Pushing Boundaries, an exercise-based paralysis recovery center in Redmond, has received a grant from the Massage Therapy Foundation.

The nonprofit organization will use the grant to integrate massage therapy into the existing exercise therapy program for people with paralysis.

About 70,000 people in the Puget Sound region live with some form of paralysis. Pushing Boundaries is helping clients experiencing paralysis from any neurological disorder, including spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries and stroke to regain and maintain health and independence.

“Support from the Massage Therapy Foundation will provide enhanced care for clients with shoulder and arm impairments,” said Chris Kagen, a Kirkland massage therapist and architect of the Pushing Boundaries pilot program.

Kagen said the intent of the program is to improve range of motion, reduce pain and increase sensation for wheelchair users. With reports that summarize data and results, this program will add to the body of research knowledge about massage therapy and its health care impact.

The Massage Therapy Foundation, a national organization that promotes research and education, issues five $5,000 grants per year for community service. The Pushing Boundaries grant was one of 69 submitted applications to provide massage to an underserved population.

For more information about the Massage Therapy Foundation, visit www.massagetherapyfoundation.org.