Union Recorder 200 Years | Page 61

Serenity specializes in customized plans for your health, pain relief, detox, fitness and beauty goals S erenity Physical Thera- py & Wellness, the only complete wellness center in the Milledgeville area, has been on the leading edge of healing, physical therapy, fitness, wellness, pampering and beauty since its incep- tion. Serenity is devoted to providing life altering interventions that provide the community optimal health and wellness solutions, while abolishing or reducing the need for prescription drugs and surgeries. Linda Kerce and Maria Johnston, owners, along with David Babb, partner, lead the Serenity team of caring and dedicated staff. These specialists at Serenity de- sign a plan for each client to ensure that goals are met and lifestyle is restored. These specialized plans can include: spa services, health coaching, physical ther- apy, dry needling, weight loss, infrared sauna/detox, equipment-based Pilates ex- ercise, chronic pain management, and cures for headaches and vertigo.  Since 2002, Serenity has offered the ultimate in spa and salon services. Full service spa offerings include body treatments such as body wraps, detoxification, cellulite reduction, deep body exfoliation, custom facials, manicures, pedicures, body contouring, full body waxing, hair cuts for men, women and children, col- ors, foils, highlights, perms and special occasion up dos. Professional massage therapy includes Swedish, Deep Tissue, Heated Stone, Sports and Neuromuscular types of massages as well as foot reflexology.  Serenity has recently added a full spectrum infrared sauna and a whole body vibration plate to promote wellness and natural healing. The infrared sauna, unlike traditional saunas, warms the body directly rather than heating the air around a person. Johnston states that infrared heat pene- trates human tissue, joints and muscles more deeply to relieve aches and pains. Johnston adds, “In fact, infrared heat stimulates all of the ‘Happy Chemi- cals’---Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins.” Serenity’s Whole Body Vibration Plate, also referred to as, “The Bulletproof Vibe” detoxifies and strengthens the immune system by improving the lymphat- ic system. It helps build and regain muscle strength and bone density, reduc- es workout recovery time, stimulates healthier brain function and furthermore grants huge bursts of energy. Kerce explains, “The Whole Body Vibration Plate improves flexibility and stim- ulates microcirculation while you are simply standing on a platform.”  The Physical Therapy department at Serenity has two physical therapists and one physical therapist assistant. Maria Johnston, physical therapist, is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia and has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy. John- ston specializes in migraine/headache relief and pelvic floor issues. David Babb, a native of Milledgeville, is a physical therapist assistant. Babb holds an Associate of Science degree, Physical Therapy Assistant from Middle Georgia College and a Bachelor of Sci- ence degree in Health Education/Sports Medicine from Georgia College and State University. Babb specializes in re- lief for vertigo and neck/back pain. Connie Bloodworth, physical thera- pist, graduated from MCG in 1990 and has NDT (Neuro Developmental Train- ing) in Pediatrics. Bloodworth specializ- es in treating all ages with neurological and chronic pain issues. “At Serenity we have many tools in our ‘Fix-You-Up’ tool kit,” Babb adds. “We have all the traditional physical therapy modalities, equipment including ultra- sound, electric stimulation, moist heat and ice therapy. But what really sets us apart from traditional physical therapy- --are the unique healing strategies and protocols.” Another unique method of wellness that Serenity offers is pilates. The stu- dio, directed by LeAnna Sheppard, has 30 classes per week, from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. These small sized classes, which range from beginner to advanced, are safe and effective for all ability levels. The classes have an emphasis on move- ment quality, posture and breathing in order to provide a safe, challenging and revitalizing workout. Serenity recently certified four in- structors in barre exercise. Serenity’s latest addition is the curvy circuit. It includes 17 pieces of work- out equipment and a four-step stretch machine. Workout as often as you like. Open 40 hours a week with monthly rates as low as $44. Serenity is a Silver Sneakers approved facility. Serenity’s goal is to improve wellbe- ing, lifestyle and function. Visit Seren- ity for a complementary consultation to set your wellness plan into motion. Serenity can help you lose weight, de- tox, decrease pain, improve your sport, walk up stairs with ease, get up from the floor after playing with grandkids, take a power walk after dinner, and ultimate- ly meet your goals. 200th l 61