Today we’d like to introduce you to Louann Cranford.
Hi Louann, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
. I am a Tarleton State University graduate with a BS-Business Education degree.
. I taught high school business for 6 years before entering the business industry, working as an Executive Assistant in insurance, public accounting, and property management, with the bulk of that time spent in property management assisting with management and operations of large properties and multi-family housing.
. After recognizing the gradual downfall of the real estate industry, my focus changed to finding something that I could do myself and not rely on someone else for a paycheck. As a young child, my mother would have me rub her neck and shoulders; so, I decided to become a licensed massage therapist.
. Because I had on-going neck and shoulder issues as a result of an automobile accident, my focus in massage school was on the Orthopedic/Medical Massage modality.
. Having been a teacher and putting a great deal of emphasis on education, I have a very strong belief in continuing education in order to stay current on the changes in the field as well as learning new techniques and modalities that can enhance the benefits of medical massage.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My path in the massage industry has not been an easy road. However, all of the struggles have been worth the effort. Finding the “right area” and marketing ideas have been difficult for me. Because I chose ABMP, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, as my professional organization, their free templates are a tremendous help. Another benefit of choosing ABMP is they provide a free website and email which they setup and maintain. Therefore, I did not have to “hunt” for a good website and email service.
Another difficult area for me was finding a “good” location for my services. Even though I was a part-time employee for a few existing companies, I knew I wanted to have my own location in order for clients to come directly to me. After trying several locations in different areas, I answered an ad for a location in Duncanville in 2009. It “worked” for 5 years and then my current location within Duncanville Laser Clinic “fell into my lap.” As I have told the owner, unless she sells or “kicks me out,” I will continue to work from this location until retirement.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
After graduating, I immediately went to register the company name I had wanted, Caring Touch Massage Therapy. However, that name was already taken so I had to come up with something else. I must have mumbled something in my distress and a lady standing next to me recognized my dilemma then said, “Isn’t there something similar that means the same thing?” I stared at her for a minute, “put my thinking cap on,” and thought OK. “Myo” means muscle and I do therapy on the muscles. So, I immediately said, “Caring Touch Myotherapy” and entered it into the computer and found it was available. She even said that the “Myotherapy” sounded much more “professional” than the other.
I am extremely proud of the knowledge that I have been able to acquire from all of the ongoing continuing education. I do not recall what I thought I would be learning in massage school, except what an old boss said….”learning how to correctly rub on someone.” During my high school and college years, I “steered clear” of as many biology-type classes as possible because I HATED biology in all forms. It still amazes me that my work each and every day is anatomy and physiology; and I love explaining it to my clients! It still fascinates me that I am working with biology on a more advanced level than I would have ever thought possible and love doing it.
This advanced knowledge comes sometimes at a high cost. Therefore, my prices sometimes may seem to reflect that; however, I try hard to maintain a competitive pricing structure for all of my menu items. My focus has become more and more on the medical modalities instead of trying to provide a taste of everything I have learned in the past 26 years. Another therapist who works in the same office provides strictly the basic “Swedish” massage; and I am glad to let her do those while I perform the more complicated, in-depth medical modalities.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Many, if not all, of my clients are thoroughly surprised to find out that I HATED biology in high school and college. Because I am constantly taking classes, many of them ask me how many hours of continuing education I have and tease me about having enough to have a doctorate degree! Also, some of my clients are fascinated that I “find” painful areas that they have not identified as such. So, some have given me the nickname “the finder.”
Pricing:
- 60 Min Medical $90
- 90 Min Medical $125
- 120 Min Medical $160
- 90 Min Pregnancy $125
- 90 Min Lymphatic $125
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ctm.abmp.com
Image Credits
Top row right, left middle row, center middle row pictures are from ABMP which they allow use for marketing purposes.
