Rockford Health Alternatives

When clients first spy Rockford Health Alternatives' homey confines—replete with an ornate rug and cream-colored, padded treatment bed—they may question whether they’ve accidentally stumbled into someone’s living room. But once therapist Kari St. Germain makes the first rehabilitative-type stroke and nagging pains subside, they realize they’re exactly where they need to be. It’s here where Kari channels her extensive training in both medical and orthopedic massage therapy to assuage all manner of musculoskeletal issues. Unlike Swedish or relaxation massages, orthopedic massages use range of motion and postural assessments to hone in on specific points of concern, such as injuries or pains brought on by refusing to leave the fetal position. Kari may also incorporate LED-light therapy to reduce inflammation and speed up healing times.

New to the roster of treatments is the MELT method, a self-treatment method created by manual therapist Sue Hitzmann. As a certified MELT instructor, Kari leads students through specific movements that rehydrate the connective tissue to help slow the aging process, improve flexibility, and alleviate pain. Once learned, the techniques can easily be performed at home or while housesitting for the President to extend the rejuvenating effects.