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.
About Clinical Massage Therapy
What is a Clinical Massage Therapist?
Clinical massage therapy is an assessment-led approach to massage that prioritises understanding the cause of your pain or restriction before treatment begins. Unlike spa or relaxation massage, clinical massage starts with a thorough assessment — including range of movement testing, postural analysis and a detailed discussion of your symptoms and history. This allows treatment to be targeted, safe and effective, particularly for people dealing with chronic pain, injury, post-surgical recovery or complex musculoskeletal conditions.
How is clinical massage different from a spa massage?
Spa massage is designed primarily for relaxation and general wellbeing. Clinical massage therapy, as practised at Complete Balance, is designed to assess and treat specific physical problems. Each session begins with clinical assessment rather than a pre-set routine, and techniques are chosen based on your individual presentation. This makes it appropriate for people with pain, injury, restricted movement or post-surgical needs — conditions where a generic massage approach would be insufficient or potentially unsafe.
What qualifications does Kim Noyce hold?
Kim Noyce is a qualified Clinical Massage Therapist and Restorative Movement Instructor based in Worthing, West Sussex. She holds qualifications in sports massage, remedial massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, the Emmett Technique, the BodyMaster Method, IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation), cupping, muscle energy techniques and spinal manipulation. She is also a qualified Yoga Instructor and Melt Method practitioner. Her practice is assessment-led and continuously informed by ongoing professional development.
Do I need a GP referral to book an appointment?
No GP referral is needed to book an appointment at Complete Balance. However, if you are recovering from surgery or have a complex medical history, it can be helpful to bring any relevant notes or letters from your consultant. Kim will carry out her own clinical assessment at your first appointment and will advise if any additional medical information would be useful before treatment begins.
About Sports Massage
Do I need to be a sports person to benefit from sports massage?
No. Despite the name, sports massage is one of the most effective tools for treating musculoskeletal pain and restricted movement in everyday people. At Complete Balance, sports massage is used as a clinical tool for people dealing with desk-related tension, back and neck pain, hip stiffness, stress-related muscle tension and general physical strain — regardless of whether they exercise regularly or not.
What does sports massage help with?
Sports massage at Complete Balance is used to reduce muscular pain and tension, improve joint mobility and range of movement, support recovery from injury or surgery, address postural imbalances, and assist with the long-term management of chronic pain conditions. It is particularly effective for back pain, neck and shoulder tension, hip and knee problems, and overuse injuries.
Will sports massage hurt?
Sports massage can involve some discomfort, particularly when working on areas of significant tension or restriction. However, treatment at Complete Balance is always tailored to your comfort level and tolerance. Kim will check in throughout the session and adjust pressure and technique accordingly. Any discomfort experienced during treatment should feel productive rather than painful, and post-treatment soreness, if it occurs, typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your individual condition, how long you have had symptoms, and how your body responds to treatment. Some clients notice significant improvement after one or two sessions; others with chronic or complex conditions benefit from a course of treatment over several weeks or months. Kim will discuss realistic expectations with you at your first appointment and review progress regularly.
Specific Conditions
Can massage help with chronic pain?
Yes. Clinical massage therapy can be an effective part of managing chronic pain conditions. At Complete Balance, Kim works with clients experiencing persistent pain using a combination of techniques including advanced myofascial release, trigger point therapy, craniosacral therapy and soft tissue mobilisation. Treatment is always assessment-led and adapted to the specific nature of your pain, its history and how your nervous system is responding. Massage is not a cure for all chronic pain conditions, but for many clients it significantly reduces pain levels, improves function and supports overall quality of life.
Can I have massage after surgery?
In many cases, yes — but timing and approach are important. Post-surgical massage can help reduce scar tissue formation, improve lymphatic drainage, restore movement and manage post-operative pain. The right time to begin depends on the type of surgery, healing progress and any guidance from your surgical team. Kim has experience working with clients post-surgery and will always take a cautious, assessment-led approach. If you are unsure whether massage is appropriate for you, please get in touch to discuss your situation before booking.
Can massage help with back pain?
Yes. Back pain is one of the most common conditions treated at Complete Balance. Whether your back pain is acute (recent onset) or chronic (persistent), clinical massage can help by releasing muscular tension, improving spinal mobility, addressing trigger points and reducing pain. Kim uses a range of techniques depending on assessment findings, including sports massage, deep tissue work, myofascial release and muscle energy techniques. Many clients with long-standing back pain report significant improvement after a course of treatment.
Can massage help with neck and shoulder pain?
Yes. Neck and shoulder pain — often related to posture, desk work, stress or overuse — responds well to clinical massage therapy. Treatment at Complete Balance typically involves a combination of soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, myofascial work and specific stretching and movement advice to address the underlying cause, not just the symptoms.
Can massage help with stress and anxiety?
Chronic stress has well-documented physical effects — including muscular tension, headaches, jaw pain, digestive issues and disrupted sleep. Clinical massage therapy can help address the physical manifestations of stress, calm the nervous system and support overall wellbeing. At Complete Balance, Kim uses techniques such as craniosacral therapy and soft tissue release that are particularly well-suited to stress-related presentations. While massage is not a substitute for psychological support where needed, many clients find it a valuable part of managing stress and its physical impact.
Restorative Movement Classes
What are Restorative Movement classes?
Restorative Movement is a small-group class led by Kim Noyce, a qualified Clinical Massage Therapist and movement instructor. Classes focus on gentle, supported movement designed to improve mobility, reduce pain, support recovery and restore ease of movement. They are suitable for people of all fitness levels, including those managing chronic pain, recovering from injury or surgery, or simply wanting to move better and feel less stiff.
How are Restorative Movement classes different from yoga?
While Kim is also a qualified Yoga Instructor, Restorative Movement classes are distinct from traditional yoga. They draw on a clinical understanding of how the body moves and where restriction commonly develops, incorporating elements of fascial stretching, breath work, joint mobility and nervous system regulation. Classes are slower-paced and therapeutically informed, making them appropriate for people who may find conventional exercise classes too demanding or uncomfortable.
Who are Restorative Movement classes suitable for?
Restorative Movement classes at Complete Balance are suitable for most adults, including those with chronic pain, restricted mobility, post-surgical recovery needs, stress-related tension, or those who simply want to improve how their body feels and moves day to day. If you have specific health concerns or are unsure whether classes are right for you, please contact Kim to discuss before booking.
Booking & Practical Information
Where is Complete Balance located?
Complete Balance is based at Copthorne Hill, Worthing, West Sussex. Appointments can be booked online at completebalance.co.uk or by contacting Kim directly by phone or email.
How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be booked online via the booking page at completebalance.co.uk. Alternatively, you can contact Kim by email at info@completebalance.co.uk or by phone on 07795 550963 to discuss your needs before booking.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Appointments at Complete Balance are often booked several weeks in advance, particularly for new clients. It is recommended to get in touch as early as possible to secure a suitable appointment time. If you book online it is recommended that you book at least two appointments between 2 to 3 weeks apart.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear or bring comfortable, loose clothing that allows access to the area being treated. For example, shorts are useful for lower limb or hip work, and a vest or loose top for shoulder and upper back treatment. Kim will explain what is needed at your appointment and will always ensure you are comfortable and appropriately covered throughout.