We had the good fortune of connecting with Hailey Corton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hailey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Professionally speaking, I felt that no matter who I worked for – and I have worked at some rather reputable places – I wasn’t truly fulfilled. My passion is to help people, see them overcome pain and return to living their lives and I couldn’t do it anywhere I worked, effectively. A few years prior to the pandemic I was working at an integrative care department within a network of AHN hospitals. Seeing some of the conditions that these patients were presenting at our office I knew I needed to explore massage therapy through a clinical lens. ‘There has to be more to offer than what I currently provide here at the hospital,’ I thought.

When the pandemic hit our department closed temporarily as we weren’t considered essential, obviously. However, I took to seeking out information and training in Medical Massage Therapy. Thankfully, I found David Morin with Health Matters Seminars, a therapist with 40 years of massage therapy under his belt and 30 of that devoted to creating a medical massage therapy program (he also has been to several Olympics offering such services to olympians!) They were offering an online 72-hour study (videos, articles, case studies, quizzes, et al).

Once the pandemic “chilled out” a bit this past spring I was eligible to attend a live intensive in El Paso, Texas to complete 28 more hours and achieve a medical massage certification.

That’s when I decided to open my own private office and I hit the ground running. This is a groundbreaking niche within the bodywork industry and I’m excited to see where it takes my business!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
That is a fantastically loaded question! Haha. Honestly, is anything in our professional lives ever truly easy? Not really, no. But if it was would it feel the same when we succeeded? Probably not. When you’re truly passionate about something, want to share your gifts, skills and talents, there will be sacrifices, things you will need to let go of and learn resiliency.

Upon opening my business I knew that I wanted to set my practice apart from the spa industry, even most private massage practices. Offering something that connects to individuals, connects their mind and body to function… well, better. What I offer is a tailored, needs-specific approach to pain management and care.

Our health systems within the US are focused on bandaid care when it comes to chronic/long term conditions, such as but not limited to, arthritis, TMJ disorder, migraines/tension headaches, overall stress and anxiety. Western medicine is wonderful at treating acute, life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, broken bones, disease, etc…. But once the surgeon has stitched you up or the specialist has run their tests where does the long-term care begin, does it even begin? And what about preventative care?

That’s where pain management specialists like myself, soft tissue experts, can shine. We focus on the body and mind as a whole unit – focusing on whole-body care. Bring us your headaches, TMJ disorders, post surgical scars and tension.

Biggest challenge in at this stage is to be heard by health professionals. I am not a doctor and I certainly don’t play one on tv. But I don’t want to be someone’s doctor, I am in the pain management industry and am a healthcare provider too. What medical massage therapists want is a seat at the healthcare table.
Wexford Medical Massage, my company, is just one of the tools in your toolbox of care. I hope to network and communicate with health professionals, dentists/oral surgeons, PTs, OTs, Osteopathic doctors, orthopedic surgeons, strength and conditioning coaches, athletes, etc.

Massage isn’t limited to “luxury” though it is true that massages feel luxurious. Medical massage specifically is integrative health care and to invest in a massage session is to invest in your health!

So I suppose, to sum up my brand by simply stating, “Invest In Your Health”.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Pittsburgh is a fantastic city to explore and enjoy! Top restaurants and bars to visit: Condado, Bridgetown Taphouse, Fermata, Adesso Coffee, Mediterra, and Apteka. Places to visit: Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh’s museum of art and natural history, the Strip District and fun shops throughout Lawrenceville. Being a city staple and an iconic “ride”, one must ride the incline. Our city boasts two that you can ride to the top of Mt. Washington and see some of the most picturesque views of our city.

And if you are worn out from your travels check out Wexford Medical Massage as well as Sewickley Spa for some good R&R.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Eric, my partner, my fiancé, my support person. He has always supported my profession and has been crucial to helping me open my business. Without his help I would have probably never ventured into entrepreneurship and just worked at another “space”, feeling less than fulfilled.

Website: www.wexfordmedicalmassage.com

Instagram: wexfordmedicalmassage

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/hailey-corton-lmt-b770481a

Facebook: Wexford Medical Massage

Image Credits
Brandy Ringer Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.