Massage Envy Therapist of the Year: Peter Wang

AMTA is proud to celebrate Peter Wang, Massage Envy’s 2024 Therapist of the Year, announced at the brand's 2025 Annual Perfomance Summit this past spring. This award recognizes a massage therapist who "best personifies a commitment to helping members and guests through the power of massage and assisted stretch." We were honored to speak with Peter about this incredible milestone and learn more about his journey in the profession.

Journey to Massage Therapy

Peter has been practicing massage therapy for 15 years, though he describes his introduction to the field as serendipitous. Initially considering a military career, his perspective shifted when his mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and massage was suggested as an alternative therapy. Around the same time, a commercial for massage therapy education repeatedly played on his television—an occurrence Peter took as a sign.

Inspired, he enrolled in a 9-month massage therapy program. From the first module—focused on sports massage—he felt an immediate spark. His passion for sports and movement translated naturally into this new calling.

After graduation, Peter attended a franchisee event at the advice of one of his instructors, where he connected with a representative from Massage Envy—a name he was already familiar with. Following a meaningful interview, he was hired and has been with Massage Envy ever since. He values the professional stability and community support the franchise provides and envisions staying at his current clinic for the remainder of his career.

Notably, entering this profession would mean more than a just career for Peter: he found his wife through this program.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

The title of Therapist of the Year has been on Peter’s mind for a while. As a previous recipient of multiple Regional and Clinic Therapist of the Year Awards, Peter has come close to the National Award several times.

Each year, Peter grew more inspired. In fact, Peter kept a copy of a Massage Envy Therapist of the Year feature from Massage Therapy Journal on his dresser, using it as daily motivation. Receiving this year’s award is both a professional triumph and a deeply personal honor. Peter is grateful for the recognition from Massage Envy, his clinic and his colleagues—and he hopes his story inspires other therapists to keep striving for excellence.

Everyday Impact of Therapeutic Touch

When asked to reflect on a moment that captured the true impact of massage therapy, Peter shared a particularly moving story. He had been working with a client who was 18 months post-stroke and struggling with mobility. After unsuccessful treatment attempts elsewhere, the client was initially skeptical massage therapy would help.

Peter recalls the unforgettable look on the client's face after the first session: the client exclaimed, “this is the most progress I’ve ever felt!” After this initial breakthrough session, Peter worked with this client regularly, eventually helping him progress from a wheelchair to a walker. Best of all, the client was able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding.

Peter emphasizes that while such milestones are profound, every session that supports a client’s progress, big or small, is equally rewarding.

Words of Wisdom: The Importance of Self-Care

Peter’s top advice to current and future massage therapists? Prioritize self-care. The massage therapy profession can be both physically and mentally exhausting, so developing a personalized self-care routine is vital for longevity and health.

Peter goes to the gym 4-5 times a week, treating it as training for his work as a massage therapist. He also highlighted that yoga helped save his career as it improved his mobility. To support mental health, Peter has begun meditating at work, allowing him to clear his mind before massage sessions and helping ensure a strong work-life balance.

Looking Ahead: Educating the Next Generation

Peter is already giving back to the profession by partnering with a local massage therapy school, where he welcomes students to shadow him and learn directly from his experience. Looking ahead, he’s eager to explore a future in education—whether through teaching, mentoring or developing his own continuing education (CE) courses.

He is energized by the idea of helping shape the next generation of therapists, while continuing his own practice. After reflecting on his career as a massage therapist and the joy of receiving this award, he offers this heartfelt advice:

Congratulations, Peter!

AMTA is proud to celebrate your achievements, your passion for massage therapy, and your commitment to supporting both clients and future professionals. AMTA recognizes the ME Therapist of the Year with an all-inclusive trip to our 2025 National Convention, so make sure to catch Peter in Dallas!

About Massage Envy 

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is a leading provider of premium skin care offerings and massage services. The Massage Envy brand was founded in 2002 and began offering skin care services in 2008. The brand has franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 225 million services across its skin care and body care offerings.