Meet Alexis Dougherty

We recently connected with Alexis Dougherty and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

As a massage therapist, my favorite form of self-care is, naturally, receiving regular massages. I also prioritize physical therapy every two weeks for dry needling, and I visit a chiropractor monthly for adjustments. These practices ensure that I’m performing at my best, allowing me to provide the highest level of care to my clients.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi! I’m Alexis Dougherty, the owner and a Licensed Massage Therapist at Kneaded Escapes in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. My journey into massage therapy began with a personal challenge in middle school when I suffered a back injury. Traditional treatments weren’t effective, but massage therapy changed everything for me. That experience inspired me to help others find relief and healing, which led me to become a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2016. In 2022, I opened Kneaded Escapes to create a place where clients can experience personalized care and where therapists can grow and thrive in their careers.

What makes Kneaded Escapes special is our deep commitment to individualized care. Every massage is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, with a focus on deep, therapeutic techniques that address chronic pain and tension. We offer specialized services like prenatal massage, CBD massage, Thai foot massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, and lymphatic drainage, each designed to enhance well-being.

We’re also excited about expanding our offerings and our team. As our community grows, so does our ability to help more people live pain-free, healthier lives. Our mission is not just about providing exceptional massage therapy but also educating clients about self-care and showing them that pain doesn’t have to be part of everyday life. At Kneaded Escapes, it’s all about transformation—both for our clients and our therapists.

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

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been empathy, adaptability, and a deep understanding of anatomy.

Empathy: Being able to truly listen and understand clients’ needs has been invaluable. It allows me to tailor treatments and build trust with my clients. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend practicing active listening and focusing on understanding your clients’ concerns.

Adaptability: Every client is different, so being flexible and adjusting techniques based on their feedback is key. Early in your career, work on being open to learning and trying new approaches, even when you think you’ve found your preferred style.

Knowledge of Anatomy: Understanding the body and its mechanics allows me to deliver effective treatments. I’d encourage new therapists to continuously study anatomy and kinesiology. The more you know about the body, the more effective you’ll be in addressing clients’ needs.

My advice would be to stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of listening. These qualities will guide you through your career.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

An ideal client for Kneaded Escapes is someone who prioritizes their physical well-being and recognizes the value of therapeutic massage in achieving their fitness or rehabilitation goals. This could include:

Active individuals: Athletes, gym-goers, or those with physically demanding jobs who need deep muscle work to support recovery and performance.

People recovering from injuries: Clients rehabbing from an injury who require targeted, therapeutic treatment to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and aid healing.

Clients with chronic pain: Those suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as sciatica or joint issues, who need ongoing deep tissue work for pain management and relief.

Health-conscious individuals: People focused on maintaining their overall health through massage therapy as part of their regular self-care regimen.

These clients value results-oriented, therapeutic techniques over relaxation, and are committed to investing in their physical recovery and wellness.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photography by Amber Foster Smith Photography

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