In a recent interview marking her remarkable 20-year milestone with PCRK Group, Paula Nichols, a seasoned massage therapist, shared insights into her journey, expertise, and the joy she finds in helping clients achieve wellness.
Paula’s Path to Massage
Originally considering a career in nursing, Paula redirected her path after realizing her passion for promoting health without causing pain. “I do like helping people to be healthier without, you know, causing any pain. I didn’t like having to poke people with needles and some of the things that I had to do that created pain.”
She had always been interested in health and wellness. “Somebody had suggested [massage therapy] to me because they knew that I was into self-help and all that. So they said why don’t you try massage?” Paula began Massage Therapy School in 2001, having never had a massage herself. “When I got into massage, I realized I don’t have to worry about creating pain. Instead, I’m trying to help people and it doesn’t have to be painful,” she shares.
Paula joined PCRK Group on April 22, 2002. When asked by friends why she hasn’t decided to work on her own, she is quick to say she’d rather stay with PCRK Group. “I’d never get the treatment they provide,” she said in an interview, expressing gratitude for the supportive environment that enables her to provide exceptional treatments.
Favorite Aspects of Massage
“I would say my favorite thing is connecting with the clients and knowing that I actually give them the massage that will get them results to feel better. So when they come in and tell me that they were better from the massage, then that really makes me feel good that I’ve helped them.” – Paula, LMT
Paula’s Expertise
Paula’s expertise continues to inspire the new generation of massage therapists. Paula encourages new and aspiring massage therapists to be attentive to their clients, listen to their unique needs, and remain open to adapting their techniques. “I have found over the years that a lot of therapists come out of school having their idea of what they’re going to do, and they just want to do it their way, and you can’t do that. You have to change with every single client that you get and hear them and work on what they need and not just do a standard, you know, massage.”
She stresses the importance of understanding that clients vary, requiring therapists to be flexible in their approach. Paula also shares her own technique of using lighter pressure, challenging the misconception that deep tissue is the only effective method. “When you’re a massage therapist, you’ve got to learn – are you going to be the type of therapist that does deep tissue or are you going to be the type that does a little bit lighter, maybe medium to firm?”
“Sometimes it helps to explain to people that you’re not going to come in and get a massage and suddenly be rid of all of your pain in one session. You have to educate [clients] a little bit to understand the process,” Paula advises. “And some people think that deep tissue is the only way, you know, to get relief. Many clients have realized through coming to me that it doesn’t always have to hurt to benefit you.”
Balancing Work and Life
Outside of her profession, Paula engages in outdoor activities, particularly enjoying kayaking. She often takes day trips to nearby lakes to spend time on the water.
She finds that the upper body strength developed through her massage work complements her kayaking adventures and vice versa. This synergy between her personal interests and professional skills highlights Paula’s holistic approach to wellness. “Just massage alone – doing it has really helped keep my upper body in good strength and health,” Paula shares.
Reflecting on 20 Years
Reaching 20 years in any career is a great accomplishment, but for Paula, it meant even more. “They had originally told us we wouldn’t last more than a few years doing massage because it’s so hard on your body. So I felt like it was a great accomplishment because I’m actually not built very well for massage. I have very small, bony hands… I don’t do deep tissue because of that. So I was really proud of myself for hanging in there so many years and getting to the 20 year anniversary,” Paula celebrates.
Throughout Paula’s two decades with PCRK Group, the organization has undergone growth and changes. Despite these transformations, Paula commends the company for consistently prioritizing the well-being of both therapists and clients. “They’ve always worked with us as therapists and tried to hear what we have to say. They do their best to accommodate us as well as the clients,” Paula says. “It started off with one owner and then it’s changed, but they still still take care of us as much as they can.”
Paula Nichols stands as a cherished team member at PCRK Group, embodying dedication, adaptability, and a passion for promoting holistic wellness. Her 20-year journey is a testament to her resilience and the supportive environment fostered by PCRK Group. As we celebrate Paula’s remarkable milestone, we extend our gratitude for her invaluable contributions to the well-being of our team, our company, and countless clients.