We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brittany Foti, LMBT, MMP, MLD-C. Check out our conversation below.
Brittany, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Any time I can get in nature- the farther away I get from people and the day to day hustle to recenter myself- the more grounded I feel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Brittany Foti, LMBT, MMP, MLD-C, CEO and Founder of Valor Massage. We specialize in sports and medical massage therapy for active duty service members, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and their families. I’ve always dreamed of working with veterans through the VA healthcare system — and now that I do, I can honestly say it’s some of the most rewarding work of my life. I also advocate fiercely for patient rights, fighting for transparency, better care, and ensuring voices are heard in the healthcare system.
What makes Valor unique is our combination of advanced education, outcome-based care, and a bold, no-fluff approach to wellness. We study our clients’ cases, research if we don’t have the answers, and push for real, measurable results — all while keeping it human and relatable.
Right now, I’m expanding Valor Massage into multiple locations and launching digital education products to extend our reach beyond the clinic. At the end of the day, our mission is simple: heal people, change lives, and raise the bar for the massage and healthcare industries alike.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part that ever tried to shrink, soften, or sugarcoat my words so I’d be “easier” to work with. That survival skill served me once, but it’s dead weight now. When a man acts confident and forward, he’s seen as a leader — but when a woman in business does the same thing, she’s seen as a problem. I’m done carrying the version of me that tried to make everyone comfortable. The only version that stays is the one that leads, unapologetically.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of taking up space.
For years, I worried about being “too much” — too opinionated, too loud, too ambitious. I kept parts of myself small so I wouldn’t make others uncomfortable. But playing small doesn’t protect you, it just delays the life you’re meant to live. I decided I’d rather be judged for standing tall than be overlooked for playing small.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to changing how the healthcare system values and integrates massage therapy into patient care — and advocating for those navigating that system — no matter how long it takes. For me, this isn’t just about growing Valor Massage; it’s about proving that outcome-based, medically informed massage belongs alongside other essential treatments, especially for active duty, veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and their families. Whether it takes years or decades, I’ll keep pushing until it’s no longer considered “alternative care” — it’s just care, and patients have the advocacy they need to get it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
That I was “just a massage therapist.”
People might miss that my legacy isn’t only about hands-on work — it’s about advocacy, education, and pushing an entire developing field forward. Medical massage is still in its infancy, and it has to start with someone crazy enough to call out the system and say, “Hey — let’s fix this together.” I’ve never been one to sugarcoat anything; I’ve always been a forward speaker, and I know that can be misconstrued as rude by those who aren’t ready to hear what they need to hear when they’re on my table. But if you’re here to heal — let’s heal.
Part of that healing is breaking the stigma that PTSD is something to be feared. It’s the aftermath of trauma, and it should be met with grace and respect — not torches, pitchforks, and a prescription list. I fought to make sure patients had a voice in the healthcare system, that veterans and first responders had access to better recovery options, and that massage therapy was recognized as real, outcome-driven medical care. My legacy isn’t a service menu — it’s the impact I made on how people heal.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valormassage.com
- Instagram: @brittanyfoticeo
- Facebook: @BrittanyFoticeo
Image Credits
Rob Flores of TeamFlo Photography
