Meet Jamye Richardson | Licensed Massage Therapist, Neuromuscular Rehab Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamye Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamye, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Loveland, CO where I now run Medela Bodywork & Wellness. My mother has always been interested in natural health options. She has been my #1 fan in supporting me in finding out what type of work was fulfilling.

In my early 20’s, I was on the road of self discovery taking basic education classes and trying different jobs to see what lit me up. I worked at Foothills Gateway, a day center for adults with developmental challenges. I had a group of 4-5 people that I would take out in the community. One of our weekly activities was going swimming and I found that while in the therapy pool at the EPIC center, I had a natural desire to try to help clients feel better in their bodies.

This led to me taking some holistic health classes at Front Range Community College. I was the first student to graduate with a Holistic Health Practitioner Certificate from the Larimer Campus! That led me to massage courses at the Healing Arts Institute where I graduated with my massage certificate in 2005, followed by a certificate in Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in 2007. I also taught at the school for several years.

After 20 years of practice, I continue to have a curious approach to learning. Whenever I get bored or burnt out, I know it’s time to learn something new. I’ve received certificates for: doula birth support, Reiki, Healing Touch, yoga teacher training, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, and most recently Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The journey of life comes with so many unexpected twists and turns. I have tried working in several different situations; with other massage therapists, with chiropractors, in wellness clinics and found that a delicate balance of being a solo entrepreneur who works in an environment with other practitioners is best for me. I have also created a small group of other wellness practitioners that meets on a monthly basis to offer support and mastermind.

In the beginning of any practice, you start by trying to emulate your mentors and do what they do. Over time, you get to trust yourself and your ability to feel a person’s tissue, their resistance, their softness. Every massage therapist has their own way of approaching their craft. I used to be a “no pain, no gain” kind of girl, but over the years, I have found that the body and mind respond best to a combination of tenderness and focused work. I have quite a few tools under my belt, but four things that I use almost every session are: hot stones, silicone massage cups, neuromuscular therapy, and trigger point therapy. I’ve developed a way of “seeing” the muscles through my hands, and even through the stones and cups.

I always wanted a therapy dog to bring to work and in October 2023 that became a reality. Rose isn’t an official therapy dog yet, but she is certifiably one of the sweetest animals you will meet. She loves coming to work with me and seeing all of her friends.

I couldn’t do it alone! I have two other massage therapists who work with me: Taylor Ford and Colbie Fleming. Taylor’s specialty is Thai massage and Colbie is our deep tissue specialist.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would be in nature for sure! Colorado has so many hidden treasures; hot springs and mountains are my top favorites! I love finding good food to eat after a day of playing outdoors.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to several key people who have helped shape me and my career. Fist of all, my mama. She is by far my top cheerleader. Pat Dayhuff has encouraged me non-stop to find out what truly sparks joy in my life. She is a naturalist at heart and has led by example how to live a healthy life.

I had a fabulous massage mentor, Kendra Melson, who’s knowledge of anatomy, form, and function of the body inspired me to continue to deepen my understanding of how we work. She also drove proper ergonomics into my muscle memory, which is part of why I’ve been able to sustain a career as a massage therapist for 20 years. Tripods, tripods, tripods! (Anyone who had Kendra at HAI will remember that!). Thanks Kendra.

Lastly, anyone who is in the healing field and has been able to be financially successful helps motivate me. To see others be of service to the world while also living a beautiful life gives all of us “healers” inspiration to keep on doing our work.

Website: https://MedelaBodywork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medela_bodywork_wellness/

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