Today we’d like to introduce you to Raphael Dymek.
Raphael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
After graduating with my undergraduate degree in Exercise Science, the plan was always to continue into Physical Therapy and begin my career as a PT. About a year and a half into my graduate schooling and clinical rotations, I realized that path was not the life I truly wanted for myself. I wanted to devote my full attention to someone during the entire time they were with me; not worrying about having to balance multiple patients at once like most physical therapists often do. On top of that, having to spend multiple hours a day filling out documentations to fight insurance companies to let them continue treating their patients the way they think they should. I don’t blame physical therapists for this, as it is often the clinic environment and healthcare system that put them in the situation they are in. However, for me, I wanted more time to listen, connect, and fully focus on the person I was trying to help. This realization led me to leave PT school and take a lateral step into Massage Therapy.
I am incredibly grateful for everything I learned during my undergraduate and graduate studies because it gave me a huge advantage when I entered massage therapy school. Instead of needing to devote time to studying things like anatomy, biomechanics, or treatment concepts, I was able to fully focus on refining my hands on techniques and develop my ability to treat people effectively. By the time I graduated, I already felt confident in my abilities and excited for what was ahead of me.
When I started working, I got hired at both a spa and gym environment. I immediately began receiving amazing feedback at both places despite being newly licensed and in different settings. Clients were telling me how well I listened, was able to personalize their session, and give them exactly what they were looking for. People were quickly rebooking with me specifically and I was praised by my colleagues with how well I was performing right out of school. That encouragement really fueled me to constantly work at my best every session no matter how long my day was and who was on my table, I was just excited to continue making people feel better.
Eventually I learned of a small studio space opening up in Lawrenceville underneath Rogue tattoo shop. The moment I saw it I realized it was my opportunity to begin building something of my own. Put a name on my work so to speak. It gave me the chance to create the environment and vibe I envisioned for myself as a healer. One where I could work closely with clients, take my time with each person coming in, and provide quality care without feeling overbooked or rushed. I also wanted to make massage therapy more accessible by offering rates lower than many surrounding areas while still delivering high quality treatment. Seeing the positive impact that had on the people coming onto my table only fueled my passion even more.
Everyday that I am able to work at my studio, I become so grateful knowing there are people who are trusting me to make a difference in their lives. I told everyone I treated that their session is designed to help them feel better, move better, and live better. It didn’t take long for that to become the official motto of Raffi’s Rehab and my mission statement.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road to get to where I am today. Leaving graduate school was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I envisioned myself becoming a physical therapist ever since I learned what it was about. I was about 10 years old when I was dealing with a shoulder injury from football and I went to physical therapy and it felt like they were performing miracles. I had a great PT and she inspired me to go down that road ever since I recovered. I found a true passion in helping people heal and recover and I felt like PT would be the perfect career choice for me. Having to explain not only to my friends and family what I was doing, but to myself that this career is not what I wanted for me. Many questioned my decision to leave PT school but I trusted my gut thinking massage therapy could be my true calling.
After I opened up my studio I learned my most major challenge, building my awareness and attracting clients locally. The studio location has very little foot traffic and advertising visibility. I originally thought I would get more booked after being opened for a few months but the reality is, most people in the neighborhood don’t even know the studio exists. Even so, I continue to trust the process and focus on building my book up one client at a time. I have confidence in my skills and the care I provide. I believe that once people experience what I can do, they will understand the true value of proper bodywork. The clients I have been seeing and realizing that the pain and tension they deal with on a daily basis can be helped through consistent treatment has been incredibly rewarding.
On top of having a hidden studio, the other major challenge I have is something all licensed massage therapists deal with and that is trust. The level of trust involved between client and professional therapist is one of the most highly needed out of all careers in my opinion. Massage is a very personal, vulnerable, and intimate experience. Asking someone to undress and trust me with their body is not something I take likely. Building that trust and connection while also building a safe environment is a lot to take on for anyone. I always put extra care and tell clients that above all, their comfort is most important and I build off that from the moment they walk in.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have come to the conclusion that the massages I deliver provide a “healing touch”. Massage therapy is more than just applying pressure to muscles; it is understanding the body, listening to the client, and knowing how to combine all the different techniques that are out there in a way that best serves the individual. I usually blend multiple techniques together like swedish, myofascial release, trigger point, stretching, and energy work all within a single session. The work is always meant to feel personalized, intentional, and effective. I adapt to what the client is feeling and wants that day.
The next level I give to people is how personalized I make their session. Healing and relaxing doesn’t only come from technique, but also the environment where people feel safe. I always ask the small questions that get overlooked like how hot they want the table warmer, what kind of music would they like in the background, and if they would like a quiet session or time to open up and enjoy a conversation during their body work. Some want complete silence to unwind and disconnect from life while other want to decompress through conversation. No matter what helps someone feel most comfortable, I do my best to create that experience for them. Everyone should not only leave feeling better, but also valued for the person they are. No two people are the same so their massages shouldn’t be either. This is why each session gets designed specifically for who is coming in and what they are looking for.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Finding gratitude in the little things in life is what makes me happy. Life is full of negativity and it’s easy to let something that doesn’t go your way derail your day. But just as there is negativity in life, there is beauty in it that needs to be found. Even if I had the worst day, I am grateful to be able to come home to my 2 loving cats that will snuggle up to me. I can be starving all day but I know coming home and making my favorite snack will change everything. Reflecting on the day and all the positives that went into it really puts things into perspective that everyday is a good day if you look for it.
Another thing that keeps me happy is staying active. We only get one body and I believe taking care of mine just as much as I take care of others. “Exercise is medicine” is something I preach a lot because I believe in it. It has such a powerful impact on mental health and I know I feel my best when my exercise routine is shining. I lucked out being able to play a lot of soccer in the Pittsburgh area with all the recreation leagues we have. My friends and I try to get to as many as we can and even outside of soccer, there is so many activities to sign up for. Being able to socialize is something we should be making more time for.
Pricing:
- 60 minutes: $80
- 90 minutes: $110
- 120 minutes: $140
- Referral bonuses for each client that stacks per referal
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raffisrehab.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raffisrehab?igsh=NTV5M2lkeWE4MTBz
