Massage Therapy
Treating The Cause, Not Just The Pain
At Complete Balance in Worthing, clinical massage therapy is
applied as a targeted, assessment-led tool — not a generic routine. Every appointment begins with a thorough assessment of your movement, posture and symptoms, ensuring treatment addresses the real cause of your pain or restriction rather than simply the area where you feel it.
Kim Noyce works with clients across three core areas:
Chronic Pain & Complex Conditions
For those living with persistent or long-standing pain that hasn't fully responded to other treatment, clinical massage therapy offers a structured, individualised approach. Using advanced techniques including myofascial release, trigger point therapy and craniosacral therapy, treatment is adapted to the specific nature of your pain and how your nervous system is responding. Click here to read more
Musculoskeletal Pain & Injury
Whether you're dealing with a recent injury, a recurring problem or the accumulated strain of physical work or sport, assessment-led massage therapy targets the underlying muscular and fascial causes. Treatment draws on sports massage, soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques and joint mobility work to reduce pain and restore movement.
Pre and Post Surgical Recovery
Surgery is often the beginning of recovery, not the end.
Clinical massage therapy supports post-surgical clients
with scar tissue mobilisation, restoration of muscle function, lymphatic drainage and pain management - helping recovery progress beyond the point where it might otherwise plateau.
Areas of expertise
A key principle that guides my work comes from Ida Rolf, structural integrator: “Where you think it is, it ain’t.”
Pain is often referred. For example, lower back pain frequently originates from restricted hip movement — something commonly identified through sports massage assessment and range of movement testing.
By addressing underlying contributors rather than just the painful area, treatment is more effective and longer lasting.
I provide a professional, calm and supportive space, particularly for those managing chronic pain, stress or anxiety. Treatments are always adapted to how you’re feeling on the day, whether that means deeper sports massage work or a gentler clinical approach.
Sports & remedial massage
After your sports or remedial massage session, I have extensive self-care resources via my Complete Balance YouTube Channel. These are free to use, so you can continue your rehabilitation at home when it's convenient for you. In addition, I can provide a personalised rehabilitation program that you can complete at home using Rehab My Patient. Alternatively, you can book a 1 2 1 session with me; we can discuss and design a strength & mobility training session. Each session is recorded, and you can access this recording for future use at home. Find out more on my Classes page.
Trigger point therapy
Trigger Point Therapy - A trigger point is a firm or taut ‘knot’ of tissue that can be sensitive to touch, generate pain and limit the normal range of movement. These knots can be as small as a pea or as large as a golf ball. Trigger points have been defined by the renowned American physician and medical researcher Dr Janet Travell as "a hyperirritable locus within a taut band of skeletal tissue, located in the muscular tissue and/or its associated fascia". Trigger points can generate referred pain; for example, trigger points in the scalenes — the muscles in the neck — can create pain down the back of the arm and into the forearm and wrist, as far as the thumb and index finger. Not all trigger points will cause pain or limit movement, and not all trigger points are found in the musculature; they can exist in ligaments, periosteum, and non-muscular fascial tissue. I treat trigger points using ischemic compression (direct pressure) to the point of tension. I work with every patient to ensure that we remain within a comfortable pain threshold, as experiencing acute pain can be counter-productive. Pressure is held for 15-20 seconds, and I use Sports Injury and Remedial Massage techniques to massage the surrounding area. This releases the bound tissue, reducing tension and pain. The muscles can then move more freely, resulting in greater comfort, improved mobility and a reduction in pain.
Myofascial release
Myofascial Release - Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and connects all of the structures in the body, and its role is a crucial one. Its importance and structure can be best illustrated by thinking of an orange. The spongy and stringy white pith lies just below the skin of the orange and between the segments of the fruit. There are also fine spidery lines within each segment of the fruit. Imagine removing all of the orange juice in the fruit; what’s left is the shape of the orange, the supporting walls of the separate sections, plus all of the minute 'walls' within each segment. The fascia in our body plays a very similar role. Fascia allows the muscles to glide, provides support, acts as a shock absorber and provides a pathway for cells to communicate with each other. It's the body's first line of defence against pathogenic agents and infections. Often the reason for pain is not a skeletal issue but a fascial one. For example, the thickening and lack of mobility of the thoracolumbar fascia have been shown to cause chronic back pain (Langevin et al., 2011); however, myofascial tension can occur anywhere in the body, causing varying degrees of pain and immobility. Myofascial release refers to the 'palpation' or massage of the fascial structure in the body. This creates a mechanical and neurological response which can release tension and improve the mobility of muscles and joints. Restricted fascia will not allow the muscle it encases to relax into proper function. When an area of fascial tension has been identified, pressure is applied in the direction of the restriction. The therapist will pin at one point and stretch away from the pin; at other times, the stretch will occur in both directions away from the central restriction. This can be a gentle stretch but is often deep and sometimes quite painful, depending on which layer of musculature is targeted.
Craniosacral therapy
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) - a gentle hands-on technique that is used to assess if there are any restrictions within the craniosacral system. CST is often practised by Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage Therapists. Using gentle pressure on key parts of the craniosacral system such as the cranium, face, neck, spine and sacrum focuses on removing restrictive patterns. CranioSacral Therapy works on the whole person, and because it is so gentle, it is suitable for all age groups. During the session, you remain fully clothed, usually lying on your back or side, wrapped in a warm blanket, you will find you drift in and out of the treatment due to its relaxing nature. Benefits are often felt after the first session; chronic conditions may require a couple of sessions in quick succession. The technique enhances the mobility of the craniosacral system and improves the circulation of both blood and cerebrospinal fluid to the brain, spinal cord, pituitary gland, pineal gland and cranial nerve systems, amongst other things. CranioSacral Therapy can alleviate a number of conditions that, include lower back pain, headaches, migraines, neck and shoulder pain, and TMJ/TMD. In addition, it can ease symptoms of chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia, reduce stress and anxiety, improve the quality of sleep, boost your immune system and improve your vitality. This technique is particularly helpful if you find deep tissue massage aggravates your chronic pain condition. Click the link below to read more about this technique.
EMMETT technique
EMMETT Technique - Is a soft tissue technique that is both gentle and generally pain-free. It involves using a light touch that can be used to relieve tension and chronic pain in the body. Similar to myofascial release, it can generate a neurological response that relaxes the body, thus releasing stored tension. Using the EMMETT Psoas Release can ease tension and pain in the shoulder and lower back. As an Advanced EMMETT Practitioner, I find patients enjoy receiving this treatment and are often at a loss to understand the enormity of the change they experience afterwards. I frequently combine EMMETT and soft tissue work in massage therapy to release pain and tension in the body, resulting in greater mobility and a reduction in pain and stress levels. Patients report feeling rejuvenated and rebalanced. Working together at Complete Balance, noticeable results can be achieved quickly.
Deep tissue massage
Deep Tissue Massage - This form of massage therapy is a massage technique similar to Swedish massage, but it is a deeper and firmer type. It engages with the deep layers of muscle and fascia and involves applying firm and slow strokes to the musculature. Sinking through the various layers of muscles is quite subtle and requires a slow and steady pace. Easing the symptoms of sciatica is a good example, as it involves at least two muscles: the Gluteus Maximus and piriformis, as well as several layers of fascia that may be compressing the sciatic nerve. Digging into the muscles may feel relieving, but the muscle can react poorly and create more tightness than before. I sometimes use this technique as a preparation for trigger point therapy and/or myofascial release. It’s very effective if the patient is preparing to take part in or has been involved in a sporting event.
Soft tissue release (STR)
Soft Tissue Release is a technique that stretches muscle fibres, tendons and fascia. This is a very effective tool that breaks up fascial and muscle adhesions repeatedly and quickly, stretching small areas of soft tissue either through active or passive movement. Applying targeted pressure to shorten the muscle, using my hands, forearm or elbow, I can instigate a passive or active stretch which will release tension and improve mobility. Soft Tissue Release is highly effective for releasing tight hamstrings, quadriceps and calves; by applying pressure, the patient is instructed to move the knee in a certain direction. Depending on the muscle in question, this creates an active stretch, which in turn stretches and releases the muscle. A passive stretch is conducted in a similar manner, but in this instance, I will invoke the stretch rather than the patient.
Muscle energy techniques (MET)
Muscle Energy Techniques use your muscles’ own energy by enabling a gentle isometric contraction which relaxes the muscles via reciprocal inhibition and lengthens the muscle. MET is an active technique, meaning that the patient is an active participant. These stretches can be used to improve neck mobility or release a tight piriformis, easing symptoms of sciatica and back pain. I use the most popular Muscle Energy Techniques, which are PIR and PNF: Post-Isometric Release (PIR) During treatment, I will assess if the patient can take the affected muscle to the end range. If this isn’t possible, I use PIR Technique to improve the end-of-range by taking the affected muscle into a gentle end-of-range stretch; the patient pushes slightly against me for a short period, and the muscle will contract. Once I ask the patient to release the pressure, I will reassess the end range as the muscle relaxes. This exercise may be repeated until the end of the range of improves. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is very similar to PIR: as before, the muscle group is taken to its end-of-range, and again, the patient participates by actively engaging the muscle. At the end of the hold/push period, the muscle is taken into a controlled stretch for approximately 30 seconds. At the end of this process, I will reassess the end of the range and may repeat this exercise 2-4 times.
BodyMaster Practitioner
Advanced Level 5 Diploma - Vital Glutes & Psoas - Vital Nerves - Pelvis, Sacroiliac Joint & Lumbar Spine - Vital Knee - Vital Shoulder Complex - Vital Cervical Spine - Vital Hip and Groin
Holistic Treatment at Complete Balance
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”: World Health Organization.
At Complete Balance Worthing, I offer a clinical, whole-body approach to treatment, supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through sports massage, remedial massage and restorative movement techniques.
When injury, illness, chronic pain or ongoing stress disrupts how your body moves or feels, treatment focuses on restoring balance through assessment-led, targeted work, rather than symptom-only relief.
A Whole-Body Approach to Pain, Stress & Movement
Health is not simply the absence of pain — it’s the ability to move well, feel supported in your body, and adapt to physical and emotional demands. My work combines clinical massage therapy with gentle movement and self-care methods to support long-term change.
This approach is particularly helpful for clients managing:
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Chronic or persistent pain
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Stress-related tension
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Restricted mobility or joint stiffness
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Recovery from injury or surgery
In addition to sports and remedial massage, I teach the MELT Method®, a gentle self-treatment system that complements clinical massage therapy.
The MELT Method uses soft rollers and balls to:
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Reduce accumulated stress in the nervous system
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Improve joint stability and mobility
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Support pain management and recovery
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Enhance body awareness and movement efficiency
Along side MELT, I incorporate gentle yoga practices and pilates-inspired exercises where appropriate. These are selected to support posture, core stability, breathing and functional movement which are particularly helpful for clients managing chronic pain, recovering from injury, surgery or looking to maintain progress between massage sessions.
This integrated approach provides clients with practical tools that they can use outside of appointments helping reinforce the benefits of clinical sports massage and support overall wellbeing.
Integrating Massage & Movement
By combining clinical massage therapy with movement-based methods like MELT, treatment can extend beyond the clinic and into daily life. This integrated approach supports more sustainable outcomes, particularly for those dealing with long-standing pain, stress or movement limitations
My approach
At Complete Balance, there is never a ‘one size fits all’ approach to treatment because each one of us is utterly unique: physically, mentally and emotionally.
With a particular focus on pain and stress relief, my holistic approach to wellness acknowledges the whole, unique body in conjunction with the physical, mental and emotional strains it undergoes. My goal for every patient is to ease pain, reduce tension and promote physical, mental and emotional well-being: a state of complete balance.
Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit — the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being” — Greg Anderson (USA), author of ‘The 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness’.
My approach to wellness as a Clinical Massage Therapist located in Worthing, is to consider the biopsychosocial factors that may be influencing a patient’s physical state. This offers a much wider framework in which to look at the underlying issues which may be contributing to symptoms. I can then devise a treatment programme which is as individual as every patient.
The marvellously complex structure that is the human body is a design exclusive to every single person. Our genes and family history add their own variations to the physical blueprint of bones, muscles, fascia (connective tissue), ligaments, tendons and organs. Mentally and emotionally, every thought and feeling, along with the sum of every emotional experience (both positive and negative), add to our uniqueness. Although complete balance is the ideal state for every person, it can be hard to achieve in today’s fast-paced life. What’s common to us all is that everything is interconnected and interdependent; in such a complex system, it’s easy for one small element to become out of balance, creating a ripple effect. Physical imbalances cause pain and discomfort, while mental and emotional stress can produce a number of seemingly unconnected physical symptoms throughout the body.
Physical Ailments
Lower Back Pain
Upper Back Issue
Sciatica/Piriformis Syndrome
Hip Pain
Patella Tendonitis
Tight Hamstrings and Quadriceps
Calf issues
Knee Issues
ITB Issues
Plantar Fasciitis
Ankle Instability
Achilles Tendon strains
TMJ/TMD
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pins and Needles or Numbness in the arms and hands
Tennis and Golfers Elbow
Rotor Cuff Injury
Frozen Shoulder
Wellbeing Issues
Headaches
Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
ME
Stress Relief
Pain Relief
Indigestion / Heartburn
Period Pain/Menstrual Cramps
Scar Tissue reduction
Asthma
RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury
Compliments cancer care
Sleep problems
Chronic pain relief
Encourages relaxation and improves performance
Improves flexibility and range of movement
Improves recovery timescales pre and post sporting events