Business Details
Medical Massage Therapy in Traverse City
Great Lakes Clinical Massage is a medical massage facility located in Traverse City, Michigan, dedicated to addressing chronic pain, inflammation, and mobility issues through specialized therapeutic techniques. Our certified massage therapists, trained at Blue Heron Academy of Healing Arts & Sciences, combine anatomical science with hands-on soft tissue therapy to promote natural healing and rehabilitation. We serve patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and maintain affiliations with professional organizations like the American Manual Medicine Association. Our approach emphasizes patient education, individualized treatment plans, and integration of modalities such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, and medicated oils. With three fully equipped treatment rooms, we provide a comfortable environment focused on restoring function and reducing stress.Our team includes nationally board-certified professionals with diverse clinical backgrounds in physical therapy, rehabilitation, and holistic health. We specialize in medical massage therapy protocols that assess joint mobility, target specific pain areas, and improve overall wellness. Committed to accessibility, we offer insurance billing for auto claims and emphasize hydration and self-care as part of our holistic treatment philosophy. Our mission is to help clients achieve lasting relief from muscle tension, enhance immune function, and maintain optimal physical health through evidence-based massage therapy.
Services
Medical Massage Therapy
Clinical Massage
Pain Management
Inflammation Reduction
Mobility Restoration
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation
Patient Education
Heat & Cold Therapy
Electrotherapy Treatments
Medicated Oil Applications
Highlights and features
- Certified therapists with clinical training in medical manual therapy
- Specialized treatment protocols for chronic pain and inflammation
- Integration of multiple therapeutic modalities including electrotherapy and heat therapy
- Insurance billing available for auto claims
- Patient-centered approach emphasizing education and self-care
Associations and certifications
- American Medical Massage Association
- American Manual Medicine Association
Services
Medical Massage Therapy
Medical Massage Therapy at Great Lakes Clinical Massage combines anatomical science with hands-on techniques to address chronic pain and inflammation. Our certified therapists target specific muscle groups to improve mobility and accelerate recovery. This evidence-based approach helps patients restore natural healing processes and achieve long-term wellness through personalized treatment plans.
Pain Management
Our Pain Management services focus on reducing discomfort from musculoskeletal conditions using targeted massage techniques. Therapists address nerve compression, muscle spasms, and joint stiffness to alleviate symptoms. Patients receive customized sessions that promote circulation, decrease inflammation, and improve range of motion for sustained pain relief and enhanced quality of life.
Inflammation Reduction
Inflammation Reduction treatments utilize specialized massage strokes and complementary modalities like heat therapy to decrease swelling and tissue irritation. Our approach targets inflammatory responses in soft tissues, promoting cellular repair and reducing discomfort. These sessions help patients manage conditions like arthritis and repetitive strain injuries through non-invasive, drug-free methods.
Mobility Restoration
Mobility Restoration services focus on improving joint flexibility and muscle function through precise soft tissue manipulation. Therapists assess movement limitations and develop treatment strategies to enhance physical performance. Regular sessions help patients recover from injuries, maintain active lifestyles, and prevent age-related mobility decline through progressive therapeutic interventions.
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation
Soft Tissue Rehabilitation programs address injuries and chronic conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Our therapists employ deep tissue techniques and rehabilitative exercises to restore tissue integrity. This service supports post-injury recovery, surgical rehabilitation, and prevention of recurring musculoskeletal issues through comprehensive, science-backed treatment protocols.
People
Christine Watts
Owner, Clinical Massage Therapist
Christine Watts, BS, CMT, MMT-P, M-MMT, HHP, owns Great Lakes Clinical Massage. She holds certifications in Clinical Massage Therapy and Medical Manual Therapy, with a Holistic Health Practitioner background. Nationally board-certified through the American Medical Massage Association, she brings expertise from roles at Brookside Family Medicine, Kent Community Hospital, and Grand Valley State University's Health Science program.
Heather Powis
Clinical Massage Therapist
Heather Powis, BS, CMT, MMT-P, M-MMT, HHP, specializes in clinical massage therapy. Certified in Medical Manual Therapy with a Holistic Health Practitioner background, she is nationally board-certified through the American Medical Massage Association. Her training includes advanced techniques for treating musculoskeletal conditions and promoting overall wellness through therapeutic massage.
Penny Pardini
Clinical Massage Therapist
Penny Pardini, CMT, LMT, RN, combines nursing expertise with massage therapy. Certified in Clinical Massage Therapy and Licensed Massage Therapy, she is nationally board-certified through the American Medical Massage Association. Her dual background enables comprehensive care for patients with complex health needs, integrating medical knowledge with therapeutic touch techniques.
Questions
What conditions can medical massage therapy treat?
Medical massage therapy effectively addresses chronic pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, joint stiffness, and mobility limitations. It helps with recovery from injuries, postural imbalances, and stress-related tension while supporting overall wellness through improved circulation and immune function.
How long does a typical session last?
Most medical massage sessions last 60 minutes, allowing sufficient time for assessment, treatment, and post-session recommendations. Some patients may require shorter or longer sessions based on individual needs and treatment goals.
Do you accept health insurance?
We can bill insurance for auto accident claims. For health insurance coverage, patients should consult their providers about out-of-network benefits for massage therapy services and obtain necessary pre-authorizations before scheduling appointments.
What should I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit includes a consultation about medical history and treatment goals. The therapist will assess areas of concern and develop a personalized treatment plan. The session focuses on specific problem areas using techniques tailored to your condition and comfort level.
How often should I receive medical massage therapy?
Treatment frequency depends on individual needs. For chronic conditions, weekly sessions may be recommended initially, with gradual reduction as symptoms improve. Maintenance sessions every 2-4 weeks help sustain benefits and prevent recurrence of issues.
What makes medical massage different from regular massage?
Medical massage is a targeted, results-oriented approach focused on treating specific health concerns rather than general relaxation. It follows structured treatment protocols, addresses underlying causes of pain, and integrates with medical care plans to achieve measurable therapeutic outcomes.
