One of the best parts of our community at Business Workspaces is getting to know our members. We enjoy being able to learn more about what everyone does not just on a professional level, but on a personal one as well. We recently had the chance to learn more about Cassidy Lujan of Cal Medical Massage and we hope you enjoy getting to learn more about her as well – Take a look!
Tell us about your company and what you do?
I am a massage therapist that specializes in neuromuscular therapy, or what is commonly known as, medical massage therapy. It is a specialized form of manual therapy that corrects pain and dysfunction by treating trigger points, muscle adhesions, and fascial (connective tissue) patterns. I essentially help my clients with injuries, post injury recovery, chronic pain, or daily muscle tensions that everyone is prone to. I work with a lot of athletes, but I also work with people from all different backgrounds.
How did you get started in your industry?
I started my own business in October of 2019 and getting to that point was kind of random. My mom is a physical therapist, and I was always around watching her work on her clients and her patients. I frequently thought about getting into physical therapy, but the schooling was a little too much for me personally. I tried looking into similar avenues of work to see what I could find, and my mom was the one to suggest that I try out massage therapy.
At first, I thought it would be boring because my mind initially went to what it would be like in a spa setting. Once I found more of the medical and sports medicine sides of the business, I became a lot more interested. I then ended up enrolling at the National Holistic Institute and completed their 800-hour program. I then continued to complete 600 additional hours in my specialty of medical massage while receiving other certifications.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
Over 80% of pain is muscular based and can be managed with regular massage therapy. The type of massage I do can really help to relieve anything from a walking limp to muscular tightness. There are a lot of other options in massage therapy for recovery before jumping into surgery for injuries or chronic pain.
What advice do you have for others interested in getting into your line of work?
Find a good school and make sure to get certified in all the courses you want to. I continued to get certified in other practices like cupping, taping, and The Graston Technique, which consists of a scaping method with different instruments to break down muscle adhesions. Make sure to practice as much as you can and continue to research different techniques. I had access to some of the best textbooks written by medical doctors, but some outside material like my mom’s anatomy book, was even more helpful to have on hand. Never stop learning.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I am hoping to take more courses on different methods of massage. With COVID it has been difficult to find, but I am going to continue my research. I am also really focusing on building a solid clientele that I can continue to grow. I would also like to go into a second career to extend my longevity in massage therapy. I am currently interested in and researching phlebotomy, so I will continue to focus on how to get into that.
Other than work, what are you passionate about?
I have a large family and I love spending time with them. I also love spending time with friends and my dog. I make sure to take her on any adventures when possible. I have always been passionate about music as well.
What types of activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I love being outdoors, hiking, fishing, and gardening. I also love going to concerts and have really been missing being able to do that. My boyfriend’s family puts on a music festival in Central California every year, so I always look forward to going to that.
Why did you choose Business Workspaces and how has working here helped your business?
It was an easy choice! I was in between leaving my last office and researched local spaces online. Business Workspaces was one the first places to pop up in my search. I had driven by the building a few times before, but I did not have too much information on it, so I figured I would stop by to look around. The space was perfect for me and my clients, and there are so many other perks than just having an office. I really like being here and having the staff here as extra help is always a plus.
What makes you feel energized about your business?
I have always loved the idea of helping people. Getting to help people improve their quality of life as well as maintaining mine is a great way to live.
Do you have a daily habit that helps you be more successful?
Every morning when I wake up, I mentally walk myself through my day. This practice allows for me to prioritize my daily activities and focus on what needs to be done and in what order. It’s almost meditative for me and helps me to not become overwhelmed with what life has in store for me.
Do you have a book that you often recommend or gift to people? Why?
I would recommend The Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations. It helped me learn the human anatomy with great illustrations. I would even recommend those books to anyone remotely interested in the human body and how it all works.
