My Favorite Massage Therapists

My Top 10

Favorite Massage Therapists

(in no particular order)

 

1. Angela Palmier

2. Allissa Haines

3. Laura Allen

4. Gloria Coppola

5. The Massage Nerd - Ryan Hoyme

6.  Vicki Gothard

7. Irene Diamond

8. Lolita Knight

9.  Tom Wilson

10. Ruth Werner

 

I respect each one of these therapists for varying reasons.  Some mentor me from time to time, some inspire me, some challenge me, and one helped in my decision to become a Massage Therapist.  And, there are many MT's out there who I love and respect that aren't on this particular list.  That doesn't mean they haven't affected my career in some way. 

 

Do you have a Top 10 list of your own?  Do you know and network with enough MT's to make this sort of list?  If not, check out some of these MT's. 

 

Feel free to share your Top 10 in the comments. 

 

My next question is this:  Do you give of your time and talents to fellow MT's?  It is so important that we support one another! My goal is to be on someone's Top 10 list because I gained their respect through mentoring, lending an ear, teaching, challenging, or helping in any way I am able. 

Will You Be My Friend?

A network...a support system...people with whom you can share ideas and information. 

In my blog poll last week, 67% said you have a large network of fellow MT's, leaving 33% who do not.  (I'm giggling to myself because these numbers sound so official, but I really only had 3 voters.  Hey, that is 3 voters more than I expected!)  So, for the 33% who do not have a large network of fellow MT's, it is very important to build that network.  I will be happy to help you.  For the 67% who already have a large professional network, do you rely on them for anything specific?  Do you connect with the therapists in your network often?

Why do we need a support structure comprised of fellow MT's?  In rural areas specifically, aren't fellow therapists our competition?

Well, connecting regularly with other therapists can help you maintain perspective, give you new business ideas, inspire you, or recharge your passion for helping others.  Networking with therapists in your local area may seem counterproductive, but once again...we are from Southern Illinois, and that makes us special!  Seriously, when you live and work where the market requires atypical consideration, regular contact with other local therapists can benefit you both.  It does require a specific frame of mind...where you are aware that each party wants/needs to benefit themselves, yet each party brings something beneficial to the relationship.

In addition to your local network, it is helpful to connect with therapists throughout the state and across the country.  The Midwest is generally known to be the last place to pick up on trends, including health information.  However, in the world of Massage Therapy, Illinois is a hub of activity.  Northern Illinois is home to the AMTA Illinois chapter and the Massage Therapy Foundation.  Both organizations work diligently to bring recognition and validation to our profession.  The Massage Therapy Foundation funds research to prove the effectiveness of massage, which paves the way for massage recognition in the medical community.  These are two organizations that provide a lot of opportunities for MT's.  What better way to network than to become involved with one or both? 

If you don't plan to volunteer with these associations, at least keep up to date with the massage community.  Check the Massage Therapy Foundation website regularly and read up on the latest research.  Use Facebook to connect with other therapists and group pages associated with your specialized modalities.  Read the blogs I have listed on my blog watch.  There are many opportunities available to MT's who remain current with news in the "massage world."  I invite you to network with me.  I also encourage you to make local connections.  Become informed and aware!