Integrative Calming Stretch
What is Integrative Calming Stretch?
ICS is a unique integrative therapy, created by Kendra Kessel, which uses a combination of effective stretching and relaxation modalities to 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 open communication at all times to make sure you are comfortable during the entire session. Read below for session details.
The goal of each session is to completely relax and renew your body and mind!
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 details). This service is only available to her in-person coaching clients and 1-on-1 retreat clients as an “add-on.”
Before each session, you will be able to pick and choose what combination of therapeutic modalities (below) you are interested in for your session or go with Kendra’s recommendation based on your needs and goals.
Assisted Stretching: Stretching is the main focus of the session. During the session, you will be led through a series of stretches, focusing on the areas you need it most. Throughout the session, you will be standing, sitting, lying on your stomach, or lying on your back. Most stretches will be “assisted,” meaning, you simply sit or lay down and relax while I stretch your muscles for you. It is normal for stretching to feel slightly uncomfortable at times, but it should never feel painful or hurt. We will have open communication throughout the session to make sure you are at your ideal comfort level.
Percussive Massage: 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.
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).
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. Cyclic Breathing, in particular, is shown to be more effective than mindful meditation or any other type of breathing technique.
Red Light Therapy: Red Light Therapy is a treatment that may help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of your body heal. Read more about RLT here: Kendra brings a portable red light therapy pad and focus it on areas of injury or pain.
Aroma Therapy: There is a lot of research indicating that aromatherapy using essential oils can help to relieve stress and anxiety symptoms. Essential oils are complementary during the session if interested.
Hot and Cold Therapy: There are many benefits to using both hot and cold to promote relaxation. During your session, an ice pack may be placed on your vagus nerve to slow down your heart rate and signal your body to relax. Additionally, a heating pad may be placed on your back to relax your tense muscles or on your stomach to aid in digestion and reduce bloating, IBS, etc.
ADDITIONAL SESSION DETAILS
Contact: Text Kendra at: 323-301-2621 or email: kendrakessel@gmail.com
Session Location: Private Wellness Office Location: Littleton CO 80122. On a case-by-case basis, Kendra can travel to your home for an additional cost.(Highlands Ranch, Denver, Golden, Littleton, Cherry Hills, Centennial, Lone Tree)
Cost: $185/session (Discounts are given to regular clients). Contact Kendra.
Sessions last up to 75 minutes.
Days/Times: Flexible
What should I wear? Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch and move freely (athletic shorts and a comfortable T-shirt are ideal). You will be clothed the entire time. You can choose to wear socks or be barefoot.
What do you bring? The session is either done on a padded floor mat or massage table. Kendra brings whichever is best suited for your needs. For Percussive Massage Therapy, she brings the Hyperice Hypervolt to use for the session. She can bring/provide music, or you may provide your own.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the session? A hot shower/bath prior to 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. If there is music you enjoy, please feel free to play that during your session. Kendra will need access to an outlet for the Red Light device.
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.
For rates and more information, please text or email Kendra at: 323-301-2621 kendrakessel@gmail.com
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.