Introduction: I get alot of requests for Swedish Massage and due to the nature of my intention to resolve chronic pain issues swedish massage is not a typical part of my repertoire. I am area specific in the treatments and it is all focused on resolving the pain or dysfunction at hand. I utilize a variety of approaches including myofascial release, active release, visceral manipulation, joint mobilization, trigger point therapy and dry needling. I rarely do full body work unless it is energy based with Craniosacral or Reiki where I detach from my problem solving part of my brain and allow the energy to flow.
If you would like a story on my history and how I landed where I am at now then keep reading :-)
How did my business start out? This may give you some insight on how it stands out...
I look at the scheduling book for the evening and take a deep breath in. I then look to my assistant, Jen as I say “Get ready to hustle! We have 20 people coming in tonight.”
The next three hours would be a blur of ten minute intervals with people in all types of pain, ranging from headaches, to back pain, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis — you name it and it was on my table.
Day after day, I would find myself exhausted on my drive home from Barberton to Wadsworth. I would replay each day in my mind, looking to see if there was something I may have missed… or perhaps something more I could have done for each patient.
I often found myself conflicted between lack of time, resources and patient care. It was important that I have the proper time needed to manipulate tissues and joints, ultimately allowing each person feel better. All I wanted was to help people with their pain — I knew I needed more time to really make a difference, but I did not yet know how to make this happen.
Then one magical day, I received a phone call from a local chiropractor named Doug Myers, telling me he wanted to open a clinic together. A change of pace and scenery can be scary, but this seemed to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Doug said he would provide all financial backing and business expertise, while I could do what I do best, which was relieving people of their pain.
Initially, it was a match made in heaven, and I was able to see 2 patients per hour. I finally had the time and environment I had always wanted. However, as time progressed, Doug began insisting and pushing for a larger and nearly doubled case-load. According to him, the clinic had not been profitable and he emphasized that he could not keep piling money into it. Doug informed me that if the numbers did not pick up, he wanted to close the clinic. This made me break into a cold sweat, as the thought of losing my clinic was unimaginable.
In May of 2007, I broke. I got a phone call from my dad that would change my life forever. As he shared the news, I began to crumble against the wall, in the tiny hall at the back of the clinic. After an hour on the phone, the silence of the clinic was deafening and tears streamed down my face. Dad told me was going to divorce my mom. I immediately knew then, all the pressure from Doug, from the clinic, was now too much to bear.
I put my blood, sweat, and tears… my heart and soul into that clinic. From the color scheme, to the office layout, to even its operations — it was my creation. I loved that clinic as a parent loves their child, but I knew I had to let it go.
In July of 2007, I walked away. As I picked up the pieces of my broken heart, I knew I was NOT done! I ultimately decided to see clients out of a home office, that I had yet to create. I knew this time around, it would be done completely my way. It took me over a year execute this vision and create this space — which was perfect as I had a noncompete contract with my old clinic and the last thing I needed or wanted was legal trouble.
The occasional client, slowly grew into a more substantial client base. I was finally able to see clients on my terms and did not have to compromise my values or results. I now spend a hour with each client and am really able to take the time to learn their problems, and provide solutions. In result, each client feels consistently better after each session and their healing process has taken a much deeper course.
Clients often respond faster and require less visits. Instead of 2-3 times a week, now they only need 2-3 times a month with me, to resolve their pain. I feel without a doubt, this is what I wanted all along and I needed to discover my inner strength and courage, to see I can do this. I feel I really make a difference now and have the time and ability to reach my hand into the darkness of each client’s pain and pull them into the light.
What really excites me about what I do is the end result. People come to me frustrated, exhausted, and afraid that their life will be altered forever because of their pain. Using a comprehensive approach all aspects of pain can be addressed including mental, emotional and of course physical.
