Jen Raimondi, LMT

Fundamentally, bodywork brings you back to your body and can have a centering, grounding effect.

what is massage?

Massage therapy is both an ancient art and a contemporary form of wellness care. A massage therapist is trained to work with the body’s soft tissues: muscle, skin, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and some organs. A massage can include kneading, compression, stroking, friction, stretching, and sustained pressure.  

Massage increases blood and lymph circulation, allowing the body’s self-healing mechanisms to work. Massage provides relief from pain, giving space for the body/mind to mend. And massage reduces stress, which is one of the greatest contributors to ill health.

Other potential health benefits of massage include: assisting injury recovery, easing symptoms of chronic conditions, moving lactic acid out of tired muscles, lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion, alleviating muscle cramps and spasms, and revitalizing the body. Massage can have a positive effect on the immune system. It can even affect the appearance of the skin.

relaxation massage

This is what many people think of when they hear the word “massage.” Often people’s first introduction to bodywork, relaxation massage benefits the entire body by calming the nervous system and improving blood and lymph circulation. Chronic stress is detrimental to health, and many folks find relaxation massage to be a pleasant way to manage stress and maintain healthy muscle tissue. During your session, you’re on a cozy massage table, draped by sheets and blankets, while I use oil and lotion to glide over your muscles, adjusting the amount of pressure to your preference. It’s hypnotic, and sometimes it’s “just what the doctor ordered.” Or, should have ordered!

myofascial bodywork

Myofascial bodywork gently breaks down fascial adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Fascial tissue wraps all your muscles (“myo” means muscle) and weaves throughout your body in a continuous web. It allows everything to slide over everything else. Layers of myofascial tissue can become adhered (“stuck”) because of injury, chronic holding patterns, or surgery. Adhesions block circulation and cause pain, limited movement and inflammation. In a typical myofascial bodywork session, oil and lotion are not much used. Unlike the gliding movements of a relaxation massage, myofascial work is slow and focused; we sink into the fascia and wait with the tissue until it releases. This work is highly effective when there is specific pain you want to address.

I practice at West Side Wellness, 379 Broadway, Providence RI. Call 401.837.6204 for an appointment!

Nationally certified, Rhode Island licensed, insured.

Looking for a talented photographer for your portrait, wedding, event, or corporate needs? See my sister Jessica Raimondi's website!

"My massage with Jen was the best massage I have ever received. She was professional and talented. A true gem in the industry. I wouldn't go to anyone else!"

- another happy client, 2009

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