As massage therapists, we spend so much of our time looking after other people. But what happens when the work we love starts taking a toll on our own bodies?

Sore thumbs, aching wrists, tired shoulders. For many therapists, these things have almost become an accepted part of the job. But do they really have to be?

In this episode, I'm joined by Tig McGregor, co-founder of Four Elements Company in the UK, to explore a different approach to massage that puts the wellbeing of the therapist right alongside the wellbeing of the client.

Tig's journey began with an injury just six weeks into working as a massage therapist on a cruise ship. That experience eventually led her to discover zero strain massage, an approach that focuses on using your body differently to deliver everything from light, gentle treatments through to deep tissue work, without putting unnecessary strain on yourself.

We talk about why so many therapists accept pain and injury as part of their profession, how we can rethink the way we use our bodies during treatment, and why sometimes the simplest thing you can do is pause, adjust and make yourself more comfortable.

But this conversation goes well beyond looking after our hands.

We also explore trauma-informed care, the importance of communication, creating a sense of safety for our clients and how those little things we do in the treatment room can make an enormous difference to someone's experience.

One of the things I particularly loved about this conversation was Tig's reminder that we don't have to sacrifice ourselves to deliver an incredible treatment.

Because looking after your own body doesn't mean you're giving your clients less. In fact, it might just mean you're able to give them something even better.

If you're a massage therapist who wants to enjoy a long, fulfilling career, continue developing your skills and create meaningful experiences for your clients, this is a conversation worth listening to.

Your clients matter. But so do you.

Tigger McGregor is the co-founder of The 4Elements Company, based in the UK, which provides training and support to massage therapists around the world.

The company focuses on four key areas: helping therapists work in a way that creates zero strain on their bodies, developing psychologically informed therapeutic communication, incorporating trauma-informed approaches to help clients build resilience through touch, and creating opportunities for therapists to connect, learn and support one another.

Following the passing of her business partner, Wendy Mills, from cancer in 2024, Tigger now leads the company, continuing their shared passion for supporting massage therapists to enjoy long, fulfilling and sustainable careers.

Tigger holds a degree in Biological Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge and qualified as a massage therapist in 2005. Her professional experience also includes working in the UK civil service and an international consulting firm.

Through 4Elements, Tigger is passionate about challenging the idea that injury is an inevitable part of being a massage therapist and helping practitioners deliver skilled, intentional treatments while looking after their own bodies.

Website: https://the4elementscompany.com

Free resource: 3 Tools to Get More From Every Massage
https://www.the4elementscompany.com/bettermassage

In-person training: Explore 4Elements training options
https://www.the4elementscompany.com/4ETT

What do you learn after more than 50 years of putting your hands on bodies?

In this very special episode, Elicia sits down with Susan Davis, remedial massage therapist, registered nurse, educator and lifelong learner, who is still treating clients at 70 years of age. She was also awarded the Life Member Award from Massage and Myotherapy Association at the 2026 National Conference in Geelong.

Susan shares the extraordinary story of growing up alongside the emerging massage profession in Australia, including how her mother Cynthia helped fight for massage to be recognised as a legitimate health profession after actually being arrested for practising massage in the 1970s.

Together, Susan and Elicia explore how massage has changed over the past five decades, what we've gained and perhaps lost along the way, and why great treatment is about so much more than finding a tight muscle and trying to fix it.

They talk about presence, intuition, chronic pain, the nervous system, lifestyle medicine, ageing, the power of touch and the importance of truly seeing the person on your table.

Susan's message after 50 years?

Stay curious. Keep learning. And never forget the privilege we have of working with another human being.

This is a beautiful conversation about our history, our profession and where massage therapy could go next.

Davis Health Centre
https://www.davishealthcentre.org/

Cynthia Davis History Archives - https://mobile.amt.org.au/downloads/journal-archive/March2014.pdf

Ep 142 | The Nervous System & Chronic Pain with Kylie Hicks

What if the missing piece in chronic pain wasn't another technique, but understanding the nervous system?

In this episode, we sit down with remedial massage therapist and chronic pain Specialist Kylie Hicks, whose work is changing the way therapists think about pain. Kylie has spent more than 20 years helping people who have often been told there's nothing more that can be done.

Together we talk about why so many people with chronic pain feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood, and how understanding the nervous system can completely change the treatment experience.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why chronic pain is about so much more than tissue
• How to recognise the nervous system patterns behind pain
• The language Kylie listens for in every first consultation
• Why helping clients feel truly seen is often the beginning of healing
• How changing pain can change long-held beliefs about a diagnosis
• The importance of therapist presence, rapport, and creating safety
• Why rebooking is part of the treatment plan, not just good business

Kylie also shares the case study that earned her the Massage & Myotherapy Australia Case Study Award where she shared how one client went from years of pain and the prospect of another surgery to living pain-free and traveleing the world.

Whether you're a massage therapist, bodyworker, or simply fascinated by the connection between the nervous system and chronic pain, this episode will challenge the way you think about recovery and remind you of the incredible impact we can have as practitioners.

Enjoy the conversation.

To find out more about Kylie Hicks:

https://www.kyliehickscoaching.com/course/the-chronic-pain-mapping-method

To listen to Di's Story:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ef2aoGgkJ/