SPF Editor: What prompted your interest in becoming a massage therapist?
Dave: Being a former athlete, I've always been interested in different types of sports injuries: where they're at, what causes them and how to treat them but I never thought much about being a massage therapist until I tore my left rotator cuff about four or five years ago. During physical therapy, the therapist thought getting a massage might help my recovery. I thought it would be a fulfilling profession in which I could help people, but I really didn't begin acting on until after I got married about 18 months ago.

SPF Editor: . What is a therapeutic massage compared to one provided by a spa?
Dave: The basic answer is that a therapeutic massage is tailored to the client you're working on, whereas as most spa massages (not all) are done the same for every client. Everyone is different, so they're going to have different issues, a different preference for the type of work they want done - whether it is deep tissue, sports massage, reflexology, sports massage, etc. In a spa, Swedish massage is the technique that is most commonly used because of its relaxing nature. Also, in a spa, there are usually other services offered such as wraps, pedicures, manicures and facials. In therapeutic massage, you're basing your work on what is going on with that client at that particular time. One time, they may be just in need in a relaxing, stress-reducing Swedish massage, and the next they may be in need of deep tissue. In the end, it is dependent on what the client is in search of when they are determining where they want to go to get a massage.

SPF Editor: What training does one to become a massage therapist?
Dave: The amount of training differs from state to state and in the District of Columbia in terms of how many hours of training you must receive from a school with a requirement of at least 500 hours of training. Once you've completed those hours, you are typically require to pass a national certification exam. I am currently in my second full semester of attending classes at Northern Virginia Community College. The curriculum includes anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, learning different massage techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue, and concepts of diseases just to name a few.

SPF Editor: What is the most challenging about the training?
Dave: For me personally, it is being able to fit in the time to study while holding down a full-time job. There is a lot to learn about the body in terms of all the muscles, how the muscles work (physiology) and how to manipulate them to help your client.

SPF Editor: How do you assess a person's needs based on an injury or everyday stress?
Dave: There are numerous ways to do: having the client fill out a intake form (medical history), doing different tests such as range of motion, observing them, and in my mind, the most important is talking and listening to them. If they're coming to see you, they're going to tell you what's going on with them. That's the starting point. Once you get them on the table, you're likely to find areas that they didn't even know that are affecting them.

SPF Editor: What types of massage are you learning about and what unique therapeutic aspect does each offer?
Dave: Last semester, I learned Swedish massage and chair massage. The focus this semester is on Deep Tissue. From my point of view, Swedish and chair massage are relaxing and stress-reducing massages. Swedish increases circulation and helps reduce stress. With deep tissue, it is very therapeutic in that you are engaging most of the body's muscles and muscle groups.

SPF Editor: What is your therapeutic approach to massage?
Dave: My approach is very simple. It is to help the client with their issue and help them feel better when we're finished with our session. I also feel it is important to give them insight into things that can help them in the future such as incorporating a stretching routine, drinking plenty of water, and being careful with their posture and proper breathing.

SPF Editor: What other relaxation practices to you recommend which complement therapeutic massage?
Dave: Off the top of my head, having a good stretching routine is very important. I know it's sounds funny, but knowing how to breath properly is another important area. There are so many modalities that incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. My suggestion is to do research and find you that is the best for you.

SPF Editor: What brought you to the DC area?
Dave: Family. They were all living in the DC area and I wanted to be close to them. Right now, my younger brother Kevin and his two daughters and I are the only ones in the area now. My parents have moved back to South Carolina and my middle brother, Larry, moved to Chicago.

SPF Editor: When you are not working on your training, what do you like to do for fun?
Dave: I love doing things with my wife. We've started back on an exercise routine to get us back in shape. We enjoy spending time with family and friends. We are also very involved in activities at our church. And during the spring and summer, I enjoy playing golf when I can.