08/07/2026
My name is Joe Myers and I am a nationally certified and NYS licensed massage therapist (plus a bunch of other things). I got into this work in 2015 after dealing with my own pain management and self care while playing in bands and working in restaurants (FOH mostly). This lead me down a career path that weaves in and out of healthcare, hospitality, fitness, and the arts.
In massage school I often think back to one of my teachers commenting on how massage therapy is like “the gateway drug” to a boatload of other careers and ways of making a decent living. A successful career in massage therapy looks different for everyone in it. Some massage therapists work full time and staff other providers and some work part time. Many advance with more health education and become nurses, chiropractors, doctors in medicine and alternative therapies or psychology or social work. Some stay engaged with the grind for much longer than others (I have coworkers in their 70s.) Those who stay in the game longer discover endless opportunities and environments to share their work in—spas, salons, chiropractic offices, chain massage places, music festivals, hospitals, cruise ships, restaurants, and schools. I’m sure there are others, these are just the places I’ve had experiences working in.
The point I was hoping to make when I started this post had something to do with my WHY but I think the WHERE is an aspect that often gets overlooked. I’ve always found pleasure and positive feedback in making spaces for people to come get what they need.
In my experience, getting a massage in a chiropractor’s office might relax your muscles but the experience overall is never ~relaxing~ and no amount of essential oils or “just breathe” signage is going to make a difference. Then there’s the type of person who frequents the upscale day spa and ask to use their HSA benefits to pay for services to treat their fibromyalgia and they’re pairs with a random massage therapist that is zoned out in an Enya-induced trance balancing your out-of-tuned chakras.
How do you know that you’re getting what you need?
