A graduate in physiotherapy from the Vincent Pol University and also a massage technician, Klaudia Zbyryt, has received an award that paves the way for her to participate in the 7th World Massage Championships in Denmark. She is currently setting up her own practice and pursuing her passion. She told us about her path to success and her studies at VPU.
Where did you get the idea to choose to study physiotherapy?
– I originally planned to study medicine and didn’t even consider physiotherapy as my first choice. However, I didn’t get into any of the universities I applied to. In order not to waste a year studying and revising, I had to make a quick decision. I thought: ‘OK, I’ll go to Lublin to study physiotherapy.’ It was then that I saw an advertisement for your school, which offered studies in this field. I thought I would be able to study physiotherapy and prepare to improve my matriculation exam at the same time. I planned to improve my results and transfer to medicine. However, I found studying physiotherapy so interesting and fascinating that I decided to stay in this field
How do you recall your studies at VPU? What did you like the studies for?
– My time at university was a difficult time for me, full of anxiety and uncertainty. I’m an introvert and tend to isolate myself by staying in my own spaces, so I focused solely on my studies. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that I could help people not only by writing prescriptions and medicines and working in a hospital as a doctor, but also in other ways. Manual work, one-on-one with patients, turned out to be much more to my liking. I also really enjoyed the practical classes, the solid content preparation of the lecturers and the vast amount of new knowledge I gained. There were a lot of new things and elements that I didn’t know before, as well as a lot of learning.
You are currently self-employed and setting up your own massage parlour. What gives you the most satisfaction in this job?
– My greatest satisfaction comes from helping other people, the returning clients with whom I create a Massage Family and the feeling that I am in a place of purpose.
Up to this point, I have worked in a variety of places, both smaller practices and larger spas. I feel that the thought of having my own business has been with me all my life – it was only a matter of time. I currently rent an office by the hour, which I have decorated to my liking to reflect my vibe and meet my needs. Working in an office is different from working in a salon in that I have full control over who comes in and what I can offer them. Nothing is imposed from above. What I value most about running my own business is the flexibility that allows me to adapt to the individual needs of my clients. I can create a flexible schedule, work when I want and take holidays when I need them.
In my work, I use the movement of my whole body, which makes the massage almost a dance, a fluid movement that not only looks glamorous but also puts less strain on my body.
I work through both classical and sports massage, as I have clients who do climbing. However, I focus most on relaxation and balancing the body and mind. Then the person being massaged lights an intention candle before the treatment and draws a card to understand what intention the massage will take place in. Working with clients gives me energy and satisfaction, and I found this out during lockdown when I could not massage.
What are your future career plans?
– I have been working very holistically for a long time – with body, mind and spirit. Years of work have taught me that it is impossible to work only on the body. One affects the other and complementarity is essential. For this reason, I have been accompanied by Ayurvedic medicine for two years. Ayurveda is an integral part of my practice.
You were honoured at the 2024 Polish Massage Championships, with the World Massage Championships ahead of you. What was your path to success like?
– I always lacked a master massage therapist to teach and hone my skills, like in the crafts professions. When I found out about the first massage championship in Poland, I felt a huge excitement. I wanted to see how other massage therapists work, as well as World and European Champions.
In my category of classical massage I got to the final round. I received the 4th place award for the best massage presented and this award from the International Massage Association enables me to attend the World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.
After the final round of massage, the judges congratulated me on the look and presentation of my massage. I got a lot of valuable advice to evolve my massage. And this is my main preparation for the World Championships.
What are your future career plans?
– I have been working very holistically for a long time – with body, mind and spirit. Years of work have taught me that it is impossible to work only on the body. One affects the other and complementarity is essential. For this reason, I have been accompanied by Ayurvedic medicine for two years. Ayurveda is an integral part of my practice.
I have also taught practical classes for massage technicians, which has given me an understanding of what it is like to be a teacher. I am thinking of opening a school or running courses, but for now I still want to learn from the masters.
My immediate development plan is to become a certified SPA&Wellness therapist and complete an Ayurveda school.