ABOUT ME
Update December 2021. Feeling ready to go back to massage!
I am truly grateful for the excellent rehab care I have received on my left elbow and am feeling ready to get back to my massage therapy practice. In lieu of a longer note, I am writing to say I have opened my schedule for January 2021 and will be thrilled to catch up with my regular clients and meet new folks as well.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
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Just a quick little update in October 2021. It's been an unusual week.
I was taking a quick little run around my neighborhood and suddenly was face down on the pavement. Luckily, I didn't hit my head or hurt my neck or shoulders.
I did break the fall with my left hand, though. As a result I have dislocated my elbow and broken my radius and ulna. So, I am dedicating myself to my own healing for a few weeks. I have closed my online booking at this time.
In November, I expect to update my offerings. I am excited about possibilities that are appearing in front of my eyes.
I have always fond of the notion, "When God closes a door, She opens a window." And the door is just stuck closed for healing. Just right now. The window is open and I am surrounded by love and inspiration and will be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
Take good care, my dears.
Susan
I love being a massage therapist and I really enjoy working 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 fully vaccinated. 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.
Last year I relocated my practice studio to Westford from Dracut, where I saw clients for more than 7 years.
I practice "functional" massage therapy. Similarly, functional medicine gets to the root of an issue, solving dysfunction by removing it's 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?
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.
I have closed my booking schedule at this time.
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. 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 my Do Not Disturb sign up. I do not return texts after 7 pm until the next day.
Are Saturday appointments available?
My Saturdays are pretty booked with regular clients. Afternoon and 8 am slots are in rotation 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 and catching up on drama. Please take a few minutes to integrate.
How should I pay? Cash or Venmo preferred. Checks 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. 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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