Jessica Cavaco-Dagnello

Jessica is a graduate of the Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, Worcester, MA. She is a member of the American Massage Therapy Association. Jessica has been practicing massage for over 15 years. Since graduating massage school Jessica has focused on continuing her education in the field of myofascial release, pregnancy massage, personal training, active isolated stretching and massage cupping.

Whether it is to help a client relax and feel nurtured, or as treatment for headaches, injuries or chronic aches and pains… massage has the ability to help. By combining techniques designed to bring balance back to the body. Assessing posture, muscle strength and imbalance, Jessica looks for and treats the root causes of pain patterns in the body.

During her years as a massage therapist, she has grown an interest in road races and “muddy” obstacles. Such as “Tough Mudder” and “Spartan”. She participated in a Chi-Running workshop which see gained a profound understanding to running sufficiently. Jessica enjoys the comradery of team leadership and determination these events bring.

As a therapist, Jessica approaches the human body with respect and awe. She listens to the story of each body and through that story aids her client in finding movement and health.

“When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will keep your balance.” Lao Tzu

Credentials

  • Graduated Bancroft School of Massage Therapy, Worcester, MA -2003
  • Myofascial Release I Upper Extremities -2003
  • Myofascial Release II Lower Extremities -2004
  • Pregnancy Massage -2004
    Developed by Carole Osborne-Sheets
  • Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage -2007
  • Advanced Myofascial Release III -2009
  • Body Reading 101 -2009
  • Active Isolated Stretching
    The Benjamin Institute for Advanced Studies -2009
  • ACE Massage Cupping -2012
  • ISSA Certified Personal Trainer -2013

FAQ’s

The Benefits of Massage

Massage offers a drug-free and non-invasive approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The following is a brief list of the many known, research-based benefits of massage.

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more; massage can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow — the body’s natural defense system.
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ — the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce post- surgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins — amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
  • Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally

There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Increased circulation.
  • Reduced fatigue.
  • Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.
  • Profound Effects
  • In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
  • Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
  • Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
  • Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
  • Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
  • Premature infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch — which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

How To Receive a Massage

Even as massage steadily becomes more accepted as a common part of our contemporary cultural experience, many people do not get the most out of massage through lack of knowing a few simple concepts.

The recipient’s only job is to relax as completely as possible. You may start this process by simply closing your eyes- Closing your eyes during the massage experience tends to bring your center of energy out of your head and into your body. Allow your body to become as limp as you can manage. The therapist may need to move your limbs during the treatment. Allow he/she to do so. Your therapist is trained professionally and knows how to move your body with care. Try not to be helpful; rather let yourself be taken care of. Breathe deeply as the therapist’s hands locate areas of tension, consciously trying to let go and relax the areas. Talk for the most part, is unnecessary. Feel free to give feedback if you would like something done differently or longer. The therapist may also ask you for feedback regarding your comfort.

Here are a few guidelines to help you feeling more at ease and to gain the greatest benefit from your massage session.

  • Be sure to point out any areas of your body, which are injured, tense or sore. A medical history form will be asked to fill out to customize your treatment.
  • Please take off all jewelry you are comfortable removing.
  • Many of the massage techniques I use involve the application of oil, gel or cream. Some of these products may get in your hair and around the neck. If this is a problem let, me know before we start. All oil will be wiped off the body when the massage is completed, unless you prefer otherwise. Please let the therapist know.
  • The best way to receive a massage is with the body completely unclothed. The therapist is sensitive to the need for privacy and will keep your body covered with a sheet, except the areas being massaged. However, you may undress to your level of comfort.
  • Some people may fall asleep during a massage, an indication that the body and mind are releasing stress and tension. If this should occur, you will be gently awakened when it is time to turn over or end the massage.
  • Finally, when the massage is over you need not get up immediately. Lie still with your eyes closed, and let yourself absorb whatever you are feeling a few minutes longer.
  • Enjoy the massage session!

In The Hours After Your Massage

After your massage you may notice profound changes in your body and mind. Here are some things that have helped many people get the most form their massage.

  1. Drink extra water. During a massage circulation is improved, which helps flush irritating waste products from stressed muscles and other tissues. Drinking water aids the functioning of the whole body including the circulation and the kidneys, which are both involved with relieving the body of waste products. Drinking extra water also seems to help reduce soreness and fatigue after a massage.
  2. Schedule time to take it easy after your massage. Rest if you feel the need. If you can, take a nap or get in bed early. If you haven’t been sleeping well, receiving massage may relax you enough that you will want to turn in and catch up.
  3. If the focus of your massage is on a particular injury or body part, remember to stretch, ice, or apply heat to that area with the advice of your massage therapist, Or, you may want to do some gentle movement, such as walking, sometime in the hours after your massage to mildly encourage your muscles to work in a balanced and efficient way.
  4. People sometimes experience some soreness for 24 hours or so after a massage. If you do feel sore or think that you might, stretch gently in a hot shower or take a warm bath with Epsom salts. And remember to tell your massage therapist about your experience so it can be taken into consideration in your next session.

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