Paul Zomerdijk, one of Level’s Licensed Massage Therapists (LMT), brings a wonderful blend of expertise, curiosity, and genuine care to his work. Whether he’s helping someone unwind, recover, or move with greater ease, Paul takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to every session. His journey has taken him to Japan, Paris, San Francisco, and now back to Tennessee, as an LMT certified by the Tennessee Board of Health. With a degree in Kinesiology and a passion for understanding how the body moves, Paul brings both knowledge and heart to his work helping people feel their best. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, photography, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and three children.
I have always been an active person and have always enjoyed working with people. It wasn’t until I injured my back playing rugby in college that I discovered physical therapy. My eyes were opened to helping people recover from injury and feel better. Life took me on a series of career changes and adventures around the world, but now that I am back in Tennessee and have become an LMT, I can help people on their wellness journey feel better in their bodies through massage therapy. This is truly a rewarding career.
As an LMT we have sworn an oath to do no harm. I must always keep my clients’ best interests in mind and make sure that I provide a level of informed service that is beneficial to their health. LMT’s work hard to learn about the body, different massage techniques, and the associated health risks and benefits of different techniques and modalities. We also have to know when something is not safe for our clients, and to help propose alternative treatments when possible. It is our responsibility to make sure the facilities are clean and comfortable to ensure our clients have a safe and relaxing experience. I listen to my clients’ needs, consider their medical backgrounds, and propose treatment sessions best adapted to their needs.
The members at Level know why they are here. They take their health seriously, and they demand a certain level of service. I am honored to be a member of the team, able to provide that level of service. The members, like the staff, are wonderful people and I appreciate them and the beautiful facilities where we all work together.
Wellness is not about looking like an athlete or having a perfect body. It’s about taking care of the body we have, so we can live a functional life in a body and a mind capable of carrying us and sustaining us for many years to come.
There is a truth in woodworking that is also evident in everything we do. There will always be imperfections, and we have to accept those. If a piece is well made, the evidence of the craftsman’s skill becomes evident. When the project is finished, the remaining defects reflect the woodworker's discipline, determination, and efforts. Woodworking teaches me patience and it forces me to live in the moment. It allows me to focus on what I am doing and forget the rest for a time. Massage for me is the same. When I am with a client, all my attention is with them, and I hope my sessions convey that.
I try to look at everything in life as a learning experience. Every accomplishment, and every failure teaches us something. Every opportunity to try something new is an opportunity to learn.
Get some air, touch some grass, and sit with nature. We don’t realize how important it is for us to reconnect with nature until we have spent too much time indoors behind a desk. I try to go on daily walks with my wife. It’s a perfect moment to appreciate life and reflect on all the things we’re grateful for.
Anything with an accelerated beat to get me moving and keep me going. I’m not picky, so as long as it can carry me, I’ll run with it.