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:

The Business of Business – Beyond Bodywork

July 5th, 2012

Are you thinking about adding retail to your massage business? It can be a move that is not only helpful to you, but also to your client. Your profits will grow as you make it more convenient for them to purchase hard-to-come-by products that will also enhance their well-being and have them thinking of you between massage sessions.

Selling Products to Enhance Your Practice

June 8th, 2012

By selling products you are knowledgeable about and believe in, you can enhance not only the profits in your business, but also enhance your professional relationship with your clients by selling items that prolong the benefits of massage. Whether it is candles or oils, stretching tools or cold packs, there is something you can offer that will promote a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to sell products effectively and ethically in your practice.

Is Your Client’s Low Back Pain Caused by Weak Glutes?

May 17th, 2012

Massage therapists see many clients with lower back pain. It is important to know what might be causing that pain in order to develop a session that addresses the correct muscles and helps alleviate the pain.

Pump Up Your Profits with Products

May 16th, 2012

With today’s economic seesaw, we all need to find ways to stabilize our income. The profession of massage therapy is no exception. Learn how to make your business more profitable by bringing in a few retail products, while at the same time enhancing the experience of your clients. By providing an easy resource for the music you play during a session, essential oils and candles you use, among other things, you can provide your clients with a positive reminder of their massage experience.

The Power of Empathy in Massage Therapy

April 27th, 2012

There is an art as well as a science to the practice of massage therapy. It is this art that needs to be protected through the continued use of our intuition, empathy and respect. Those in the profession of massage therapy work very hard to get recognition and legitimacy from the medical profession, but there can be the danger of becoming too dissociated from our clients. Learn about the importance of empathy and balance in the therapeutic relationship.

Using Active Listening to Improve Your Practice

April 5th, 2012

Active, effective listening is important in your practice as you interact with clients. It can also help when you are being interviewed for a job, or if you are the employer interviewing job applicants. Active listening can help improve relationships with business partners, family members and friends. Learn how to improve your listening skills by following these eight simple tips.

Understanding Stress and 8 Ways to Ease It

March 15th, 2012

Massage therapists and their clients are familiar with the word “stress” as it relates to the modern lifestyle. But did you know that as a mind-body term, it did not exist until the 1930s? Read about how stress and the use of massage therapy to relieve it have grown together for more than 75 years.

Foot Health and Massage Therapy – It’s Not Just About Reflexology

March 14th, 2012

Our feet are what connect us to the earth on which we stand. They give us a sense of stability and provide us with mobility, helping to propel us forward and backward in space. Being able to walk is a major sign of growing as an individual. Once children begin to walk they no longer need to be carried by a parent and can begin to explore the world around them on their own. Getting a regular foot massage can help in maintaining good health and give attention to an often neglected part of the body.

Using Massage Therapy to Ease Discomfort Caused by Cane Usage

February 14th, 2012

As the overall average age of human population increases and the baby boomers (those born between 1946-1964) reach their 60s, so too do the injuries and disabilities increase, necessitating the use of crutches, canes and walkers. Learning how to use them properly can help go a long way in reducing the associated muscle aches and pains.

Anatomy Review: Slow and Fast Twitch Muscle Fibers

January 24th, 2012

Without properly functioning muscles the human body would be unable to move. Muscles help to propel us through space, pump our blood, expand and contract our lungs and move nutrients through our body. One aspect of our skeletal muscles is responsible for athletic stamina. Learn about fast and slow twitch muscles, how they can determine whether you would be a better sprinter or marathoner – and the role of massage therapy.