The Stram Center for Integrative Medicine

Sue Coughtry, B.S., L.M.T.

Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Orthopedic/Medical Massage Therapist, Craniosacral Therapist, Advanced Reiki Master Teacher, Certified Personal Fitness Trainer, Tai Chi &Qigong Instructor

I grew up in a family that valued science and health care.  My grandfather, and later my father, ran the family pharmacy in my small town. I worked there growing up as did my mother, who had nursing training.  My great-grandfather had been a country doctor, visiting his patients in their homes, traveling to see his patients in his horse and buggy.  I grew up to stories about his experiences and how the horse knew the way home.

While I was studying for my Bachelor's Degree in Biology in the 1970s, I read a National Geographic article about China. In that article there was a photograph of a woman who, while undergoing open-heart surgery, was awake and sipping orange juice from a straw.  The only anesthesia being used was acupuncture. That opened my mind to the realization that Western science and medicine were not the only viable paths and did not hold all the answers.

I was fortunate to be able to stay home to raise my children. During this time I was extensively researching alternative and complementary health care modalitites. Over the years my family and I have relied on homeopathy, herbs, vitamins and nutritional supplements, acupressure, and Reiki to maintain our health.  We looked to chiropractic care, acupuncture, and medical massage when we needed extra help. Our need for conventional medicine has always been minimal. In time I realized I wanted to help others find and maintain health through alternative health care.

My journey towards that goal began with my certification as a Reiki Master.  That set a powerful foundation that continues to grow to this day.  From there I received certification as a Certified Music Practitioner on the Celtic Harp through The Music for Healing and Transition Program.  My most powerful experience as a CMP came when I played for my father-in-law as he was dying of cancer. The music visibly soothed his pain and agitation, and he passed on peacefully a few hours later. I was in awe the power of the music - I felt that it wasn't me playing; that the music was coming through me into him.

I became interested in pursuing a college degree in Massage Therapy because most of my personal health problems over the years have stemmed from poor posture and muscle imbalances. I found that I truly loved giving massages - feeling tight muscles loosen and relax under my hands as I worked: seeing my clients leave feeling so much better than when they arrived. I was inspired to learn how many medical benefits there are to massage. I love the science behind it.  A turning point in the emphasis of my work came when I entered a training program in CranioSacral Therapy from the prestigious Upledger Institute. I am amazed at how effective it is while relying on such gentle touch. I love learning and continually seek new techniques and skills, as well as to improve my present ones,  I keep adding tools to my "toolbox" to help people find relief from pain and stress, for no one technique works for all.  I love blending all that I have learned to be of service and bring comfort to my patients.

I do not see myself as a “healer.” Rather, I facilitate and support a person's own healing journey. I feel that this work is truly sacred work and I am honored every time a person trusts me to work with them. Each person is an individual on his or her own unique path to health and wellness, and I assist each person along that path with whatever combination of skills that I can offer.  I know what its like to be in chronic pain.  I've been there.  And I know a person can move through it and become pain free again, as I have.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the team of health professionals at the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine. Working as part of this special team of practitioners in an integrative environment allows me to offer the best options available to my patients so that they can achieve the health goals they are seeking.

Experience

• Bachelor of Science, Biology, SUNY, Geneseo
• Associate of Applied Science, Massage Therapy, Columbia Greene Community College
• NYS License in Massage Therapy
• National Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, NCBTMB
• Certified in Orthopedic Massage, Center for Pain Management
• Certified Advanced Reiki Master/Teacher, Usui and Contemporary
• Certified Music Practitioner; Music for Healing and Transition Program (MHTP)
• Tai Chi/Qigong Instructor, permission to teach from my Shifu Jiang Jianye
• Certified Personal Fitness Trainer; American Council on Exercise (ACE)
• Post Graduate Trainings in Craniosacral Therapy, Upledger and Biodynamic
• Post Graduate Trainings in Positional Release Therapy, Lee Albert
• Post Graduate Trainings in Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Chikly (Upledger Institute)
• Post Graduate Trainings in Myofascial Release Therapy, Barnes
• Post Graduate  Training in the Myokinesthetic System, Uriarte, DC

Offering

• Orthopedic and Medical Massage, Specializing in Pain Relief and Management
• CranioSacral Therapy
• Positional Release Therapy
• Lymphatic Drainage Massage
• Postural Analysis and Correction (including recommendations for stretching and strengthening; fitness
  consultations)
• Sports Massage
• Swedish Massage
• Reiki Sessions and Certification Classes
• Private Tai Chi and Qigong Instruction

Membership

• Professional Member- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
• Professional Member- New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists
• Professional Member- International Association of Healthcare Practitioners

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