The New Faces of Massage
By Katie Ford Hall Cincinnati Woman Magazine
Many of us grow up believing that, sometime in our late teens, our life’s path will be revealed to us and that we will follow that clear path to its end. However, life’s path often takes unanticipated twists and turns, and its course is shaped by unforeseen events and people who touch us.
Susan Murdock, LMT and owner of recently opened Murdock Massage & Wellness, LLC has led such a life. The mother of four children, she was a stay-at-home mom for 15 years. She is a Girl Scout troop leader and enjoys cooking and travel. Additionally, she works part time for her husband Don’s very successful orthodontics practice. But circumstances and people came along and shaped her path in unexpected ways.
Grabbing ’the Kit’ “I met a woman who provided massage therapy to people who were suffering with cancer and other illnesses. The stories she told hit very close to home,” says Susan. “I have two sisters. Both of them have suffered critical injury/illness. My older sister was paralyzed as a result of a car accident when she was only 19 (21 years ago) and my younger sister was diagnosed with a rare malignant brain tumor at the age of 25. My older sister is in the hospital a lot. Every time she's admitted, I receive the call and I grab ’the kit.’ We spend some of her time in the hospital doing her nails, giving massage and generally making her feel good in a not so great situation.”
Susan continues, “I also spent a lot of time with my younger sister during her illness, surgery, and treatment. Although it has been almost six years since her diagnosis and so far, so good, her condition is something she will deal with for the rest of her life. Both of my sisters amaze me with their incredible strength and positive attitudes in these very difficult life-changing situations.”
After three years of contemplation, Susan decided to return to school to become a massage therapist. Susan attended the Cincinnati School of Medical Massage, a school that requires a rigorous course of study. Her education included “347 hours of Anatomy and Physiology, including Pathology, 347 hours of Massage Theory and Practical, including Hygiene, 25 hours of Business Law, 25 hours of Ethics, and 40 clinic hours.”
Like-minded Students Susan was tentative about returning to school as an adult. “I was afraid to go back to school at my age and with all the responsibilities I already had; I truly didn't know if I could do it.” One of the many gifts of becoming a massage therapist was overcoming this fear.
“Accomplishing a personal goal I set gave me an incredible confidence in myself.” At school, Susan met Sarah Stolze, also an LMT, who became her business associate. "We have a great working relationship and have similar treatment styles." Sarah came from a similar background; a stay at home mother for thirteen years and began this path in her life at a later age. Sarah is married with three children and two step-children. In fact, both Susan and Sarah participated in the accelerated program and finished their requirements in an impressive 10 months. Susan credits the school with her success. “Our instructors were incredible!”
But the increase in her self-confidence is not the only reason Susan is thrilled with her decision. “Being able to provide such a wonderful gift to people is rewarding.” From her personal experience, Susan intuitively knew how much massage can enhance a person’s medical treatment. It seems the medical community is catching up with Susan’s intuition.
An Essential Part of Treatment Susan lists some of the benefits of massage therapy. Some are well known, including the fact that it “relaxes muscles, releases myofascial trigger points (muscle knots), improves range of motion, increases endorphins (body’s natural pain killers) [and] helps manage stress.” But massage therapy provides more than relaxation and improved range of motion. There are other benefits that may not normally be associated with massage therapy. It “reduces heart-rate, helps lower blood pressure, improves blood circulation, improves recovery time [and] improves immune system function.”
In recent years, massage therapy has begun to be seen in a new light, as therapists partner with doctors and become respected members of the medical community. For many, it has become an essential part of a treatment plan. In a time when people complain that health care has become too impersonal, massage therapy adds, literally, the human touch. Many consumers in recent years have become more aware of, and participate more in, holistic medical treatments: treating the person instead of the illness.
Although the public has become more aware in recent years, education about the important role of massage is still a challenge. “Most people are more aware of the benefits massage therapy has in achieving total health.” Susan cites many ways doctors employ the practice of massage therapy. “Doctors may utilize massage therapy to enhance their specific treatment plan for a patient, others may use massage therapy to relieve muscle pain or a preventative to injury, and some may use it for general relaxation and stress relief.”
Enhancing Total Health After graduating and passing her state exam, Susan opened her own business, Murdock Massage & Wellness, LLC. She describes her office as “a beautifully decorated, relaxing, 1320 square foot office that features two treatment rooms, surround sound and a French style cafe, which offers complimentary coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cappuccino, juices, water and snacks.”
