Massage Therapist Spotlight : Rachel Gard with Wolf River Massage Therapy in Collierville, Tennessee
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 18
For more than a decade, Rachel Gard has been helping people move better, feel better and live with less pain. She has built her practice around providing thoughtful, results-driven bodywork that meets the unique needs of every client.
When Rachel opened her private practice in 2021, she made a commitment to continue growing as a therapist. That commitment led her to Elevate Massage Training, where she began learning specialized techniques that have transformed both her practice and the care she provides.
For Rachel, continuing education has never been about simply earning CE hours. It's about refining her skills, expanding her treatment options and building the confidence to better serve her clients.
About Rachel Gard
Our spotlight massage therapist, Rachel Gard, is a licensed massage therapist and owner of Wolf River Massage Therapy in Collierville, Tennessee.
Rachel had long envisioned combining Thai massage with Ashiatsu as part of her practice. She wanted to offer effective, therapeutic bodywork that could provide deep pressure while also being sustainable for her own body as a therapist.
"I have always wanted to do a mixture of Thai massage and Ashiatsu."
That goal led her to begin specialized training to add new modalities that complemented the care she was already providing.
How Rachel Started HER ASHIATSU Journey
Rachel's training with Elevate Massage Training began with nearly 50 hours of continuing education, including a three-day Thai Massage Immersion followed by four days of Ashiatsu training on the table using overhead support bars.
After completing her coursework, Rachel invested time preparing her treatment room for barefoot massage. She carefully installed the required equipment, completed documented practice sessions and successfully passed her skills assessment to earn the designation of Elevate Barefoot Bar Practitioner.
What Is Ashiatsu Massage? A Quick Reference
Ashiatsu massage is a barefoot massage technique in which therapists use overhead support bars for balance while applying broad, consistent pressure with their feet. Depending on the technique being performed, therapists may work from the massage table or use a specially positioned massage stool to achieve precise angles and controlled pressure. Many massage therapists choose Ashiatsu because it allows them to deliver effective deep tissue massage while reducing strain on their hands, wrists and shoulders. Clients often appreciate the deep, even pressure and deeply relaxing experience that Ashiatsu massage provides.
Continuing Education with Elevate Massage Training
One aspect of her training that made a lasting impression was the quality of instruction.
"I really loved how Charlene explains each movement and how she is really good with teaching the classes. I think she's one of the best teachers I've ever taken from any type of continuing education."
The detailed instruction and supportive learning environment helped Rachel feel prepared to confidently incorporate her new skills into daily practice.
How Ashiatsu Has Improved Her Practice
Today, Ashiatsu has become an established part of the services Rachel offers at Wolf River Massage Therapy. Rachel reports that approximately 20% of her clients specifically book deep Ashiatsu sessions, while many others choose the moderate-pressure option. The technique has been especially beneficial for active clients looking for focused work on the legs, glutes and lower back, giving her another effective tool for addressing a variety of therapeutic needs.
Rachel continues to see education as an investment in both her clients and her practice. As she works toward advanced Ashiatsu certification, she's focused on expanding her expertise while continuing to provide personalized, results-driven care.
Reflecting on the impact of continuing education, Rachel says:
"It has helped my business do well because of the education I've received."
Connect with Rachel in Tennessee
For Rachel, learning has never been about adding another credential—it's about continually growing into the therapist she wants to be and providing the highest level of care for every client who walks through her door.
Schedule a session with Rachel at Wolf River Massage Therapy in Collierville, Tennessee.
Train With Us
Rachel's journey is a great example of how continuing education can strengthen both a therapist's confidence and the quality of care they provide. By investing in specialized training in Thai Massage and Ashiatsu, she expanded the services available at her business while building a practice that better serves the needs of her clients—and supports the longevity of her own career.
If you're a licensed massage therapist ready to grow your own practice, Elevate Massage Training offers hands-on continuing education designed to help you build confidence, master new techniques and better serve your clients. Explore our Ashiatsu and Thai Massage CE Workshops to discover new techniques that can elevate your skills and help you better serve your clients.
Want To Be Our Next Spotlight Massage Therapist in TENNESSEE And USA?
One of the greatest rewards of teaching continuing education is seeing how our alumni grow, serve their clients and make an impact in the massage therapy profession.
If you have taken any Elevate Massage Training course and are actively using what you learned in your practice then we'd love to feature your story in our Alumni Spotlight series.
Your experience can inspire fellow therapists, celebrate your accomplishments and help future students see what's possible through continuing education. Submit Your Spotlight
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