Carlos Cruz

Journey of Balance

I became a massage therapist in 2014. My journey to bodywork began while serving in the United States Army as a medic. Working in the Western medicine epicenter of a level1 trauma center I was quickly jaded to the ideas of the quick fix that most western medicine seemed to focus on. Deciding to still stay in the medical field I became an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2012 and began to study manual treatment techniques. Becoming certified in Active Release Technique(ART...

I became a massage therapist in 2014. My journey to bodywork began while serving in the United States Army as a medic. Working in the Western medicine epicenter of a level1 trauma center I was quickly jaded to the ideas of the quick fix that most western medicine seemed to focus on. Deciding to still stay in the medical field I became an Occupational Therapy Assistant in 2012 and began to study manual treatment techniques. Becoming certified in Active Release Technique(ART) for the Upper body and Graston Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation, 

I began to see the wonders of manual techniques and their holistic approach to injury/pain treatment. Exiting the service in 2013 I quickly start massage school where I learned the basic swedish massage techniques while at the same time getting as much information on Deep Myofascial Techniques of which ART was somewhat based on. Starting with Anatomy Trains( a great book by Thomas Myers), I began my journey with Structural Integration(SI) techniques learning a variety of modalities from many different schools of Structural Integration. In summer of 2015 I took this further and became certified in 

For more information on Somassage and Soma go the respective tabs above.

 My work at the moment revolves around using Somassage and SI work to rid people of both chronic and acute pain and body imbalances. I can do focus sessions but the longer time I have the better I can help the body with issues that is going on. Currently I am in the process of finishing my education in SI as I am enrolled in a program to become a Certified Soma Practitioner. I hope to bring this work together with my eastern medicine practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine of which I start at OCOM Fall 2016. As well as my medical knowledge I also bring my background in fitness being a certified Crossfit Coach with deep understanding of Barbell lifting( Power and Olympic styles) as well as a growing knowledge and proficiency in Gymnastics, Bouldering and general Rehab/Prehab and Strength and Conditioning.

Book a Bodywork or Acupuncture service with me today

Where I Work
Available Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Licenses
Massage

WA # MA60499241

Massage

OR # 21677

Education
2014

Bellevue Massage School

LMT

1970

Soma Institute of Neuromuscular Integration

SOMA

Experience
Bodywork

Structural Integration

2016 Learning and practicing taking clients through 11 series of structural integration bodywork sessions for increased balance in the whole body

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

2012-2015 , performed rehad on upper extremity using different myofascial techniques to aid with injury, post surgery and general pain.

Fitness

Crossfit coach

2012-2016 Taught and led classes in strength and conditioning as well as mobility to aid clients in goals.

REVIEWS for my Bodywork or Acupuncture services

by Hannah on Oct 14
Carlos was incredibly skillful. I loved that the bodywork felt great and also helped realign me structurally.
by Brittany on Oct 01
Carlos is great. He explains most everything as he goes. Very strong hands.
by Gretchen on Jun 26
Carlos is so professional and knowledgeable. I was able to throw the ball for my dog for the first time in months after he worked on my shoulder.
by Anonymous on Jun 14
Great massage. Carlos was very patient with my muscles, and they responded. Recommend.
by Peggy on Jun 04
Carlos worked on my lower back and psoas muscle. I feel so much better!
by Kris on May 27
A real human, not clustered with conversation. Very focused. Respectful. Firm grip. Is willing to push harder if wanted. That’s a big deal for me. Calm. Office could use a little more space for him to move around. But it’s cozy. Clean. Smells fresh. No shoes up stairs allowed. I like this. Good job. Looking forward to going back.
by Sarah on May 22
This was a great experience. I felt comfortable, an Carlos was compassionate understanding and focused on my pain issues. I will recommend this to family and friends.
by Anonymous on May 21
The service was great, and it was what I was looking for. Thank you Carlos.
by Max on May 14
Excellent atmosphere and some really effective tissue manipulation
by Amber on Apr 30
I really appreciated Carlos' professionalism, respect for my modesty, and attention to all of my problem areas. I am 6 months pregnant, and he made accommodations throughout the massage for that too. I got a 90-minute treatment massage: very relaxing, and I felt like I had more mobility afterwards. Would highly recommend him to anyone!

SPECIALTIES: Bodywork and Massage techniques I perform

Bodywork & Massage

  • Structural Integration
  • Shiatsu
  • Mobile Massage
  • Mobile Structural Integration
  • Mobile Shiatsu
  • Deep Tissue

Acupuncture

  • Acupuncture

Check my availability and schedule appointments for a Bodywork or Acupuncture service