My interest in massage and bodywork began after a ski injury left me with torn ligaments and chronic pain in my knee. When I finished physical therapy, my knee felt stronger, but I was still in pain. I was certain my active lifestyle would never be the same.
With the encouragement from a friend I made my first massage appointment. The therapist not only listened when I described my pain but gave me the tools and knowledge that helped me break the cycle of pain on my own. This inspired me to help others restore their pain free active lifestyle, like she had done for me.
In 2002, I completed a program in Massage Therapy at the Mueller College of Holistic Studies in San Diego, CA. I continued my studies to earn a specialization in Sports Massage at the Heartwood Institute, located in Garberville, CA. I currently hold advanced certifications in Myofascial Release, Advanced Myoskeletal Techniques and the Evaluation & Treatment of Sports Injuries and Orthopedic Conditions. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specailist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In 2006, I continued my education at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Boulder, CO where I earned the Orthopedic & Sports Massage Certification. During this program I presented my clinical case study on the effectiveness of orthopedic massage in treating Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome following ACL Reconstruction of the knee.
I was awarded the 2007 Gold Medal prize for research by the Massage Therapy Foundation for my research entitled Orthopedic Massage Protocol for Post-ACL Reconstruction Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Clinical Case Study. September 2008 I presented the results of this study during the American Massage Therapy Association’s National Convention in Phoenix, AZ. Additionally this case report is published in December 2008 issue of the peer reviewed International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
I am a regular speaker for the St John’s Hospital Prenatal Wellness Class where I teach soon-to-be parents massage techniques for pregnancy and labor support. Additionally I teach Infant Massage classes for new parents to learn how to safely and confidently massage their newborns. I am a Nationally Certified Therapist of Massage & Bodywork and a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association. I believe in the preventative and rehabilitative success of therapeutic massage and work towards its acceptance in the western medical model as a complementary form of health care. From my commitment to health and an active lifestyle I started Peak Bodywork and hope that you too will find it is a massage experience that keeps you performing at your peak. I look forward to working with you to pursue your health goals. -Jennifer Zalta
