Healing Kneads Massage offers a need-specific massage experience

By Patricia Nugent

Sitting across from verdant rolling acres, on a street appropriately named Paradise, Massage Therapist Kris Sydorenko offers a myriad of massage styles in a specially outfitted spa suite on the terrace level of her lovely home.

A decade ago, after spending years at a bustling spa in Medina, and seeking to offer her clients a more tranquil haven, she founded Healing Kneads Massage.

“My clients enjoy getting away from daily stress,” she says. “They comment on how calm and quiet their experience is here.”

The spa suite includes everything needed for an ultra-soothing massage…candles, aromatherapy scents to choose from, meditative music, fluffy white linens, a heated massage table, a glowing fireplace and even a ceiling with celestial sparkles.

Creating Comfort for People with Cancer
Kris has undergone training and earned a certification in Oncology Massage, and a large part of her practice is devoted to cancer patients. Locally, she’s worked with cancer support groups at Summa Health, offering her light-touch method with slow, steady movement to ease symptoms related to cancer treatment, including pain, nausea and anxiety.

“Oncology massage is very different from traditional massage,” she explains. “Rather than getting deep into muscle and tissue, the goal of this service is to create comfort.”

The light-touch methodology works wonders on people suffering from fibromyalgia as well, since they often have a heightened sensitivity.

Kris says most people don’t know that this form of massage is even available, and once they’ve had one, are quick to spread the word.

Another service cancer patients and those rehabbing from surgery benefit from is Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

“With the lymphatic system, lymph flows throughout your body, helping move substances from tissues,” says Kris. “Sometimes the lymph gets clogged and needs help flowing as it should. This targeted circular massage helps drain swollen or puffy tissue and detoxify the body.”

MLD is also particularly effective with post-surgery cases, such as mastectomy (which sometimes involves removal of the lymph nodes), or knee or hip replacement, which can cause swelling.

Kris has the expertise to pick and choose different modalities to treat specific conditions. For instance, her migraine massage combines MLD with Swedish and cranial sacral techniques to alleviate migraines, stress headaches or help drain sinuses.

In addition to therapeutic massage services, she offers a host of pampering services, such as relaxing Swedish massage and hot stone massage.

Health Benefits of Massage
Kris reports the benefits of massage reach far beyond momentary relaxation, and most of her clientele are regulars, receiving a service every other week or monthly.

Studies have linked regular massage with:

• Improved circulation
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Strengthened immune system
• Lower blood pressure
• Enhanced energy

“I feel it’s my calling to offer people comfort when they need it most,” says Kris. “I believe the power of touch is essential to a sense of peace and wholeness within body, mind and spirit. What I do is so rewarding. People are thankful to have their pain taken away, and experience increased flexibility and mobility.”

As testimony to her healing touch, client Deborah S. says, “I was working through the expected muscle pain of working out with a personal trainer and was post-op from a hip replacement when I found out about Healing Kneads Massage. Kris’ skillful, therapeutic touch is perfect. She is very personable yet focused on good care. Thank you for exceeding my expectations.”

Healing Kneads Massage is located within Kris Sydorenko’s lovely home, on Paradise Road in Medina. Some insurance plans may cover massage. Services are by appointment only. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 330-416-0546 or visit HKMassage.net for more information.