Why I Got Into Massage Therapy & Why I Thrive In This Industry
Even though I am now passionate about my expanding massage therapy business, I never actually wanted to be a massage therapist. I especially didn't expect to be establishing my local massage therapy business in the downtown Edmonton area, and I never pictured myself as a registered massage therapist when I was younger. For many healers and practitioners, this has always been their path and their passion.
But for me, it was a different story. I stumbled upon massage therapy almost by accident while living as a young adult in downtown Edmonton at the age of 22. It was during a time when I was feeling lost and unsure of my career path. I was working in an office setting full time, and as an aspiring musician and piano teacher, I was practising piano for hours in the evening and on the weekends.
I felt isolated as I sat in my cubicle alone and then sat at the piano bench. I started to feel disillusioned with my current situation and lost. I knew I wanted three things for my life:
I wanted the stability of a regular income and schedule that musicianship seldom provides.
I still wanted to find an artistic way to express myself and share my creativity with others.
I wanted the freedom of my own schedule and the potential to be my own boss. I've never been good at being in an employee setting where protocols and standardized processes must be followed.
I wanted to have the ability to make my own decisions and create my own path.
I wanted the potential to make a lot of money. I have always wanted to live a comfortable life, travel, and surround myself with beautiful environments and comforts. I have always known that I had the destiny to be financially successful in my lifetime. I used to give away resources, finances, and time to the wrong people and things, and I wanted to give myself the opportunity to thrive.
Therefore, I made the decision to prioritize my own well-being and focus on building my own wealth.
As I explored various options, I decided to give massage therapy a try after meeting my roommate's boyfriend, who was in school for massage therapy at that time in Edmonton. Once I started my training and began learning about the incredible benefits of touch and the power of healing hands, it felt right.
To become a registered massage therapist, I embarked on a comprehensive training program that encompassed both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that stimulated my mind and helped me deepen my appreciation for how amazing the body's ability to heal and function truly is. The program lasted for 2 years and included courses in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and various massage techniques. I appreciated honing my skills and developing a deep understanding of the human body and its interconnected systems. After successfully completing the program, I obtained my certification and became a registered massage therapist.
The more I practised and witnessed the positive impact I could have on people's lives and my own sense of empowerment, the more my passion for massage therapy grew. Now, I can't imagine being in any other industry other than the health and wellness industry. I'm thankful for this Edmonton city and the downtown Edmonton core for having allowed my business to thrive, as well as the support from all of my clients who love my work and believe in my mission—to strive to reach my potential and to help others do the same.
Here are five reasons why I'm still in this industry:
1. Making a Difference in People's Lives
There's nothing more rewarding than seeing the positive impact and the immense look of relief on a client's face when they know they've received an amazing massage therapy treatment their body's been craving. Massage therapy can have such an amazing impact on someone's physical and emotional well-being. Whether it's helping someone carve out the rare time they get in their busy life to reduce their stress levels, relieve chronic pain, or improve their overall sense of happiness, I love knowing that I'm making a real difference in people's lives. The connections I've created with clients over the last decade have been magic that I cannot express in words.
2. Constant Challenge and Growth
One of the things I love most about massage therapy is that there's always something new to learn in this industry. Whether it's a new technique, a new area of the body to focus on, or a new way to stimulate my ability to learn, I'm constantly growing and expanding my knowledge. It's a constant challenge to engage yourself with new ways of thinking, and you're always a student, questioning whether you used the right technique or whether you honoured that client in the best way possible with the time they were on the table. It's something I take very seriously, and I appreciate the mental and physical stamina that this industry requires of me (even despite my complaining sometimes!) I could never sit in an office chair for 8 hours a day at this point; I'd honestly rather die.
3. Flexibility and Independence
As a massage therapist, I have the freedom to create my own schedule and work as much or as little as I want. I also have the ability to work independently, which means that I can build my own business and create the kind of environment that I want for myself and my clients. The inspiration that this industry has allowed me is something that is reflected in the environment I create in the clinic and the leadership style and culture I've adopted now that my business is expanding.
4. A positive and health-focused Work Environment
Massage therapy is a field that attracts people who are passionate about helping others and who understand the power of the mind and body. I love to be surrounded by other practitioners and professionals who care about creating a really positive work environment and focusing on their health in a collaborative and inclusive way. I love being surrounded by other open minded and caring professionals who are dedicated to making a difference in people's lives and their own. As local business owners and practitioners, we take responsibility for our health and wellbeing, and I want to surround myself with other people who take responsibility for their choices and actions in life.
5. Personal Fulfillment
At the end of the day, massage therapy gives me a sense of personal fulfillment and a strong foundation for my life that I don't think I could get from any other career. Knowing that I'm helping people feel better by helping them reconnect to their mind and body and contributing to their overall well-being is incredibly rewarding, and it's what keeps me going every day. Even when I'm extremely tired, my body is sore, or I'm emotionally drained, I remember that I'm grateful and would prefer to feel sore and tired in this industry rather than feeling more "comfortable" in any other industry. I'm happy to make the sacrifice, and I am grateful that my body does so much for me to thrive every day.
If you're considering a career in massage therapy, I highly recommend it. It's a field that's full of opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment, and it's a great way to make a real difference in people's lives. As for the future of my local Edmonton massage therapy business, I don't picture a big corporation or multiple franchises, but to maintain an extreme level of high quality and deepened social connection in an intimate, comfortable, and charming setting that prioritizes the well-being and satisfaction of every client with a small team of kickass practitioners that understand the value of the culture we promote here—to play a part in someone's life that inspires them to strive to be and feel their best in their body.
To see the passion that we embody in this practice, consider learning more about our services at here and booking a treatment with one of our super passionate registered massage therapists in downtown Edmonton. We're a small local business located out of Evolve Strength Downtown in downtown Edmonton, just off the 124th Street district.
