These are some of the common questions I'm asked. Please feel free to email me or use the contact form if any queries have not been covered here.
What is a Clinical Massage Therapist?
A general relaxation massage uses gentle stroking techniques and is great for relaxation, but is not designed to address fundamental problems in the joints or muscles that can cause chronic pain or associated health problems.
As a Clinical Massage Therapist, my approach goes beyond generic sports massage. Treatment begins with assessment — looking at posture, movement patterns and the structures contributing to your pain — so that the underlying cause is addressed, not just the area that hurts.
Sports and remedial massage forms the foundation of my work, but treatment draws on a range of specialist techniques depending on your specific presentation. These include Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Advanced Myofascial Release, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Techniques, CranioSacral Therapy, the EMMETT Technique and the John Gibbons BodyMaster Method.
This approach is effective for a wide range of conditions and clients — not just people who play sport. I regularly work with clients experiencing:
Musculoskeletal pain and injury — including back pain, sciatica, frozen shoulder, hip and knee problems, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow and sports injuries at any stage of recovery.
Chronic pain and complex conditions — including fibromyalgia, ME, chronic fatigue, persistent headaches and migraines, stress-related pain and nervous system dysregulation. For these clients, gentler methods such as CranioSacral Therapy and the EMMETT Technique are often more effective than conventional deep tissue work, and treatment is adapted accordingly.
Post-surgical and injury recovery — including pre-surgical preparation, post-surgical rehabilitation, scar tissue treatment and longer-term recovery support following orthopaedic, abdominal or other procedures.
If you are unsure whether treatment is appropriate for your condition, please get in touch before booking. I am happy to discuss your situation and advise on the most suitable approach.
Other Questions
I’m not in pain; how will Sports and Remedial Massage help me?
Prevention is always better than cure. Many of us tend to experience a little joint stiffness, a few headaches, or symptoms of IBS, for example. Joint and muscle dysfunction can impact each of us in some very unexpected ways. As a Sports Injury & Remedial Massage Therapist, I take a holistic approach to the whole body. When the entire body is aligned, it has an effective range of movement, abnormal wear on the joints is avoided, the risk of injury is reduced, and energy levels improve.
I have a medical condition; does this mean I can’t be treated?
At the beginning of treatment, we will review all health conditions; generally, treatment can be adapted to cater for medical conditions. If in doubt, please email me prior to treatment: info@completebalance.co.uk
How long is a typical session?
A session lasts an hour; the first session includes the completion of a client information sheet. After the treatment, I’ll be able to recommend a course of action.
How many sessions will I need?
For chronic pain and complex conditions, a longer course of regular treatments tends to produce the best results and I will discuss a realistic programme with you at your first appointment.
Does it hurt?
'Pain, no pain' is my motto. During treatment, I discuss levels of comfort with every patient. Every session is adapted to meet individual needs; each person has a different level of comfort threshold.
Do I have to take my clothes off?
Your comfort and dignity are important; you will always be covered with towels; however, there will be times when clothing needs to be removed so I can assess or perform techniques. A pair of loose shorts is ideal if we are treating the lower body.
Do you use oils?
I use massage wax, which is absorbed into the skin during treatment. My waxes are nut-based, but I can use a nut-free oil if required. After a head/scalp, massage hair may be a little untidy and possibly a little sticky.
Are there any risks?
Sports and Remedial Massage use a number of techniques because a 'one size fits all' approach doesn't work for everyone. Each patient is treated as an individual, and treatment is tailored accordingly. I prefer not to treat clients who are unwell and running a fever.
How much will it cost?
A 60-minute session costs £55. Concessions are available on request; please contact me to discuss.
Do you offer Gift Vouchers?
Vouchers can be purchased for treatments in any denomination. They can be posted or picked up in person. For more information, please email me.
Where are you based?
I work from my home in Worthing, West Sussex. Please see my Home page for more information.
Do you undertake home visits?
No, I only see clients at my home in Worthing, where there is free parking.