About SOMA massage studio
bozeman’s sports & orthopedic massage associates
The SOMA massage philosophy embraces the interconnectedness of the human body.
At SOMA, our philosophy is rooted in our belief that the fullest version of a life well-lived is supported through a healthy, pain-free body. We have called Bozeman home for decades, and understand firsthand the unique physicality of our outdoor-loving culture. Many of our patients are runners, skiers, climbers, and adventure athletes. And all of us feel a sense of connection to the landscape around us — mountains that inspire, rivers that bring new energy, forests that harbor life and mystery, and sweeping plains that offer perspective and calm.
The landscape of the body is just as complex, and its interconnected systems depend on one another for full, healthy function.
As a highly-trained massage therapist, Nicole brings a deep understanding of the body's anatomy to her practice. With over two decades of experience as both practitioner and instructor, she is uniquely qualified to provide the best sports, orthopedic, and general massage Bozeman has to offer.
Nicole Kay, Owner
CSMS, LMT, MAT Specialist
Nicole Kay is a Licensed Massage Therapist in Montana and Washington and a nationally certified Clinical Sports Massage Specialist. With a calm, welcoming presence that immediately puts people at ease, and a wealth of subject matter expertise, Nicole's years of successful massage practice in the Bozeman community and beyond have earned her a well-deserved reputation for exceptional patient experiences and consistent, life-changing results.
Education, expertise, and passion set SOMA apart.
Early passion for the body’s anatomy and movement:
Nicole Kay has been enthralled with the human body’s physiology, structure, and movement since her high school days. An All-American volleyball player in high school, she developed an intuitive relationship with the body from a young age, using firsthand experience to better understand the functions of the musculoskeletal system. Nicole fell in love with anatomy when an inspiring AP Biology teacher introduced her class to working with human cadavers. "Education is essential to providing my clients with the best care possible, and my anatomy training began in high school… I felt so privileged that someone would donate their body so that I could look inside it."
The massage therapist’s massage therapist — a renowned instructor:
"After attending Brenneke School of Massage and completing the graduate sports massage program, I became an instructor at Brenneke. When you teach another person, you really need to know the subject matter inside and out to share that knowledge in a way that is easily understandable. Throughout the teaching process, I've become intimate with the material."
Nicole Kay has always been focused on giving back to the healthcare community. She has spent the past 24 years with the Brenneke School of Massage and Bastyr University (both in Seattle) and Health Works Institute (in Bozeman), teaching Swedish Massage, kinesiology, anatomy/physiology, assessment, ethics, treatment-oriented techniques, and sports massage modalities.
In 2018, Nicole co-founded Athena together with Amanda Martin. Athena facilitates high-quality, in-person professional development workshops for massage therapists in Montana and the Northern Rockies to fulfill their licensing requirements and grow their skills and expertise.
Years of dedicated education and high-level sports massage practice:
Nicole earned her BFA from the University of Washington as a student-athlete before studying at Seattle's Brenneke School of Massage. Her manual therapy career began upon graduation in 1996, and her education has continued ever since. After studying clinical sports massage at the graduate level, she became a member of Washington State's Sports Massage Team and the American Massage Therapy Association's National Sports Massage Team. Her personal experience as a collegiate athlete, and an appreciation for the human body working at peak performance, has fueled her passion for sports medicine. Nicole has worked with many amateur and professional athletes, including the Seattle Sonics NBA team, the University of Washington, and Seattle Pacific University athletic programs. She currently supports Montana State University student-athletes with sports massage in Bozeman.
Elevating the industry of massage therapy across Montana and the country:
Dedicated to advancing the industry, Nicole Kay was a member of Montana's Bill Development Group Committee, writing a bill to establish massage therapy licensure in Montana, and was a member of the Government Relations Committee that helped pass the legislation in 2009. During that time, Nicole also represented Montana at the American Massage Therapy Association Government Sessions.
The woman behind the massage table:
Nicole Kay spends many weekends working on her Bozeman home and property near the Custer-Gallatin National Forest boundary, wielding a chainsaw and other power tools. She is usually in the company of Hank and Buddy, her "Mountain Pugs" and loyal companions who joyfully greet each SOMA client. An adventurous soul, passionate about experiencing the wide world, she has been to 35 countries and counting. Nicole loves the freedom and perspective solo travel brings to her life. The best way to her heart might be through a morning cappuccino, or in the evening, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.