Say goodbye to the pain, without medication

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During the one-hour upper body Migraine Massage, Kris Sydorenko, of Healing Kneads Massage, performs gentle cranial sacral holds and lighter movements to relieve stress in the head, neck and upper back, and move fluids around the central nervous system. (Photography: Benjamin Margalit)

By Patricia Nugent

For 38 million Americans—roughly 18% of women—the pain of debilitating chronic migraines can be disastrous to their quality of life.

Lucky for Kaitlyn Sydorenko, who started getting migraines at age 10, her mother, Kris, is a highly trained massage therapist.

“Over the years, through trial and error, I combined specific elements of Cranial Sacral therapy, Manual Lymphatic drainage and Swedish massage to soothe Kaitlyn’s migraines,” she explains. “Over time, they became shorter in duration and less painful. She also started to get fewer headaches. Today, Kaitlyn is in college and nearly migraine-free.”

Kris owns the Healing Kneads Massage studio in Medina, where she has put together several techniques into one hybrid treatment called the Migraine Massage. It’s become her most popular service, and you won’t find it at other local spas or salons.

During the one-hour upper body massage, Kris performs gentle Cranial Sacral holds and lighter movements to relieve stress in the head, neck and upper back, and move fluids around the central nervous system. She also incorporates a sequence of manual lymphatic drainage movements on the face and neck to encourage flow through the lymph vessels, then finishes with the longer, gliding strokes of Swedish massage on the upper back to improve circulation.

“People who suffer from allergies, regular headaches or nasal congestion also greatly benefit from this massage,” says Kris. “And, so do those suffering from anxiety or stress-related conditions.”

Here’s What People are Saying
Local migraine and headache sufferers give nothing but five-star reviews of Kris’ massages.

“I went in and had a migraine massage not knowing what to expect,” says Tricia K. “I carry my stress in my neck, shoulders and head, and it was so wonderful. It even did wonders for my sinuses. It was the first massage that I truly felt the changes in my sinuses. I could breathe clearer and even smell better. It was very relaxing and really helped with my pain.”
And Katie S. tells us, “I had my first migraine massage today by Kris, and all I can say is, wow! From the time you step in the door she’s very professional and kind. The massage room is very calming and clean. The massage was fantastic. I’ve never had stress relief like that before. Kris has the perfect touch, and I’m happy to say I found my hidden gem.”

Get Your Zen On
“With Covid, my clients tell me they feel safer coming to a more private, specially outfitted spa suite on the terrace level of my home than a busy spa,” Kris says.

The tranquil and spacious room provides an ultra-soothing environment…candles, aromatherapy scents clients can custom-select, meditative music, fluffy white linens, a heated massage table, a glowing fireplace and even a ceiling with celestial sparkles.

Other types of massage that Kris offers include Therapeutic Massage, Pure Relaxation Massage, Oncology Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage.

She notes that all of her services produce benefits such as a feeling of extreme relaxation, and that studies have shown regular massage strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and enhances energy.

Healing Kneads Massage is located within Kris’ lovely home, on Paradise Road in Medina. Services are by appointment only. Masks are required, temperatures are taken, and the massage suite is thoroughly sanitized between clients and UV-light deep-cleaned daily. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 330-416-0546 or visit HKMassage.net for more information or to buy gift certificates.