T. Redd Miller helps us get to know Ma Sage, our resident massage therapist a bit better. She is known for her skills as a Clinical Massage Therapist and off beat humor.

TRM: Welcome to the Physiotivity team.

MS: Thank you. It's wonderful to work with all of you.

TRM: Let's get right into it. Why did you become a massage therapist?

MS: I thought the trade could use a little humor. Massage therapists are so dry. Also, my mom liked how I rubbed her back as a kid. One back rub then led to another and the next thing I knew I was giving up a career tenderizing meat to go to massage school.

TRM: Sounds like an easy transition. How long have you been practicing?

MS: Am I really still practicing after all that schooling? I am earning a living from my work after all. That doesn't sound like I am still practicing.

TRM: So how long have you been a massage therapist?

MS: It feels like my whole life. 17 years to be exact.

TRM: That is a long time. How old are you?

MS: You should know better than to ask a woman that. I like to think I am 35 on a good day.

TRM: And on a bad day?

MS: 130.

TRM: So, you specifically practice, I mean, do clinical massage. What exactly is that?

MS: What it isn't is a back rub. I get to combine my knowledge of injuries, anatomy, movement, sports medicine, sports science, physical therapy, gym tools, and endurance coaching to work on specific areas of the body dealing with aches, pains, and soft tissue injuries. Some days I may take care of tension pain and send you home to enjoy your new body. Other days I may send you home with self-care homework and instructions to come back next week. Or I may meet you at your local track for a mobility and stability assessment combined with form analysis.

TRM: Sounds like a lot of tools wrapped up in a good looking package.

MS: I'll ignore that comment. But thank you.

TRM: Have you always performed locally or other places?

MS: Too many places actually. Looking back I would have liked to spend more days working in one location. I started at a YMCA and the school I graduated from. During that time I also spent time with a college track team and another college's swim team.

TRM: Coaching?

MS: I would have enjoyed that. What an experience that would be. Sports massage for both.

TRM: Where did you go from there?

MS: I tried a private practice for a bit, but I dove into that endeavor a bit too early.

TRM: Did something not work out?

MS: I realized that the business education at massage school was lacking a few points to help someone run a business. It was a major education that could only be rivaled by a business degree. At least it was cheaper. I then went on to working at a university's wellness center where I have been splitting my time at various small offices.

TRM: How many before you landed here?

MS: Man, you're nosy.

TRM: That is why I do this.

MS: Good point. Three to be exact. I would have been happy to stay at any of them but the people I was renting from decided to do an Usain and Bolt.

TRM: Do you work at massage full-time or part-time?

MS: I do it full-time, but I also have some side-gigs going.

TRM: Such as?

MS: As I mentioned, I am an endurance coach, mostly running. I also dabble with writing humor.

TRM: What's the subject?

MS: I like to make fun of my industry and our quirks. I try to be a little politically incorrect and at the same time educate the general population about the benefits of massage. I usually use a single panel cartoon as the medium but will branch out on occasion.

TRM: Cool. Where can we find them? MS: They should be popping up on Facebook soon and of course right here on Physiotivity's Blog.

TRM: Any additional thoughts before the pop quiz?

MS: Let's see.... Pain is not normal. Yes, the sheets are clean. And if you are mad, punch something, don't shoot someone.

TRM: Good words to live by. Ready for six quick questions?

MS: I think so.

TRM: What's the last concert you went to? And where?

MS: The Julliard Orchestra featuring the violin soloist Alice Ivy-Pemberton at Lincoln Center.

TRM: Do you watch any sports? MS: Absolutely! Anything running, football, and the Olympics whenever they are on. And whatever sport I am doing sports massage at.

TRM: What are you driving right now? MS: A Subaru Outback. Venetian Red.

TRM: Red, white, or brew?

MS: Beer, definitely.

TRM: What's your favorite season?

MS: Spring. I like the feeling of weighing less because I need less clothing to run in.

TRM: And the final question; What's your next goal in life? MS: Hmmmm, to not suck at drawing my cartoon.