LMT, Expert Massage Therapist in Chicago
Hello, I'm Marzena Kostrzewska
Massage therapist for over 25 years, and I still genuinely love this work. But my path didn’t start with a niche. Like many therapists, I began by helping anyone who walked through the door—stress, back pain, tight shoulders. Early in my career, a physical therapist referred a patient to me who was dealing with severe jaw pain and constant tension headaches. She asked if I could try to help.
Why I Chose This Work
As a massage therapist the most rewarding part of my profession isn't simply helping someone feel better at the end of a session. It's watching people regain confidence as pain becomes more manageable and everyday activities begin to feel easier again. Jaw pain and muscle tension can affect much more than physical comfort. They can interfere with eating, speaking, concentrating, sleeping, working, and enjoying everyday life. Being trusted to help someone through that process is a responsibility I never take for granted.
How I Approach Care
I believe the best care begins with understanding the person, not just the symptoms. Rather than following the same routine for everyone, I take time to understand what you're experiencing and what may be contributing to it. Together, we'll discuss your concerns, your goals, and the most appropriate way to move forward. When appropriate, treatment may include intraoral manual therapy, always explained beforehand and performed only with your consent. Education is an important part of my work. I want you to leave your appointment with a better understanding of your symptoms, practical self-care strategies, and realistic expectations about the recovery process. If you'd like to learn more about what happens during your visit, please see the Your First Appointment page.
Committed to Learning
Healthcare continues to evolve, and I believe my education should evolve with it. Throughout my career, I've completed advanced training in manual massage therapy while continuing to study current research related to pain science, movement, and conservative care for musculoskeletal conditions. Some of my most valuable lessons, however, have come from working with people every day. Nearly 25 years of clinical experience has strengthened my clinical reasoning, refined my assessment skills, and reinforced something I've believed from the beginning: Listening carefully is one of the most valuable clinical skills a therapist can develop.
I'd Love to Meet You
If you’re experiencing jaw pain, headaches, facial tension, teeth clenching, or muscle pain that’s limiting your daily activities, I’d be happy to help you determine whether my approach is right for you.
Every first appointment begins with a conversation, an evaluation, and recommendations based on your individual situation—not a predetermined routine.