What I Value About My Work

I was recently asked what I value most about my profession. My answer is simple: I value the positive feedback and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone's day.

Before becoming a massage therapist, I worked in retail. In that environment, I could expect at least one disgruntled customer to come through my line almost every week. The complaints were familiar: the lines were too long, the prices were too high, the store was too messy, there were not enough employees, or someone was unhappy with one thing or another.

Massage therapy is a very different experience.

It is rare for me to encounter a client who leaves a massage feeling disappointed. That is one of the things I find so rewarding about this career. In a spa environment, clients generally arrive looking for an opportunity to relax, step away from the demands of everyday life, and take some time for themselves. When they leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, or simply better than when they arrived, it is incredibly gratifying to know that I contributed to that experience.

A massage can also be a wonderful gift. When someone gives a massage as a gift, the recipient is not simply receiving a service. They are being given an opportunity to rest, decompress, and take care of themselves. Knowing that I am part of that experience makes the work especially rewarding.

Working in a Clinical Setting

My experiences in clinical environments have been rewarding in a different way.

In a clinical setting, patients often come to me because they are concerned about their physical well-being. When massage is provided as part of a multidisciplinary approach alongside services such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, or acupuncture, it can be particularly rewarding to see a patient's progress over time.

I enjoy being part of a team of professionals working toward a common goal. Watching a patient gradually improve through a combination of appropriate treatments and professional care is one of the most satisfying aspects of clinical massage therapy.

Building Relationships With Clients

I have also appreciated the difference between working in a resort spa and working in a neighborhood spa or clinic.

In a resort setting, clients are often visiting from somewhere else and may be receiving a massage as part of a vacation or special occasion. There is something wonderful about being included in someone's vacation experience, even when I know I may never see that person again.

A neighborhood spa or clinical practice provides something different: continuity.

When clients return regularly, I have the opportunity to develop professional relationships with them and become familiar with their individual needs, preferences, and goals. Over time, I begin to understand what brings them through the door—whether they need relaxation, relief from muscular tension, help managing the physical effects of their daily activities, or simply an opportunity to step away from the demands of everyday life.

That ongoing relationship is something I value tremendously.

Why I Find This Career So Rewarding

Ultimately, what I value most about being a massage therapist is knowing that I can help people feel better.

Sometimes that means helping someone relax after a stressful week. Sometimes it means providing focused work to an area of muscular tension. Sometimes it means being one member of a larger healthcare team. And sometimes it simply means giving someone an hour in which they can stop worrying about everything else and take care of themselves.

The appreciation I receive from clients is an important part of that experience, too. Positive feedback is meaningful because it tells me that my work mattered to someone.

After years in a profession where I have the opportunity to help people, build lasting professional relationships, and receive genuine appreciation for what I do, I can honestly say that massage therapy has been an incredibly rewarding career.

I feel valued in this profession, and that is something I never take for granted.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is one of my favorite massage modalities to practice. Unlike many forms of massage, traditional Shiatsu does not require oil or disrobing. It is traditionally performed on a floor mat with the client fully clothed, although I also incorporate Shiatsu techniques into my oil-based massage treatments on a massage table.

I consider Shiatsu a valuable component of a well-rounded massage practice because of its unique approach to pressure, movement, and the body as a whole.

What Is Shiatsu?

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork that developed from earlier Japanese massage traditions, particularly Anma, which itself was influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.

The word Shiatsu translates roughly to “finger pressure.” The practice uses the fingers, thumbs, palms, and sometimes other parts of the body to apply pressure to specific areas. These points are commonly referred to as tsubo in Japanese.

Traditional Shiatsu theory is based on the concept of ki, or vital energy, flowing through pathways known as meridians. According to this traditional framework, applying pressure to specific points is intended to support balance and the free flow of energy throughout the body.

From a contemporary massage therapy perspective, Shiatsu can also be appreciated for its physical effects, including pressure applied to muscles and soft tissues, gentle movement, stretching, and mobilization. These techniques may promote relaxation, reduce the sensation of muscular tension, and support comfortable movement.

Shiatsu and the Spine

One characteristic that distinguishes Shiatsu from some other massage approaches is that gentle pressure may be applied directly along or near the spine. The therapist works carefully and appropriately with the body's structures rather than simply avoiding the spinal area altogether.

As with any massage technique, pressure should be adapted to the individual client. Shiatsu should never be painful or performed in a manner that is inappropriate for a client's physical condition.

What Can Shiatsu Help With?

Shiatsu is commonly used to promote relaxation and help address muscular tension, stress, and fatigue. Some people also seek Shiatsu as a complementary approach for headaches, general body discomfort, and mobility concerns.

Traditional Shiatsu has historically been associated with a wide range of health conditions, including digestive complaints, headaches, anxiety, and other chronic or acute conditions. However, claims that Shiatsu can treat or cure specific medical disorders should be approached carefully. Massage therapy should be considered complementary care rather than a replacement for appropriate medical treatment.

Shiatsu does not replace medical care. It should not be used as a substitute for a physician's evaluation, prescribed medication, or other medically indicated treatment. If you have a medical condition, take prescription medication, or have concerns about whether massage is appropriate for you, consult your healthcare provider.

For me, Shiatsu is particularly valuable because it gives me another way to work with the body. Rather than relying on a single technique or pressure level, I can incorporate elements of Shiatsu into a customized massage based on what the individual client needs during that particular session.

Deep Tissue vs Deep Pressure

Many clients are understandably confused about the difference between Deep Tissue Massage and what is commonly called a deep pressure massage. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not necessarily describe the same thing.

Deep Tissue Massage is a specific massage modality, not simply a massage performed with a great deal of pressure. It is generally intended to address areas of muscular tension and certain musculoskeletal concerns. The technique may involve slower, more deliberate strokes and sustained pressure directed toward deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.

A firm or deep-pressure massage, on the other hand, describes the amount of pressure being used rather than a particular modality. A client may simply prefer a relaxing massage performed with more pressure, particularly in areas that feel tense or tight. That does not necessarily mean that Deep Tissue Massage is what they are looking for.

“Can You Do Deep Tissue?”

This is a common request I hear from clients who actually want something somewhat different.

For example, a client may request Deep Tissue Massage because they would like additional attention to their shoulders or lower back. Once the therapist begins using more specific Deep Tissue techniques, however, the client may find the experience uncomfortable and ask for less pressure.

In many cases, what the client really wanted was a relaxing massage with firm pressure and additional attention to specific areas, rather than a true Deep Tissue treatment.

There is nothing wrong with preferring firm pressure. Massage should be tailored to the individual, and more pressure does not automatically mean a better or more therapeutic massage.

What Does Deep Tissue Massage Feel Like?

Deep Tissue Massage can begin much like a traditional massage, but the techniques may become progressively more focused and intense as the therapist works with deeper layers of tissue.

Depending on the client's needs and the therapist's training, techniques may include cross-fiber friction, knuckling, stripping, trigger point techniques, and various forms of myofascial work.

Some of these techniques can produce significant therapeutic pressure and may feel uncomfortable at times. However, uncomfortable does not mean that the treatment should be painful. Communication between the client and therapist is essential. If the pressure becomes too intense, the client should tell the therapist so the technique can be modified.

It is also possible to experience temporary tenderness or muscle soreness following a deeper massage. However, significant or persistent pain should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of treatment. If you experience unusual, severe, or worsening symptoms, it is appropriate to consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Aftercare

After a massage, particularly one involving more intensive techniques, it is generally helpful to give your body time to recover.

Some simple aftercare measures include:

• Drinking water according to your normal hydration needs
• Gentle stretching or movement
• Avoiding unusually strenuous activity immediately afterward if you feel tender
• Using a warm shower or other comfortable temperature-based measure to help you relax
• Allowing adequate time for rest

Most importantly, listen to your body. Massage should not be viewed as a test of how much discomfort you can tolerate.

“No Pain, No Gain” Does Not Apply to Massage

The saying “no pain, no gain” is not an appropriate philosophy for massage therapy.

Pain is not necessarily an indication that a treatment is working. Excessive pressure can cause unnecessary tissue irritation, aggravate an existing problem, or potentially contribute to injury. A massage therapist's goal should not be to see how much pressure a client can endure.

Effective massage is not about causing pain. It is about using appropriate techniques, pressure, and communication to provide a treatment that is appropriate for the individual client.

Deep Tissue Massage is not simply “more pressure.” It is a specific approach to bodywork, and understanding that distinction helps both the client and therapist create a more effective treatment.

Lomi Lomi

As I transition back into massage therapy after working in other industries and living in other states, I have continued to invest in my professional education. Most recently, I completed a course in Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage practice.

I believe continuing education is an important part of being a serious massage therapist. No matter how many years a therapist has been practicing, it is valuable to periodically expand and refine one's techniques. Continuing education not only introduces new approaches to bodywork, but also helps prevent a therapist's practice from becoming predictable or overly routine.

When a therapist performs the exact same sequence during every session, regular clients may eventually become familiar with the pattern and anticipate what is coming next. While consistency has its place, skilled massage therapy should not be about simply repeating a memorized routine. A well-rounded therapist has a broad range of techniques and understands how to adapt each treatment to the individual client. Ideally, every session should be responsive to the client's needs rather than dictated by a predetermined sequence.

What Is Lomi Lomi?

Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian form of massage. The term is commonly translated as “to knead” or “to make soft,” essentially referring to the process of massage or working with the body.

Lomi Lomi is often described as the “loving hands” massage. Interestingly, despite that description, the technique does not necessarily rely on the hands as extensively as many other massage modalities. Practitioners may use broad, flowing movements involving the forearms and other parts of the body, creating a distinctive rhythm and continuity to the treatment.

Lomi Lomi developed within the cultural traditions of Native Hawaiians and has historically been associated with broader concepts of healing and wellness. Traditional practices varied among practitioners and families, and some forms incorporated knowledge of plants, prayer, breathwork, and other cultural practices.

The practice is often discussed in connection with Aloha and Huna, concepts that emphasize relationships, harmony, balance, and the interconnectedness of the mind and body. These cultural and spiritual dimensions are important to understanding Lomi Lomi in its traditional context.

There are also stories and traditions regarding the origins of Lomi Lomi, including accounts connecting it with the early Polynesian settlement of Hawaiʻi. Some modern teachings additionally incorporate stories about the legendary land of Mu. These accounts belong to the mythology and oral traditions surrounding the practice rather than established historical evidence.

The Lomi Lomi Technique

One of the characteristics I find particularly interesting about Lomi Lomi is its use of long, flowing movements. Rather than concentrating on one small area at a time, the therapist can work across a much broader portion of the body. Different areas may even be addressed within the same continuous movement.

This creates a distinctive quality of movement that can encourage deep relaxation while allowing the therapist to maintain a fluid connection between techniques. The emphasis is less on a rigid sequence and more on the overall flow of the treatment.

The philosophy traditionally associated with Lomi Lomi views the mind and body as interconnected. From that perspective, physical and emotional well-being are not entirely separate concepts, and balance is an important component of overall wellness.

In contemporary massage therapy, practitioners may incorporate aspects of Lomi Lomi primarily for the physical benefits of massage, including relaxation, mobility, and the manipulation of soft tissue. A modern professional massage session may therefore differ considerably from traditional cultural healing practices.

Lomi Lomi and Hawaiian History

The history of Lomi Lomi is also connected to the broader history of Hawaiʻi. During the nineteenth century, Hawaiian cultural practices were heavily affected by colonization, political upheaval, and the introduction and expansion of Christianity. Certain traditional healing practices were discouraged or suppressed because they were viewed by missionaries and others as incompatible with Christianity or associated with sorcery.

Traditional Hawaiian healing could include prayer, chanting, and other spiritual practices. These elements were sometimes misunderstood or condemned by outsiders.

Modern Lomi Lomi massage, however, can be practiced as a form of bodywork without incorporating prayer, chanting, or religious elements. For me as a massage therapist, the value of studying Lomi Lomi is in learning its distinctive approach to movement, rhythm, body mechanics, and therapeutic touch while respecting the cultural tradition from which it developed.

Continuing education allows me to bring new techniques into my practice without losing sight of the most important principle of massage therapy: the treatment should be adapted to the individual client rather than forcing every client into the same routine.

Scope of Practice

Scope of practice refers to the range of professional services, techniques, and procedures that an individual is legally and professionally trained and authorized to perform within their occupation.

Clients sometimes ask me to perform services that fall outside my scope of practice. This is often because there can be confusion about the differences between a massage therapist, chiropractor, nurse, and other healthcare professionals.

These professions have different educational requirements, licenses, responsibilities, and scopes of practice. A chiropractor is a licensed healthcare professional who is trained in chiropractic care. A nurse is a licensed healthcare professional trained in nursing care. A massage therapist is a trained and licensed professional whose practice is centered primarily on massage and bodywork.

While a chiropractor or nurse may incorporate massage or soft-tissue techniques into their professional practice when appropriately trained and permitted to do so, that does not mean a massage therapist is qualified or authorized to perform the procedures associated with chiropractic or nursing care.

What Does a Massage Therapist Do?

In simple terms, massage involves the manipulation of the body's soft tissues through techniques such as applying pressure, palpation, stroking, kneading, holding, positioning, mobilization, and stretching.

Massage therapists are trained to work with muscles and other soft tissues to promote relaxation, support mobility, and address areas of muscular tension and discomfort. Depending on the technique being used, massage may also be used to support circulation and general physical well-being.

What I Do Not Do

There are important boundaries to my profession. As a massage therapist, I do not:

• Perform chiropractic adjustments or intentionally manipulate joints to produce a “cracking” or “popping” sound.
• Diagnose diseases, disorders, or medical conditions.
• Take or interpret X-rays or other diagnostic imaging.
• Prescribe medications or other medical treatments.
• Perform medical procedures.
• Practice massage or bodywork modalities for which I have not received appropriate training.

If something falls outside my scope of practice, I will be honest about that. When appropriate, I may recommend that a client consult with a physician, chiropractor, physical therapist, nurse, or other qualified healthcare professional.

Knowing when something is outside my scope is just as important as knowing what I am trained to do.

Massage and Bodywork Modalities I Have Studied

My education and continuing education have included:

• Swedish Massage
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Acupressure
• Shiatsu
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy
• Hot Stone Therapy
• Crystal Therapy
• Reiki
• Lomi Lomi

This list represents techniques and modalities I have studied and incorporated into my professional education. It is not intended to suggest that every modality is appropriate for every client or condition.

As I continue my education and refine my techniques, I will update this list and maintain a separate page on this website with more information about the modalities I offer.

My goal is not to practice outside my profession, but to become as knowledgeable and well-rounded as possible within my scope of practice. A professional massage therapist should know not only what they can do, but also when something belongs in the hands of another qualified healthcare professional.