We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Drew Welch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Drew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I had been practicing massage for about 18 months working at a couple different chiropractic offices. I was growing increasingly frustrated by my employers limiting the type of bodywork I could do. I did not feel like I was able to offer my clients the best treatment for their issues. In early November 2016 just weeks after my father passed away, I started on a plan to open my own practice.

I realized that there was a real lack of massage therapists that specialize in sports therapy and pain management. Most massage therapists in my area worked in spas giving Swedish and deep tissue massage. I decided that my practice would provide a different type of massage service which I collectively refer to as clinical bodywork. This is what I was most interested in, and I knew it would set me apart from what other massage therapists were offering.

In a period of 4 weeks, I had my business name established with the state of Maryland, a great location to rent space, business bank accounts set up, social media accounts created for my business and a business and marketing plan in place. I can’t stress how critical it is to have a business and marketing plan in order to succeed. I’ve tweaked my business and marketing plan over the years as my business has evolved, but I know I would have failed long ago without that.

I opened Baltimore Sports Recovery on December 1, 2016. I initially had a different name and ended up changing it about 5 months into my business because of a conflict with another business with a similar name. I’ve enjoyed continued growth for the past 6 years, even during the pandemic. I’ve made a few mistakes along the way, but nothing major and I’ve learned from those mistakes. I’m definitely a much wiser businessperson today than I was in December 2016.

Drew, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I often joke that I do all the stuff that other massage therapists in and around Baltimore don’t. My specialty is sports therapy and pain management. I offer an integrated style of bodywork that encompasses sports, orthopedic and medical massage modalities.

When it comes to sports therapy, I’ve worked on dozens of professional and Olympic athletes over the years including Olympic Gold medalists and athletes in the NFL, MLB, NHL and NWSL. My pain management services include working with joint pain, minor injuries, post-rehab recovery and issues related to musculotendinous, myofascial, nerve, ligament, joint capsule and lymphatic pain.

Along with being a Licensed Massage Therapist, I’m also a Master Myoskeletal Therapist, Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist, Certified Fascial Stretch Therapist and a Certified Medical Massage Practitioner. This unique blend of modalities makes me the only massage therapist in Maryland with these credentials. I’m also trained in and offer cupping, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), postural analysis and corrective exercise.

I travel all over the United States and internationally every year to learn from the best educators and massage therapists in the industry. I’m also a teaching assistant for Erik Dalton and the Freedom from Pain Institute and I travel domestically and internationally to help teach Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe the most important skill that I’ve recognized over the years that have led to my success is communication. Not only being able to communicate my thoughts and ideas to my clients but even more importantly, listening to my clients. I constantly hear stories from my clients about their doctor or other health care provider not taking the time to really talk with and listen to their problems. I take the time to listen and to obtain as much information as possible about my client and why they’re in my office. Outside of training, skills and knowledge, I think this is the biggest reason for my success.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I had to go back, I would absolutely choose this profession again. In fact, I wish I had chosen it earlier in my life as this is actually my third career. I was 45 years old when I decided to enroll in massage school. I love being able to help improve people’s lives by helping them get out of pain and move easier. Pain can alter your life in a very negative way and there are so many people out there living their lives in chronic pain. I think the demand for high quality massage therapy is greater than it’s ever been and I’m thankful to have found my calling as a clinical massage therapist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.baltimoresportsrecovery.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/baltimoresportsrecovery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baltimoresportsrecovery