Olga King
About Olga
- Training: 800 hours
- School: 300 hrs at Oregon School of Massage and 500 hrs at Texas Healing Arts Institute
- Licensed since: 2010
- With Myo since: 2014
- Continuing Education: Sports Massage, Back Pain for Runners and Cyclists, Deep Tissue for lower and upper back
- Areas of expertise: The Myo, Deep Tissue, Sports Massage
Book with Olga
Olga King has been a Licensed Massage Therapist since June 2010, but her road began much earlier. In 1993 she graduated from a Medical School in Moscow, Russia, with an M.D. degree in Pediatrics. After graduation she moved to the US and began her career in Biomedical research. However, this did not fulfill her dream of helping people in a more involved way, and half-way through her 20 years as a Scientist she got certified as a Yoga instructor (Bikram and Power Vinyasa), as well as a Running coach and a Personal trainer. Soon after, she joined a massage program in Portland, OR to further pursue her dream. After over 300 hrs in that program she relocated to Austin, TX, where she re-started a (different) massage therapy program at THAI, graduating in 2010. In addition to Massage Therapy, Olga coaches ultra runners (she raced at a sponsored level for over 10 years), continues to practice yoga (since 1999), travels to mountain trails for backpacking trips, and writes for a few local running websites and publications. Her passion is to help people heal themselves from inside out one person at a time.
How long have you been a licensed massage therapist?
Since 2010.
How many hours of training do you have?
800+
Why did you choose massage therapy as your career?
As a graduate of Medical School in Moscow, Russia, in 1993, with an MD degree, I came to US shortly after and had to settle for working as a researcher in biomedical science for over 20 years (Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology resulting in 13 scientific publications). Between not being fulfilled unless I work directly with people and influence their well-being and running ultramarathons at the high level, I needed to find a way to change my path. Massage School was something I could envision to become certified in treating people professionally, while still maintaining a main job to support my family. For some years I combined both vocations, until in January of 2015 I left academic research for good – and never looked back.
Where did you go to school for massage?
300 hrs at Oregon School of Massage and 500 hrs at Texas Healing Arts Institute.
How do you describe your massage/work to others?
Intuitive deep work with intimate knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, body structure and function, and healing power of the heart.
What are some examples of Continuing Education you are interested in and why?
Sports Massage for athletes of all disciplines, Back Pain (Upper and Lower), Structural Work, Deep Tissues massage for muscle and joint pain. I know the life of an athlete inside out and, literally, “feel your pain”. I also have deep curiosity for solving problems due to my medical and scientific background.
How has receiving massage affected you personally?
Getting regular massages allows me to stay healthy and deal with the injuries early, let my mind relax and know that I take care of myself. Aging happens, but it is in our hands to slow it down and do it gracefully and as pain-free as possible. I also learn something new from each therapist.
What do you do to stay healthy?
Exercise 6 times a week on a consistent basis with variety (running, spin, weight lifting, yoga). I am also an avid backpacker and travel often (having completed among others Oregon section 460 miles of PCT, Tahoe Rim Trail, Wonderland trail, and establishing a Fastest Known Time for 485 miles of Colorado Trail). I avoid processed foods and cook from scratch daily, get 7 hours of sleep, and focus on a positive mindset.
What do you like about working at Myo Massage?
The challenge of being the best therapist I can be. The people who work here are extremely good professionally, friendly, helpful and versatile.