A chiropractic treatment at the clinic begins with a soothing medical massage. This welcoming and relaxing gesture is an integral part of the doctor’s care, as it helps prep the muscles to welcome the structural adjustment. In return, a structurally aligned spine means muscles don't need to work as hard to support the bones. Ease reigns in the body.
Additionally, Kelsall Chiropractic offers 60–90 minute medical and wellness massage using techniques including myofascial release, sports massage, deep tissue, Swedish massage, and Ashiatsu.
Kari Asher LMT #11248
Inspired by her pediatrician father, massage therapist Kari Asher had her eye on a career in the medical field since she was young. Encouraged by her sisters—frequent recipients of her massages—who praised her firm hands, she was drawn to the healing arts.
Asher studied massage at the East West College of Healing Arts for a year, followed by six months of additional training in sports massage, deep tissue, and muscle energy techniques. At Kelsall Chiropractic since 2004, her practice includes trigger point therapy and injury-specific management. “When you bring healing to one part of the body, it can dramatically change the entire body’s health,” she says. She has also recently incorporated Gua Sha, a Chinese fascial release technique, into her work.
Asher values how massage can bring the body into awareness—an essential first step toward healing. “You need to have soft tissue manipulation in order to do structural adjustments more efficiently,” she says. “This, in turn, supports and builds the body.”
The physiological benefits of massage include increased circulation and lymph flow, support for joint mobilization and flexibility, and decreased stress levels. Asher also emphasizes that human touch itself has healing power.
She encourages patients to incorporate physical activity into their lives, especially stretching, yoga, and Pilates for flexibility and core strength. She pays attention to posture and sends patients home with water to promote hydration for their muscles.
Outside the clinic, Asher and her husband enjoy a quiet life at home. She likes experimenting in the kitchen, reading, and practicing Pilates to stay strong. She is especially interested in sports medicine and the collaborative model of working with healthcare providers to help individuals recover from injury. She's particularly drawn to the idea of working with professional athletes.
Sarah Stanton LMT #24722
Sarah Stanton is a Licensed Massage Therapist certified by the Oregon Board of Massage Therapy and a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. She has worked exclusively in medical and rehabilitation settings, developing expertise in massage for pain management and injury recovery.
Sarah uses a deliberate touch to ease tension and lengthen muscles, incorporating tools such as Ashiatsu, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, Tui Na, and stretching. She takes a holistic approach, treating not only the problem area but also surrounding muscles to release compensatory patterns and restore balance.
Whether you prefer a light touch or a deep massage, Sarah offers a personalized, comprehensive healing experience tailored to your needs.
To learn more about our treatments or our massage therapists in Portland, Oregon, contact us today at (503)-223-8719 or schedule now.
