Practical Massage Insights from Practicing Since 2001

practicing massage therapy since 2001, I’ve learned that the body is capable of far more than most people realize. Many clients come to me ready to give up, having been told there’s nothing more that can be done—but once they experience what’s possible, they often leave feeling like a completely different person.

Take one avid golfer I worked with recently. He had tweaked his back and was frustrated, worried it might impact his game. After a session tailored to his needs, he got off the table feeling, in his words, “110% better.” The next day, he played the best game of his life. Stories like this are common in my practice, and they’re the reason I do what I do.

Challenging Common Beliefs

A pervasive idea in sports and fitness is “no pain, no gain.” I teach my clients that this approach often backfires. If your nervous system feels attacked, it tightens up instead of letting go. By working with the body rather than against it, we get better results with less strain—and that’s a message I reinforce in every session.

Customized Approach for Every Body

I incorporate a mix of stretching techniques in nearly every massage, adjusting in real-time based on the client’s cues. I read their breathing, tension, and movement patterns to determine how to proceed, making every session responsive and effective. The reactions I hear most often? “You addressed all my issues,” and “I feel like a different person than I walked in as.”

Patterns across clients help guide my approach. Taller clients often struggle with low back pain, while shorter clients experience more upper back tension. Golfers tend to have hip and low back issues, pickleball players more shoulder tension, and pole fitness enthusiasts usually need shoulder-focused care. Recognizing these trends allows me to target common trouble spots while still tailoring each session to the individual.

A Proven Niche

As a male therapist in a female-dominated field, I focused on sports and pain-focused work where results speak for themselves. Over the years, I’ve worked with professional athletes, from spring training baseball players to the Arizona Hot Shots football team, and each experience reinforced the importance of skill, precision, and outcome over appearance or expectation.

I combine Eric Dalton’s Myoskeletal Alignment Technique with techniques I’ve developed or refined over the years. Attending the World Massage Festival, where I received 24 hours of instruction in three days, further expanded my toolkit. These experiences allow me to deliver sessions that are not only effective but also uniquely tailored to each client.

The Realities of Being a Solo Practitioner

Time is the biggest challenge as a solo practitioner. There are never enough hours in the day, which is why I make sure to take breaks to refresh and recharge. Still, the drive to improve never fades—I’m always looking for ways to get better for my clients.

Advice for Aspiring Therapists

If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, here’s the truth: your success depends on always doing what’s best for the client. Techniques, hours, or certifications won’t matter if your focus isn’t genuinely on helping people. That mindset sets the ceiling for your career.

Conclusion

Massage therapy isn’t magic—it’s the careful combination of skill, observation, and a deep understanding of the body. When done right, it can restore movement, reduce pain, and leave clients feeling like they’ve reclaimed their bodies. That’s the standard I set for every session, and it’s what keeps clients coming back.

About the Writer

Corey Richason is a licensed massage therapist and the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, AZ. With hands-on experience dating back to 2001, Corey works with active adults who want to move better, feel better, and stay consistent with the activities they enjoy.

His sessions blend focused massage therapy, deep tissue work, sports massage, mobility-focused bodywork, and practical client education. His goal is simple: help people feel less restricted, less stressed, and more comfortable in their own body.

You can check openings anytime at:

vitalkneads.net/booking

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if massage is appropriate for me?

Massage is often appropriate for general muscle tension, stiffness, recovery, and stress. New, severe, unexplained, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional first.

Does massage need to hurt to be effective?

No. Useful massage can be specific and firm without forcing your body to brace. More pressure is not automatically better pressure.

How often should I schedule massage?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your goals, activity level, symptoms, budget, and response to previous sessions all matter.

About the Author

Corey Richason, LMT, is the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona. He has practiced massage therapy since 2001 and focuses on practical, results-oriented bodywork for pain, mobility, recovery, and stress. His approach is evidence-informed, individualized, and built around helping clients move and feel better without unnecessary hype.