Q&A with Shawna Butz, Owner of Momentum Medical Massage and Personal Training
- Like-Media
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
By Like Media Team
Shawna, the new owner of Momentum Medical Massage and Personal Training in Sandpoint, is passionate about helping people feel better in their bodies. With a background in yoga, massage therapy, and holistic health, she and her husband, Travis, are expanding services and creating a wellness space rooted in movement, balance, and care.
Q. What inspired you to become a massage therapist, and what motivated you to take over Momentum from the previous owners?
A. My career as a massage therapist began 10 years ago after years of teaching yoga. I wanted to better help my students with injuries, and I also experienced firsthand how movement and bodywork improved my own health. In 2014, I completed over 800 hours of massage therapy training and in 2015 earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Massage Therapy from Central Oregon Community College. From the start, I built and maintained my own private practice while also working in high-end spas in Oregon and Idaho, gaining valuable experience.
I was also a client at Momentum before taking over. My family and I loved the welcoming space, the skilled therapists, and the positive energy. From the moment I walked in, I thought, “Wow! This place is great. I want to work here!” Kelly Emerson, the founder, and I connected and discovered a shared passion and alignment of values. While I had been building a successful practice on my own, I wanted to grow beyond what my previous space allowed. At the same time, Kelly was ready to focus more on the hands-on work she loves. Passing Momentum to me was a natural fit, and I’m honored to carry it forward.
Q. As the new owner, how are you putting your personal touch on the practice while continuing the work clients trust?
A. Momentum remains committed to excellence, and I feel honored to be part of this amazing team. My husband and business partner, Travis, brings his experience as a personal trainer and athlete, and together we’re infusing our love of movement, holistic wellness, and adventure into the culture of Momentum.
Clients will still see the same trusted faces, including Kelly, who remains in the clinic, and they’ll continue to enjoy scheduling availability six days a week. We’ve expanded with two additional treatment rooms that allow for couples or side-by-side massages, added medical-grade red-light therapy, and upgraded to state-of-the-art therapeutic massage tables. For personal training clients, we’ve invested in new gym equipment to increase the variety of exercises, and Jacob, one of our trainers, is launching a six-week fitness and nutrition program. It’s an exciting time of growth and innovation for Momentum.
Q. Your practice serves clients with a variety of pain or mobility challenges. How do you tailor treatments to each person’s unique needs?
A. Every client begins with a conversation about their goals, medical history, injuries, and any past treatments. This helps us create a customized plan that addresses their specific needs. Our advanced massage tables allow us to position clients comfortably to relieve pain and accommodate mobility challenges.
We also treat the whole person. In addition to massage and personal training, we offer assisted stretch sessions, nutritional therapy, medical-grade red-light and Bemer therapy, and collaborate with a Functional Medicine practitioner. Whether someone is seeking pain relief, improved mobility, or healthier habits, we’re here to support them every step of the way.
Q. For someone who has never tried medical massage or feels unsure about it, what advice would you give to help them take the first step?
A. One in five Americans experiences chronic pain, and medical massage can be a safe, effective option for relief and recovery. It can address issues like chronic migraines, injuries, and back pain by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and calming the nervous system. If someone is unsure, I encourage them to call us. Our team of passionate, professional therapists would be happy to walk them through the process and help them feel comfortable getting started.
Q. What aspects of your work do you find most rewarding, and how do you hope to positively impact your clients’ health and well-being?
A. My goal is to empower people to feel better in their bodies. The most rewarding part of my work is the therapeutic relationships I build with clients and seeing them leave feeling better than when they walked in.
Q. The health and wellness field is always evolving. How do you stay current with new techniques or therapies to ensure your clients receive the best care?
A. Professional development through continuing education, research, and peer collaboration is essential for providing effective, evidence-based care. Health and wellness are always evolving, and I consider myself forever a student.
Q. If you could offer one tip for maintaining long-term health and reducing stress or pain, what would it be and why?
A. Get a regular massage—at least once a month. Massage impacts every system in the body, from reducing stress and anxiety to improving sleep, circulation, immunity, and even skin health. It helps reprogram the nervous system, lowers cortisol, boosts serotonin and dopamine, and supports overall well-being. It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
Q. What excites you most about running a business in Sandpoint, and how do you hope Momentum Medical Massage will reflect your values and the community’s needs?
A. Sandpoint is such a beautifully close-knit community, and it’s an honor to serve here. Kelly built something truly special, and my husband and I are grateful to continue that legacy with our amazing team—Sarah, LouAnn, Aidan, McKellyn, Dawn, Jacob, Kelly, and myself. Together, we’re gaining momentum and expanding our ability to serve the community.
Momentum Medical Massage and Personal Training
1013 Lake St., STE 100
Sandpoint, ID
208.597.7597
Check out more Q&A's here!
