for purchase. I accept cash and checks, and payment is due at time of service. Please be prepared to fill out a short health intake at your first appointment. I require 24 hours notice of cancellation or change of session time.

I charge by the session, because animals vary in their response to massage and some will need little breaks in the bodywork, and some will not tolerate prolonged work. In general, a horse will take between 45 minutes to an hour and a half, for which I charge $60.
I offer multiple-horse discounts, either within one family or between shared barn mates:
Three or more horses = $55 each

Dogs and Cats are also charged by the session, which can vary from 20 minutes for a flighty cat to over an hour for a large dog.
A session is $45, and my service area is the same as for horses, with the same travel fees.
Multiple animal discount is two or more animals for $40 each, same or combined species.
For cats only, I offer a private tutorial-style session for $60, where I include some basic anatomy and technique lessons in addition to therapy. This is because some cats can take so long to become comfortable with a stranger's touch that it makes more sense for their human companion to learn the techniques themselves. This is limited to wellness massage only, not advanced injury treatment, and does not apply to certification.

Bellingham City limits - Outside of the city, there will be an additional travel fee of 50 cents per mile.

Please note that I am frequently in a session during business hours, and will return your call as promptly as possible if you leave a message with your name and phone number.

Licensed Massage Therapist in Bellingham, WA 360.383.2287
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