Massage Therapist Denison Wiedman of The Healing Current sits next to the White Salmon River, where he has worked as a whitewater guide for several years.
Massage Therapist Denison Wiedman of The Healing Current sits next to the White Salmon River, where he has worked as a whitewater guide for several years.
WHITE SALMON — New to the Gorge is The Healing Current, though Denison Wiedman has been offering restoring massages in the community for some time. After moving to the area four years ago to pursue massage therapy and whitewater, Wiedman has opened a location in White Salmon for his practices.
The Healing Current’s new website, healingcurrentbodywork.com, elaborates on Wiedman’s table and Thai massage services and consultations. His offers myofascial and neuromuscular therapy that can help with chronic pain management, post-operation recovery, range of motion, and lymphatic and nervous system flow.
Wiedman is passionate about rehabilitative and preventative bodywork, especially after dealing with his own aches and pains. Whether from guiding whitewater or one of his six corrective heart surgeries, he understands the importance of health and managing pain at the root.
“I realized how beneficial [massages] were for me and wanted to learn more about anatomy, muscle function, and how other factors of your being play into overall health, from chronic pain to gut functions to mental health,” Wiedman said.
Originally from Florida, he earned his bachelors in Anthropology from the University of Florida and later attended the Florida School of Massage. He received his board certification for massage therapy before moving to the Gorge in 2020 from Colorado.
Wiedman considers himself a life-long student of traditional Thai therapy, a practice that takes place on a floor mat while fully clothed. During sessions he stretches and massages clients, opening sen lines (energy lines) along different parts of the body. He also offers cupping, hydrotherapy, creams or balms, poultices, Thai herbal compresses and scraping.
Some physical areas Thai and table massages at The Healing Current can focus on include:
• Thoracic region
• Shoulders and neck
• Low back and hips
• Jaw pain (TMJ)
• Psoas
• Sacroiliac joints (SI or pelvic and lower spine)
• Occipital areas
Case-by-case arrangements are available to some, which could include house calls or other accommodations. Though Wiedman believes your health is your responsibility, he also prioritizes accessibility. “People smile a lot more when they’re comfortable,” he said.
The Gorge community is a place where many locals agree with his mentality on living outdoor, physical lifestyles. “Life is meant to be lived in an active manner and I think the Gorge community agrees. I love the support they’re showing,” he said.
Wiedman has built himself quite a regular client base, from runners and bikers to kayakers and windsurfers. His said that a majority of his clients are female, and his practice has spread mainly by referrals and word-of-mouth.
Being a male therapist, he believes this is reflective of his conservative approach while forming new client relationships. Initial meetings are important to build trust and Wiedman encourages feedback to best work towards a client’s ideal treatment.
“If you’re not coming back to me and saying things are beneficial, then I will take the initiative to direct you somewhere more helpful. That doesn’t make me feel good to just take your money,” he said.
Officially opening the doors February, The Healing Current is located at 136 N. Main Ave., White Salmon, and is accepting new clients. Wiedman has also offered sessions out of The Missing Corner in BZ Corners.
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