Eric Thanem was voted the Best Massage Therapist in North Kitsap in 2010, 2011 & 2012 and as one of the top three Best Massage Therapists in North Kitsap by The North Kitsap Herald in both 2008, 2009, 2013 & 2014. He is an active member of the Washington State Sports Massage Team and American Massage Therapy Association as well as the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, North Sound Business Networking, and Poulsbo Lions Club.
Eric is a graduate of Port Townsend School of Massage, where he studied Sports Massage, Swedish deep Tissue, and Clinical Treatments, among other modalities. He stays on the cutting-edge of his practice with a continuous commitment to learning the latest and best practices in the field. After his certification, he has taken additional courses in Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Sports Massage, Pediatric Massage, and Ethics.
Since March 2006, he opened his practice at the Poulsbo Athletic Club, where he has worked with a variety of athletes—including tri-athletes, cyclists, swimmers, boxers, marathon runners and weekend warriors.
One of Eric's specialties is Pediatric Massage. His interest in working with children stems from his volunteer work at Children's Hospital—where he also had hands-on experience as a supportive parent of his own daughter who had special healthcare needs. Over the years, he saw how his daughter benefited from massage; and he enjoys extending his professional services to children, particularly as they are often overlooked in how necessary and beneficial massage can be as they grow and develop.
As a Certified Pediatric Massage Therapist (CPMT), Eric has received specific advanced training to enhance his knowledge and skills in providing pediatric massage therapy. Through this additional certification, Eric knows how to provide specialized massage therapy for children with special short-term or long-term healthcare needs, whether they are living at home or are hospitalized.
Eric's approach and methods are respectful in meeting children at their level and in respect for their personal space. He is mindful of how essential it is to establish and maintain professional boundaries, safety guidelines, infection control, and patient privacy. He uses similar mindfulness in creating respectful and professional environments with all of his clients.
Besides being passionate about massage, Eric enjoys an active, social lifestyle around being involved in the community, exercising in both indoor and outdoor activities (such as lifting weights, racquet ball, running and hiking) as well as music and dancing.