Welcome! I’m Jennifer Richards, LMT, a Licensed Massage Therapist, massage instructor, author, and continuing education provider with a special focus on hypermobility and connective tissue disorders.
My work centers on helping massage therapists safely and effectively work with hypermobile clients, a population that is frequently misunderstood within bodywork. Through my teaching, writing, and continuing education courses, I aim to bridge the gap between clinical understanding and practical hands-on care.
I am the author of Working Safely with Hypermobility: Evidence-Informed Bodywork for Connective Tissue Disorders, a resource designed to help massage therapists understand the complexities of hypermobility, including joint instability, nervous system sensitivity, and the many conditions that often accompany it. My goal is to help therapists move beyond “lighter pressure” advice and instead develop thoughtful, individualized approaches that support stability, safety, and long-term wellness.
My perspective is both professional and personal. As someone living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, I understand firsthand how hypermobile bodies respond to touch, movement, and therapeutic intervention. This lived experience informs my teaching and allows me to translate complex medical information into practical strategies massage therapists can confidently apply.
In addition to my specialization in hypermobility, my background in holistic health includes certifications in food and nutrition and essential oils, along with experience as a freelance food writer and recipe developer. These experiences contribute to my broader interest in helping people understand how lifestyle, nutrition, movement, and therapeutic touch work together to support health.
Today, my primary focus is education—supporting massage therapists, students, and healthcare professionals in understanding the unique needs of hypermobile clients and improving the safety and effectiveness of bodywork for this population.
- Caring for the Hypermobile Massage Therapist
A Gentle Self-Care Guide for Sustainable Practice Jennifer Richards, LMT First — You Are Not Broken If you are hypermobile, you are not fragile. You are not weak. And you are certainly not incapable. But your body does work differently. Hypermobility is not just flexibility. It is increased joint range combined with decreased passive stability.…More - When It’s Not Lupus, Sjögren’s, or “Just Anxiety”
The Problem of Misdiagnosis in Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders By Jennifer Richards, LMT Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) are connective tissue disorders that frequently go unrecognized in clinical practice. Because connective tissue is present throughout the body, symptoms often involve multiple organ systems. When these symptoms are evaluated in isolation, patients may…More - Hypermobility Facebook Group
If you are a massage therapist or bodyworker, please join my group about how to massage someone with hypermobility. Facebook: Hypermobility and Connective Tissue Disorders: A Guide for Massage TherapistsMore - The Client That Changed How I Practice
I began massage school at the age of 50 — a time when many people are thinking about slowing down, yet I was just getting started. From the moment I entered the classroom, I knew I had found my path. Massage therapy felt meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with who I was becoming. Like every new…More - Why Professional Infrastructure Is Essential in the Spa & Wellness Industry
By Jennifer Richards 2025 There’s a persistent belief in the spa and wellness industry that being a “small business” allows organizations to operate informally — that policies, training, and professional oversight can wait until later. In healthcare-adjacent industries, that belief creates real risk. Having worked across management, safety, compliance, and workplace culture, I’ve seen how…More - My Book Is Officially Published! A Must-Have Resource for Massage Therapists Working With Hypermobility
By Jennifer Richards 2026 I’m so excited to finally share some big news… My book is officially published! 🎉 Working Safely with Hypermobility right? But it’s not. The Hypermobility is a symptom of a much larger problem. There is approximately 1/500 people that are Hypermobile. Being one myself, I was constantly injured by misguided therapists…More - Student Massage Clinic: What It Is & What to Expect
By Jennifer Richards 2026 (A Friendly Guide for First-Time Clients) If you’ve ever thought about getting a massage but weren’t sure where to start—a student massage clinic can be an amazing option. It’s affordable, professional, and a great way to support future massage therapists as they learn and grow. Whether you’re coming in for relaxation,…More - Handling Clients: Understanding Massage Therapy as Healthcare, Not Retail
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Massage therapy occupies a unique space between hospitality and healthcare—and that distinction matters. While comfort, professionalism, and client experience are important, massage therapists are licensed healthcare providers, not retail service workers. The idea that “the customer is always right” does not apply when health, safety, and ethical responsibility are involved. A…More - Accepting Insurance as a Massage Therapist
The Pros, the Cons, the Process, and the Professional Reality At some point in their career, many massage therapists are asked the same question: “Do you accept insurance?” For some practitioners, accepting insurance feels like a natural extension of providing healthcare. For others, it raises concerns about autonomy, sustainability, and administrative burden. The truth is…More - Substack
Follow me on Substack!More - The Art of Words: Expanding My Healing Practice Through Writing
By Jennifer Richards Healing takes many forms. Sometimes it’s found in stillness — in the quiet space between breath and touch. Other times, it’s woven through words — in stories that restore, educate, and inspire. For years, I’ve nurtured wellness through massage therapy, holistic nutrition, and essential oils, helping people reconnect with their bodies and…More - Massage and the Nervous System: Why It Matters More Than You Think
By Jennifer Richards The nervous system is the body’s communication highway — sending messages between your brain and every part of your body. It controls how you move, breathe, feel, and even digest your food. When your nervous system is calm and balanced, everything runs more smoothly: your muscles relax, your breathing deepens, and your…More - Massage and the Endocrine System: Why Sharing Matters
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any medical condition or before beginning new treatments. Massage therapists do not diagnose, prescribe, or cure disease. Our role is to…More - Massage and the Digestive System: Why Communication Matters
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about any medical condition or before starting new treatments. Massage therapists do not diagnose, prescribe, or cure illness. Our role is…More - The Importance of Finding a Massage Therapist Skilled in Medical Massage
By Jennifer Richards When most people think of massage, they picture a relaxing spa environment, soothing music, and gentle pressure that helps melt stress away. While this type of massage is wonderful for calming the nervous system, there is a very different type of massage that goes beyond relaxation: medical massage. What is Medical Massage?…More - 🌏 Beyond the Basics: More Asian Bodywork Modalities You Should Know About
By Jennifer Richards 2025 By now, you’ve explored a range of bodywork traditions from Asia—each one rooted in the belief that the body holds wisdom, and that healing comes through movement, stillness, energy, and intention. If you’ve read my previous articles on cupping, gua sha, Tui Na, and Jin Qi, you already know there’s more…More - 🪷 Ayurvedic Massage & Yoga: Ancient Healing for the Modern Body
By Jennifer Richards 2025 If you’ve ever felt like modern wellness is missing something—like it’s just treating symptoms and not the whole person—you’re not alone. In Ayurveda, the ancient medical system of India, health is about balance, rhythm, and nourishment for the body, mind, and spirit. Ayurvedic massage and yoga are two powerful tools from…More - 🌟 Reiki & Polarity Therapy: Energy Healing Through Gentle Touch
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Touch doesn’t always need pressure to be powerful. In fact, some of the deepest healing happens when we go quiet—when we shift from muscle to energy, from doing to being. Reiki and Polarity Therapy are two gentle, non-invasive practices that work on the body’s subtle energy systems. They aren’t massage in…More - 🌀 Qi Gong & Tai Chi: Meditation in Motion
By Jennifer Richards 2025 In a world where everything moves fast, Qi Gong and Tai Chi invite us to slow down—not just to rest, but to reconnect. These two practices, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Taoist philosophy, use gentle, intentional movement to harmonize the body, breath, and mind. They aren’t just “exercise.” They’re…More - 🇹🇭 What Is Thai Massage? Stretch, Breathe, Heal
By Jennifer Richards In the world of massage and bodywork, Thai Massage stands out as something completely different—part movement, part meditation, part acupressure session. It’s often called “lazy man’s yoga,” but that barely scratches the surface of its power. This ancient healing art isn’t about lying passively on a table—it’s about active, flowing connection between…More - How to Spot a Legitimate Spa—and Why It Matters More Than You Think
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Introduction Most people seek massage for stress relief, pain management, or self-care. But not every business advertising massage services is legitimate. Unfortunately, some operate under the guise of “massage” while participating in illegal and dangerous activities—both for clients and for the women working there. Here’s how to protect yourself—and others. 1.…More - The Silent Power of Massage
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Why Quiet Enhances the Healing Experience When you walk into a massage room, you’re entering more than just a quiet space—you’re stepping into a healing sanctuary. One of the most overlooked but powerful ways to get the most from your massage is simple: be still. Be quiet. Be present. Massage works…More - My Cookbook Has Been Published
It’s Official — My Cookbook Is Published! 📚🥄✨ From Bermuda to Your Kitchen: A Scone Story I grew up in Bermuda, where scones were a beloved staple—light, tender, and full of flavor. When I moved to the U.S., I was surprised to find scones that were dry and bland. So I began baking my own,…More - Deep Pressure vs. Deep Tissue: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
By Jennifer Richards 2025 It happens almost every day: a new client fills out their intake form, checks off “Deep Tissue,” and says, “I like it really deep.” But here’s the thing—not everyone who asks for “deep” actually needs deep tissue massage. And not everyone benefits from it. Let’s clear up the confusion. What Is…More - ✨Reflexology: A Path to Whole-Body Wellness
By Jennifer Richards 2025 What is Reflexology? Reflexology is a therapeutic technique rooted in ancient healing systems that uses gentle pressure on specific points of the feet, hands, and ears to stimulate the body’s own healing response. Unlike a foot massage, reflexology is grounded in the idea that certain areas correspond with organs, systems, and…More - Why Your Posture and Movement Habits Matter More Than You Think
(And How Massage and Stretching Can Help) By Jennifer Richards 2025 Ever find yourself slouching at your desk, leaning to one side while scrolling your phone, or waking up with a stiff neck and sore lower back? These little habits are part of something called body mechanics—the way you use your body every day to…More - Gua Sha: Ancient Healing for Modern Times
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Gua Sha (pronounced gwah-shah) is an ancient healing technique that has gained renewed popularity in recent years—and for good reason. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this hands-on practice is used to release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support the immune system. But behind the jade tools and viral beauty trends…More - Understanding Jin Qi: Ancient Energy, Modern Wellness
By Jennifer Richards 2025 If you’re exploring massage and holistic therapies, you may have come across the term Jin Qi (sometimes written “Jing Qi”). But what exactly is it—and why does it matter for your health and vitality? Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is Jin Qi? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi…More - Tuina Massage: Ancient Healing for Modern Wellness
By Jennifer Richards 2025 In the world of bodywork, most people are familiar with Swedish or deep tissue massage—but there’s a powerful and lesser-known modality that deserves a place in your wellness toolbox: Tuina (pronounced “twee-nah”). Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Tuina is an ancient practice that blends rhythmic bodywork with energy balancing techniques.…More - What a Licensed Massage Therapist Doesn’t Do
By Jennifer Richards 2025 A Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) is a trained health professional who uses manual techniques to help reduce pain, improve circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote overall wellness. But there are clear boundaries to their scope of practice. Here’s what an LMT does not do: ❌ Diagnose Medical Conditions LMTs are not doctors.…More - Masseuse or Massage Therapist
By Jennifer Richards 2025 The shift from the term “masseuse” to “licensed massage therapist (LMT)” or “certified massage therapist (CMT)” in the United States began in earnest in the 1980s and 1990s, driven by the profession’s efforts to gain legitimacy, standardize education, and distance itself from the sexualized connotations of “masseuse” and “masseur.” In turn,…More - Behind the Calm: What Giving a Massage Really Takes
By Jennifer Richards 2025 When people think of massage therapy, they often imagine a quiet room, soft music, and soothing scents—and yes, that’s part of it. But for the person giving the massage, it’s a full-body, full-mind effort that takes real energy, training, and endurance. In fact, 1 hour of massage can feel like 2…More - Massage and Long COVID: A Gentle Path to Support
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Long COVID can bring a wide range of lingering symptoms that affect daily life—fatigue, body pain, brain fog, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and more. While there is no single solution, massage therapy may offer gentle, supportive care as part of a broader wellness plan. Potential Benefits of Massage for Long COVID Relieving…More - Indications for Massage
By Jennifer Richards 2025 1. Musculoskeletal Conditions Muscle tension and tightness Chronic pain (e.g., back, neck, shoulders) Muscle strains or sprains (post-acute phase) Joint pain (non-inflammatory) Myofascial pain syndrome Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) Poor posture or postural imbalances Tendonitis (in subacute or chronic stages) Trigger points 2. Circulatory and Lymphatic Support Edema (non-cardiac and…More - Prenatal Massage: What You Need to Know
By Jennifer Richards 2025 What is Prenatal Massage? Prenatal massage is a specialized form of therapeutic bodywork tailored to support the changing needs of pregnant individuals. It helps relieve common pregnancy discomforts like back pain, hip tension, swelling, and fatigue, while also promoting relaxation, circulation, and overall well-being. Who Should Perform a Prenatal Massage—and Why…More - Gentle Healing: What You Need to Know About Oncology Massage
By Jennifer Richards 2025 When you’re navigating the world of cancer treatment—whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the thick of treatment, or adjusting to life afterward—your body and mind go through a lot. Oncology massage offers a way to bring comfort, calm, and connection back into the body during a time when everything can feel uncertain…More - What Is Reiki—and What It Isn’t
By Jennifer Richards 2025 What Is Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. The word “Reiki” comes from Rei (universal) and Ki (life energy). Practitioners channel this universal life force energy through their hands to help balance the recipient’s energy. It’s typically performed with the client…More - Mindfulness: A Path to Healing Through Awareness
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Introduction Many people seek massage therapy for relaxation, stress relief, or pain management. Yet, something interesting happens when they step into the quiet, safe space of a massage room—instead of unwinding, their mind starts racing. Some clients begin reliving their stresses, talking through their struggles as if they’re in a therapy…More - Trigger Point Therapy Massage: A Targeted Approach to Pain Relief
By Jennifer Richards 2025 If you’ve ever experienced persistent muscle knots, tightness, or referred pain that just won’t go away, Trigger Point Therapy (TPT) might be the solution you need. This highly targeted massage technique focuses on releasing trigger points—hyperirritable spots in muscle tissue that can cause pain, stiffness, and even discomfort in other areas…More - Sports Massage: Enhancing Performance & Recovery
By Jennifer Richards 2025 Sports massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to help athletes and physically active individuals prevent injuries, enhance performance, and speed up recovery. Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone who exercises regularly, sports massage can be a game-changer in your routine. What Is Sports Massage?…More - Lymphatic Massage: What It Is, Who Needs It, and What to Expect
By Jennifer Richards 2025 The lymphatic system is one of the body’s unsung heroes, quietly working to remove toxins, support immune function, and regulate fluid balance. When this system becomes sluggish or compromised, swelling, fatigue, and a weakened immune response can result. Lymphatic massage is a specialized technique designed to help keep the lymphatic system…More - Massage Therapy for Autoimmune Disorders: A Supportive Approach
By Jennifer A. Richards 2025 Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and fibromyalgia (which shares many autoimmune-like features) can significantly impact daily life. While massage therapy…More - How Emotions, Stress, and Trauma Affect the Body – And How Massage Can Help
By Jennifer A. Richards 2025 Introduction Emotions, stress, and trauma don’t just affect the mind—they manifest physically in the body. Many people experience chronic pain, digestive issues, fatigue, poor posture, and other physical symptoms without realizing that stress is a major underlying factor. When stress becomes chronic, it alters our nervous system, hormone balance, posture,…More - The Effects of Desk Jobs and Prolonged Sitting on the Body—And How to Fix It
By Jennifer A Richards 2025 In today’s world, many of us spend hours sitting at a desk, staring at a screen, and unknowingly putting our bodies under constant strain. While it may seem harmless, prolonged sitting can lead to muscular imbalances, pain, stiffness, and even long-term injuries. Understanding how sitting affects the body and learning…More - Cupping Therapy: An Ancient Technique for Modern Healing
By Jennifer A. Richards 2025 What Is Cupping Therapy? Cupping therapy is a form of decompression therapy that uses suction to create negative pressure on the skin. Unlike traditional massage, which applies compression to muscles and fascia, cupping lifts the tissue, increasing blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation. A Brief History of Cupping Cupping has…More - Understanding Sciatica: Causes, Treatments, and Holistic Approaches
By Jennifer Richards 2025 What Is Sciatica? Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. How Does Sciatica Happen? Sciatica occurs when…More - The Importance of Stretching
By Jennifer A. Richards 2025 As a massage therapist, I see firsthand how important stretching is for maintaining mobility, reducing tension, and preventing pain. Yet, most people don’t stretch regularly—or at all. The Benefits of Stretching Incorporating stretching into your daily routine offers numerous benefits, including: • Increased Flexibility & Range of Motion – Helps…More - Plantar Fasciitis and How Massage Can Help You
By Jennifer A. Richards 2025 Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed due to overuse, poor foot…More - Massage for Pain Management: How It Works, When to Try It, and What to Consider
By Jennifer A Richards 2025 Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people seek massage therapy. Whether it’s from injury, surgery, illness, or an ongoing condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia, pain can have a major impact on quality of life. Massage has been used for centuries to relieve pain, but how does it…More - Understanding Massage Therapy Tips: What’s Customary and What’s Appropriate
By Jennifer A. Richards LMT 2025 Tipping in the massage industry is not mandatory, but it is a long-standing custom that allows clients to show appreciation for their therapist’s time, skill, and care. While gratuities are never expected, they are always appreciated, especially in a profession where therapists invest significant effort in tailoring each session…More - Benefits of Massage
By Jennifer A. Richards LMT 2025 Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. Massage is an effective tool for managing this stress, which translates into: Massage can also help specifically address a number of health issues. Bodywork can: The…More - Frequently Asked Questions
By Jennifer A. Richards LMT 2025 Where will my massage or bodywork session take place? Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. Soft music may be played to help you relax. You will lie on a table especially designed for your comfort. Must I be completely undressed? Most massage and…More - Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Comorbidities and the Role of Massage Therapy
By Jennifer A. Richards LMT 2025 Introduction Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) refers to a group of connective tissue disorders caused by defects in collagen. People with EDS often experience joint hypermobility, fragile skin, and hyperelasticity, along with several comorbidities that can make day-to-day living difficult. While there is no cure, massage therapy can play an integral…More - Massage ModalitiesBy Jennifer A. Richards LMT 2025 Swedish Massage Purpose: This is the most common form of massage, designed to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles in long, gliding strokes in the direction of blood returning to the heart. Why You’d Be Interested: It helps increase the level of oxygen in the blood, improves…More
Tranquil Touch Wellness: Jennifer Richards, LMT 