Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Ericksen, Lmt
Hi Melissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sagebrush Massage Therapy was born from a deep passion for healing and a commitment to helping people find real, lasting relief from pain and stress. My journey into massage therapy started in a very personal way—through my husband’s experience with chronic back pain. He had suffered from back issues ever since a high school accident, and his lower back would seize up so badly that he often had to call out of work. We tried different approaches, but nothing provided lasting relief—until we found a massage therapist who specialized in medical massage techniques. After just a few treatments, he went from having flare-ups every other week to nearly six months without an issue. That experience opened my eyes to the power of massage therapy, not just for relaxation but for real, long-term healing.
I knew then that I wanted to pursue massage therapy, but I also knew I wanted to go beyond temporary relief. During my training, I focused on a medical massage approach—finding the root muscles causing pain instead of just treating surface-level discomfort. Too often, people feel stuck in a cycle of short-term relief, constantly returning for the same issue without real progress. I wanted to change that.
With that vision in mind, I founded Sagebrush Massage Therapy, where my focus is on helping clients achieve true, lasting results. Through a combination of personalized care, advanced techniques, and a commitment to continuous learning, I’ve been able to help people move past their chronic pain and regain control of their well-being. Today, I’m proud to offer a space where clients don’t just find relief in the moment, but real, lasting change that improves their quality of life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Here’s a strong response that acknowledges the challenges while highlighting your perseverance:
Like any journey worth taking, the road to building Sagebrush Massage Therapy hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges was establishing myself in a field where people often seek quick fixes rather than long-term solutions. Educating clients about the benefits of medical massage and helping them understand that real healing takes time and consistency was a hurdle in the beginning.
Another challenge was navigating the business side of things. As a massage therapist, my passion is helping people feel better, but running a business comes with its own set of responsibilities—marketing, scheduling, finances, and everything in between. Learning to balance hands-on work with the behind-the-scenes demands was a process, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the business grow and thrive.
There were also personal challenges, like self-doubt and wondering if I could truly make a difference. But every time I see a client walk out with less pain or hear how my work has improved their quality of life, I’m reminded why I started this journey. The struggles have only made me more determined to keep learning, improving, and offering the best care possible.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sagebrush Massage Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Sagebrush Massage Therapy, we focus on more than just relaxation—we specialize in results-driven, therapeutic massage designed to address pain at its source. Our approach goes beyond temporary relief, using targeted techniques to help clients recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and improve mobility.
What sets us apart is our commitment to truly making a difference. We don’t believe in the endless cycle of short-term fixes. Instead, we assess each client’s specific needs and develop a plan that works toward lasting improvements. We work with veterans through the VA, helping those who have served find relief from chronic pain and injuries. We also specialize in auto accident recovery, working directly with doctors and chiropractors to ensure clients receive comprehensive care. If a client doesn’t have a provider, we can step in to help, and we also work with attorneys on medical liens for those needing long-term treatment.
Additionally, we provide specialized prenatal massage, offering precise techniques to help expecting mothers find relief throughout their pregnancy. Our prenatal work is designed to ease discomfort, improve circulation, and support overall well-being during this critical time.
Brand-wise, we’re proud to be known for ethical, effective care. We strive to educate people on the true medical benefits of massage therapy, breaking the misconception that it’s only for relaxation. Our work is grounded in science, and we want people to see massage as a legitimate healthcare practice that can be life-changing when applied correctly.
For those seeking a true solution to pain and discomfort, Sagebrush Massage Therapy offers a space where healing happens—and where clients can finally experience real, lasting relief.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
One of the most important qualities behind my success is my passion for continuous learning and problem-solving. I absolutely love what I do—I trust it, I believe in it, and I’m constantly seeking new knowledge to improve my skills. Whether it’s new techniques, medical studies, or a deeper understanding of anatomy, I thrive on learning how the body works and how everything is connected. Every client is like a unique puzzle, and I love figuring out how different muscles interact and what’s causing their pain or dysfunction. That drive to always keep growing and expanding my knowledge keeps me engaged and constantly evolving as a therapist.
I also have a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to my clients. When I first started, I worked seven days a week, balancing massage therapy with a full-time job, often working late into the night. As my practice grew, I gradually transitioned into full-time massage therapy, still putting in long hours—often 10-hour days, six days a week. Even now, I dedicate time not just to hands-on work but to the business side of things, ensuring that Sagebrush Massage Therapy continues to grow and thrive.
Above all, I genuinely care about my clients. Their well-being is what drives me, and I take immense pride in helping people find real, lasting relief. It’s not just a job—it’s a passion, and that dedication is what I believe has contributed most to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wwwsagebrushmassagetherapy.com
- Instagram: Sagebrushmassage
- Facebook: Sagebrush Massage Therapy
