Licensed Massage Therapist:

Jennifer Sullivan, L.M.T

Jennifer has been a massage therapist for over a decade.  Her training brought her to Chicago, Panama, and Oregon.  Jennifer has extensive skills in Eastern massage therapy techniques including Qi Gong, Chi Nei Tsang, Thai Massage, Cupping, and Gua Sha.  Her techniques are therapeutic based with anywhere from a light/relaxing to deep tissue pressure.  The integrative massage blends techniques and modalities to give you the exact therapy you need and may include deep tissue, myofascial release, and cupping.  The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.  We are lucky to have such a skilled massage therapist in Davenport.

Schedule with Jennifer

What is Therapeutic Massage?

Therapeutic Massage is offered by a licensed and trained therapist who manipulates the soft tissues of your body — muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin using varying amounts of pressure and movement.  There are many types and styles that therapists may use:

• Therapeutic Massage.  This is a combination of Swedish massage with other therapeutic styles of massage that give you a customized session based on your needs and preferences.  Areas of discomfort will be addressed more thoroughly while still getting a relaxing experience.  The benefits of this type of bodywork are wide-ranging and include relief from aches and pains, decreased stress levels in the body, enhanced mental clarity, improved appearance, and greater flexibility.  
• Integrative Massage.  Many years of experience go into integrative massage. Treating your body to a integrative massage will allow Jennifer the space to use her skills to find the best tools for you.  This a great massage if you have chronic tension, experience pain, or are recovering from an injury. Some modalities that can be used during this massage are cupping, myofascial release, the use of a Gua Sha tool, Thai stretching, deep tissue massage, and Qi Gong. 
• Digestive Balance Massage.  Digestive Balance Massage uses the ancient techniques of Chi Nui Tsang to gently yet deeply massage the abdomen.  The organs are massaged to release tension and promote balance, function, and detoxification.  This is a great massage for anyone who experiences constipation, bloating, diarrhea, acid reflux, diagnosed with SIBO, or has other digestive issues.  
• Cupping.  Traditional cupping increases blood flow to areas of tight/damaged tissue.  It helps with tissue recovery and can improve inflammation.  Cupping can leave marks on the skin that can last for a few hours to a few days.  The darker the mark, the more stagnate and toxic the fluids (lymph & blood) in the tissue were.  The marks will get lighter in color the more you work on an area. 

As these are the specific types of massage, your therapist will discuss what your concerns and goals are for the session and accommodate accordingly.

What can I expect during my first appointment?

Preparing for a massage doesn’t require any special preparations. Before a massage therapy session starts, your therapist will ask you about any symptoms, your medical history, and what you’re hoping to get out of massage Then you both can discuss the best course of action for the most productive session.

To receive the most benefits from a session, you undress only to the point that you’re comfortable. You will lie on a table and cover yourself with a sheet and blanket. Your massage therapist will start massaging and evaluating through touch areas that are painful or tense.  

If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure and vice versa. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It’s likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes too painful, you should always let your therapist know.

What can I expect after a massage therapy session?

Water, water, water. As with any other session like this, blood flow is heightened and needs water to help the muscle recover and flush out toxins. It is not uncommon for there to be pain, soreness, and stiffness in the following days after a massage therapy session. This is due to the muscles being worked in ways that they were not previously accustomed. If this is something you’d like to avoid let your therapist know ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.

https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/1/News/detail/3124/25-reasons-to-get-a-massage

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/massage/art-20045743

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/massage-therapy/about/pac-20384595

Massage is not just luxurious.  It’s a way to a happier, healthier life!