Tracy Buikema

My Education and Experience I fell in love with the amazing resiliency of the human body during an anatomy and physiology course in High School. I later went on to college at the University of Anchorage Alaska and Oregon State University for undergraduate studies that were leading to a degree as a physical therapist. When life gifted me with some curve balls I found myself landing back home in Alaska, still wanting to pursue a career working with the human body. So I applied for and I graduated from UAA's massage therapy program in 2000 and went on to work in chiropractors and doctor's offices as well as high-end luxury resort spas, retreat centers, festivals and sporting events. I taught massage for almost 10 years at HACC (Harrisburg Area Community College) including running the student's hands-on studio, teaching 'the ethics of touch', 'spa & aromatherapy', 'hot stone', 'business', 'chair massage', 'pharmacology for massage', 'special populations: pregnancy, obesity, geriatric and people with disabilities' as well as teaching CEU's for current LMT's in ethics. Some of the many different courses I have taken as continuing education over my several decades as an LMT include: 'intro to lymphedema massage', 'oncology', 'cupping', 'hot stone', 'aromatherapy certification for massage therapists', 'pregnancy and infant massage', 'working with clients with disabilities', 'working with trauma survivors', 'Ayurvedic massage techniques', 'myofascial/ connective tissue release'... the list goes on. Who do I work with as clients? YOU! Although I have worked in chiropractor's and doctor's offices as well as high-end luxury resort spas, retreat centers, festivals and sporting events and for almost 10 years I've taught massage at HACC, that doesn't really tell you exactly who I work with.... I have worked with teenagers struggling to manage their bipolar disorder. I have worked with athletes training and recovering from competitions and injuries. I have worked with clients with severe cognitive and physical disabilities who are often non-verbal and come to their appointments with a caregiver from their group home. I have worked with survivors of abuse, trauma and addiction. I have worked with overstressed parents, corporate leaders, business owners, factory workers, laborers, men, women, children, infants and the elderly just to name a few. I have worked on the healthcare teams of those going through cancer treatments and recovery. I have worked with so many clients from so many different populations that I feel confident I can work with you too. And if what you need is outside of my scope of practice, I will work to refer you to or help you locate the right professional for your needs.