The range of experience and specialization among our staff give us the opportunity to meet your individual needs with one or more of our therapists. And many of our therapists are available to bring the benefits of massage to your home and office! or to speak at your special events. Please scroll down or click below to hear from all our therapists.
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Sandy Saldano, Owner
Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Certified in Pregnancy Massage, Certified Lay Minister, St. Mary of the Lake University, Mundelein Illinois, AA Business Administration, August 1986, Certified Chiropractic Assistant |
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certifications/licenses |
Pregnancy Massage, Craniosacral, Neuromuscular Therapy, Licensed Massage Therapist, NCTMB, AMTA |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
Neck and back pain (disc problems especially), Frozen Shoulders, Headaches, and Fibromyalgia |
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types of techniques I use |
Deep Tissue, Swedish, Craniosacral Therapy, Neuromuscular, Body Mobilization, Myofascial Release, Chair Massage |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
I start with slow, engaging compressions with slight rocking motion to evaluate tight areas. Undraping, I use slow broad Swedish to warm, and then slowly engage digital/thumb to bring out detail of muscle fibrosity. Alternating palm, forearms, and fingers, I outline the body’s form thoroughly, coloring in for a warm hue of pink using varying pressure and techniques, compression and rocking for a soothing finale. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
Going to the park with or reading to my son. |
|
long-term career goals |
Long term, I would like to bring massage to those who would not otherwise be able to afford it by offering a sliding scale program (“special kneads”). Have a referral service for therapists and to study alternative treatments such as essential oils and energy work that will enhance my years of experience as well as my client’s experience. |
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Alisa
Registered, Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist |
| educational history |
Alisa has received a B.S. in Dietetics from Michigan State University and an M.P.H. in Nutrition from The University of Michigan. She has been in practice from 1992. |
| certifications/licenses |
MPH, RD, LDN |
| specialty |
Nutrition education for wellness and disease prevention in adult population groups. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
Enjoys her kids, reading and running races for t-shirts and fun. |
| why I like my profession |
Alisa enjoys educating people about nutrition and shaping individual achievement of realistic wellness goals. |
| long-term career goals |
To empower clients with personalized tools that facilitate long term lifestyle changes. |
|
web link |
www.liveyourbest365.com |
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Barbara H.
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
My most recent training in massage is medical massage which included postural distortion and the upper and lower extremities. Previously I’ve studies Thai massage both on the table and on a floor mat which is more traditional. |
| certifications/licenses |
Certified in neuromuscular technique, as well as by the AMTA and the State of Illinois.
I work with people of all ages, infant to the elderly. People with special needs like pregnancy and special problem stroke, cancer and fibromyalgia. |
| types of techniques I use |
I use mostly a neuromuscular technique, arthritis techniques, Thia, Jin Shindo- form of acupressure and orthobionomy -a unique, gentle body therapy for pain relief and physical and emotional balance. |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
A treatment with me can be slow or rigorous, gentle but deep or not so deep and always careful. I usually start with the clients prone and I work on the feet first and end with the clients face. But I do adjust to however the client likes and wants their treatment to be. Most all people feel very comfortable with me and my work. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
I dance progressive line dancing 2-3 times and I love to travel. |
| why I like my profession |
I enjoy helping people feel better. |
| long-term career goals |
To continue helping other feel good. |
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Chandra
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Lypossage, 2006; Reiki I and II, 2006; Tuning Fork Training, 2006; AMTA, May 2005 Pharmacology for Massage Therapist (CEU); Cross Country University, March 2004 Myofascial Release Tissue Mobilization; First Choice Massage Academy, March 2004; Swedish Massage theory and practice, Business practice, Sports Massage & Stretching, Reflexology therapy and practice, Medical Massage therapy and practice, Kinesiology, Pathology, Anatomy & Physiology clinical practices; Chicago Board of Education Practiced Nursing Program, May 1993; LPN and Pharmacology Diploma; Phillip College at Chicago, March 1992 – Data processing/Accounting diploma; Lane Tech HS, June 1989 |
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certifications/licenses |
Licensed Practical Nurse; Licensed Massage Therapist |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
I enjoy working with all age groups but have a special place in my heart for the geriatric population and patients with Alzheimer’s. Hands and feet are my favorite areas to massage. |
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types of techniques I use |
I integrate multiple techniques: holding, stretching, rom exercise and pressure points in conjunction with the basic Swedish massage moves. I use Deep Tissue to specific areas as needed. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
Each treatment is different and customized to the client’s needs. I listen to what the client tells me and my hands listen to the client’s body. My goal is to support the bodies own healing mechanisms to help place the body back to a state of balance. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
Giving and receiving massage, reading, writing, walking and meditation yoga. Spending time with family and friends. Traveling. |
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long-term career goals |
To continue to learn more about natural forms of care and wellness through more massage techniques and natural remedies. I will eventually become a Holistic Nurse where I can focus more on counseling and teaching clients. |
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why I like my profession |
I believe massage is not just an occasional treat to relax oneself; but should be integrated into one’s lifestyle to maintain and restore overall health and wellness naturally. My passion has always been to help others, which is why I became a nurse. Now as a Massage Therapist, I can focus one on one with the individual and help heal with simple touch, not shots. |
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Deborah
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
Reflexology, raindrop therapy, myofascial trigger point, cranial sacral 1st level, sports massage, hot stone and prenatal. |
| certifications/licenses |
Reflexology- Wolfgang New School of Massage; Cranial Sacral- Wellness Institute; N.T.P. Therapy- Sharon Sauer |
| specialty or areas of expertise |
Head, neck, shoulders, deep tissue |
| types of techniques I use |
Swedish-effleurage; Skin rolling-pettrisage |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
Compression, warming muscle with gliding strokes, some body mobilization techniques as needed and then deeper tissue manipulation |
| personal hobbies, interests |
Dancing, swimming and ping pong |
| why I like my profession |
It’s great to heal/help people and know how much I am appreciated for my efforts. |
| long-term career goals |
To grow my business and have a steady income. |
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Gayle
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
Cortiva Institute – Chicago School of Massage Therapy |
| certifications/licenses |
Illinois State Massage Therapy License; Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage by the NCBTMB; AMTA Member; CPR/Heart saver AED Program |
| specialty or areas of expertise |
I have successfully worked with clients whose jobs require long periods of computer/desk work. This often brings about a forward head posture affecting the neck, upper back, and shoulder muscles. I also enjoy providing Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage. |
| types of techniques I use |
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, stretching and chair massage. |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
I start with gentle compressions to assess and ready the soft tissue for massage. The massage proceeds according to the needs of the client, be it relaxation, recovery from a long weekend of gardening, a long work week at the computer, or running a marathon. For relaxation, Swedish massage is the usual request. For more specific needs, sufficient warming of the affected muscles is followed by specific clinical work; i.e. friction, lengthening strokes, circulatory and stretching. An invigorating chair massage using these same techniques is the perfect answer for the client with limited time. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
Trying new recipes, reading, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, attending live theatre/music performances, trying new restaurants, meeting new people and growing from all they have to share. |
| why I like my profession |
What’s not to like about massage therapy! I love working with people who understand the benefits of massage. It’s also exciting to introduce someone new to the benefits of massage therapy. Our bodies have great healing abilities and
massage can assist in the process. To be a part of that process is very rewarding. |
| long-term career goals |
To continue adding to the variety of techniques I can provide clients through continuing education. I plan to study reflexology in the near future. I would like to travel to other countries and experience/learn massage techniques. |
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Ivonne
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Chicago School of Massage Therapy, 2003; Midwife, Peru 1997 |
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certifications/licenses |
Thai Massage, Table, 2007; Pregnancy Massage Certification, 2004; Orthopedic Massage; Common Injuries – Hip and Thigh Certification; Illinois State Licensed Massage Therapist; AMTA |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
I have great experience in Deep Tissue, Myofascial Release, and Relaxation Massage techniques. I furthermore have done workshops in Orthopaedic massage. Areas of expertise include: shoulders, neck, hip, and stress reduction massage. |
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types of techniques I use |
Myofascial techniques, Trigger Point Therapy, Reflexology, body mobilization, and orthopedic massage. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
My treatments start with a personal assessment of each client, discussing goals for the session and areas of concern. Each massage starts off with gentle relaxing stretches, working into invigorating relaxation. Specific work is key to rehabilitation, so I like to incorporate various techniques to achieve comfort and relaxation such as Myofascial release and deep tissue work. Upper back, neck and shoulder work allows the stress and tension to melt away. Hip and thigh work help to reduce inflammation and tension. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
I am a very active person. I exercise four times a week and I do Yoga on a regular basis. |
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why I like my profession |
I like my profession because I know I can help people to get rid of pain and bring their body back to a state of harmony with my skills. |
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long-term career goals |
One of my main long-term career goals is to expand my experience in order to better serve my clients. |
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Janina
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Academy of Lymphatic Study, 2006, Chattanooga, TN; European Institute of Massage, Houston, TX; Dr. Vodder Manual Lymph Drainage, 2003, Houston, TX; Reiki II, Houston, TX; Reflexology; Small Business Accounting, Chicago, IL; Nutrition and Dietician, Associates degree, Poland |
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certifications/licenses |
Manual Lymphatic Drainage & Complete Decongestive Therapy, June 2006; State of Illinois Licensed Massage Therapist, 2004; Small Business Accounting |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
Whole body, elderly, or people with problems, tension, women with Fibromyalgia |
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types of techniques I use |
Petrisssage, friction, kneading, skin rolling, lifting muscles and stretching joint cross fiber friction, compression. Manual lymphatic Drainage utilizes a very gentle technique that moves fluids towards the lymph nodes of the body, activating the lymphatic system. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
My approach to massage is to let my hands react to each client’s body. Pressure is moderate to deep with long stretching and smooth rhythmic strokes. Special attention to each client’s needs. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
Gardening and reading. |
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why I like my profession |
I love helping others. It is the most important part of my healing to make them feel better. |
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long-term career goals |
Stay healthy and help other people. |
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Jennifer
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
General Associates in Health Sciences at Harper College
The New School for Massage in Chicago |
| certifications/licenses |
Pregnancy Massage Certified; ABA technician for Autism; Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdomen Massage Certified (in New Hampshire); Kinesio Tape Certification; Hot Stone; Essential Oil Treatment; Indian Head Massage |
| specialty or areas of expertise |
Women who have c ramps, full abdomen; Head and Neck; Lower back; Glutes; Athletes and anyone who wants to strengthen their core; Children (sports, Bed-wetting issues) |
| types of techniques I use |
Maya abdomen massage; Essential oil blend massage; Relaxation Swedish technique; Deep tissue; Cross fiber friction; Trigger Point |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
I talk to you at the beginning of the treatment to find out what specific areas you would like to focus on during the massage, as well as your health and fitness goals. If you have any questions during the massage I am happy to answer any questions about any technique as well as what you could work on at home to improve your long-term health. Every massage is a custom treatment. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
• I have a dog who is a Rescue. I enjoy helping out with animal rescues.
• I absolutely love ALL animals (even the sickly ones)
• I am a member of the Chicago Herpetological Society
• I enjoy listening to Jazz and Classical music
• I enjoy attending the Natural History Museum |
| why I like my profession |
Every day I have the opportunity and joy of helping people. My goal is for my clients to be healthy all the time, not just when they are on the table. I encourage self-care in all of my clients. |
| long-term career goals |
• To become a massage therapy teacher
• Learn animal massage to be able to help care for them on a deeper level
• I would like to learn Infant Massage |
| Extra beneficial links |
Arvigotherapy.com (regarding the Maya-abdominal massage)
http://www.kinesiotaping.com/ |
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Karen
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Lymphatic Facilitation – William Perry; Cranial Sacral Therapy – Upledger Institute; Visceral Manipulation – 50 hour certification from Upledger Institute |
|
certifications/licenses |
Myofascial Release – 50 hour certification; Prenatal massage; CSMT class #25; Northeastern Illinois University |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
Shoulders, neck, low back, headache/migraine relief |
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types of techniques I use |
Deep Tissue, Cranio-Sacral techniques, Therapeutic stretch, Body mobilization, Pin and stretch, Myofascial Release, Slow Deep Effleurage, Hot stone massage, Sports massage, Injury Rehab. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
A treatment with me focuses on how the body is used and what muscles are affected by the movement. Next, addressing areas affected by your repetitive motions. My treatment is elongating as to create space in the joints and “intersections”. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
Blogging, backgammon, Karaoke, walking, spending time with loved ones and healthy eating. |
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why I like my profession |
My profession focuses on helping people to heal. It’s very satisfying to help release an affected area so the body can heal itself. |
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long-term career goals |
I am enjoying doing massage again but look forward to more teaching in the future. I enjoy teaching anatomy, physiology and technique. I have more than 3 years experience in instruction. I look forward to teaching workshops. |
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Lonie
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
Kishwaukee College, Certified Massage Therapist
Kishwaukee College, Associates Degree |
| certifications/licenses |
AMTA, NCBTMB, Certified in Touch Therapy for Autism |
| specialty or areas of expertise |
Touch therapy, injury recovery, sports massage, TMJ, pain management, migraines, plantar fasciitis |
| types of techniques I use |
Deep tissue, trigger points, active/passive stretching, hot/cold therapy, hot stone |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
A session with me ranges anywhere from a peaceful relaxing treatment to a rigorous deep tissue approach depending on each client’s needs and requests. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
Sports, dancing, music, reading and enjoying Chicago summers. |
| why I like my profession |
I like knowing that I can help a person in an hour time span even if they have been in pain for years. |
| long-term career goals |
I want to learn as much as I can about massage and the body. I want to be able to share with others what I have learned over my years of experience. |
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Miriam
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Cortiva Institute; Chicago School of Massage Therapy |
|
certifications/licenses |
State of Illinois Licensed Massage Therapist; AMTA Member; Nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
Neck, back, and pelvis; Scoliosis; cancer patients/survivors; injuries (including falls from horseback); repetitive strain; elderly; sports massage; animal/pet massage; or anyone that just wants to de-stress and relax. |
|
types of techniques I use |
I adjust my range of techniques to the individual's needs. My skills include Myofascial Release, Trigger Point Therapy, Contemporary Western, and Swedish Relaxation massage. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
I start my massages with compressions, gentle rocking and jostling to assess which areas of the body are resistant to movement. This resistance generally indicates muscle tightness and a need for attention to that area. From here on is up to the receiving individual of what type of massage they choose - relaxing or deep-tissue? My love is therapeutic deep-tissue massage. It may not be the most comforting in the immediate sense, but one of the positives is that it brings lasting results in the long run. I find peace in giving relaxation massages for it's meditative qualities and effects of gentle, soothing touch. I try to make sure that the receiver's expectations are met and that they are comfortable. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
I love animals, especially horses and the beauty of the wild outdoors. I've been horseback riding for more than 20 years. I am a flutist and enjoy listening to a wide variety of music. |
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why I like my profession |
I am truly blessed to be working at such a wonderful place as Therapeutic Kneads. Every one of my colleagues is wonderful human beings and a joy to work with. |
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long-term career goals |
A personal goal of mine is to learn equine massage and the Bowen technique (Bow Tech), which is a non-invasive massage technique developed in Australia. I am also interested in energy therapies. I love to learn about alternative therapies and how to integrate and combine them with massage in order to improve one's health and quality of life. |
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Rick
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Chicago School of Massage Therapy, April 2003 |
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certifications/licenses |
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB); Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP); State of Illinois Licensed Massage Therapist |
|
specialty or areas of expertise |
Rick specializes in deep tissue muscle therapy. Treating clients who are seeking relief from such ailments as: muscle tension, chronic headaches, limited range of motion, neck and shoulder pain, arthritis, sciatica, overuse injuries, hip and core muscle pain, post surgery affects, and fibromyalgia. He also specializes in working with athletes to maintain optimal performance while training or throughout their session. |
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types of techniques I use |
Rick has advanced training in muscle therapy, trigger point therapy, body mobilization and stretching techniques, sports massage, and Swedish massage. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
Rick creates a blend of deep sustained pressure with gentle mobilization and stretching to elongate and relax tight muscle fibers. My composition of techniques is unique for each client, offering an invigorating and relaxing experience. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
Rick’s personal hobbies include music and photography. |
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why I like my profession |
Rick feels honored to be a massage therapist. His desire and commitment towards working with others to relieve stress and chronic pain is his passion. |
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long-term career goals |
Rick’s long-term career goal is to continue to expand his knowledge of the many bodywork modalities such as: Rolfing, myofascial release, Energy work, and Asian forms of massage. |
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Robbie
Licensed Massage Therapist |
| educational history |
Cortiva Institute, Chicago School of Massage Therapy |
| certifications/licenses |
State of Illinois Licensed Massage Therapist; AMTA Member and NCTMB Certified |
| specialty or areas of expertise |
Decreasing stress and pain in anyone who needs work on neck back and shoulders. |
| types of techniques I use |
Swedish, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular Therapy, Myofascial release and sports massage. |
| what is a treatment with me like? |
My treatments are about the client. I begin my sessions by assessing the body for problem areas by palpating with compressions, which allows the body to “speak” to me. This lets me know the areas I need to focus on and which techniques are required to produce the most benefit to prepare the body for healing and relaxation. |
| personal hobbies, interests |
Reading, cooking and enjoying nature |
| why I like my profession |
I enjoy helping people feel better and find great satisfaction when I am able to relieve their pain. |
| long-term career goals |
To continue to expand my knowledge of massage and the body. |
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Vanessa
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Oakton Community College and ASIS Massage Therapy Graduate; Associates in Law Enforcement, 2005; Certified Nursing Assistant, 2002 |
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certifications/licenses |
State of Illinois Licensed Massage Therapist; Hot Stone Certification; Massage and Cancer; Manual Lymphatic Drainage; Massage Cupping; NCBTMB and ABMP Member |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
I like to work toward increasing the immune system with Lymphatic Drainage, working with Cancer patients, shoulders, neck and lower extremities. |
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types of techniques I use |
Some of the techniques I use are: Swedish, Deep Tissue, Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Myofascial Release, Trigger Points, NMT, Sports Massage, and Postural Analysis. |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
I like to begin by warming up the tissue, palpating any tension, knots, pain referrals, trigger points and observing any misalignment. I then work under client’s tolerance level depending on the client’s expectations for their treatment. One of my biggest focuses is to release muscle tension; this will allow the muscles to become better nourished, increase circulation, and oxygenate the muscles that are lacking appropriate blood flow (which can cause a decrease in body performance). I like to end my massage with a few smooth strokes, rocking and compressions over the sheet for energy balancing. I do like to perform reflexology at least 5 minutes if possible on each foot, since I strongly believe it’s a great way to obtain relaxation in the overall body system. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
My personal interests are spending time with my son, reading, learning about body work, exploring new modalities, and spiritual well-being. |
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why I like my profession |
I like my profession because I am able to work directly with the client and together work toward a healthier body. I work from the heart and heal with a positive energy. I like to be fully present mentally and physically during a session, because the presence of the therapist is what makes a treatment successful. I like to look into new ideas and learn about different techniques that will benefit my clients. |
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long-term career goals |
I am working towards my certification in NMT, Structural Therapy, and Reflexology. I am eager to learn more about different modalities and treating chronic pain. |
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Vlaiko
Licensed Massage Therapist |
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educational history |
Cortiva Institute, Chicago School of Massage Therapy, graduated 2002; Craniosacral Therapy Training with the Upledger Institute; Reflexology with the International Institute of Reflexology; B.A. in History, NEIU |
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certifications/licenses |
Licensed Massage Therapist in Illinois |
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specialty or areas of expertise |
Low back, upper back, neck, headaches, chronic pain, anxiety/depression, developmental delays (pediatrics), Autism, Trauma/injuries/accidents, relaxation/rejuvenation, nurturing |
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types of techniques I use |
Myofascial Release, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Neuromuscular Therapy, Swedish, Deep Tissue |
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what is a treatment with me like? |
I usually start by centering and grounding myself and establishing an energetic connection with my client. My approach beings on the slower more mindful side and then I progress as the clients body begins to relax and open up. I incorporate cranial sacral therapy, slower deep massage work, and massage to help fluid flow. One of my underlying ways of practicing is to provide a presence that will facilitate a healing experience. |
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personal hobbies, interests |
I love music and movement; I play a variety of percussion instruments, mainly the djembe; I love being out in nature |
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why I like my profession |
I love doing hands on work. I get a real kick out of feeling the deeper and more subtle rhythms of the human body. Facilitating more comforts, ease and composure for and with people is very rewarding work. |
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