Type Of Business:
Sole proprietorship
Expertise:
Massage therapy; Social therapy for cancer patients
Major Product/SVS:
Massage therapy; Social therapy for abused children
Hobbies/Sports:
Sports; Riding horses; Volunteering at stables to help with horses, even massaging the horses
Education Degrees:
Pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at University of Phoenix; Coursework, Farmingdale State College; Coursework, Hofstra University
Affiliations Awards:
Professional Member, American Massage Therapy Association
Children's Names:
Paul, Anthony
Work History:
Nurse, Massage Therapist, and Social Therapist; Dental Assistant; Manager, Dunkin Donuts
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was receiving all of the awards she worked for that her father insisted that she obtain as long as she put her heart and soul into truly helping others. The most gratifying aspects of her career include hearing that her patients are enjoying things they had given up before they started massage therapy, seeing that they are happier, and, above all, learning that some have been taken off a medication or that their high dosage has been lowered. Ms. Giangrasso is also proud to have earned a degree in social sciences and to have pushed through and won a victory over cancer.
Charity:
Volunteer, Local Autism Organizations
Number Of Years In Profession:
13
Number Of Years In Current Position:
13
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her father, who is her inspiration, and to her ability to empathize with her patients.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she was inspired by her father, who died when she was 18. He taught her to be independent and work hard.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Giangrasso is the mother of two sons; one is a New York City police officer and the other is in his second year of film school. Ms. Giangrasso worked as a nurse for three years, and became a medical massage therapist to help cancer patients reduce the amount of medication they take. She has been practicing holistic medical massage therapy for 12 years, and notes that this is a very different approach to massage from spa treatments. Ms. Giangrasso treats patients who have medical conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, migraine headaches, insomnia, fatigue and heart conditions, as well as those who are experiencing back, neck, or leg problems, a frozen shoulder, or arthritis. In addition, she works with people who have been in car accidents and are experiencing posttraumatic injuries. Ms. Giangrasso takes into consideration not only the patient's immediate complaint but also his or her past medical history as well. This allows her to understand where a weakness in the body may exist and find a focal point to work on and also gives her a map to treating the patient's mind, body, and soul. She reports having had much success with this technique over the years, and says, "I am humbled when I am thanked so gratefully for work I do from the heart and can see a patient released of pain." Sometimes it takes just a few months of massage therapy to resolve a condition that a patient has suffered with for years.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Healing cancer patients through massage therapy and social therapy, or at least lessening their pain and suffering by these means
Education Certifications:
VIP Status, American Massage Therapy Association; Licensed Massage Therapist; Licensed Practical Nurse
Awards/Honors:
Professional Status, Malpractice Insurance Association
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Giangrasso hopes to expand her massage therapy business into a healing center, employing acupuncturists as well as massage therapists.