Rena Ambrose

Mend is a private massage practice located in a cozy office in Upper Montclair. Independently owned and operated by a local community member with 15 years of experience in the wellness and medical fields, Mend is the place to turn to when you need personalized wellness care in a peaceful environment. My mission is to not only help those who are struggling with their health, mend - but to help those who are healthy, thrive.Whether you are breastfeeding, experiencing a wellness concern, working on boosting your immune system, or are stressed out and worn down, Mend is here for you. At Mend, you receive a bespoke massage at every appointment. Each session is custom tailored to meet your body's needs - because that's how you get results! In addition to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), I offer Swedish massage, Neuromuscular Therapy, and stretching techniques. I make evidence based self care recommendations, including therapeutic exercises and stretches, to enhance and extend the benefits of your massage. I also offer telehealth visits, teaching clients how to perform self lymphatic massage. For a complete list of all services offered, please visit the website.About Rena' Ambrose LPTA, LMT, CLTIn 2005, I began a 600 hour massage therapist training program at the Somerset School of Massage Therapy. After graduating, I completed their 125 hour certificate program in Neuromuscular Therapy, a protocol based on the work of Dr. Janet Travell, designed to relieve pain and restore flexibility. In 2008, I enrolled in the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Essex County College. From there I graduated with an A.A.S. in 2010.As a licensed PTA, I successfully used massage, along with other therapeutic modalities, to help my patients live with more independence and less pain. I attended many continuing education courses including Working with Matured Scarring, post joint replacement rehabilitation and several "core strengthening" courses; amongst them, Pilates Mat instructor training. I also taught aspiring PTA students, serving as a credentialed clinical instructor. In 2016, I became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist after attending the rigorous 135 hour Complete Decongestive Therapy/Manual Lymphatic Drainage program with the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy. During this medical level, 10 day program, I received extensive training in the anatomy and physiology of the lymphatic system as well as a comprehensive education in manual lymphatic drainage and compression bandaging. A subsequent internship with master clinicians at a lymphedema clinic became the inspiration to follow my own vision.