From Pain to Purpose: How Derek’s Journey Led Him to Build Dynamic Body Work and Change Lives Through Healing Touch

A Journey Rooted in Healing and Purpose

Derek’s story isn’t one of overnight success or easy wins—it’s a story of resilience, passion, and a commitment to helping others find relief, just as he did. From a childhood filled with curiosity about healing to navigating life-altering injuries during his military service, Derek’s path to creating Dynamic Body Work was anything but conventional.

“I just figured this out not too long ago,” Derek says, reflecting on his journey. “My mom was a healer at heart, and I didn’t even realize it growing up. She always had massage gadgets around the house, and I was always doing something massage-related without even thinking about it.”

It wasn’t until later in life—after a promising baseball career was cut short by a devastating elbow injury and a decade-long career in the United States Coast Guard left him with numerous physical challenges—that Derek realized how deep his connection to healing truly was.

From Athlete to Soldier to Healer

Derek’s love for sports ran deep. As a high school athlete playing baseball at El Dorado High School in El Paso, Texas, he was known for his tenacity and skill. But that all changed in his junior year when a severe elbow injury left him wondering if he’d ever play again. Though he managed to bounce back and return to the field, his future had already begun to shift.

Instead of pursuing college baseball, Derek followed his calling to serve his country by enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard. His time in the military was filled with sacrifice, discipline, and, unfortunately, a string of serious injuries. “I suffered a lot of injuries—my lower back, neck, arm, leg. I’m really well-versed in pain,” he says with a laugh that belies the struggles he endured.

One particularly dark period left him confined to a recliner for six months, battling intense pain and losing hope. “I put on a lot of weight. I couldn’t move. I was going to physical therapy for a while, and nothing was helping me at all,” Derek recalls.

It wasn’t until he returned to El Paso for a visit and linked up with a local massage therapist that he experienced a breakthrough. “He helped me out a lot—physically and mentally,” Derek says. “It was life-changing.”

A New Chapter: Finding His Purpose in Massage Therapy

After being medically retired from the Coast Guard in 2020, Derek took time to heal—physically, mentally, and spiritually. But with a heart full of determination and a desire to give back, he soon found himself searching for his next purpose.

“I was lost,” Derek admits. “I did 10 years in the Coast Guard, and when I came out, I was like—what am I going to do now?”

In January 2022, Derek found his answer. He enrolled in massage therapy school and spent the next nine months immersed in learning the art of healing through touch. “I took my test, passed my exam, and then I took a few months to really work on myself before I started working on others,” he says.

Building Dynamic Body Work from the Ground Up

Derek didn’t just enter the world of massage therapy—he launched his own business right out of the gate. Dynamic Body Work was born, a one-man operation built on the foundation of Derek’s passion for helping others, combined with his life experience and empathy for those in pain.

“It wasn’t about jumping into business right away,” Derek explains. “I waited about three months before I started working on people because I needed to make sure I was good—mentally and spiritually. The energy transfer is real, and I didn’t want to bring any of my own traumas into the work I was doing.”

His approach paid off. Starting from scratch, Derek hustled to make a name for himself—popping up at local events, volunteering his services, and working tirelessly to showcase his expertise. “I went 10 weeks without a single day off at one point,” Derek recalls. “I went to any kind of event going on in the city, just to put myself out there.”

Finding His Niche: Working with Athletes and Fighters

Derek’s passion for sports and his own experiences with physical trauma made it clear who his ideal clients were—athletes, fighters, and fitness enthusiasts.

“I used to train in martial arts until my injuries started flaring up again,” Derek says. “When I came back to the gym I used to train at, I had a conversation with the owner about doing recovery work and really targeting the fight community.”

That conversation turned out to be a game-changer. Dynamic Body Work quickly became the go-to spot for fighters, bodybuilders, and professional athletes across El Paso. Within three months of launching his practice, Derek was working with the El Paso Locomotives and had built a reputation for his expertise in recovery work.

More Than Just Massage: A Deeper Connection to Healing

But what sets Derek apart isn’t just his skill as a massage therapist—it’s his ability to connect with his clients on a deeper level. His own experiences with pain and recovery give him a unique perspective that allows him to understand what his clients are going through.

“I tell people all the time, the healing starts as soon as you walk into the room,” Derek says. “If someone isn’t comfortable, whatever I do isn’t going to be as beneficial. I take the time to get to know my clients, to talk with them, and make them feel at ease.”

His intuitive ability to sense trauma and emotional blockages in the body has led to some profound client experiences. One story stands out vividly in his mind—an older Army veteran who approached him at a local event.

“As soon as I touched him, he started trembling and crying. I knew it was trauma releasing from his body,” Derek recalls. “I told him, ‘You’re in good hands. Let it go.’ And when he did, it was like watching a new man emerge. He was dancing, smiling, and so full of life after that.”

Tackling Challenges: Managing Demand and Staying Sharp

Running a thriving practice comes with its challenges, and for Derek, managing the high demand for his services is at the top of the list. “I’m a one-man show,” he says. “Everyone’s trying to get in all the time, and it’s hard to take a day off. But I’ve learned that I need to make sure I’m good for my clients, so I’m working on creating balance.”

To meet the growing demand, Derek has been training an apprentice—another licensed massage therapist who’s learning his techniques and approach. “She just got her license, so I’m getting her going with clients to help take some of the load off,” Derek explains.

Innovation and Growth: Bringing Technology to Therapy

Derek’s approach to massage therapy is anything but traditional. He integrates cutting-edge technology into his sessions, with a strong focus on red light therapy—a modality he swears by for its ability to promote healing and cellular regeneration.

“Red light is a miracle worker,” Derek says. “It pumps energy into your cells, boosts collagen production, increases blood flow, and helps with pain, inflammation, and recovery. I use it with every client.”

Derek is also a big fan of cupping therapy, using advanced electronic cups that incorporate blue and red light for maximum benefit. “Everything I do is focused on increasing blood flow and circulation,” he explains.

Memorable Client Success: Changing Lives One Session at a Time

Derek’s dedication has led to countless client success stories, but one that stands out is his work with a client who had suffered for years with chronic pain.

“She had been living with pain for so long that she forgot what it felt like to be without it,” Derek recalls. “After a few sessions, she told me she finally felt like herself again. That’s why I do what I do—because it’s not just about the body. It’s about helping people reclaim their lives.”

What’s Next for Dynamic Body Work?

While Derek’s practice is thriving, he’s far from done. His next goal? Opening a full-scale sports recovery facility where clients can experience a complete spectrum of services designed to optimize recovery and performance.

“I’m just taking it day by day right now,” Derek says. “But I’d love to create a space where athletes and anyone dealing with pain can get the best possible care in one place.”

How to Connect with Derek

Derek’s passion for helping others continues to fuel his journey, and he remains committed to providing the highest level of care to every client who walks through his door.

📲 Instagram: @dynamic.bodywork
📞 Contact: 915-873-5937 (text preferred)
📍 Location: Matador MMA Gym, 9502 Carnegie, El Paso, TX

If you’re looking for an expert who not only knows the science behind healing but also understands the emotional and mental toll that pain can take—Derek at Dynamic Body Work is the one to call.

“Nothing’s about me anymore,” Derek says humbly. “It’s about what I can do for my clients. And that’s what keeps me going every day.”