Dedham Native Remains Hands-on in Competitive, Physical Business

Through the challenges of marketing and building a client base to the physical demands of the business, Dedham native Roberta Hill, the owner of Roberta's Therapeutic Massage, 94 Washington Street, Weymouth Landing, has thrived.

With an increasingly flooded market, Hill, has continued to grow her business for the past 16 years. While she started providing massages at senior breakfasts and golf tournaments and even handing out pamphlets at grocery stores, she now does little marketing and doesn't even have a website. Her reputation and referrals ensure she's booked two to three weeks in advance.

"I've had clients with me for 16 years," said Hill. 

Hill specializes in injury work, but also provides relaxation treatments, deep tissue, sports massage as well as pre and post pregnancy massage.

Hill said her longevity is rare in the massage therapy business. The physical demands often limit careers, but she's beaten the odds and avoided injuries.

"I just feel like this is where I'm supposed to be," said Hill. "I'll do it as long as my body holds up."

Hill has relied on her experience and creativity to provide the best massages possible. Over the years her natural palpation skills have gotten even better. She recalled one client, who tried to test her knowledge by saying his neck hurt on the opposite side it really did. She touched the client and was able to identify immediately the injury was on the other side. The man is still a loyal client today.

The business owner and lone massage therapist on staff wasn't always in this line of work. She was working in "corporate America," until her sister passed away unexpectedly. The tragedy forced her to reevaluate her life and career.

"It was just a devastating time in my life and I felt so helpless watching her in the hospital," said Hill, who then knew then she wanted to help people with pain.

Hill completed a two-year program at the Massage Therapy Institute in Cambridge as well as an additional year with Paul St. John, a Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, where she learned neuromuscular therapy, or trigger point.

The career change has led to a successful business.

Hill typically works 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Evening hours are also available. To make an appointment or learn more, call Roberta's Therapeutic Massage at 781-335-7202.