Meet Sumner - LMBT / C-MLD

Hello!

My name is Sumner Hege ( pronounced “Summer”).

I am the owner of Winston-Salem Massage & Wellness and a licensed, experienced massage therapist in Winston-Salem, N.C. Thank You for your interest in my practice. I look forward to working with you!

I am excited to assist in your journey of health & healing. I feel that my experiences (painful yet positive) have given me the numerous tools and compassion needed to help others who suffer from chronic pain and disease, and lead them to a quicker recovery, more positive outcome and more fufilling lifestyle. It is my full intention to treat each client as an individual within their own unique body.

I suffered as a child from chronic migraines that took me on a long and confusing journey to find understanding, acceptance and relief from excruciating pain. I tried numerous medications with no relief for years, missed out on birthdays & special events, and some medications led to even more health issues. I suffered from anxiety with no understanding as to why, as a child, I would be diagnosed with “stress”. I have always had a wonderful family who supported me and my ambitions, but they struggled to find doctors that understood the true cause of my chronic pain. I was a young athlete, an artist, and a designer, but at the age of 23, I became disabled by my illness for many years. I was initially diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, M.S. and then Lyme Disease. The mystery illness progressed and I spent 2 years in a wheelchair because I could not stand on my own and at times suddenly lost use of my right arm. I had constant brain fog, syncope and seizures daily. I had brain inflammation and nerve issues every time it rained and cold weather made me intensly flare. Finally in 2015, I was given a diagnosis that led me to Washigton, DC for treatment with I.V. therapy. I spent 2 years undergoing an experimental treatment I didn’t totally understand just for the hope of becoming functional once again. I had no one to turn to but my strong faith and optimism, praying that at some point the pain would end. After years somehow continuing to put one foot in front of the other (even when knocked back down again), I would always rise again and set my sight forward looking for answers. I knew answers were out there but I felt alone in my pain. So I studied the research, looked for trends, and devoted all of my energy healing myself! I gathered a wonderful healthcare team full of holistic tools and integrative care practices and began to study ayurvedic medicine, light therapy, sound and energy healing. The people I put in my corner gave me the education and understanding of what I had to do to recover. It was a long and confusing journey yes….but with it came appreciation, reflection, strength and love of life! I want to give that gift to others!

Today, I am not only excited, but grateful to say: “I am a Certified Elite Personal Trainer and Group Yoga Instructor through various organizations such as NASM, AFFA, and ISSA, as well as a Licensed & Experienced Outcome Based Massage & Bodywork Therapist who has sucessfuly treated clients with acheiving: a Healthy Pregnancy & Delivery, Improved Athletic Performance, Post Operative Recovery, Relief from Repetitive Injuries such as Carpal Tunnel, Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow. I also especially love working with clients suffering from Lyme Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis & Cancer. In my downtime, I love to play golf and review new research findings. I enjoy culinary arts, gardening, spending time outdoors & kayaking and I love my connection to the earth and the stars!

My journey has been very painful yes, but my positivity and drive to be happy & healthy has helped me reach a place of peace & fufillment in life that I never saw possible. I now have the opportunity to help others as a licensed medical professional, and even after being told in 2024 “You have Long-Covid” it is still in my heart to help those that are suffering alone in pain. I am thankful for all that Ive learned, because I no longer live in pain with an invisible illness! I have all the tools in MY TOOLBOX for my health & happiness! I am thankful for my scars, as they remind me of my strength, determination and fight to live. It is that determination that I have to help others achieve their own sense of peace & happiness as well.

Let me help you in your health & healing journey!

Sumner Hege -NC LMBT/ C-MLD Specialist