Jennifer Cancio, LMT

Mahoning Valley School of Massotherapy, 2014

Massage is both a science and an art!  Like any therapist, I have a foundation in the science and feel I shine in the art of massage.  I feel (palpate) and connect with my clients and respond to their unique needs in each treatment.  Everyone needs a different level of pressure, pace of movements, etc. My aim is that my clients are as comfortable as possible and feel safe to communicate with me at any point in the massage to make their treatment truly what is best for them.

I was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at the age of 7.  I remember being in a lot of pain simply walking up a flight of steps at that precious age.  My sister would carry me up the steps sometimes as I would cry.  My maternal grandparents both had severe arthritis.  I remember grandpa would have to use his arms to push himself up from a sitting position to a standing position and it would take him some time.  Most of my childhood I did my best to ignore the pain and play as all kids do.  But I really couldn't do what the other kids could do because I had limitations due to stiffness, swelling, lack of joint integrity, weakness, and pain.  I didn't realize it until I was an adult, but much of my childhood and teenage years I was used to being in pain but it was taking it's toll on me.  The physical pain made me depressed and irritable.  I had some low self esteem as well because I couldn't do things physically very well that I really wanted to do such as certain sports, running, and dancing and I actually forgot I had arthritis and just started thinking I just wasn't good at anything athletic.  It wasn't until I was in my early 30s that I had my first professional massage and for the first time I felt complete relief from my arthritic pain like never before.  Up until that point I didn't realize that getting a massage was for any other reason than relaxing.  But now my eyes were opened and I began discovering a new world of exploring body work!  I wanted to learn everything I could about how massage could relieve pain!  Around the same time I was considering new career possibilities and massage therapy seemed like the perfect fit for me!  I wanted to not only help reduce or eliminate physical pain, but I also wanted to help them feel better psychologically.  I began practicing meditation at the age of 25 and understood the body/mind connection.  I wanted to serve holistically... body, mind, and soul.  I wanted to aid in the healing and happiness of others in a quiet, sacred, setting helping one person at a time to leave their time with me feeling a newfound peace. 
 

When I'm not massaging, I enjoy quiet unstructured time at home meditating and listening to spiritual talks or spending time in nature.  I'm a Licensed Massage Therapist by day and a Vocalist/Violinist by night, playing in several bands. 

Thank you for reading!  I'm looking forward to our appointment together!