The Value of Friendship Within the Profession
Surrounding yourself with others who have similar dreams, goals, and interests is one of the best things you can do to keep your passion for healing alive while maintaining your own spark for life. Being a massage therapist is not always easy. In fact, massage therapy and the healing arts offer a high rate of burnout— therapists experience compassion fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and overuse injuries. This doesn’t even touch on the pains of running your own business! Having a community of friends who understand what you do and why you do it can have a lasting impact— personally and professionally.
“I’m so grateful to have met many amazing, kind, and talented massage therapists I now call friends.”
Collaborative Article
We reached out to other massage therapists from around the nation to respond to our Hot Topic. What does it mean to you to have friendships with other massage therapists? Keep reading to learn what they had to offer.
Meaningful Relationships Offer Encouragement and Inspiration
“Having meaningful relationships with other massage therapists has been a game-changer for me. Sharing experiences, insights, and struggles with people who get it has helped me grow as a therapist, stay inspired, and navigate challenges. On a personal level, these relationships have helped me feel less alone and more supported – a lifeline as a solo practitioner.”
“Some of the most unexpected and meaningful friendships I have developed over the past few years have been with other LMTs and business owners. These relationships have become meaningful to me in big ways— offering a sound board, or voice of reason and having someone else to cheer you on on those days you feel like throwing in the towel, being able to vent, being able to offer support. Having friends who have been there and can relate to you makes you feel seen and heard in ways most others can’t. It has given me a sense of camaraderie. I have even learned some valuable lessons and techniques from other massage therapy friends. I'm so grateful to have met many amazing, kind, and talented LMTs I now call friends.”
“My massage family has become much more than just a professional community—it’s a source of unwavering support through life’s ups and downs. With a deep level of empathy and compassion, we lean on each other in times of need, while also inspiring one another to reach new heights. This community has played a pivotal role in my growth, not only as a therapist but as a person, offering guidance and encouragement as we navigate this journey called life.”
“We can’t do everything alone, and we need others that care about us to protect and inspire and encourage as well as to kick our butt and keep us in check. Angie Buchanan is a watch dog- she keeps track of things that could hurt me and others. She’s the one that finds out about class pass and fake social posts. Anna Baker is my guiding light when I’m stumped with a medical massage issue and she handles it without making me feel inferior because medical massage isn’t my niche. Renée C. Houston has been an empathic listener and inspiration. Susan Gamez Balderas blurs the lines and clients become friends to her, too. I could go on and on.”
Become a Reflective Educator
Get your copy here! Or contact Crystal to bulk order copies for your colleagues, kids’ teachers, or retail space.
This book is for you and yours if you want to build deeper connections with your students and colleagues; if you want to become a more learner-centered educator; and if you like to engage with thought-provoking reflective questions.
Together We Achieve More
The value of collaboration, community, friendships, and teamwork must never go unnoticed. Without others within our reach, we would never be able to accomplish nearly as much as we do when we look to others for encouragement and inspiration. Not to mention the business side of life— how could we grow or scale our businesses without learning from mentors or getting referred partners from our massage therapy friends? Make time this month to get to know some awesome massage therapists in your community. Have a coffee chat. Go for a walk. Do something— together! With this in mind, we are ALWAYS looking for ways to get connected on a deeper level with others in our field.
UPCOMING CLASS
Are you looking for different techniques to help your clients get relief from headaches, jaw pain, or sinus pressure? Are you ready to take your face, neck, and scalp massage to the next level?
First, we'll review your current use of techniques and tools. Then, we'll discuss the pathophysiology of headaches, jaw pain, and sinus pressure. Then, Dr. Crystal Abitz will teach you a variety of techniques for headache and stress relief, including acupressure points, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular re-education, positional release, PNF stretching, and more! Learn more about this class.
UPCOMING CLASS
Learn how to integrate the principles and techniques of traditional Thai massage on a mat with clinical sports massage and assisted stretching. Movement allows movement. Mat-based massage therapy can be greatly effective for facilitating pain relief and increasing mobility.
Your instructor is master educator, Dr. Crystal Abitz, who has over 300+ hours of Thai massage training and a PhD in Human and Sports Performance. Learn more about this class.
LET’S CONNECT
We’re actively seeking guest authors, CE educators, and opportunities to teach our classes for your groups! Let’s not stay isolated, but let’s keep this ball rolling with meaningful and positive communication and connection. Dr. Crystal Abitz WANTS to brainstorm ways to collaborate with you and yours in the future. Send her an email, connect on social media, or give her a call. Looking for an inspirational speaker for your next event? She’s your person. She’s spoken on burnout and performance anxiety to a room of 300+ male strength and conditioning coaches. Her research has been presented internationally. And she has a passion for sharing her insights. Let’s make it happen!