Integrative Relaxation & Stretch Therapy
What is Integrative Relaxation & Stretch Therapy?
IRST is a unique integrative therapy, created by Kendra Kessel, which uses a hybrid combination of highly effective relaxation modalities that calm and relax the body and mind. It also helps release tension and tightness in all of your muscles, increase joint and muscle mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, improve sports/work performance, calm the nervous system, increase blood flow and circulation, and reduce stress and anxiety. There is always open communication to ensure you are comfortable during the entire session. Read below for session details.
The goal of each session is to relax and renew your body and mind completely!
Kendra uses effective, science-backed approaches that promote relaxation and calmness of the mind and body, utilizing her 20+ year background in the fitness and wellness fields. (See below for certifications, pricing, and session details).
Kendra uses a combination of most of the following therapeutic modalities during sessions.
Assisted Stretching: During the session, you will relax with assisted stretches incorporated into the session. Most stretches will be “assisted,” meaning, you simply lay down and relax while your muscles are being stretched for you.
Percussive Massage Device: While you are relaxed and lying down, Kendra will use the Hypervolt percussive massage device on your body, targeting all of your muscles while carefully avoiding bones, joints, and spine. The Hyperice Hypervolt (one of the most sophisticated portable therapeutic percussive massagers on the market) creates a relaxing vibration sensation that loosens up the muscle tissue, increases blood flow and circulation, and promotes healing and muscle recovery. Each muscle group will be massaged with the device for 1-2 minutes to ensure optimal results. You may also choose to only focus on specific muscles to receive treatment, depending on your preferences.
Therapeutic Touch: TT is a healing modality that boosts both physical and mental health. Substantial research has shown that simply being touched can lower heart rate and blood pressure, lessen depression and anxiety, boost the immune system, reduce diseases, relieves pain, triggers the release of oxytocin (feel-good hormone), and relax and calm down the entire nervous system.
Breathwork: Throughout the session, you will be led through simple breathing techniques that have been scientifically shown to lower stress and anxiety, improve mood, and create calmness.
Red Light Therapy: Red Light Therapy is a treatment that may help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. Kendra uses a portable red light therapy pads and focuses it on areas of injury or pain.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a form of relaxation therapy that involves tightening (or recognizing tension) and relaxing your muscle groups, one at a time, in a specific pattern. deep relaxation technique that has been used by doctors, psychologists, and practitioners for nearly 100 years. It can release tension from your muscles, control stress, anxiety, and insomnia, and reduce symptoms of certain types of chronic pain. While lying down with your eyes closed, Kendra will talk you through full-body relaxation of all of your muscles using verbal cues. Kendra uses three types of PMR, based on your specific needs. PMR is based upon the simple practice of tensing or tightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with the release of the tension. The other two types of PMR I use are Non-Tensing PMR (there is no tension phase, simply recognizing tension before relaxing) and Touch PMR (instead of using verbal cues to guide you, Kendra uses touch cues only).
ADDITIONAL SESSION DETAILS
Office Location: Private Wellness Suites - 7261 S Broadway, 14L, Littleton, CO 80122.
Hours: 10am-6:00pm, 8-9:30pm
Contact Kendra: (323) 301-2621 email: kendrakessel@gmail.com
Cost: Please text or email Kendra for current pricing and special deals!
Mobile Sessions (at your location) are offered on a case-by-case basis. Email or text Kendra for mobile pricing.
What should I wear? Please wear comfortable shorts and a T-shirt. You are clothed at all times during the session. You can choose to wear socks or be barefoot.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the session? A hot shower/bath before the session is highly recommended to optimize the effectiveness. Stretching with warm muscles and joints increases flexibility and mobility and will offer more session benefits. Please be well-hydrated on the day of the session.
Is this a massage or sports stretch session? This is neither massage therapy nor a sports stretch therapy session. It is a hybrid combination of relaxing stretch therapy and bodywork modalities that Kendra has created to best calm the mind and body.
Is this New Age, spiritual-based, Reiki, energy healing or “woo-woo” stuff? In short, the answer is NO. There are no spiritual or supernatural aspects to sessions. Kendra uses a very science-backed approach coupled with using the thoughts and the power of your own mind to promote healing, health, and relaxation.
Kendra’s Credentials
Health Certifications: Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Certified Stress-Management Coach, Certified Stretching and Flexibility Coach, Certified Youth Exercise Specialist, and Certified Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Additional Certifications: Certified Clinical Hypnotist, Certified in Sound Therapy, Certified Therapeutic Art Coach
Education: B.S. Physical Education (University of Arizona - Magna Cum Laude), Harvard Health (Harvard Medical School) - various courses taken on Stress-Management, Health and Wellness.
