My story
Pain
When I was in my early twenties, I had a bout of chronic pain following a car accident that led me into my own healing journey. Ultimately, that is what led me to become a massage therapist.
To make a long story short, I had poor posture and was very inactive - sitting for 10+ hours every day and not doing much (or any) exercise - that had led to a low level of chronic pain in my neck, back, and hips.
Then I got rear ended while sitting in my car at a stop light. No major injuries, I didn't impact anything in the car, no fractures or scrapes. The airbags didn't even deploy. But somehow it shocked my body. I had a moderate concussion, my neck and back muscles were in spasm, and I was suddenly very uncomfortable all the time.
healing
I was forced to start taking care of my body. I realized that I would be in for a painful life if I didn't. I did many things: physical therapy, occupational therapy, yoga, diet changes. I don't think any one was the answer. But they were all essential pieces in one way or another.
During physical therapy, my therapist often started the sessions with manual therapy. Essentially, it was equivalent to massage therapy for my neck. And it felt amazing. It gave me hope that my body was capable of feeling something other than pain. It gave me enough relief to do the exercises that would help me get better. It felt caring and comforting in a very real way.
This was my first exposure to massage therapy, and later the reason for my becoming a massage therapist. I gradually began to feel better, eventually leaving physical therapy and taking up a regular yoga practice to keep myself moving. It was a slow process but I am now without any regular chronic pain and am capable of pretty much any movement I want to do. I am grateful to the therapists and teachers that helped me along the way.
Learning
A few years after the car accident I was exploring a program that offered funds for job training... and not finding anything I was very interested in. I had spent some time working an office job and wanted to do something that involved more directly engaging with people. I came across massage therapy on the list of jobs, and found a school in sinking spring that focused on medical massage therapy.
When I saw this opportunity to become a massage therapist, I remembered how much it helped me. I remembered how grateful I was to those that helped me get out of pain. So I took it without thinking twice. I visited the school the very next day: the owner invited me to sit in on a class. I was impressed with the quality of the class, and signed up on the spot.
Helping
School was amazing. I loved learning about the anatomy of the human body, and all the intricate parts involved in movement. I loved problem solving and trying to find different techniques to help with a certain restriction or pain. I loved helping people feel better. It was so fulfilling to connect with a person, recognize and explore their pain with them, and then do something to improve it. Every day spent massaging people energized and motivated me to keep going.
I graduated in July of 2018, and have been doing massage therapy ever since. I worked on my business - originally Lehigh Valley Medical Massage - during the week and worked at spas on the weekends. In 2020, I finally had enough clients to quit the spas and do medical massage full time.
Since then, I have continued my dedication to being the best massage therapist I can be. I am so grateful for the many wonderful clients I have had and all the opportunities to have a positive impact in someones life. I'm looking forward to all the new clients I will see and hopefully help in the future!
Why I think massage is so meaningful
I don't think massage therapy is a magic all-in-one solution. But I do believe (and have experienced) that it can be the key to moving in the right direction. Or it can be the support that keeps you going in that direction. And it is a deeply personal form of helping and being helped, that can be uplifting physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Certifications and Credentials
- Certified Medical Massage Therapist (European Medical School of Massage)
- PA Licensed Massage Therapist (License #MSG-012512)
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer
- NASM Certified Correct Exercise Specialist