Sara Clement, LMT: Treat Your Mind, Body & Spirit To Personalized Massage Therapy

Sara Clement was born and raised in a small town in central Pennsylvania.  She studied music education as a voice major at Clarion University.  She went on to teach music to elementary students for four years.

She then moved to Rome, Italy where she acquired TEFL Certification and taught English as a foreign language.  Unlike many students who take some time for travel and adventure between high school and college or directly after college before settling into a career, Sara had taken no time out for herself.

At the age of twenty-eight, she thought, “I’m just going to do it.  I’m not going to let age be a factor.”  “It was one of the best decisions I ever made,” she confides.  

Five years later, Sara returned to the US and sought a new career direction.  Soul-searching led her to study massage therapy in Asheville, North Carolina.  It’s also where she met the man who was to become her husband.

“I told him from the beginning, I’m not a Southern girl.  We’re going to be moving North at some point.”  A few years down the road, after researching suitable locations, they decided on Frederick.

“It was the perfect balance between being close to big cities — Baltimore and DC are just an hour away — and it has a lot of things going on.  There’s a really strong community of events, some culture and a very nice downtown with some awesome restaurants and shops.  We fell in love with it!”

Thai Yoga Bodywork: A New Massage With 2500 Year Old Roots

Massage Therapy is one of those things where it’s easier to show people what it’s all about than it is to describe it with words.  “You can talk about Massage Therapy all day,” said Sara.

But, it’s much easier to understand what it is if you experience the benefits of therapeutic massage first-hand. “Especially the Thai Yoga Bodyworks that I do — the movement that it incorporates.”

She continues, “Taking them through the stretches and feeling their body in a completely different way.  Going through the massage techniques, releasing that tension and stress.  I think that would speak for itself.  

“They could feel how much more relaxed they felt.  They could feel the movement that they gained in their joints.  And, they could feel the life force increase in their body.”

So, how does Thai Yoga differ from a traditional massage?  “A table massage is more static.  You might have a little bit of movement and some stretching but Thai Yoga Bodywork is all about the stretching.

Sara explains, “Thai Yoga Bodywork is done on a nice cushy mat on the floor, fully clothed and with no oil.  “The client lays on the mat and I lead them through various stretches, different motions, twisted joints and massage techniques to release tension.  That’s the difference.”

She adds, “It’s sometimes described as lazy-man’s yoga.  You get a lot of the benefits of a good yoga class plus a massage and you don’t have to do any of the work.”

Sara’s Journey From Educator To Massage Therapist

After five years in Rome, Sara was ready to return to the US to settle down and start a family.  She could have returned to teaching music but confides that she had burned out doing it before.  Once again, she was eager to try something new.

She wanted to focus on her passion for helping people. “It’s one of those things that’s really important to me.  I want my work to be serving a higher good — helping people improve in some way.  Massage Therapy seemed like a really good fit.”

Sarah moved in with her Mom in South Carolina to start on her new career path.  She opted to attend the Asheville School of Massage & Yoga, even though it meant having a two-hour commute.

“It had the right feel.  It had the science component but it also had the more holistic component which is crucial for Massage Therapy.”

The Biggest Challenge As An Entrepreneur

“Balancing family and work.  I’m a very devoted mother and it’s hard to pull myself away sometimes.

“I need to sit down and focus on some marketing strategies or I need to sit down and do my books…it’s a challenge balancing that and taking care of the family.”

Advice Sara Would Give To Herself If She Could Start Over

“Just stay the course and have faith that things are going to grow. It’s scary going out on your own, at first.  I started out at a salon and spa, then made the transition into being an independent practitioner.  It’s just like a leap of faith.

“You just have to do it and know that you’re going to be in charge of everything.  Stick with it because it will work itself out.”

Making A Difference In The Lives Of Others Through Massage Therapy

Sara recalls one particular client who was suffering from debilitating lower back pain.  He was in constant pain and couldn’t sleep or do anything without feeling pain all of the time.

“He was ready to commit to doing several sessions.  He just wanted to feel better.”  At the end of six sessions, he was saying, “I feel great!  I can’t thank you enough!”

Sara thought, “Wow!  This is why I do my work!”

The App That Keeps It All On Track

Sara relies primarily on one App to keep her business running smoothly. “The Square.  It keeps track of all my sales trends — everything!

“You can go online and schedule appointments with me online using the Square Calendar.   It’s amazing.  I couldn’t live without it.”

Sara Shares A Quote That Speaks Volumes

“A woman doesn’t have to seek fulfillment by established routes for why should a woman’s pattern be the same as a man’s?  Or, why should it be like that of any other woman?” — Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique.

Sara likes this quote so much that she has kept it on her fridge for decades. “Going through my twenties and taking those untraditional routes, this was something that always kind of guided me through as I was looking at Facebook and seeing the marriages and the babies and I was off in Europe.

“Even as I go through my thirties and until today – not following established routes, making my own way – it has always been an inspiration to me.”

It’s Time To Relax, De-Stress And Energize

Contact Sara Clement, Integrative Therapeutic Massage Therapist, today to schedule your very own personalized massage therapy session.  Will it be the lazy man’s yoga?  Swedish Massage? Deep Tissue?

There are plenty more options.  An essential oil massage?  A hot stone massage?  A cold stone face massage?  Sinus massage? There’s even a prenatal/postpartum massage!

Once Sara determines the massage techniques that will best suit your individual needs, you’re in for a totally personalized experience.  Treat your mind, body and spirit — you deserve it!

Too busy to squeeze in the time to have a massage?  No problem! Schedule a workplace chair massage for yourself and/or your entire staff.  Thai Yoga Bodyworks is also available at your workplace.

 

Sara Clement, LMT

Transform Center for Wellness

332 N Market Street

Frederick, Maryland

240-405-2098

 

massagebysarac@gmail.com

thaiyogaandmore.massagetherapy.com

facebook.com/massagebysarac/

 

Content Provided by Frederick Advice Givers Podcast Episode #113:  Eric Verdi Interviews Sara Clement