Meet Kimberly Radomski

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kimberly Radomski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?

My self-care is when I do things for me! I know…sounds so simple, right? It’s not. I’m a solo business owner, a Mom, a friend, daughter, wife, and so many more things. I’m pulled in so many different directions that I’ve realized how important it is to take care of yourself. If I’m running on empty, how in the world am I going to be able to give my best to anyone? The main thing I do for self-care is exercise/working out. This helps my mental health so greatly, and it keeps me energized and physically capable to continue doing my job. I’ve had clients tell me my pressure has gotten heavier, which means my working out has been working!! But, then I have to regulate my pressure more, which is an easy fix, so not a big deal at all. I also consider some little things I do as self-care. In the mornings I wake up a smidge earlier than the rest of my family so I can just be in the calm before the storm. I’m better able to prep myself for the day that way, and it makes such a difference – when I don’t get that little extra quiet time in the mornings, everything feels rushed. I have many other things I do for my self-care, but those are the 2 big ones I practice regularly.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have been a Massage Therapist for the past, just about, 18 years. I lived in NC for a couple years where I attended a Therapeutic Massage program that gave me over 1,000 hours of education and experience. I had my own practice as well as worked at a salon for a bit before moving back to Illinois. I have worked at 4 different companies here in Illinois before starting my own practice a few years ago. I absolutely love having my own practice. It comes with it’s own challenges, but it is so incredibly worth it. I know my clients so well and am able to adjust scheduling accordingly which is one of my favorite things about having my own practice.
I specialize in therapeutic massage – that’s my main focus. Acute or chronic issues – I’m your lady. I do of course offer just nice relaxing sessions – Swedish massage, for those who want them, and yes, they are a nice break sometimes, lol. But the majority of my sessions involve stretching, myofascial work, trigger point work. I follow the lines of tension, see where they take me, and work on them. I have been told the way I massage the neck is not the norm, and I also like to start my clients face up. I feel that I’m able to do more that way then how the majority of therapists start face down. Not to say that’s bad for them, it just makes me a bit unique.
I am also working on some new things – myself and 2 friends in the fitness industry are going to collaborate and open a space, hopefully sooner than later! I will obviously provide massage therapy and stretching while they will be the personal trainers, rehab therapist and nutritionist. They are very focused on making sure their clientele does things properly (as you know, a lot of people see those videos on social media, try to replicate it, and then end up hurt). As much as we want everyone to stay with us, our goal will be to make sure you’re able to properly, effectively, and confidently work out on your own. And come to us as needed after that. We will also be offering classes, where all 3 of us will be able to lead. We’re shooting for next year to be able to start this new venture!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think having an open-mind, being able to communicate effectively, and be able to listen/feel the muscles has had the most impact on my journey. Often times my clients need more than just massage, they need somewhere they feel safe to decompress – whether that’s being able to actually rest, or talk about what’s going on without judgement. Sometimes when a client is talking I can feel the tension in their muscles start to relax because whatever issue they had on their mind was causing them to tighten up. I would suggest to anyone starting out, it would be to understand that that is a part of our profession. While we can’t give specific advice because it’s outside our scope of practice, we can certainly let them vent, and while they do, really try to feel those muscles. And practice a lot. The more massages you give, the more you’ll be able to understand what I’m talking about. Work on your family a lot. Because this will be the only time they’ll get so many free massages from you, lol.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

The ideal client? – well, all of my clients are so different, but I guess the one thing they all have in common is that they’re open to my advice. And they’re all so down to earth, they all realize that massage therapy isn’t a one and done. If you’ve had an issue for a while, it’s more than likely going to take a little bit to work out. And even longer if they’re not doing anything for it outside of the massage. Which leads me to my next favorite – I thoroughly enjoy the clients I can joke with, when we can make each other have those deep belly laughs, it’s one of my favorites! And if I can give them shit for not doing what I’ve recommended and they’re wondering why it’s not better, than yes… we’re a good match as well. But still! Do those stretches and exercises!!!! lol

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HandsWithHeartTM.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086107805326