Please provide your full name, current location, and current job title.
Diane E. Hood, BCTMB, Springfield, Missouri.
Provide one fun fact about you.
I’d rather be outdoors than indoors most days, especially if it’s sunny and warm! I’m a 4-time All-American for USA Triathlon and was a collegiate school record holder in the mile, 1500 meters and 3,000 meters and a USA Cycling Missouri State time trial champion.
What are your hobbies?
Running, cycling, hiking, walks in the woods with my husband and our dog, reading, writing/journaling, and coaching runners and triathletes.
How did you discover the massage therapy profession? What motivated you to pursue massage therapy as a career?
I was injured a lot as a competitive high school and collegiate runner, so I was exposed to various ways to treat over-use injuries. After college I met a physical therapist who did a lot of soft tissue work for plantar fasciitis. I was red-shirted a year in college due to that injury, even had surgery to repair it, so when exposed to this type of non-invasive treatment I went back to school to learn how to do this type of therapy.
How did you develop your passion?
I worked in a physical therapy clinic while going back to school to take pre-requisites for physical therapy school but ended up becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer. It was a good choice, as I traveled with Drury University swim team when they won two NCAA Division 2 National Championships and got to continue to work with athletes/active people to help them pursue their goals. Along the way I became certified in massage therapy.
How has your massage career evolved?
I started out at a physical therapy clinic and learned a lot about treating that population group. I wanted to expand into treating more active/athletic population so decided to become self-employed and work in various settings while also paying rent to use space in the clinic. I was exposed to how to keep SOAP notes and various aspects of running a clinic, which led me to rent office space in a fitness center setting, then to my current space in a clinic along the medical corridor in our town. One of the things that excites me about my current role/location is the opportunity to reach a more diverse group of people in the community and impact their lives in a positive way.
When did you first become NCBTMB Certified?
November 1993.
Why did you elect to become NCBTMB Certified?
It was the highest credential and I always strive for the best!
Why have you maintained your NCBTMB Certification all these years?
The prestige associated with the credential is important to me in that it indicates I’ve achieved the highest standards in my profession.
How has NCBTMB Certification elevated your career? What doors did it open for you?
It allowed me to work as a self-employed therapist with credentials.
What would you say to a fellow massage therapist contemplating Board Certification?
Do it! It helps demonstrate your skills and commitment to the professionalism of your profession!
How has your practice and/or employment been affected by COVID-19?
We had to shut down completely for about seven weeks, so that was challenging. Thankfully I’d been around long enough to build up a broad base of steady clientele who were there for me when we were able to open again.
If you are not working or unable to work during the pandemic, what are you doing during this time to prepare yourself for future work?
I’m working and continue to pursue education. I’m currently working on a book about various treatment methods combined with suggested workouts and nutrition strategies for specific over-use injuries.
What would you suggest a fellow massage therapist do during this time to prepare for future success?
Most definitely use this time to do things you may have been putting off. It’s really a “gift” to have the opportunity to gain more knowledge, experience and obtain Board Certification!
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To apply for Board Certification, click here.