ABOUT ME
Update Summer 2022, now booking in May, June, July and August.
I love being a massage therapist and I really enjoy working with humans who are changing their lives. Often people will see me as part of a goal of generally improving their life. Sometimes the goal is to "learn to relax," sometimes it is lessen pain and stiffness which may accompany getting older. Often I will see athletes tapering before an event or recovering from an event.
It is better than any Netflix to watch someone change their life and I am delighted that massage can be a helpful part of the process.
At this very unique time there is an increased need for skilled touch to bring the body and mind into balance. I am serious about cleanliness protocols and maintaining my excellent health and yours. I am following whatever guidance/mandates the State and CDC are currently recommending. I have received Covid vaccines.
I practice "functional" massage therapy. Similarly, functional medicine gets to the root of an issue, solving dysfunction/disease by removing its cause. I like to determine why there is a problem to begin with, resolving this issue will probably solve pain and movement stickiness. Is the issue due to nerves not firing or with fascia being tight? Is it a pliability issue? Is it a breath issue?
My professional training modality is called "Muscular Therapy." These are mostly orthopedic treatment techniques developed by Sports Medicine expert Dr. Ben Benjamin in the 1960s. I learned massage at Dr. Benjamin's school in Watertown.
Take care of yourself, you are worth it.
Susan Casale, Licensed Massage Therapist
FAQ’s
How do I make an appointment?
Make an appointment online or send me a text and I will put you in my appointment system. After the appointment is confirmed, you will get an email confirmation. There is onboarding paperwork to be filled out online (quick health history). You will get a text reminder the day before and 2 hours before your appointment.
Do you take drop-in appointments? Best to text me direct 978-257-6570. No. I can take same-day appointments if the schedule allows for it. While I am with clients I do not check texts (NEVER). I may miss requested appointments the same day. Please don’t knock on my door if I have a "Do Not Disturb" sign up. I do not return texts after 7 pm until the next day.
Are Saturday appointments available?
My Saturdays are booked with regular clients. Afternoon and 8 am slots may be available if you book ahead.
Please don’t knock on my door. If the door is closed, I am with a client. I start sessions on time so if you are early, please come back closer to your start time.
Please leave your phone in the car. There is nothing quicker to blow your Zen after a session than looking at your phone. Please take a few minutes to integrate.
How should I pay? Cash or Venmo preferred. Checks and credit cards accepted.
Do you take insurance? No, but we can email a receipt if you have a plan that reimburses you for receipts. Easy-peasy.
What is Muscular Therapy?
Muscular Therapy is a Modality of Bodywork created by Dr. Ben Benjamin after his work with Dr. James Cyriax, (an Orthopedist often called the “Father of Orthopedic Medicine”.)
Muscular Therapy focuses on treating and preventing pain and injury.
Specific techniques used in this style of massage include:
-Swedish massage
-Deep tissue bodywork
-Myofascial and friction therapies
Myofascial release and friction therapy are associated with reduction of the scar tissue accumulation and associated inflammation that occurs after repeated injuries to the same areas. This, if untreated, often results in chronic pain in the soft tissues and joints of one's body.
Muscular therapy is tailored each time to the person on the massage table, as they are present for the session. This form of treatment places focus on healing, preventing injuries, and reducing stress held in the body.
How long should my session be?
(Just some ideas.)
If you are physically and mentally exhausted from life right now--2 Hours, maybe weekly for 4 weeks, may help reset your body and nervous system
If you have injuries you are trying to treat and are in training--45 min 3X week
If you are training for an event and injured-- 60-90 min weekly
If you are looking for general stress reduction, no real complaint--60 Minutes, every 3 weeks or 90 minutes, every 3 weeks
If you are looking for a quick, calming session--15 min (anytime)
If you are looking for a quick-fix, one issue (wrist or neck)--15 min (anytime)
Before an event--90 minutes
After an event-- 90 minutes
How old do I need to be to get a massage? Any age but written consent (text is ok) from an adult in charge if you are below 18.
Do you work on pregnant people? Yes, after the 1st trimester. And yes, pregnant people need deep tissue therapy sometimes, they are not fragile little flowers. They are creating a human, there is a lot going on in there. We will work to help as best we can.
Should I give someone who is "stressed-out" the gift of massage? Honestly, no. It’s counter-intuitive but sometimes people who are stressed just don’t want to be touched. You can help by offering to watch their kids or pick up take-out food. Often the thought of another appointment stresses them out!
Unless they give you the express desire for massage, don’t offer it. Also, some people aren’t comfortable being touched. Many reasons.
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