Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Kranz.
Hi Sydney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story was interesting pretty early in life as I required major surgery on my kidneys as an infant to correct birth defects! I thankfully was healthy after the surgery and have one functioning kidney (One Kidney Sydney has been a nickname of mine). Growing up, I didn’t have many restrictions and was able to play sports and overall be a normal kid. I did have some mild chronic pain and muscle imbalances that I now know are directly related to the scar tissue and surgery.
I began my journey towards massage therapy when I was in high school and began receiving massage. My practitioner at the time told me I should consider it as a career path, and she planted a seed that was dormant for a few more years until 2015 when I attended massage school in Central Florida and got my massage license. I was initially overwhelmed with the number of directions that my career and continuing education could take. I knew I was interested in how the body worked, and I also had been working with kids for years prior to becoming a massage therapist, so my initial route was in studying orthopedic massage and pediatric massage.
I moved to North Carolina in 2018 because I was interested in a graduate program at UNC that I did not end up pursuing. I worked at Duke and other local businesses as a massage therapist, and I started my first business, Triangle Pediatric Massage, in late 2019. That was super well-timed, so I started my own practice again in May 2021. My focus is still on how the body works, but I’ve expanded beyond orthopedic massage to include trainings focused on scars and scar tissue, neurological aspects of fascia, and manual lymphatic drainage. These courses include Chikly Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork, NeuroKinetic Therapy, and RAPID NeuroFascial Reset.
I now live in Sanford with my husband and two energetic dogs. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, antiquing, and finding new small towns in the Piedmont to explore.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been an interesting ride. My first big challenge was moving to North Carolina from Florida in 2018. I did not have many friends or connections locally, and starting over takes time, energy, and effort!
Navigating the COVID landscape in 2020 was a challenge, and I briefly changed industries and worked remotely. I am so grateful to have had a job, and I really liked my team, but I missed massage therapy and began working full-time in the field again the fall of 2020.
Another challenge I have faced is how many directions and avenues there are available as a self-employed massage therapist, as well as running my business as a one woman show. It can be lonely sometimes when you don’t have coworkers or a team. After some trial and error I have found a good rhythm for how many continuing education courses and curriculums I sign up for every year. In 2024 I signed up for much more than I had the time and energy to successfully complete, and I’ve been working on those courses since. Thankfully I love what I am learning and find it very interesting, but It’s been a good lesson in not overextending myself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My first launch in 2019 was with Triangle Pediatric Massage, and when I launched again in 2021, I chose Clinical Touch as the name. I love working with children and teens, but I wanted a name that would be more inclusive of adults, too.
I specialize in massage and bodywork for pediatrics, scars and scar tissue, injuries, and muscle imbalances. My clients tell me I have “radar hands” and that I have a unique perspective on the body as an entire organism. I love helping people understand their bodies and empowering my clients to be informed experts of their lived experience inside their body.
What sets me apart is my focus on combining gentle and effective work for scars and scar tissue with neurologically-informed techniques to help the brain and nervous system have a better cortical map and sense of safety. To my knowledge I am also one of a few people in the area who specializes in massage for kids and teens, and I love working with our younger generations.
What I’d like readers to know about my brand and services:
I love working with scars but you do not need to have scars to be a client (I get asked that a lot)
You also don’t need to be a kid! I have pediatric massage sessions as a booking option for my younger clients but work with plenty of adults
Working with scars is not painful; we aren’t digging scar tissue out
I have online booking available on my website where people can see my availability, pricing, and schedule appointments
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m easy to find online at https://sydneykranz.com where there’s a link for my online schedule. I’m also becoming more active on Instagram @sydney_kranz where I’m sharing information related to massage and how the body works.
I’ve written blog posts and given presentations before for other businesses about topics like pediatric massage and scar massage. I think sharing information and collaborating with others helps everyone improve.
I love connecting with like-minded practitioners in all sorts of disciplines. My clients regularly ask me for recommendations for other healthcare providers. This may seem random, but I have followed a gluten-free diet for years now due to autoimmune disease, and I have a lot of clients with similar issues. I love finding good gluten-free establishments or dining options and sharing that with my people!
Pricing:
- Pediatric massage starts at $55 (no tips)
- Therapeutic massage starts at $90 (no tips)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sydneykranz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydney_kranz/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydneykranz/
