Body Wisdom Massage School’s Blog

BWS: What initially drew you to massage therapy and led you to enroll at the Body Wisdom Massage School?

Sammi: I initially went to Iowa State for Psychology because I’ve always been passionate about helping people. During school, I quickly realized that I was ready to get into the real world, and I didn’t want to spend several years getting a degree in talk therapy. I stumbled across a class exercise for classwork and thought that it sounded more like my speed. I became a Kinesiology major and finished a minor in Psychology. My degree fostered an interest in the function of the body. It just made sense to me. My passion for long-distance running evolved into a passion for weight lifting, and I decided to go to the heart of weight lifting. I started my first personal training job, soon to be my first management position, at Gold’s Gym, The Mecca of BodyBuilding. This was well before I graduated from Iowa State. I met one of my best friends who did massage as a side profession, and she had attended Body Wisdom. Years later, after finishing my degree and becoming less satisfied with personal training, she urged me to check out the school. One meeting with G and I was sold

BWS: How would you describe your unique approach to massage therapy that sets you apart from others?

Sammi: My method of bodywork is functionally based. I use various techniques to mold tissue into better symmetry and try to understand holding patterns and movement function. I believe that dysfunction stems from under and overuse and that a combination of hands-on bodywork, strength training, and lifestyle management can free people from their restrictions. My background in Kinesiology provides logic and problem-solving to the physical being, and my background in psychology provides energy and empathy toward the emotional and spiritual being. 

My approach is unique because I encourage people to look at bodywork as something they should do regularly, not something they must earn or treat themselves to. I view the body with a strength-based background to try to help people find and work on areas that aren’t participating in a pain-free and easy-to-move away. Finally, even though I’m very logical in my approach, I round my practice out with other points of well-being and make it a proper full-body treatment.

BWS: What was the most impactful aspect of your training at the Body Wisdom?

Sammi: My favorite part about Body Wisdom was the chance to connect so deeply with others. The students that I went to school with are now forever friends. They helped shape my experience through school and continue to provide new perspectives and passion for the profession. 

One thing that makes Body Wisdom unique is that the curriculum is set up so that you can pave your own path through school. One of the reasons I picked this school was that I could choose to learn different modalities than most schools offer in a basic program. The biggest influences on my work are sports massage and Thai massage. I use these modalities every week, and they influence all of my work.

BWS: What are your aspirations for the future in your massage therapy career?

Sammi: Shortly, I hope to open my own location to foster a collective environment for sports massage and help connect clients with other essential pieces of well-being. I want my location to be a one-stop shop for getting healthy and recovering the body. I aim to create a fun environment for clients and employees to help them feel better, move better, and be a part of a community.

BWS: How do you see the field of massage therapy evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it?

Sammi: Massage is growing exponentially, with no end in sight. There is a massive movement toward mentally, physically, and emotionally caring for yourself. The market is abundant, and each person has something unique to offer it. I would say that my role in the evolution of massage is to help educate people on how beneficial massage can be and to continue to build networks in the health and wellness profession. The more we work together as massage therapists and other health professionals, the more people trust us and get the care they deserve.

BWS: What advice would you give someone just starting their journey in massage therapy?

Sammi: The advice I would give to new therapists is to never lose the spark. I feel it’s vital to stay excited about bodywork by trading with others, cross-promoting with other therapists/ professionals, getting involved in events and the community, seeking new information, and never getting complacent in my work. I approach the body with new ideas and new energy every session so that I can continue to learn and grow.

Quotes that I live by:

“The only thing that I know for sure is that I know nothing at all.” -Socrates

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”- Picasso

“When you stop learning, you start dying”- Einstein 

Wishing all the best to everyone in the fantastic field of massage therapy!

Sammi

Discover more about our commitment to excellence in education: Schedule an in-person or phone consultation with our admission counselor: ‘G’ @ 515-727-4890