Medical Massage Therapist
The Beauty and Wellness Center in Texarkana
Even when she was very young, Avry Dawn enjoyed caring for others. She would even turn her dolls into “patients” and treat them with toy needles, a stethoscope, and otoscope tools. When her dolls didn’t feel “real” enough, she would get one of her seven siblings to be the patients and treat them for their imaginary ailments. “I guess, instinctively, I always knew I wanted to be a healthcare provider,” Avry says. “What I love most about my job is the opportunity to work in an environment of wonderful people focused on helping people and providing tangible results.”
Avry is a medical massage therapist at The Beauty and Wellness Center in Texarkana. When patients book a medical massage, they can expect a session specifically tailored to their needs, whether acute or chronic pain relief, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, stretching, carpal tunnel syndrome pain relief, injury recovery, or emotional release. “During the session, it is the patient’s time to just BE. It’s a time for healing and focusing on their needs for a healthier and happier lifestyle,” Avry says. “Patients can expect a hand-held, guided massage where their preferences are heard and applied. They have a say in the pressure level and what makes them feel more at home. Every patient will always be seen, heard, respected, and valued throughout the session, and they will leave feeling relieved with a customized plan for progress at home and future sessions if needed.”
One aspect of healthcare that really appeals to Avry is that professionals in these careers are driven to continue learning. “As a medical massage therapist, I do not have the option to go through training and be done,” Avry says. “There are always new discoveries about the body that are coming out in the medical world, as well as old studies that are no longer accurate for our health. I must be in the know and educate myself on such changes. One day, I hope holistic and Western medicine are combined more, and a massage is seen, not just as a luxury, but as a need in overall healing.”
When she first decided to go through massage training, Avry was warned that the MBLEX (Massage and Bodywork Licensing Exam) was extremely difficult. She was told that many who attempt the exam usually fail on their first try. “I remember studying extremely hard and reading the textbook front and back repeatedly. When I arrived at the testing center, I was so nervous. I remember my heart beating fast in my chest. I felt like passing the test on the first try would prove that massage was the right path for me,” Avry says. “After the test, I went up to the lady at the desk as she printed my results. She flipped the paper down for privacy reasons and handed it to me. I held my breath, prayed, and then flipped the paper over. PASS!”
Avry was overwhelmed with joy when she learned that her hard work had paid off. “Passing the MBLEX on the first try is one of my best accomplishments, not only to me but also to my teachers who poured so much into my training,” Avry says. “Another accomplishment is being considered a ‘prodigy’ in my school, as I am one of two people who graduated early and at the top of my class. There was a seven-year gap between me and the other student.”
While working as a massage therapist, Avry has had to learn many lessons that helped determine her personal convictions and beliefs. Years ago, she started work at a place that seemed wonderful. Avry enjoyed her coworkers, the owner, and her clients. “However, over time, I realized that, although the owner was a lovely person, they were dealing with the pressures of their business and personal life. This made them accept a client’s inappropriate behavior towards the massage therapists,” Avry says. “I remember realizing that the owner was not willing to truly see how my coworkers and I were uncomfortable because they were blinded by financial needs.”
Because of this, Avry left the business, and she learned two important lessons. First, she believes that clearing her own energy prior to providing massage will allow her to be more aware of what is going on within herself and others, which will help her make the best and most appropriate decisions. “Had the owner done the same, they would have been aware of the disturbances in their business,” Avry says. “Secondly, even though money is a need in this world, sometimes it can blind us from seeing what we need to see and not just what we desire. I learned to respect the energy flow of money as a means but not to depend on it to the point of false judgment.”
From this experience, Avry has continued to practice a strong dedication to self-awareness and practicing her craft as a massage therapist. In fact, Avry’s current goals include applying her knowledge to her own home and professional practices. After moving from Houston to Texarkana, she feels like her life has been disorganized, and she wants to establish a healthy regime. “I’d like to create a routine where I have a healthy and balanced social, self-care, and work routine. I also want to balance my travel work life because I travel as a medical massage therapist,” Avry says. “I know these things take patience and time, and everything will not fall into place immediately. Not only did I move to a new place and have a new work life, but I am also newly engaged to Ashton Anderson as of September 2023. It will take time to see what best works for me and time to meet new friends.”
As Avry continues to work on her personal and professional goals, she prides herself on the services she can provide her patients. She strives to create a space where her patients feel safe, confident, and valued daily. “I want them to know that I will always give 1000% of my knowledge, experience, and energy to best serve, help, and heal their individual conditions,” Avry says. “What drives me daily is knowing everything I say, do, and believe matters. I know what I energetically put out into the world never goes unnoticed. This is why I believe I should always do the right thing, especially when no one is watching. Regardless of the consequences, I desire to do my very best in this world with the time that I have.”
Fun Facts
- I am passionate about dance because it is an art form where I can create stories through body movements and self-expression. I began my professional dance journey with rigorous dance training at my high school and participated in competitions and shows, pep rallies, and a solo for my senior year. Afterward, I trained amongst NBA and NFL cheerleaders and participated in a few music videos in Houston.
- My favorite place to eat in Texarkana is Mooyah. I always order gluten-free Turkey burgers and french fries.
- The best tip I know for staying healthy is to be aware of your body – understanding where certain feelings stem from will help you know what you are deficient in or need.
- If I could create a magical prescription drug, it would cure the digestive tract and rid it of abnormalities and bad gut bacteria because the gut is the second brain. A healthy digestive tract reinforces many things, such as weight loss, energy, a functioning thyroid, balanced levels of testosterone and estrogen, increased blood flow, a high-functioning immune system, and a healthy heart.
- Most people don’t know I am a certified yoga teacher and enjoy meshing together massages with a bit of yoga for my patients!