Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

Spring 2026 • 25

often undervalue the work we do. To be successful in business, we must weigh the “business” of massage with the “benefits” to others. We should not be afraid to charge what we are worth, promote our skills or take a stance on the value of massage therapy in the bigger health care industry. I feel strongly that massage therapists are underutilized in so many ways, and I would like to see that change. Michael Lanzon , Owner and Massage Therapist, Home Comfort Massage There are honestly so many things I wish I knew or had been told earlier on in my career. I personally wish I would have gone off and started my own practice much earlier than I did. Between non-compete agreements and horrible compensation, you have a much better chance of success being on your own. The career lifespan of massage therapists isn’t the best, and adding little to no benefits only makes matters worse. Going off on your own at least gives you a fighting chance in my opinion. Granted it is a lot of work, but it is worth it if it’s done right.

hire a professional coach that has excelled in your industry. Sarah Reuther, LMT, Owner, Kneady Cat Massage and Cupping If I could go back, I would tell myself to start my own business way sooner, like three years sooner. I stayed at jobs far too long, was unhappy with pay and management, but wasn’t quite confident enough to take the leap. I wish I had talked to my colleagues more seriously about getting an office. I mean, it happened eventually, but it could have happened much sooner and … I could have … avoided major burnout. AMTA RESOURCE If you’re thinking about opening your own practice, office space will be one of the first things you need to consider. Learn more about negotiating a lease with AMTA’s “6 Tips for Massage Therapists to Think About Before Negotiating Their Next Lease” at amtamassage.org/about/news/lease-negotiation. I think the best part about having my own business is the flexibility, final say and variety of tasks. I love massaging, but I also love ordering supplies, keeping the office looking cute and taking care of clients. Even laundry and taxes I have started to not mind so much. At first, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to make it work. But, for the last two and a half years, I’ve supported myself and my business without having to work for anyone else. Rev. J. Maya Ravensong-Lawrence LMT, MCA, Owner, Serenity Massage & Energywork There are a lot of things I wish I could go back and tell myself. 1. I wish I had known that having my business located in an adjacent state from the bigger population city (Omaha and Council Bluffs are

AMTA RESOURCE Looking to start your own practice? Consider AMTA’s “Starting Your Massage Private Practice: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success,” available at amtamassage.org/learn .

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Do you have a piece of advice or encouragement you’d share with your younger massage therapist self? We want to know. Talk to us!

Ruth Espada, LMT, Owner, Spa Suite 4

I can definitely think back to what I would tell myself before starting my own business many moons ago. One piece of advice I’d give my younger self is to trust the process and value my time and services from the very beginning. Setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and finding a balance between passion and business are key lessons I’ve learned along the way. Finally,

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