Irene’s – Why did you choose massage therapy as a career?

Becky – Massage Therapy was my backup plan for when my now ex-husband and I started a family.  In 2008 I was laid off on maternity leave and eventually started back doing massage to pay for nursing school.

Irene’s – Where do you practice massage therapy? 

Becky – I have my own business, Body Whisperer Institute in downtown Plymouth.  I rent two rooms out to other Massage Therapists.

Irene’s – What is the most rewarding part of your massage career? 

Becky – Helping people understand what their bodies are trying to say to them.  I combined my nursing degree with massage therapy so I help people with pain and dysfunction.

Irene’s – Do you have a favorite memory from massage school? 

Becky – The weekly massages and walking from the bathroom to the classroom in our sheets.  It was such a great year to dive deeper into getting to know myself.

Irene’s – What was the best class you took at Irene’s massage school? 

Becky – Back then it was called Integration and Phil Cutrell taught it.  That class was the first step for me to begin seeing areas of dysfunction quickly. Randy & Denise were my hands-on instructors.

Irene’s – What bodywork modalities or massage techniques do you find most effective? 

Becky – I am a deep tissue specialist and Level 3 Medical Fascial Stretch Therapist, although I no longer keep the FST Certification active.  Most of the work I do has evolved over the years with experience and learning.  Many of my most well-known techniques I created. I’ve shadowed a local Pelvic Floor Therapist who also taught me many techniques I could use externally with my clients.

Irene’s – What was your greatest success with a massage client? 

Becky – Years ago I had a client in his 70’s come in on a walker experiencing severe leg cramps that were forcing him to use the walker.  It was sudden onset and nothing he did help.  After reviewing his history, we learned he had been on a Statin medication for cholesterol for over 8 years, however, he had not been taking a CoQ10 supplement with that.  One of the big side effects of Statins is extreme lower extremity cramping, especially if the supplement wasn’t taken.  I saw him three times a week for 6-9 months for 30-minute appointments.  One day he skipped into the office, threw $100 at me, and said “I don’t need you anymore, kid! I’m taking the wife on a 2 week National Geographic cruise – we’re going to explore the world!”

Irene’s – Where is the first place you worked after you graduated from massage school? 

Becky – Seven years after graduating from massage school, I started out on my own but was also in Nursing School at the time.  It got to be too much so I joined a very reputable practice in Novi where I worked for over 6 years.

Irene’s – What do you do for self-care to provide longevity for your massage career? 

Becky – Not enough!!!!!  The deep tissue is taking a big toll on me and I’ve begun CranioSacral Therapy training.  By the end of 2023, I plan on transitioning out of deep tissue work and just doing CranioSacral with my client base.  I will teach my methods to not lose all the amazing knowledge I’ve gained and continue working with Pro Strongmen and Strongwomen.

Irene’s – To what do you attribute your success as a massage therapist? 

Becky – The belief and understanding it doesn’t matter how good you are if you don’t know how to get people on your table.  I worked my backside off showing up absolutely everywhere.  CrossFit competitions, CrossFit gyms, charity events, and eventually volunteered to work at Strongman Events.  I networked, learned, networked more, went to more competitions.  I started working with the Pro and Amateur Strongmen and Strongwomen at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2015.  From there, I jumped on Dr. Todd McDougle, DC (#StrongmanDoc) coattails, and the next thing I knew I was working Nationals, Giants Live, and The Official Strongman Games.  I am now the Lead Massage Therapist for World’s Strongest Man – that’s the one on TV.

I understood early on in the sport of Strongman, it’s a pay-to-play sport.  Almost every single one of the athletes holds a day job to pay for this very expensive sport.  It’s what we do in our day-to-day lives that creates structural imbalances in our bodies.  How we sleep, sit, work, repetitive movements.  If I can figure it out on the Strongmen and Strongwomen who push their bodies to the absolute extreme, I can figure it out on anyone!

I also spent 4 years as a part of the team of therapists taking care of the Detroit Lions… and that’s where I discovered I did NOT like that kind of work!

Most importantly, whatever you do, do it from your heart.  Your clients will feel it and it makes all the difference!

Irene’s – What marketing do you feel has worked best to promote your massage practice? 

Becky – My practice is 100% word-of-mouth referrals and I’m always booked.

Irene’s – What do you feel was the biggest mistake you made as a massage therapist and how did you address it? 

Becky – My personal biggest mistake was being competitive with any other therapists.  I have learned and embraced that I am not in competition with anyone.  The clients that are meant for me, will come to me.  There are more than enough bodies out there for everyone to be successful!

Irene’s – What continuing education have you taken after graduating from massage school? 

Becky –  FST through Stretch to Win Levels 1-3

LifeStretch Instructor

CrossFit Mobility

CranioSacral 1 (two more classes scheduled this year.)

Irene’s – Do you have any advice for new massage therapists? 

Becky – Just get your hands on bodies and avoid “too smart disease.” (That’s when you think you know everything but the reality is the older we get, the less we know.) Always be a Student! Don’t get hung up on CEUs to continue your education.  The thousands of hours I volunteered with Strongman was the best education I ever received and has put me well over 22,000 hours of hands-on experience.

Irene’s – What is the best way for massage clients to contact you? 

Becky –  www.bodywhispererinstitute.net