Health Care Wellbeing: 25+ Year Journey
Journalism and Writing (1998-2000)
My professional career began in 1998, after qualifying as a periodical journalist. I received an NVQ Level 4 in Periodical Journalism (with distinctions) at the Journalism Training Centre, Mitcham, London. This enabled me to start working for a small automotive publisher as an assistant editor. In my spare time, I freelanced as a subeditor for several London magazines. This early experience in publishing brought to the surface my passions for health, wellbeing and science.
Medical Publishing (2000-2003)
In the year 2000, I started working for Elsevier Science, the world’s largest Science Technology and Medical (STM) publisher. I joined a small team of web producers, responsible for publishing over 40 electronic science and medical titles online (e.g. The Lancet). I rose rapidly through the management structure and became production department manager. This period in publishing consolidated my passions in science and health, and introduced me to the rigours of scientific endeavours.
Central Government including National Health Service (2003-2011)
At the end of my time in publishing, I transitioned into working within multiple central UK Government divisions; most latterly the National Health Service (NHS) for eight years. This career change helped me develop an interest in emotional and physical trauma treatment and patient care delivery. During my time in the NHS, I garnered deep insights into high-quality patient care directly from care providers up and down the country. This appreciation sits behind every facet of care I deliver to my patients.
Early Career in Massage Therapy (2011-2016)
During my time in the NHS, I experienced an onsite massage while at work. This was a short 10-minute fully clothed acupressure chair massage, given by a mobile massage therapist. The experience was life changing: physically and emotionally. The amazing therapist was beyond inspirational. This brief encounter sparked a transformational thought shift towards the realms of advanced clinical massage therapy.
After taking voluntary redundancy from the NHS, I decided to retrain in massage. In late 2011, I started a six-month condensed course to learn how to become a massage therapist. This was probably the most challenging time of my life. I had sat behind a desk for the last decade pushing buttons on a keyboard!
Full time massage training was physically very demanding. Additionally, the amount of new information was often overwhelming: anatomy, physiology and pathologies to learn within six months. The teaching staff were incredible and the college gave great support to every student. In early 2012, I gained an ITEC Diploma Level 3 in Holistic Massage and Anatomy. Soon after, I opened my first holistic massage business.
Further Training (2017-2019)
After practising massage for a few years, and with the regular praise from my clients at the time, I became increasingly interested in treating people’s pain using massage. I decided to elevate my massage therapy skills and bring them up to date with clinical massage and myofascial release. Between 2017-2019, I studied with JING Advanced Massage Training, Brighton UK. This elevated my skills from ITEC Level 3 to ACMT Level 5 (same as a BTEC Level 5 Sports Massage/Soft Tissue Therapist).
Expertise in Clinical Massage Therapy (2019-present)
I have dedicated the last 13 years to developing a comprehensive understanding of massage therapy. My journey began with a passion for helping others and evolved into a career optimising patient wellbeing through high-quality massage. I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse clientele: some 16,000 hours of massage practice. This breadth of experience has allowed me to hone my skills in treating various conditions, from musculoskeletal dysfunction to stress-related ailments.
In my current clinical practice, I utilise a range of techniques, such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. Each approach is tailored to meet the specific needs of patients, ensuring effective treatments that promote recovery while enhancing overall wellness. By conducting thorough assessments, I can identify the potential underlying causes of dysfunction, and implement strategies that facilitate healing and maintain balance.
From my previous work roles, I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills that continue to enhance my massage practice. The experience of evidence-based practice I absorbed from the NHS has enabled me to value the scientific underpinnings of massage therapy. This blend of specific skills has become critical to service delivery, allowing me to seamlessly integrate clinical knowledge with compassionate care. My unique journey has instilled a commitment to continued education, pushing me to pursue further training and qualifications.
Today, as an advanced clinical massage therapist, I am dedicated to promoting health and wellness through my business. My background in the NHS and STM publishing has equipped me with a profound understanding of both patient needs and therapeutic outcomes. This duality allows me to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care to my patients.
Personal Philosophy
My personal philosophy regarding health and wellness is deeply rooted in the understanding that every individual possesses a unique journey toward healing. As an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist, I recognise that each person’s experience, both physically and emotionally, influences their overall wellbeing. My approach emphasises a holistic view, where the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of a person’s health are considered equally important. Tailoring therapy sessions to meet the specific needs of each patient is critical to successful outcomes. This is done by creating a personalised treatment plan that addresses individual concerns and goals.
Recognising that each individual is unique, I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for every person who seeks my help. This fosters trust and encourages open communication: crucial in the therapeutic relationship. My extensive experience, highly-specialised skills, and commitment to ongoing education enable me to offer tailored solutions that promote healing and enhance my patients’ overall quality of life.
Unique Perspective and Approach
My experiences above has given me a uniquely positioned understanding of the healing process. My experiences in these environments have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge about various conditions and the most effective methods to alleviate pain and promote recovery. I believe that forming an empathetic connection with people is crucial; allowing me to foster a therapeutic environment where they feel safe, understood, and empowered to engage actively in their healing journey. Building trust is the bedrock of my practice; instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes of therapy.
I incorporate evidence-based practice into all of my sessions, ensuring that my therapeutic techniques align with the latest research and advancements in the field of massage therapy. This commitment to continual learning and adaptation allows me to provide the highest standard of care to patients. Existing at the cutting edge of clinical massage practice, I persevere in remaining responsive to new findings and integrating them into my established framework. By combining my professional background with an adaptable approach, I continually strive for meaningful and lasting healing outcomes for those I help.
Continuous learning is at the centre of my professional work. I believe that staying abreast of the latest developments in clinical massage therapy is essential for providing the highest quality of care. This commitment is evidenced by my participation in regular continuing professional development (CPD) training. I have been fortunate enough to study some of the most prestigious manual therapy schools across the UK. These educational experiences have enriched my practice and made me a better therapist.