Linda Fehrs, LMT

Linda Fehrs, AAS, LMT is a freelance writer and massage therapy professional licensed by the New York State Department of Education. She is a professional member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the New York State Society of Medical Massage Therapists. Ms. Fehrs has actively practiced massage therapy in the Mid-Hudson Valley since 2002 with a focus on those with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities. She is a graduate of the Hudson Valley School of Massage Therapy as well as a former instructor at the school. Prior to becoming a massage therapist she was former managing editor of a weekly community newspaper and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Ms. Fehrs currently volunteers with the Red Cross, helping to educate others about emergency preparedness and disaster relief.

Here are my most recent posts:

Real Life Stories: Diabetic Crisis on Your Massage Table

August 1st, 2013

Unless a thorough intake is done with a new client and a periodic review done with long term clients, those with underlying medical conditions may slip through the cracks. Just asking, “How are you doing today?” and getting an “Okay, great,” from the client is not enough.

Muscle Memory, Trauma and Massage Therapy

August 1st, 2013

Riding a bicycle, playing the piano, handwriting, dancing, typing on a keyboard, learning to speak a language – even learning how to give a good massage – all these things, and more, are thanks to muscle memory. Other things that can be included are life events causing not only physical, but also emotional trauma. Everything we do and everything that happens to us and around us affects the nervous system, including the brain and the muscles enervated by each experience. Learn how massage therapy can help to release and even assist in healing the imbalance caused by trauma to the body and mind.

The Healing Powers of Water Massage

July 9th, 2013

Water is the most important element, next to oxygen, needed to sustain life as we know it. The human body is more than 60 percent water. Blood is between 80 and 90 percent water, the human brain is 70 percent water and our lungs are close to 90 percent water. Human blood is also remarkably like sea water with a similar pH range and a similar mineral content, so much so that at one time sea water has been used in emergency transfusions when blood or plasma was not available. Learn about how hydrotherapies (therapies using water externally) can also be of value in keeping a person healthy.

Blueberries in Massage?

July 2nd, 2013

July is National Blueberry Month. For some people going out to pick ripe blueberries with the family in an open field is almost a rite of passage. Eating and gathering those plump, sweet morsels will put a smile on anyone’s face. But did you know that blueberries also have some important therapeutic value? Learn how blueberries are good to eat – but keep you healthy as well.

Real Life Stories: Marketing Your Massage Practice

June 6th, 2013

“When I became a massage therapist in 2002 we got very little information on how to actually market our practice as a business.”

Using the Internet to Attract New Clients – and Retain the Old

June 5th, 2013

As massage therapists trying to make a living at a profession we love, it is often challenging to continually try and entice new clients to our practice. There are the tried and true methods of handing out business cards wherever we go, attractive brochures and free chair massage at community events. But with the increased awareness surrounding social media and wed-based services, many more tools are becoming available. Learn how an Internet presence can help clients find you and increase your business.

Massage Therapy and the Affordable Health Care Act

May 15th, 2013

One of the most daunting tasks for massage therapists has been trying to get insurance companies to cover massage therapy sessions. As of 2014, that ongoing battle may be at least partially resolved when certain aspects of the Affordable Health Care Act come into play. Learn more about how the changes in insurance coverage may affect your practice.

Real Life Stories: Do You Charge More for Obese Clients?

May 10th, 2013

“Charging differently for a client who is obese walks a very fine line of inappropriateness.”

Real Life Stories: When Employers Are Corrupt

April 23rd, 2013

“Whether you are starting out or have some years of experience, don’t let an employer take unfair advantage of you.”

The Elements of Massage

April 22nd, 2013

Each modality in massage therapy has its own set of theories and beliefs. Most are not unique to that particular modality, and many of them overlap. Some use ideas and techniques from Eastern or Western cultural traditions, and some incorporate a bit from each tradition. Learning about the use of elements can help to enhance your massage techniques.