Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerica Maness.
Hi Jerica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
It all began when I was in college; I was on a full track and field scholarship at a D1 university in Florida. I begin to experience injuries and felt as if my aches and pains where not taken seriously. Now being someone who has been an athlete since elementary school, I’m sure I know the difference between being sore and being in pain. I ended up finding out that I had a back issue that started to interfere with nerves in my legs. The doctor recommended surgery and I had to stop running, stop doing the very thing that pulled me out of my biggest mental blocks. I decided to do Physical therapy instead of the procedure where I learned a lot about healing, recovery, and corrective exercise. This is where the passion started. As I skip ahead a few years after working in a few chiropractic clinics, physical therapy facilities and medical billing companies I decided to go to Grad school and get my Masters in Sports Medicine of Athletic Training. It was time to test my skills in real life. This passion to help others recover, heal or prevent injury was very personal to me. Who better to understand an athlete but an athlete? And just so we are clear an athlete isn’t necessarily a professional but someone who is physically active at least three days a week is an athlete. Right before grad school, I discovered my mother was diagnosed with cancer. This was something that pushed me more. I would get criticized from others saying “why are you here? You should be in Florida with your mother?” It was tough because being the only child I was always all my mother had. Growing up was tough because she was a single parent. I always felt obligated to be the best me and have her back. With that being said, I felt me furthering my education was the best way I could do that by building a career and legacy my parents can be proud of.
During grad school in Marietta GA, I experienced a traumatic brain injury that set me back in my last quarter of school. I had to gain reading endurance, balance and even how to walk straight again. As if school wasn’t already difficult enough surviving with 20$ in my bank account, living alone, trying to work to afford shelter and food, preparing for board exams and having a 50 hour a week school schedule. Everything for me came to a sudden hold. This was a hole in the ground that felt impossible to get out of. After 12 months of therapy I was cleared to begin physical activity again. This is when I decided to start practicing my skills. My very first client was my aunt who is a Sr. Olympian track and field athlete. She was always sore and needed recovery to help her perform. One session and she was convinced! She then introduced me to other athletes and my name has been spreading around since. I created JM Recovery & Performance LLC. Three years later my name got to the right ear. I received a phone call from a celebrity trainer who needed recovery muscle work. This leads me to the entertainment industry on sets of movies and working on major Actors such as Michael B Jordan. I’m currently still working in the entertainment industry along with athletes of all levels aging 7-65 years of age. My office is based out of Sandy Springs GA.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As mentioned before, this path was nowhere near smooth for me. A constant battle of dealing with outside distractions, maintaining my faith, my health, and being away from family was heavy on my heart. I struggled with my board exams, keeping a job, maintaining friendships or a social life while still trying to understand why I couldn’t remember the things I learned last semester. I was constantly feeling like the universe was against me. I watched others have it so easy while I was just getting knocked down over and over again. I struggled to keep going, to never give up because I just knew God had bigger plans for me. These struggles has motivated me to start my first book titled “A voice of a Firework” an inspirational biography/ guidebook on childhood to adult obstacles and how I overcame them.
As you know, we’re big fans of JM Recovery & Performance LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business specializes in muscle recovery and injury prevention. As a healthcare professional, I am responsible for providing preventative care, emergency response, and rehabilitative care for patients who receive injuries as athletes or while engaging in physical activity. I will say I am known for my “healing hands.” This is just what I hear by the way. But I am confident with my treatments and knowing how I can help my clients. I believe what sets me apart from others isn’t just the fact that I was/ am an athlete but the amount of education and schooling I have completed to be able to effectively teach my clients preventative measures. I go in with each client being myself and mindset on one thing “get them pain free.” I’m very passionate about my craft and it shows in my work. I have created specialized techniques that are not found in tech books because I listen to my patients and in tune with what the body needs. My approach to recovery isn’t your typical approach because everyone is different. Pain can come from muscular abnormalities, weakness, inadequate firing patterns, tight muscles, scar tissue, or muscles are just in need of a good body toxin flush. Recovery can be multifaceted and based upon the individual’s needs. I offer Active techniques and Passive modalities that can aid in bringing the body back to the pain-free lifestyle anybody naturally craves for.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have been blessed to come across some amazing mentors, supporters and advocates during this process. Some influencers are Kristi Castlin, Corey Calliet, Michael B Jordan, Kevin Wilson, Darya Klishina, Dr. Anthony Human DO, just to name a few. Don’t get me wrong the list can go on forever. Every single one of these people have believed in me, trust me and helped build me to the person I am today. I have some of the greatest friends and boyfriend but overall, my biggest cheerleaders are my parents, Delrita Bridgette and Percy Maness. My parents have been with me every step of the way In my career and having their support means the world to me.
Contact Info:
- Email: Jericamaness@gmail.com
- Website: Www.Jmusclerecovery.com
- Instagram: @jericamaness
