Harpa Finnsdóttir, Iceland

August 7, 2025 admin

The registration for the 9th World Championship in Massage has started. Latest Massage Therapist signing up is Harpa Finnsdóttir from Iceland. The international Massage Association has asked her to tell about herself:

Greetings.

My name is Harpa Finnsdóttir, and I am a certified Sports- and Health Massage Therapist based in Reykjavík, Iceland. I am the founder and sole practitioner at HFHeilsa, a Sports- Massage Studio dedicated to professional, personalized care for athletes and individuals seeking recovery and enhanced physical performance.

Since the beginning of my career, I have specialized in Sports- Massage, a decision rooted in my own athletic background. I spent many years as a competitive swimmer and later transitioned into powerlifting, which I continue to practice today at the age of 51. Weightlifting has helped me maintain the strength and stamina necessary to meet the physical demands of my work and daily life.

I currently serve as the primary Sports- Massage Therapist and First Aid Medical Provider for the women’s football team FH- Football Club, which competes in the Icelandic top-tier league (Bestu deild). I provide pre-game and in-game care, ensuring the athletes are physically prepared and resilient on Game Day. Additionally, i work with Stjarnan- Football Club, another premier women’s football team, offering post-game recovery treatments.

For over a decade, I was also the Sports- Massage Therapist for the men’s football team Víkingur Ólafsvík in my hometown. Since relocating to Reykjavík in 2021, I continue to support the team during matches held in the capital area.

I come from a highly active and sports-focused family. Both of my daughters are professional goalkeepers in the football women’s top league. My younger daughter plays for FH- Football Club, while my elder daughter played for Víkingur Reykjavík- Football Club before recently stepping away due to pregnancy. I’m excited to become a grandmother for the first time in November 2025. My husband works as a Property Manager at the Icelandic Science Company (Íslensk Erfðagreining), division of the U.S.-based scientific company Amgen. He is also active in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Weightlifting.

These experiences form the foundation of why I chose to specialize in Sports Massage Therapy. It’s not just a career for me- it’s a way of life.

Professional Qualifications:

In addition to my work as a Sports Massage Therapist, I am certified in the following areas:

Personal Strength Trainer
Hatha Yoga Instructor
Kettlebell & Bodyweight Instructor
Battling Rope Instructor
Foam Flex & Trigger Point Instructor
Kinesio and Dynamic Taping Technician
Dry Needling Therapist

Health Records Information Manager (University of Iceland / Directorate of Health)
Certified Grit-Bar & Adhesion Release Method Therapist (USA)
Cognitive Reprogramming Hypnotist
Certified Life-Enhancing Hypnotist and HypnoFlash (for short-term analgesia)
Certified Dry Needling Therapist, skilled in the safe, anatomical use of dry needles

for muscular trigger point therapy and pain relief

This fall (2025), I will begin my studies to become a Licensed Paramedic, further broadening my scope of practice and my ability to respond to medical needs in both clinical and sports settings.

My Therapeutic Approach:

My treatment philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and evidence-based practice. I integrate various therapeutic modalities to create customized treatment plans for each client, understanding that no two bodies are the same. In sessions, I often use:

Myofascial release with bodyweight pressure and flowing movement patterns using hands and elbows
Electric adjustable tables to optimize body mechanics and reduce therapist fatigue
Grit-Bar (a precision steel scraping tool for superficial fascia release)
Cupping therapy for fascia and circulation
Wooden sticks (20–30cm) for semi-deep tissue sweeping
Oil-free techniques for active muscle and fascia release, especially for clients with neck, back, or shoulder pain
Dry Needling for treating muscular pain, trigger points, and chronic tension- an effective method I use with caution, precision, and anatomical accuracy

I am committed to providing “good pain,” never crossing into harmful intensity. I avoid aggressive techniques that could overstimulate the nervous system or cause trauma. Instead, I work slowly, deeply, and intuitively, listening to the body’s signals and tailoring the session accordingly.

Advanced Techniques:

When appropriate, I work with clients on a floor mattress, using full-body fascial stretching or a girdle-walk technique, a method I’ve refined over years. This involves using a harness to stabilize my bodyweight as I apply controlled pressure using my feet. Depending on the client’s size, condition, and fatigue level, I adjust the weight applied (typically 20–40%).

I also provide Deep Tissue Massage for clients with myalgia or chronic pain conditions, using some of the same methods as Sports Massage but focusing on broader therapeutic goals. My style bridges clinical massage therapy and physiotherapy; I also create customized rehabilitation exercises programs for my clients to strengthen weak muscle groups, improve mobility, and enhance flexibility.

Final Thoughts:

I strongly believe in ongoing education and collaboration. I actively seek out new and traditional techniques, and I am always open to learning from colleagues as well as sharing my own knowledge. I often say: “If you believe you’ve learned everything, you’ve learned nothing.” This mindset keeps me curious, humble, and passionate about helping others through skilled, compassionate bodywork.

My Massage School:
Heilbrigðisskólinn- Fjölbrautarskólinn við Ármúla. The website for the school facility is: https://www.fa.is/ and the link for the Health- Massage division is: https://www.fa.is/is/heilbrigdisskolinn/heilsunuddbraut

My Country:
I am from Iceland, so I represent Iceland.

My social Media Instagram Link:
HFHeilsa Sports- and Health Massage: https://www.instagram.com/hfheilsa/?next=%2F

My booking system at the website Noona.is: https://noona.is/hfheilsa
There you can see my studio and when you press the button – Bóka tíma – you can read (in english) about what I provide at my studio.

The International Massage Association look forward watching Harpa Finnsdóttir skills at the 9th World Championship in Massage.

At the International Massage Association we are ongoing try to elevate the Massage Profession via our many Articles, Podcasts, Masterclasses and via the Educational Conference at the World Championship in Massage

Please follow the IMA Social Medias and read more articles and watch amazing videos: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, TikTok, Telegram Channel, Whatsapp Channel, Threads, X, Linkedin

Marie Stewart

19:11 25 Jul 25

Thank you jeppe and the team you are so awesome miss physically being with you allSeeing you daily online videos sounds and listening tocthe viking mantra places me in the space of unity immediatelyThank you to the love energy

Gvantsa Khoperia

04:23 22 May 25

My name is gvantsa khoperiaAnd world championIMA AmbassadorIMA TeacherTHERE IS GudgeIMA is the best organization in the world 🌎IMA my female.

Surya Bahdur Karki

23:18 16 May 25

I am working on this Massage(SPA) therapy , Yoga and Naturopathic field since 1984 in Nepal. It is very useful service for human being globally. we can treated many disease by these systems.

الشاعر مدحت حمادى

05:38 01 May 25

Excellent

Karine Boivin

22:37 29 Apr 25

khatereh zandiyeh

16:20 30 Mar 25

Pia Lyng-Hansen

04:14 12 Mar 25

cool, fun and a great opportunity to learn. Thank you.

Anna Baroni

21:50 08 Mar 25

Dear therapist friends,Creating a video for a championship increases your visibility in the sector, you are known by the world of massage, it increases your professional growth and every time I made a video by participating in this competition I donated all my experience, and I tried to convey my passion, my art, my techniques.It takes commitment, love and innovation to make a video and capture the public's attention.I think the most important ingredient is to convey an important message, furthermore I had a lot of fun every time I chose to present a new video and I am sure that participating with one of our videos will remain in the history of massage, because Ima represents thethe only large and true association that represents the union of all therapists in the world to disseminate the art of massage. Every year. I have presented several of my videos with my different massage techniques and also this year 24 without any expectations and to my great amazementOn June 24 in Copenhagen I won likeBest video in the teachers category.Go see it on you tube Ima.Anna BaroniThe lady of emotions, as the great Constantine Barbu christened meThe mother of massage for many Masters and judges but there is a reason whyI was the first in the world of massage in 1995 to have two great intuitions:👑The first combines 7 techniques into oneMy. Physiomassage👑The second is to bring the stretching technique to the table.My. Postural stretchingThanks @jeppeTiengbergAnna Baroni master ♥️

Ruby Tolentino Sanches

16:48 22 Feb 25

I had the honor of participating in the 7th Massage Competition held in Copenhagen, Denmark, last June about 250 over participants from 50 over countries.During this event, I encountered numerous massage therapists who profoundly inspired me till now, we made connectionson social media, learning new techniques from them as well.The competition venue was expansive and expertly designed to accommodate all categories of massage.Mr. Jeppe, my greatest idol, was exceptionally engaged throughout the event. His energy seemed boundless, akin to a rechargeable battery, as he was present everywhere, capturing videos and photographs of all participants and conducting interviews with us.Wishing all my fellow "muscle kneaders" the best of luck; may you enjoy this truly remarkable experience in your lives!I extend my gratitude to IMA for providing this extraordinary opportunity to showcase our talents to the world.PSLet me know if you need some tips on accommodation, walking distance to the venue 😉Mabuhay! 🇵🇭

Jurij Juriak

13:46 31 Jan 25

Jesus Gomez

23:07 12 Jan 25

PRASANNA GAMAGE

13:14 07 Jan 25

Thanking for IMA , Share the valuable informations.

Cornelia N

18:11 06 Jan 25

Superb quality information, a true ambassador for massage therapy!

Vlad-Florin Panait

07:13 17 Dec 24

I had an amazing weekend learning about advanced techniques of holistic massage. It was a great experience and I want to thank Kinga and Jeppe for these lessons.

Alligator Tab

10:27 16 Dec 24

Excellent experience. I was impressed after the course.

Kinga Jenei

14:26 15 Dec 24

Bridgette Mensah

05:22 02 Dec 24

I am a massage therapist and I appreciate the article in the sence that reading through refreshes my mind and has also helped me to know I'm using the right techniques in my practice and my clients are always amazed after I treat them.Thank you! So much for sharing it has been enlighten!

Nataly Werthaim

23:11 21 Nov 24

"I took an amazing massage course from IMA, which greatly enhanced my knowledge. It was very well explained and presented with high professionalism. Thank you so much, Jeppe & Kinga ❤️"

May Au

09:57 20 Oct 24

It is a great honor to receive the NMC Overall Winner Award 2024, and I am truly grateful to have Jeppe present it to me. His experience and skills are admired globally, and he is not only highly knowledgeable but also generous and supportive. I feel fortunate to learn from him and I hope we can all continue working together in the massage field to achieve great things. Thank you so much, Jeppe!

Sami Stressade

10:45 20 Sep 24

The International Massage World Championships (IMA) in Copenhagen was an extraordinary experience. It provided a unique platform to compete with the best massage therapists in the world and learn advanced techniques at the highest level.The professional exchange, the valuable feedback from the jury and the inspiring atmosphere have significantly expanded my skills. An absolute recommendation for anyone who wants to perfect their art and make international connections.A special thank you goes to Jeppe Tengbjerg, founder and CEO of the International Massage Association and organizer of the World Championships in Massage. Without his vision and commitment, this outstanding event would not have been possible.

Amanda J M.

03:52 18 Sep 24

Thank you very much for the lessons that IMA has shared with the public... this knowledge will forever be useful for me to grow even more.. hugs and kisses 💆‍♂️🌎🕊🙏😇

semenuk-t Tanya

14:45 25 Aug 24

Very interesting, informative. A colossal experience. Exchange of skills and techniques. Friendly atmosphere....❤️❤️❤️It is worth taking part in order to grow and become better.

Massage World Magazine International

18:39 24 May 24

I have attended the IMA World massage Champs since 2017, it’s a must in the June calendar each year. Go visit or compete!! Copenhagen is a great City break aswell.

Tereze Belkova

19:06 24 Apr 24

An excellent school where you can not only learn different massage techniques, but also improve your skills. A place that brings together massage professionals from all over the world by organising the World Massage Championships in Denmark.

Michael Pedersen

21:24 05 Mar 24

Huge praise for holding dm in massage 2024.Warm atmosphere, good energy and super well organised.A school that is passionate about giving students the best possible education.Can only warmly recommend the school.

Carsten Anderslund

20:12 05 Mar 24

Carl Newbury

11:28 29 Feb 24

I have been attending Jeppe's events in Copenhagen since 2017. The World Championship in Massage is the highlight of my year networking with massage therapists from all over the World. Well Done Jeppe

Victoria Bilousova

12:54 07 Feb 24

Thank you so much for an amazing World Massage Championship organized in a high level! A lot of new friends and inspiration I found there😇

Christina Blei-Amatdoelrasit

07:51 07 Feb 24

It was with great pleasure to teach at your school in Denmark, I experienced a good atmosfeer, an interesting class and you as host/teacher mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg.Also thank you for the colaboration to teach at my school in Lelystad the Netherlands last year, it is of great interest to learn from each other and I welcome you again, this year in september 2024.SoeReiMas Courses & CoachingLelystad the Netherlands

Chutima Hälg

00:47 07 Feb 24

I recently had the pleasure of attending a massage seminar jointly organized by IMA Academy and Chiida Academy, and I must say it was a truly enriching experience. The seminar, led by a professional instructor, was a perfect blend of theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the art of massage therapy. The theoretical aspects covered were comprehensive and informative, providing a solid foundation of knowledge for all participants. From anatomy and physiology to various massage techniques and their applications, every aspect was explained with clarity and depth. It was evident that the instructor was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about imparting their expertise to the students. What truly stood out about this seminar was the emphasis on hands-on practice. Participants were given ample opportunities to apply the theoretical concepts they had learned in a supportive and nurturing environment. The instructor's guidance and feedback were invaluable in honing our skills and techniques. Moreover, I was impressed by the caring attitude and thoughtfulness shown towards the students throughout the seminar. From providing necessary materials to addressing individual queries and concerns, the organizers ensured that everyone felt valued and supported. I would like to extend my gratitude to Mr. Jeppe Tengbjerg for his exceptional leadership in making this seminar a resounding success. His expertise, patience, and genuine dedication to the art of massage therapy were truly inspiring.In conclusion, the collaborative effort between IMA Academy and Chiida Academy in presenting this massage seminar was commendable. It was a rewarding experience that left me feeling empowered and equipped with valuable knowledge and skills. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of massage therapy or embark on a career in this field.

Corpore Vital

16:13 06 Feb 24

Professionalism and education at the highest level. The students are very attentive and involved in the way the information is conveyed and because there is a lot of practice, the course becomes even more exciting. Congratulations for the interactive way in which you transmit the information.

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Harpa Finnsdóttir, Iceland

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