Self-Myofascial Techniques for Massage Therapists

When You Don't Have Time (But You Really Do)

I was on the floor.

My pinky toe was screaming at me—spread wide, probably broken from smashing it into the corner of my cherry wood bed frame.

I had been rushing.

Running late.

Moving too fast through my morning routine.

I don't have time to deal with this right now, I thought, pushing myself up to stand.

I made it a millisecond—immediately collapsed back down, breathless from the pain.

That's when it hit me.

Okay. I DO have time to work on myself. Right now.

The Lie We Tell Ourselves

How many times have you said it?

"I don't have time for self-care."

"I'll work on myself later."

"My clients need me more than I need me."

I've said all of those things. We all have.

But here's the truth: your body doesn't care about your meetings or appointments.

When your body says "STOP," it will make you stop. Whether that's a broken toe, strep throat, or losing grip in your left hand (these all happened to me).

The only question is: will you listen to what your body is trying to tell you?

What Happened Next (And Why It Matters)

Sitting on my bedroom floor that morning, I did what I teach my students to do.

I used myofascial release techniques on my own body.

I found the restrictions in and around my toe.

I held gentle pressure.

I breathed into the tissue.

I waited for the fascia to soften and release, then followed where my body wanted to go next.

For 10-15 minutes, I worked on myself.

The result?

I could walk. There was hardly any swelling or bruising. My toe healed correctly and fairly quickly.

Why Massage Therapists Struggle With Self-MFR

After 24+ years in this profession, I've noticed something.

Massage therapists are incredible at holding space for others.

Advanced Myofascial Therapists can feel restrictions in our clients' bodies before they even mention them.

We know exactly where to work, how long to hold, when to move.

But when it comes to our own bodies?

We rush.

We skip it.

We tell ourselves we don't have time.

Here are the biggest mistakes I see LMTs make with self-myofascial release:

• Going too hard, too fast

• Not holding long enough

• Skipping it entirely because "I'm too busy"

• Working on clients but neglecting themselves

The Areas LMTs Need Most (But Ignore)

In my MFR Essentials classes and working with clients for over two decades, I've found the same restrictions show up again and again. I was also an adjunct professor at Baker College for a year and a half, teaching in the Massage Therapy Department.

Common restriction areas:

• Mid-back

• Occipital ridge

• Forearms and elbows

• Shoulders

These aren't just tight muscles.

These are fascial restrictions that limit your range of motion, create chronic pain, and shorten your career.

The Simplest Self-MFR Technique You Can Start Tonight

Here's what I am sharing with my clients.

And one of the techniques I'll be teaching at Selfish Saturday on November 22nd in Spring Lake, MI.

I know what you're thinking. "Wendy, I don't have time to add another self-care routine to my day."

That's exactly why this works.

Bring therapy balls to bed with you.

Here's the technique:

1. Choose your tool — If you're very restricted or tend to "force relaxation," use a 4-inch soft therapy ball. If you can handle more pressure, a tennis ball works great.

2. Get into bed — You're already in relaxation mode. No pressure to "hurry up and relax."

3. Place the ball under an area of restriction — Mid-back, between shoulder blades, along your spine. If it's the soft ball, directly on spine is okay, especially if you have a subluxation. Listen to your body on the exact spot it wants the ball to be and allow your body to melt over the ball. When released, follow the restriction to the next spot.

4. Let your body weight do the work — No forcing. Just let your body melt around the ball.

5. Breathe — Breathe into the restriction. Notice where the tissue wants to take you. Follow it.

6. Fall asleep if you want — It's okay if you fall asleep. Your body knows what to do next.

The beauty of this technique?

You're not adding time to your day.

You're using time you already have.

What We'll Practice at Selfish Saturday

On November 22nd, we're dedicating hands-on time to self-myofascial release techniques specifically for massage therapists.

Here's what you'll learn:

✓ How to find restrictions in your own body

✓ The hold-and-wait technique

✓ Breathing into restrictions

✓ Working with balls of all sizes

✓ Body mechanics that save your hands

We'll focus on whatever areas YOUR body needs most.

Because this day isn't about me teaching at you.

It's about you finally getting the hands-on care you've been giving everyone else.

The Truth About Self-Care for Massage Therapists

Self-care isn't selfish.

It's not indulgent.

It's not optional.

It's maintenance.

Your body is your business. If you don't maintain it, your business ends.

I've been doing this work for 24+ years. I still work without chronic pain. My hands, wrists, and shoulders are strong and functional.

That's not because I got lucky.

It's because I learned—sometimes the hard way, sitting on my bedroom floor with a broken toe—that I don't have the luxury of skipping self-care.

Neither do you.

Your Invitation

Selfish Saturday
November 22, 2025 · 11am - 4pm
Spring Lake, MI

A half-day retreat where you finally get to put yourself first.

We'll practice myofascial self-release, body mechanics that save your hands, movement practices that extend your career, guided meditations, and a 1-hour sound journey.

You'll earn 4 NCBTMB continuing education credits. This is the first time I'm teaching this class. I am an NCBTMB-approved continuing education provider, and upon approval of this new class, I will send you the completion certificate.

And you'll leave with techniques you can use immediately.

Early Bird Pricing Ends October 31st

Register now for $75 (normally $180)
After October 31st: $90 beta pricing

→ CLAIM YOUR SPOT

Need More Time to Decide?

I get it. You're busy. You're not sure if this is right for you. You want to know more about what we'll actually do.

Here's what I'm offering:

Book a FREE 30-minute self-care session with me before November 22nd, and you'll still get the $75 early bird rate—even after October 31st.

This isn't a sales pitch. It's a chance for you to experience myofascial release, ask questions, and see if Selfish Saturday is right for you.

Text me at 616-566-1437 to schedule your free session.

Your Body is Your Business and YOU are the CEO.

Goddess Wendy Coon, LMT
Co-author, Your Body is Your Business and YOU are the CEO! (2010)

You Can't Force Relaxation. You Have to Let Relaxation Happen.

P.S. — Only 11 spots left. This is a hands-on workshop limited to 12 participants for personalized attention. If you've been feeling the physical toll of this work, if your body hurts after sessions, if you've thought about leaving the profession because you can't keep up—this half-day is for you.

Register Now or Text Goddess Wendy 616-566-1437 to book your FREE 30 Minute Self Care Session