Meet Sara Daneman!
1. What do you do at Element and how long have you been there?
I’m a massage therapist at Element and I started this past November.
2. Tell us a little bit about your background… and how you came to do what you do at Element.
I went to school for massage therapy at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage in New Jersey about 7 years ago. A few years later I left for Hawaii to study lomilomi massage and immerse myself in the energy and culture of the island. I decided I wanted to expand my knowledge of the body and returned to school to obtain my NY license. A friend at school told me about Element. I am very happy to have found a working environment that is so multifaceted.
3. What makes your practice satisfying/fulfilling for you? What is the most misunderstood aspect of what you do?
The most fulfilling part of my practice is developing a deep sense of compassion for others and myself in return. It’s also extremely satisfying to see the outcome of ongoing treatments, whether it be improved posture, less frequent headaches, or an overall sense of well being.
The most misunderstood aspect of what I do would probably be that my style is not always specific. Very often I will combine a number of modalities in a session from deep tissue to Thai stretching, reiki, myofascial release, trigger point, and neuromuscular therapy among others. It’s always different. I adjust the session to the client’s needs. So, the massage may not just be a simple Swedish or deep tissue, but a combination of styles that best suit the individual.
4. If you could tell a prospective/new client one or two things that are crucial to know about your practice, what would they be?
There are two crucial things that I would tell a new/prospective client:
1. Each session is customized to each person’s needs. I consider the person’s uniqueness and take into account all aspects of that person through a holistic approach: body, mind, and spirit.
2. I encourage and empower clients to initiate self care outside of the treatment room, whether it be through yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy, or spending more time in nature etc.
5. What do you like do when you’re not at Element?
Outside of Element, I enjoy yoga, dancing, vegetarian cuisine, travel, tarot readings, indoor gardening, photography, art museums, adventures with my two dogs Moose and Buckwheat, and spending time with family and friends.
About Sara
Sara is from Long Branch, NJ and has been practicing massage therapy for the past eight years. In her training at the Institute for Therapeutic Massage and the Cortiva Institute she learned a variety of modalities, including Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, trigger point, orthopedic, myofascial release, hot stone, prenatal, lomilomi, Reiki, and reflexology. With this vast array of techniques at hand, Sarah customizes each massage to the individual, based on their unique needs and concerns.