What is PPTM?
Positive Pressure Therapeutic Massage is a limited liability company owned by me, Hillary. I'm a licensed massage therapist who loves to be the small positive change in clients' lives. My favorite part of my job is seeing my clients leave with a refreshed positive attitude and knowing that they, in turn, are going to spread some positivity to whomever they touch. I work hard to help relieve pain and stress that my clients experience and I couldn't ask for a better vocation. When everyone is told to be the change they wish to see in the world, I listen. Through therapeutic massage and techniques including cupping, trigger point, deep tissue, and gentle Swedish massage, I am the catalyst of positivity.
I’m from North Sewickley township of Beaver County, PA, and I graduated from Riverside High School. I received a BA in History from Westminster College where I participated in many on campus organizations including my two favorites: Equestrian Team and Greek life. Upon graduating, I gained employment aligned with my post graduate goals, though it never felt like I truly fit in within the nonprofit, corporate, or retail worlds. My life came to a screeching halt thanks to a severe bout of tonsilitis. (Just kids get that right? ha ha, no) I had the opportunity to consider what type of work environment would actually make me happy. My criteria were few: 1. To NOT work in a cubicle with a desk, chair, or computer, 2. To help people in some medical way outside of a hospital or doctor’s office, 3. To work with people one on one (I’m an introvert with an aversion to crowds), and 4. To either be self employed or function autonomously. Massage therapy checked all those boxes.
From the very first day of class, I knew it was the right decision. It felt like I was a duck learning to swim for the first time- completely natural. I completed the massage therapy certificate from DCI Career Institute with a 4.0 GPA. I love the idea of helping individuals feel better in their own skin. Whether accomplishing this through giving a relaxing massage or addressing painful trigger points, I find my work to be deeply rewarding. I couldn't be happier owning my own business and doing my own thing. As someone who has always struggled with never completely fitting in, it is great to find a place where I belong. I treasure each and every one of my clients. I don’t know if they realize just how much of a positive effect they have on my life. I often come home from work with a full heart and feeling just as rejuvenated as I think (and hope) they feel.
As for life outside of work, I’m married to my best friend John and we currently live here in our little corner of Western PA. We have twin tuxedo cats, Onyx and Nikola, and our newest addition Evangelina. Evie is a light gray tabby chonker who adopted us as her new parents one cold winter’s day. She saw “SUCKER” written all over our front door. The five of us enjoy snuggling in front of the fireplace with a good book or binge watching something streaming. John and I like to think we are adventurous and go kayaking and scuba diving together. My other hobbies include scrapbooking, crafting, baking, snacking, sewing, and enjoying the beauty of nature. I love to plant flowers though I’m not very good at keeping them alive. My favorite place is my deck in early summer, surrounded by the shady trees and blooming flowers.
