all about claire

In January 2025, Blue Skies Massage Therapy proudly brought on a fabulous new team member (though not new to massage):

Claire Coder, Licensed Massage Therapist!

Vanessa, the owner of Blue Skies, had long been a superfan of Claire's, having received her incredible bodywork for over four years. She admired Claire's exceptional massage skills, attention to detail, and kind, caring spirit.

Vanessa & Claire, being goofballs

In addition to being one of the best massage therapists in Flagstaff (if we do say so ourselves), Claire is a Flagstaff local, raised going camping, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Claire shares her story:

"I have always found nature to be very healing, along with a good sense of community. I started receiving bodywork at the age of 9.

This nearly lifelong experience has given me insight into what receiving a massage can and should look like, and was a big inspiration for me to start the path of becoming a bodyworker.I got my education at the Arizona School of Integrative Studies in Flagstaff.

I have been practicing bodywork since 2021 and understand that every body is different, which in turn makes every healing journey different. I use Swedish and deep tissue massage in most of my sessions.

I am nationally certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage, which helps with post-surgery recovery, anxious minds, and edema or lymphedema. I am also certified in prenatal, hot stones and cupping.

I have found that showing up with deep presence for my clients is the best way for me to work. And to help YOU find healing in yourself.

If you find that I’m a good fit for you, I am honored to be a helping hand! I look forward to working with you."

Claire Coder, Licensed Massage Therapist

One of the great things that Claire brings to Blue Skies Massage Therapy (and there are so many to choose from!) is her passion for and training in Manual Lymphatic Drainage.

First of all...

What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized, hands-on therapy that uses gentle, rhythmic skin movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and redirect fluid away from areas of swelling.

If you are dealing with :

● Edema

● Lymphedema

● Post-surgery

● Fibromyalgia

● Arthritis

● Long Covid symptoms

● Migraines

● Can also help those with ADHD

Other benefits:

● Toxin detox/flush

● Help with water retention

● Help with fatigue

● Feelings of stress or anxiety

Manual Lymphatic Drainage does NOT help with:

● weight loss

● muscle relaxation (though it is a relaxing treatment, it's not specifically targeting musculature)

Relative contraindications:

● Hypertension- uncontrolled

● Diabetes- uncontrolled

● Pregnancy- abdominal area, and if any abnormalities please check with a doctor first.

● Thyroid medication (it’s a timed release medication, doing MLD can cause it to

release early, if taken in the morning, an afternoon session is fine for an MLD appointment)

For abdominal Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatments, contraindications include:

● Aortic aneurysm

● Crohn’s diverticulitis

Absolute contraindications

● Infection

● Blood clots

● CHF pulmonary edema (heart issues)

● Kidney failure or severe disease

● Active hemorrhage

● Superior vena cava obstruction (heart)

What can you expect from an MLD session:

● 60 minute sessions: good for either a “basic” full body, OR 1-2 focus areas.

● 75 minute sessions: good for either a more methodical full body flush, OR a “basic” full body with one focus area, OR solely one to three focus areas

● 90 minute sessions: good for either a very thorough full body flush, OR full body flush with one to three focus areas, OR solely focus on one to four areas

● For any of these times, we can offer a mix and match with "regular" massage, if you don’t want the full session to be MLD.

More details:

● Mixed sessions (MLD + massage) will have a brief overview of how we want to mix it up, so allow time for a short discussion at the beginning of your session.

Prices:

● 60 minute: $145

● 75 minute: $165

● 90 minute: $185

*NOTE: this is a very light touch modality, unless you specify you want to mix it in with a regular massage, the session will be a very rhythmic light touch. The lymphatic system is above the muscle system so no need for pressure to be effective.