Jet here (with they/them pronouns)!! Welcome to my my calm little place in the world. Why Knot Wellness is the culmination of many years of practice and love.
A little bit about myself, so you know what we have to offer here! I have been in the massage therapy field since 2002, and I’ve learned so many different things since beginning my journey in this field. In 2010 I learned that I was interested in medical massage therapy specifically, which grew to include working with cancer patients and those people who have chronic pain and chronic illness due to seeing people in my life struggle with all of this. I have worked in spas, with chiropractors and physical therapists, and within integrative health departments within Allegheny Health Network.
I love the challenge that comes with working with people who have health issues. Finding someone who is going to listen to what you have to say, and find ways to get through to a goal is challenging. I’ve been there with my own health issues. It has given me a unique way of seeing how massage therapy can fit into the larger picture of western medicine. I also love being able to help explain what may be going on in the body to people. I will infodump if you allow me, for learning the how the human body works has been a fascination of mine for a very, very long time.
It has of course been a very interesting journey getting to where we are now. I have gone thru training in medical massage therapy, oncology massage therapy, manual lymphatic drainage therapy, SMRT (Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique), stretching (passive, active and PNF) and Reiki (I am a level 2 practitioner). We use some or all of these techniques to help relieve pain and stress without using a lot of pressure. In fact, some of these techniques require less pressure than you think they would to be most effective (which was surprising to me!!!!).
I am also an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, with a focus on Exercise as Medicine (level 2) and an Oncology Exercise Specialty. I know, those are a lot of words that you may not understand. Let me tell you a bit more about this. The focus I have with exercise is the same I have with massage. People who are living with chronic illness, chronic pain and cancer. Although I do not work clinically in a hospital setting, I can work with these groups of people in the comfort of either the client’s home or my own office. After an intake process to find out what’s going on and what your likes and dislikes are, I make a plan of action, and help adjust that plan on each day we meet up, according to how YOU are feeling that day. Because when you have a chronic issue, not all days look the same. This is why I am here. I very much understand the struggle.
I believe that Western Medicine, Eastern Medicine and Complementary/Alternative Medicine can co-exist and work together for the betterment of each and every person. They understand that it is up to each of us to be honest with our health team and ourselves so that we can receive the best possible care that we can.
In my spare time, I love hanging out with friends and my cats, reading books and being creative!
Combining a calming ambiance with clinical knowledge is what we strive for at Why Knot Wellness. Come see what we can do for you today!
Click the links below to look at their certifications!
Pa State License
Board Certification in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
BCTMB Oncology Massage Certificate
Oncology Massage Training Certificate
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Training Certificate
Medical Massage Therapy Training Certificate
SMRT Lymphatic Drainage and Scar Tissue Release