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 Muscle Energy Techniques, Myofascial Release, the Selective Functional Movement Assessment/ Functional Movement Screen and the Evaluation & Treatment of Sports Injuries and Orthopedic Conditions. I am a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist focusing on post-rehabilitation reconditioning. In 2006, I continued my education at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy in Boulder, CO where I earned the Orthopedic & Sports Massage Certification. Following the level 1 StrongFirst Girya certification I was honored to receive the recommendation by the Senior Instructors for an Assistant Instructor position within SFG.
In 2007 I was awarded the 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.
Movement has been an area of interest to me since I was a little kid. I have passionately explored the interplay of the ability to move and it’s dynamic expression in sport performance. My approach to coaching is to successfully transition athletes from rehabilitation to the dynamic demands of sport. My goal is to bridge the gap between physical therapy and sport specific conditioning.
In June of 2012 I developed the Durability Project, a weekly group class focused on improving movement by restoring joint and tissue mobility through self massage, PNF style stretching and Muscle Energy Techniques. I am a Board Certified Therapist of Massage & Bodywork and a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association. I believe in the preventative and rehabilitative success of manual therapy 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 bodywork experience that helps you return to your peak. I look forward to working with you to pursue your health goals. -Jennifer Zalta
