My music & massage journey
Musical beginnings
Music has always been a central part of my life and I hope that by sharing my journey with you, that you will understand why it remains so important to me.
I started playing the piano when I was 5 but soon learnt that performing alone on a stage was not for me. I made sure that my next instrument was one that I could play in an ensemble or at least share the stage with an accompanist for solidarity. After a brief start on the violin I found my sole-mate instrument, the viola.
I grew up in rural Suffolk where music lessons, youth orchestra rehearsals & concerts formed a huge part of my social interaction and life experiences growing up. I enjoyed tours of Germany, Sweden & France and residential weekends with like-minded young musicians.
I have found orchestras to be a fantastic starting point to make friends wherever life has taken me; beginning with the Colchester Youth Chamber Orchestra, then at the University of Sheffield (where I gained my music degree). I later played in Epsom, Putney and even Port Elizabeth, South Africa. I was a member of Wandsworth Symphony Orchestra for nearly 20 years, leading the viola section for the last 6. Many special friendships were forged over the years, bonded by our mutual love of music. After the covid-led hiatus of 2020 I’m now planning my next exciting ensemble adventure!
Life is now completing one of its circles as our eldest son has chosen the double bass as his instrument and I’m learning the logistical complexities of getting him and this monster of an instrument to his lessons and orchestra/band rehearsals.
Why massage?
My path to massage therapy began in my teens when I suffered wrist problems due to the strain of playing a heavy, factory-built viola. I was taken to a lovely osteopath in Hadleigh, Suffolk who probably has no idea that she inspired my career choice so many years later. It was a painful rib that brought me back to osteopathy while I was working as a receptionist in Fulham. This experience reminded me of my ambition that I would like to be able to help other people to alleviate their pain. I wanted to learn how to improve function and to understand how to use the body to its full potential.
I studied the 4-year degree course at the British School of Osteopathy and practiced as an osteopath for 12 years. This incredible healthcare philosophy taught me the importance of an integrated approach to an individual’s health; looking at how each patient has used their body over time, as well as their health beliefs and the psychological factors involved in their well-being. My passion has always been working with the soft tissues of the body to relieve tension. I made the change in 2018, after gaining an ITEC Level 3 qualification in Swedish massage, to become a massage therapist. My deeper knowledge of the physiology of my patients greatly lends itself to how effectively I can help them through massage. I combine more traditional massage techniques with those learnt throughout my time as an osteopath including trigger point therapy, muscle energy techniques and joint articulation. These enable me to work effectively on both the soft tissues and the joints.
I have a special interest in treating musicians to relieve played-related pain and tensions. As a musician myself I understand the repetitive strain involved in holding instruments in awkward postures for long hours of rehearsal and performance.
As well as enjoying playing musical instruments, I feel that listening to music can be an effective and valuable tool in healing and relaxation. I enjoy tweaking and updating my massage playlists so that there is something that everyone feels comfortable relaxing to in the treatment room. Please feel free to share any preferences and ideas with me and I’ll accommodate your tastes!
I am fully insured and a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT)
I find the therapy room a very relaxing place to be and feel very fortunate that I’m able to pass this feeling of calm and well-being on to my clients … and call this work! I look forward to welcoming you to my massage practice.
Please contact me with any questions or to book an appointment.
To find me once you’ve booked an appointment please visit the Location page.