Utilizing CBD in The Massage Room: My Story
Why I started using CBD in the massage room.
I had been using CBD therapies for years to manage my own chronic pain and inflammation, long before it became mainstream. Over time, I began hearing the same question from my therapeutic massage clients: “What can I do between sessions to help with my tension and pain?” Since I was already using CBD in my personal routine with great results, I started talking to my clients about using topical CBD for their own persistent pain relief.
This was during the early days of the CBD boom. With my clients' permission, I began incorporating it into my customized bodywork sessions, always checking in with them to see how it felt. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive—they felt more relaxed, experienced less pain, and noticed a deeper release of tension. The benefits lasted longer after the session. Their enthusiasm inspired me to dive deeper into the science behind this under appreciated plant.
Learning about the endocannabinoid system and how CBD interacts with the body’s stress, pain, and anxiety responses on a physiological level made it clear: this was more than just a trendy product—it was a powerful therapeutic tool. As a massage therapist, I’m always looking for ways to create more memorable experiences and deliver meaningful results, and CBD massage checked all those boxes.
Now, I’m known as “the CBD massage therapist,” and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What inspired me to specialize in CBD education?
The more I began to understand how CBD actually worked, I was surprised at how difficult it was to find reliable, science-backed information. With a BS in Kinesiology, I have learned to ask "why"—what does the research say, how does it work in the body, and what does safe, effective use really look like?
After searching for years, I became frustrated with the lack of accessible education. So, I went all in. I started formulating my own CBD products just so I could understand every step of the process. I connected with industry professionals, attended conferences, and even completed coursework at Oaksterdam University, an institution known for its reputable cannabis education.
What kept me curious was the complexity and therapeutic nature of the plant itself—its potential to bring hope to people living with chronic pain, neurological conditions, and countless other pathologies. But even more than that, I realized what I really loved was sharing what I learned with others. I found myself constantly answering questions from clients, colleagues, and even strangers online about the legality of CBD, how to safely utilize products, and how to determine proper dosing.
As CBD became trendy, I noticed that massage therapists, spas, and even schools were beginning to become interested in CBD add-ons for their services—but most massage therapists didn’t understand why they were using it, other than it being popular. I recognized there was a huge gap in continuing education for the massage industry. As a 20+ year veteran, I began to share the benefits of topical CBD inside and outside of the treatment room, even speaking publicly at cannabis conferences.
When the NCBTMB finally approved CBD therapies as a continuing education topic in 2024, it was like a lightbulb went on. I knew that this was my moment; I had been educating people about CBD for years, and it was finally time to launch an approved CBD education course designed specifically for massage therapists. My passion is to help bodyworkers create a profitable and fulfilling massage private practice through this knowledge.
How has integrating CBD therapies into my massage business had an impact on my clientele?
After I began using CBD in my practice, my clients started requesting it—again and again. They were curious, they had questions, and once they experienced it, they were hooked. They loved the added "boost" it gave to their massage sessions and often asked where they could get their own bottle to use between appointments.
Integrating CBD into my practice didn’t just enhance the client experience—it also helped me carve out a clear niche. In a competitive field like massage therapy, it’s not always easy to set yourself apart. But adding CBD massage into my already orthopedic, sports-focused, results-driven sessions gave me an edge. It blended seamlessly with my existing approach, and now people specifically come to me because I offer CBD massage.
I love using tools that help clients feel better longer, and CBD fits that perfectly. It extends the effects of my sessions and supports the body’s recovery process even after they leave my table. That means I can boost my high-quality, effective work—with extended results…without working harder. CBD helps me deliver results that are both immediate and lasting, working physiologically well beyond the appointment. My clients feel the difference—and so do I.
