License # EMT, MFD, ATC-2000015732 Languages: English
My name is Micah Ohlen, I am a native of the island of Kauai. When I was in high school I had the opportunity to represent Hawaii soccer through the Olympic Development Program (ODP), which later led me to play soccer at Barbara City College where I found a passion for sports medicine after suffering an injury. I have been working in sports medicine since 2009. I am a graduate from Cal State University, Fullerton where I graduated from the Athletic Training Education Program as class valedictorian and earned the Most Outstanding Undergraduate Award and Department of Service Award. I have been a Certified Athletic Trainer since 2014 and have worked at the high school, college, and professional levels. I am currently the athletic trainer for the USA Men’s Field Hockey team and continue to travel internationally to provide medical coverage and treatment for the team. I am certified in Myofascial Decompression (a form of cupping) and enjoy utilizing other techniques such as guasha, neural flossing and trigger point therapy. I look at the body as a multifaceted system that is connected by many different types and layers of tissues. I enjoy identifying dysfunction in the body and creating a plan to restore proper motion. With my patients, I observe flexibility issues, strength deficits, overactivation/under activation of muscles, posture/alignment and overall poor health habits. I believe anyone can benefit from my services not matter their age, activity levels, or length of past injuries.
What drew you to Massage Therapy?
Ever since I was introduced to the medical field and more specifically, sports medicine, I was immediately intrigued by the human body and the opportunity to heal people with my hands. I believe there's no substitute for the “hands-on” approach and the human connection. As I learned in depth anatomy, it was amazing to see how the human body is composed of many layers all intricately woven together in a beautiful way. Massage Therapy is an amazing skill with endless goals and I enjoy finding dysfunction in each layer and using my skills to re-correct tissue and make people pain free.
What type of massage do you specialize in?
I specialize in sports massage. I specifically like to use myofascial decompression (MFD), a form of cupping, guasha (scraping), strain-counter strain, active release and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching and neural flossing.
Why did you choose this type of massage?
I choose this message due to my degree in sports medicine as a Certified Athletic Trainer. I really enjoy MFD due to its nature of decompression, rather than compression. Many tissues in the body are compressed through overuse and injuries, MFD is unlike other therapies by distracting the tissue and restoring blood flow and adequate spacing between tissues which in turn facilitates healing.
How do your talents benefit your patients?
My talents benefit my patients in that I look at the “big picture”. I don’t focus on one technique, or one area. Rather, I focus on the entire body as a kinetic chain. I also look at factors such as: range of motion, strength, alignment, nutrition/hydration, stress and a person's overall well being.
What is your favorite health tip to give your patients?
My favorite health tip is that you need to invest in yourself and make time to maintain your health as a priority. Many times we put our health on the back burner because that is a social norm. “If you don’t control your habits, your habits will control you”.
What is your favorite hobby outside of work?
My favorite hobbies include: Surfing, Jiu Jitsu, fishing, cooking, camping and listening to music.
What would you tell a patient that is nervous about getting their first massage?
I know it can be scary trusting a stranger with your health, or allowing a therapist to put their hands on you. I like to have open communication and clear goals for your treatment. My number one goal is to make you feel comfortable and to have you leaving better than when you walked in. There is no cookie cutter therapies with me, I take my responsibility seriously and cater each treatment specifically to the individual on the specific day.
