In this episode, I discuss with Jennifer Pejo how we as athletes and pain sufferers can best leverage massage and all of its benefits for maximum performance and healing. Jennifer has seen it from all sides as a former athletic trainer to elite athletics and Olympians, as a former Olympic weightlifter, as a certified massage therapist who focused on treating pain clients, and as a mother raising little athletes of her own. We dive into how you can do self-massage at home to get the care you need even if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe seeing a therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to vet your therapist to make sure he or she meets your needs, and more.
Jennifer has also created a CEC approved education program that helps massage therapists, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and others who are seeking deeper knowledge on treating their clients who suffer from pain. You can check that out at http://soarpainmanagement.com/. You can also check out more about Jennifer and her blog at www.jenniferpejo.com.
Jennifer’s Education
B.A. in Kinseology with Emphasis in Athletic Training
B. A. in Physical Education
M.S. in Athletic Training
Certified Massage Therapist from Colorado Springs Academy of Therapeutic Massage
Other Accomplishments
Masters Thesis: “ Certified Athletic Trainers’ Knowledge of Hepatitis A through E”
NATABOC Certified Athletic Trainer from 2000-2014
NCBTMB Certified Massage Therapist from 2006-2014
Assistant Athletic Trainer US Taekwondo Union 1999-2001
Athletic Trainer for Dew Action Sport Tour 2006
Basic Life Support Instructor – 2005-2014
2008 Olympic Trials for Olympic Weightlifting (Top 11-20 category)
2006 Distinguished Graduate Alumna (California University of PA)
2003 Pan American Games US Olympic Committee Sports Medicine Staff
Athletic Trainer/Massage Therapist for Senior National Taekwondo Team to World Championships, Korea
Athletic Trainer/ Massage Therapist for Men and Women’s World Racquetball Team to World Championships, Puerto Rico