Susan Karnes

  • VA License #: 0019007870
  • 48

If you listen to your body when it whispers, you won't have to hear it scream.

While in the Athletic Training program at Lynchburg College my professor took a sabbatical to learn massage therapy. I had multiple medical leaves of absence from college and during one of my leaves I decided to enroll in a massage therapy school. I just didn't know how much I would love it! There is nothing more rewarding than watching pain leave the face of a patient on my table.

I went to the world renowned Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy. Edgar Cayce and Dr. Reilly opened a holistic ho...

While in the Athletic Training program at Lynchburg College my professor took a sabbatical to learn massage therapy. I had multiple medical leaves of absence from college and during one of my leaves I decided to enroll in a massage therapy school. I just didn't know how much I would love it! There is nothing more rewarding than watching pain leave the face of a patient on my table.

I went to the world renowned Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy. Edgar Cayce and Dr. Reilly opened a holistic hospital, "The Cayce Hospital for Research and Enlightenment" in 1928. Today this building is home to the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa where they offer many of the holistic services that were originally available at the hospital. Every graduate is trained in these services and only Cayce/Reilly graduates can give a Cayce/ Reilly massage. This massage is a combination of swedish massage, osteopathic manipulation and neuropathic massage techniques. It affects nerves, organs, glands, circulation and muscles to help aide the body rid itself of toxins. This massage is the foundation of my massage.

I am most passionate and gear all my continuing education toward learning techniques to help patients who struggle with chronic pain. I understand what it is like to not be able to do what you love. I can help an athlete get back on the field or parent back to work. I also tailor my education around my patients needs. I have taken oncology massage and lymphatic drainage for very specific people. I also am empathetic to all brain injury and vertigo cases. Craniosacral therapy helped me tremendously as a TBI survivor and I love to pass on information about healing the body after a head trauma.  I am proficient in myofascial release, neuromuscular massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, cranioscaral tharapy, orthopedic massage, foot reflexology, medicupping vacuum therapy.

I also enjoy educating about living a healthy lifestyle and guiding people to resources that will meet them where they are on their health and wellness journey. I believe being conscious about what we put in, on and around our body matters and directly influences our health. I am happy to share products in all aspects of daily living to help reduce body burden in your household for you and your family's health. I have a private Facebook community with educational content and resources available. If you would like to join and learn more, just ask.

Book a Wellness, Coaching, or Bodywork service with me today

Where I Work
Contact for availability
Available Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Licenses
Massage

VA # 0019007870

Education
2006

Cayce/Reilly School of Massotherapy

700 hours

2010

Lynchburg College

Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology

Experience
Bodywork

Medical Massage Practitioner

Completed and passed all examinations for post-graduate medical massage training that is equivalent to 30 CEUs in 2019 with Dr. Bryan Hawley DC, NCBTMB approved

Orthopedic Medical Massage for the neck

8 hour in person NCBTMB approved CEU class in 2021

Evidence Based Myofascial and Craniolsacral Therapy Interventions

NCBTMB approved 4 CEU contact hours post-graduate training in 2015

Myofascial Release Clinical Applications- upper body

NCBTMB approved 5 CEU contact hours post-graduate training in 2015

Myofascial Release Clinical Applications- lower body

NCBTMB approved 4 CEU contact hours post-graduate training in 2015

Medicupping Therapy

22 hour in person NCBTMB approved CEU class in 2021

Ace VacuTherapy Level 2 and MediCupping Therapy

28 hours of in person training with the founder. NCBTMB approved classes in 2023

Yoga

Medical Therapeutic Yoga

Foundations for using yoga in integrative & preventative medicine. NCBTMB approved 7 contact hours CEU post-graduate training

Fitness

Collegiate Athletic Training student

I was an athletic training student in undergrad for 3 years before switching my major to exercise physiology. This experience has served me well throughout my years as a massage therapist. Although I didn't complete the program I was taught taping, stretching, treatments in the athletic training room, hydrotherapy, brought athletes through exercise programs to recover and prevent injury. LC's AT program is where I really learned the most about kinesiology and grasped the understanding of how the body moves in motion. I have experience with athletes before, during and after games and practices. I worked with Lynchburg College's men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's soccer and field hockey. I also worked at Randolph Macon College with their men's soccer team. And high school level with the football.

Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiology Internship

I worked with patients in all 4 phases of cardiac rehab at Stroobrant Heart Clinic at Centra and at the Bedford YMCA. At the YMCA, I also worked with children in the healthy U program who were struggling with childhood obesity.

Physical Therapy

PT Tech

I worked as PT tech bringing patients through treatment that the PT created. I did ultra sound, electrical stimulation and taught patients how to do their exercises properly. Since I was in massage school and also completed massage school while working here, I was able to assist the PT in her myofascial release and cranioscacral therapies. I also did one of my exercise physiology internships in a physical therapy office. I had my own cases that I was able to to take, with supervision by the PT from start to finish, to do my own case studies.

REVIEWS for my Wellness, Coaching, or Bodywork services

by Houston on May 01
It was AMAZINGšŸ‘
by Katherine on Apr 24
Susan is very knowledgeable and has a gift with her massages. Would highly recommend.
by Anonymous on Apr 24
Probably not because I want to be sure I can keep getting an appointment!! In fact Susan, do u have an opening on 5/6?
by Bill on Mar 19
Susan is always professional and always asks if I have any issues for her to address. I always feel relaxed and wonderful after a massage session!
by Anonymous on Mar 18
Susan is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I always feel better after a session with her! She has gently helped me on my healing journey with chronic pain and I am grateful for her. You should definitely make your appointment with her soon.
by Kitty on Mar 12
It was wonderful, just what I needed
by Anonymous on Mar 07
Susan is exceptional. I have had many massages including high end places and Susan is the best I have ever had. Highly recommend her. She even caters you massage to your specific needs.
by Bob on Jan 29
Excellent deep tissue massge - deep enought to relax some of the really tight kuscles
by Anonymous on Jan 29
Susan is excellent!
by Anonymous on Jan 16
Wonderfully relaxing massage. Susan is a skilled professional. Highly recommended.

SPECIALTIES: Bodywork and Massage techniques I perform

Wellness

  • Cayce Remedy Pack

Coaching

  • Couples

Bodywork & Massage

  • VacuTherapy
  • Mobile Therapeutic Medical Massage
  • geriatric
  • Therapeutic Medical Massage
  • Therapeutic Massage

Reflexology

  • Foot reflexology

Check my availability and schedule appointments for a Wellness, Coaching, or Bodywork service