We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sara Rowland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Sara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Have you ever experienced so much chronic pain that you felt like your life was over? I have. In 2018, I was on my way home from a job interview and my car was T-Boned by someone who ran a red light. This started a long path of correcting my injuries. Massage therapy was the only thing helped me. From this I developed a passion for massage therapy and the drive help others who also deal with physical pain. In 2023, I graduated with an associates degree in massage therapy and I went from feeling like my life was over to helping other people get their life back.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am a Certified Massage Therapist (CMT) currently living in sunny San Diego, CA. I graduated from Pacific College of Health & Science, CA with an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences for Massage. I am certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC) and am currently thriving as a massage therapist. I’m also a teacher’s assistant for Swedish Massage.
I specialize in Deep Tissue Massage as well as proficient training in Tui Na, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Thai Foot Reflexology, Swedish Massage, and Orthopedic Assessment. I have a passion for healing and assisting others, especially those with mobility limitations. Having a career mitigating a client’s pain and suffering for their better quality of life is what I am most passionate about.
My business is Fresh Start Massage LLC located at 1792 W. Washington St. San Diego, CA 92103
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The 3 skills that were the most impactful for me were active listening,clear communication, and time management.
Active listening is just that, really listening and understanding what your client’s needs are. Be present and try to not interrupt the client when they are talking. keep eye contact and also pay attention to body language.This will help the client build trust with you and be more comfortable during the massage session.
Clear and proper communication will help build trust with clients and helps maintain a sense of professionalism.Ask questions and be sure you understand the client’s answer. Communicate with the client before, during, and after a massage session to ensure client’s comfort is being met.
Time management is a must for any massage therapist. Proper time management is key in building your clientele because it relays a sense of trust and professionalism. Giving enough time and attention to your client without them feeling rushed will help keep the calm, healing atmosphere you’re trying to create. Your clientele in return will feel valued and respected. Keep at least one clock in the massage room and make sure the time on it is accurate. Always take note of the time the massage started and when in doubt add 5 minutes to the session. 5 minutes over on a massage session is better then 5 minutes too short.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed I take a ten minute walk. Literally stepping away from the stress for 10 minutes helps refocus my mind and helps me stay in the present moment. If I cannot step away, playing relaxing music also helps clear my mind and center me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://freshstartmassagellc.com/
Image Credits
Sara Rowland
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