We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Jordan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
When I first started as a sports massage therapist, I quickly realized I was the oddball in the room. Most therapists show up in crisp clothes, armed with fancy oils for that classic spa vibe—meanwhile, I’m over here in workout gear, skipping the slippery stuff entirely. From day one, I wasn’t comparing myself to anyone else; I couldn’t even if I tried!
This was a double-edged sword (or should I say, a foam roller?). On the tough side, there was no seasoned pro to mentor me or show me the ropes—I was basically inventing the wheel while rolling it uphill. But the easy part? I stood out like a sore thumb in the best way. From the moment a client steps into my office to the final stretch, the experience is worlds apart from a traditional massage. No dim lights, no lavender haze—just targeted relief and a side of “let’s fix this.”
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a college volleyball player, I was soaring—until one hard landing turned my back into a question mark. Doctors offered surgery, but the success rate was shaky, and they warned of possible long-term complications. I passed.
For the next 1.5 years, I became a full-time seeker, hunting for someone who could fix me without a scalpel. Finally, I found the right specialist, and my back returned to 100%—no hardware required.
That recovery sparked a lasting passion: studying the body and helping others beat pain without surgery. Nearly two decades later, I’m still at it. The human body is incredible at adapting and healing. Let’s give it the support it needs—and keep the operating room for someone else’s story.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Everyone has passions beyond their profession, and I encourage weaving those interests into your work whenever possible. For me, one simple addition has been music. I keep a steady stream of jams playing in the background—it lifts the mood, keeps the energy flowing, and yes, occasionally turns a treatment session into an impromptu (very low-key) dance break.
On the practical side, embracing tools and technology that streamline your day is a game-changer. About 15 years ago, I brought percussive massage guns into my practice. They’ve saved my hands, sped up recovery for clients, and honestly, made me wonder how I ever lived without that satisfying thump-thump-thump. Small upgrades, big impact.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been grappling with pain—maybe it’s a recent nuisance, or maybe it’s been your unwelcome companion for 30 years.
My ideal client is anyone who’s ready to end that struggle. And here’s the good news: I’ve found that the duration of your pain doesn’t dictate the potential for results. Whether it’s been a week or decades, finding relief is always on the table. I’ve had multiple clients just this week who spent years seeking answers, and they are finally starting to achieve the freedom they’ve been looking for.
Think of it this way: your body is a finely tuned machine, but over time, it can slip out of its original design position (we all know how frustrating it is when something’s just “off”).
Shoulder pain, back pain, neck pain, knee pain… they are all caused by these subtle misalignments. When this happens, some muscles and joints are forced to become overworked martyrs, while others decide to take an unannounced vacation. This chronic dysfunction is what ultimately leads to your pain and injuries. Let’s get your system properly calibrated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Fortitudesportstherapy.com
- Instagram: @Fortitudesportstherapytn
- Linkedin: Michael Jordan: Fortitude Sports Therapy
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