Today's member spotlight is David Kuhn of Muscle Therapy Pro in Columbus, Ohio.
Q: What inspired you to be a massage therapist?
A: My inspiration for becoming a massage therapist came out of a loss of a job which I turned into a positive rather than a negative. I was at a good paying job but at the end of the day I was not happy. My desire is to change lives for the better and I was not spending 12 hours a day doing this. I was at a crossroads, recently divorced then the loss of my job all in a 6 month period and I was narrowing in on 40. I decided I was going back to school and this was my one shot to do what I wanted for the rest of my life. I would never give somebody else the power to tell me when my job was over and change not only my life but my children’s life as well. It has not been easy buy I have never taken my eyes off of my goal.
Q: How long have you been doing massage?
A: I have been doing massage for almost two years now.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being an MT?
A: Wow, there are so many good things to say about being a massage therapist! I guess my favorite would have to be making people feel good and changing their lives at the same time. My favorite type of client is the one that comes in for headaches and has been taking over-the-counter meds on a regular basis for their condition. I love explaining to them what the meds may be doing to their stomach and what I can do for them so they no longer need the meds and at the same time they no longer have the headaches.
Q: What do you feel is the most challenging issue for massage therapists?
A: I feel the most challenging issue for massage therapist is to educate the public. This is a profession that has been around for many years. In fact it was the first type of medical care. Unfortunately down the line it has received a bad name because of some much less than professional individuals in the business. Most people view massage as a pure luxury and not for the numerous medical/health benefits as well as emotional benefits. Think about it, where else can you go for things like plugged up sinuses, constipation, headaches, muscle tension and emotional healing, be treated for all during a 90 minute session then sent on your way feeling like a new person for a fraction of the cost at a doctor’s office and no meds prescribed!
Q: What advice would you give to other MT’s to help build their business?
A: The advice I would give to other massage therapist to help build their businesses would be knowledge, market, have a vision and stay the course while continuing to be flexible.
