Who I Am and What I Do
My Background
"I have always had an interest in Complementary Medicine & Holistic Therapies; while travelling in 2003 I decided to enroll on a Traditional Thai Massage course at Bangkok’s famous Wat Pho temple massage school. I had found my calling and stayed to complete a further Thai Medical Massage Therapy course before returning to England and studying anatomy & physiology, then enrolling on Reflexology and Swedish (body) Massage courses.
As my alternative medicine training progressed, I realized I had a particular interest in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues. I began to study a wide variety of Sports Massage and specialist Bodywork Techniques, to address a wide range of physical problems. I began to focus my work and study on working as a chronic pain specialist, while also refining my skills and knowledge in Sports Injury Treatment.
My Clinical Massage & Bodywork training includes extensive study in Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage. I have also studied electrotherapy (including ultrasound, interferential & combination therapy) and Myofascial Cupping. Most of my soft tissue (massage) training has been with the excellent, Jing Advanced Massage Training, of Brighton, who I have to thank for allot of my skills & knowledge. I was honored to be one of the very first ‘Jing BTEC students’ when they introduced the BTEC level 6 (Professional Diploma) in Advanced Clinical Massage and Sports Massage, in 2013 gaining a ‘distinction’ in the first degree level massage qualification in the UK. My BTEC, and further training, gives me unsurpassed knowledge in treatment of soft-tissue (muscular & myofascial) pain including the ‘hands-on’ treatment of muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia pathology. Since my BTEC I have also studied in Manipulative Therapy with Cameron Reid DO, Medical Acupuncture & Osteopathic Articulation with OMT Training and Visceral Manipulation with the Barral Institute UK. More recently I have achieved a longstanding ambition to Study Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage Therapy) with Bodyharmonics, and I hope to study medical herbalism in the future"
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My training
Professional therapy qualifications (CPD training not included):
Tui Na Master Practitioner, Bodyharmonics
13-16th February 2023
Four day master CPD course in Tui Na. Covering Chinese spinal/shoulder/hip manipulation, advanced medical massage techniques, differential diagnosis and sports injury treatment
Osteopathic Articulation, OMT Training
July 2021
3 day diploma in osteopathic articulation (i.e. mobilisation) of the spine and joints to help neurogenic/joint pain and mobility. Also covered contraindications, diagnosis, clinical examination and practical treatment of the SI joint, TMJ and lower extremities.
Tui Na foundation diploma (distinction), Bodyharmonics
October 2020
A 10 day foundation diploma in authentic Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage) by Maria Mercati, who studied Tui Na, TCM and acupuncture extensively in China. Course included TCM theory, the meridians and acupressure points, Tui Na massage techniques & manipulations and Chinese 'on site' massage.
Visceral Manipulation 3 - the Pelvis
18/9/19
The 3rd module in the Barral Institutes Visceral Manipulation series. This module addresses the assessment and treatment of the pelvic organs involved in the reproductive & urinary systems, and associated conditions/pain.
Visceral Manipulation 2 - the Abdomen pt. 2
9/6/19
The 2nd module in the Barral Institutes Visceral Manipulation series expands on the first abdomen course, offering extra incites and techniques to treat the abdominal organs. Deeper organs (i.e. at the back of the abdominal cavity) are also addressed, such as the pancreas, spleen and kidneys.
Visceral Manipulation 1 - the Abdomen pt. 1
3/3/19
The 1st (4 day) module in the groundbreaking Visceral Manipulation series from Jean-Pierre Barral, DO. This course covers the assessment and treatment of organs, and supportive tissue, in the abdomen including the stomach, intestines, liver. Students learn to locate, evaluate and normalize primary areas of dysfunction within the abdominal cavity.
Certificate in Medical Acupuncture
March 2018
This CPD qualification for advanced musculoskeletal therapists covers the use of (western) acupuncture (i.e. Dry Needling) to treat muscular pain & spasm. The course teaches therapists to safely & effectively treat trigger points in the bodies main muscle groups.
Qualification in Manipulative Therapy
9/6/19
I travelled to Dublin to study Manipulative Therapy (i.e. Osteopathic Manipulation) with respected Osteopath & lecturer Cameron Reid, DO. The course teaches musculoskeletal therapists to asses the spine and joints, and to use spinal/joint articulations and manipulations to address biomechanical issues.
Level 6 BTEC in Advanced Clinical & Sports Massage
3/3/19
My main, degree level professional qualification in Clinical & Sports Massage. My journey into specialist soft-tissue massage & bodywork began with Jing. The first of its kind in the UK, this level 6 qualification in massage gives therapists unsurpassed skills in the assessment and treatment of soft tissue pathology.