Therapy at the Beach strives to provide wellness and healing
At Therapy at the Beach in Lewes, massage therapy is much more than a luxury.
It's an extension of medical treatment, said co-owner and massage therapist Steve Caldwell.
“It's not only about the body work we do,” he said. “It's about being healthier.”
Caldwell works alongside massage therapist Liz Guida and nurse and esthetician Dawn Lamb, with additional dietary consulting assistance from Sharon Lawrence, a clinical nutritionist, health coach and published author.
Caldwell, Guida and Lamb opened Therapy at the Beach in Lewes about six months ago, after they realized they shared the same outlook on health and helping patients.
Guida said the three medical professionals offer health and wellness services that go beyond a simple massage or facial treatment.
“We realized our values and what we wanted we similar,” Guida said. “We wanted something that was medical, and we all aligned ourselves.”
Guida specializes in the John F. Barnes Myofascial Release approach. She works without lotions or oil and focuses on sustained pressure into the muscles until they soften for a lasting release.
“It's deeper and more effective because we take the time to see what our clients' needs are,” Guida said. “It's a positive, long-lasting effect.”
From 14-year-old track athletes to 83-year-olds with achy backs, Therapy at the Beach customizes their care based on each client's needs, Caldwell said.
Therapy at the Beach's office in the Kings Street Row medical complex looks like a massage business: Candles are burning, a small waterfall trickles and a soft, sweet scent fills the waiting room. But there's a very medical quality to the office, as well, and it's clear that the three co-owners are focused on getting their patients to meet long-term health goals.
“It's continuing care of everything,” Lamb said. “It's individualized.”
Guida is a well-polished woman training for an upcoming Ironman Triathlon. Caldwell is planning on trying out pickle ball so he knows how some of his regular clients are using their bodies.
Lamb's nursing expertise extends beyond offering stellar facials. A few weeks ago, one of her clients called to report redness after receiving a treatment. Lamb didn't think it was a result of the facial, but she drove to the woman's house, where she discovered the client's blood pressure was high. She advised her to contact her cardiologist and seek medical attention immediately.
Lamb uses all natural, plant-based products for her facials, which cost $100 for an hour or $140 for 90 minutes. Massages by Guida and Lawrence cost $90 for one hour, or $130 for 90 minutes. The practice also offers genetic testing to find potential health conditions and outline healthy lifestyle changes.
In addition to the massage and facial treatments and wellness counseling offered by the business, Therapy at the Beach assists clients in healthy eating through a 12-week course and consultations with health guru Lawrence.
“It's my personal mission to educate, motivate and empower individuals to take care of their health,” Lawrence said.
Therapy at the Beach treatments are in conjunction with each client's primary healthcare provider. Many clients are recovering from injuries suffered during car crashes or other accidents, and the business is one of a few area massage therapy providers that accept insurance in such cases.
“This is a medical environment designed to start from the inside out for the healing process,” Lawrence said. “It isn't just fluff here. Everything is based on science.”
