Hi, I'm Samantha. Licensed Massage Therapist and owner of Louisville Prenatal Massage.
Part of my story is that I have Fibromyalgia.
I don’t let it define me, but it has guided me, has been my fuel for my passion, has been my teacher. As an LMT, my story is not unique, I am in good company of so many of us who seek to heal ourselves, and turn those skills into healing for our clients.
I have often held back sharing this part of my story, of my why, but I have come to an understanding that it is an immense source of determination, empathy, and something worth sharing. I used to think it might take away from my value as an LMT in my clients’ eyes, but now I know, it is one of the many ways it makes me the ideal massage therapist for so many of my clients who experience chronic pain. As women, we are taught to make ourselves small, not voice our needs, to not have needs at all, to care for others above ourselves. To unlearn this is to heal. To share the ways this shows up in our bodies as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic migraine, autoimmune disorders, gut health issues, and more, is to take power away from those who wish to see us keep ourselves small. To claim that power for ourselves is one step on the healing path.
I understand uniquely the frustration found in making progress, only to take two steps
backward. To return to the comfort measures that once worked like a charm, and instead find that their help is diminished today. The strength that it takes to continue to work on healing. It is from this well that I draw my empathy as I explain to my clients that healing is not linear. I’m not just sharing some platitude, something that sounds good from the endless “advice” on the internet. I’ve been there too, and I’m here to be a helper on your journey, affirming the work you’re doing, cheering you on, and providing gentle bodywork to facilitate the healing of your nervous system. Caring for clients is a privilege I don’t take for granted.
Thank you for taking the time to read this part of my story. My hope is that you’ll see in me the strength that I see in you!
Comments