What I Learned at the World Massage Festival & American Massage Championships 2026

Every year I wonder if it's worth stepping outside my comfort zone.

Every year, the answer becomes a little more obvious.

This year's journey to the American Massage Championships 2026 and World Massage Festival wasn't just about competing—it was about growth, community, and remembering why I fell in love with massage therapy in the first place.

Traveling Into the Unknown

As I headed out on Wednesday evening, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I was looking forward to seeing so many friends in the massage community, but I also knew this year would be different.

For the first time, I was competing without Abby by my side. I suddenly found myself wondering who I'd ask for help, how I'd manage moving my Ashiatsu bars, and whether I truly belonged in these competitions. It's funny how even after 26 years as a massage therapist, those feelings of self-doubt can still creep in.

On my way to Cherokee, North Carolina, I stopped in Atlanta to have breakfast with my niece before taking the scenic route through Dry Falls. It was the perfect reminder that sometimes the best parts of a trip happen when you slow down.

A Spa Experience That Reminded Me Why We Do This Work

Before the competition began, I treated myself to a morning at the resort spa.

I enjoyed a sound healing session, a Fire & Ice massage, an eyebrow wax, and a pedicure. Everything about the experience reflected what a luxury spa should feel like—from the soaring ceilings and beautiful relaxation spaces to the sauna, hot tub, and peaceful atmosphere.

My massage therapist, Rhoda, delivered one of those treatments that reminds you why our profession matters. During the sound healing, she placed Tibetan singing bowls directly on my body, allowing the vibrations to resonate through different areas. It was incredible.

What stood out even more was what she didn't do.

She didn't fill the room with conversation.

She simply allowed me to rest.

As therapists, we sometimes forget that silence can be one of the greatest gifts we offer our clients. When someone comes in seeking peace, allowing quiet moments to exist can be just as healing as our techniques.

I left feeling deeply relaxed—and even more inspired.

Competition Day

Friday was all about preparation for the American Massage Championships 2026.

After orientation, I helped unload equipment for the DeepFeet booth, set up my Ashiatsu bars, and assisted other competitors. Thankfully, I had wonderful people willing to lend a hand, which eased many of the worries I'd been carrying.

Still, clinical competition day came with plenty of logistics.

My bars had to be moved between different floors of the resort, my treatment room was separate from the main competition space, and everything had to happen on a strict timeline.

Clinical competition allows only five minutes for assessment, twenty-five minutes of treatment, and five minutes for reassessment and home care recommendations.

It's fast.

It's intense.

And somehow, it's over before you know it.

Why These Competitions Matter

During the competitor orientation, one comment really stuck with me.

The judges reminded us that these events aren't simply performances. They are still about creating an effective treatment, building connection with the client, and delivering an exceptional experience.

That resonated with me.

Sometimes we spend years working in our treatment rooms without realizing we've fallen into routines. Our clients notice. We notice.

These competitions force us to ask:

How can I become better?

How can I create a more meaningful experience?

My own spa treatment reminded me that healing isn't always found in complicated techniques. Often it's found in beautiful transitions, thoughtful pauses, intentional touch, and giving clients permission to simply be.

Those moments matter.

Competition Results

Saturday finally arrived.

My clinical client presented with neck and shoulder complaints—right in my comfort zone. I was able to perform the exact style of treatment I love, incorporating Ashiatsu through prone, side-lying, and supine positions.

Later that afternoon came the Barefoot Massage category.

This year we had six competitors, which was exciting to see. The quality of work was incredible, and it was inspiring to watch barefoot massage continue to grow.

That evening I attended a poolside sound bath where participants could either float in the water or relax in lounge chairs. I chose the lounge chair—and I don't think I stayed awake very long.

Silver Medal

Sunday brought awards.

I didn't place in Clinical this year.

Honestly, I expected that.

Clinical massage is still evolving in the competition world, especially when it comes to demonstrating the effectiveness of Ashiatsu. I'll continue showing what's possible because I truly believe barefoot massage deserves recognition as an exceptional clinical treatment.

The surprise came when Barefoot Massage results were announced.

Silver Medal.

I couldn't have been happier.

After earning bronze last year, taking silver this year felt like confirmation that the work I'm putting in is moving in the right direction.

Congratulations to Alyssa Covey, who earned gold with an outstanding performance. Her creativity, use of hot stones, and overall presentation were exceptional, and she absolutely deserved the win.

Learning Never Stops

One of my favorite classes after the competition was the Stark Method. It introduced creative uses of partially inflated therapy balls and offered new ways of approaching movement and treatment.

Throughout the weekend I also saw therapists incorporating Pilates equipment, custom-built tools, and innovative stretching techniques into their work.

Innovation is everywhere when massage therapists gather together.

That's something I never fully appreciated until attending these events.

My Biggest Takeaway

A few years ago, I thought massage competitions were little more than a circus.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Today, I see them as places where our profession evolves.

Massage therapists spend most of their careers behind closed treatment room doors. We work one-on-one with clients, often in silence. While that work is incredibly meaningful, it can also become isolating.

The only way our profession continues to grow is by getting out of our treatment rooms.

We have to share ideas.

We have to collaborate.

We have to watch each other work.

We have to inspire one another.

This weekend reminded me that massage is far bigger than any one therapist.

I'm incredibly grateful to my friend China Facchini for convincing me to attend these events a few years ago. Saying yes has expanded my community, challenged my thinking, and made me a better therapist and instructor.

Now I'm even more excited to continue building that same sense of community here in California.

Because when massage therapists come together, we all get better—and so do the clients we serve.