My journey started with a serious low back injury and, out of frustration and lack of progress in my recovery, I discovered the benefits of massage. The ‘hands-on soft tissue massage’ was the only treatment that worked for me. Intrigued to find out more, I pursued the training to become a Massage Practitioner.
Over 20 years later, and with a fully functional back, I am now an Advanced Sports Massage Practitioner. I apply specific soft tissue techniques combined with mobility stretches, which are both highly effective in the treatment of acute and non-acute muscle and tendon injuries, and longstanding pre-existing conditions.
I started my professional career in 2002 as a massage therapist with the Senior Ulster Rugby Team and after they won the then Celtic League in 2006 I decided to take a new pathway. Initially dividing my time between clinic and lecturing, I coordinated the Sports Massage Diploma at South East Regional College.
Currently I am solely clinic based and a senior member of the North Down Physio team. I have a passion for learning and keeping up with current concepts, gaining my VTCT Level 5 Sports Massage Certificate in 2015, the industry’s highest accreditation.
In the summer of 2017 I coordinated and lead the Sports Massage Team for the New Zealand Black Ferns at The Women’s Rugby World Cup. (If you haven’t heard, they went on the win!) I also coordinate the North Down Physio Events team, providing recovery massage for athletes at various sporting events throughout the year. Complimenting my massage skills, I am also a qualified personal trainer, specialising in prevention and rehabilitation.
I am a skilled and experienced practitioner specialising in shoulder/neck and hip/back soft tissue conditions. I have a particular passion for injuries that are related to the mechanics of cycling, swimming and running. I believe that massage and mobility are the sorely neglected parts of nearly every athlete and exercise training plan. Regular soft tissue work can change your life, by changing the way your body feels 24/7 and forever. After all, no matter how much strength, power, or speed you have, your body will not perform unless you also optimise your mobility and soft tissue.
Experience
Sports Massage Practitioner – North Down Physio 2009-Current
Co-ordinator for Sports Massage at major sporting events throughout NI
VTCT Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage Tutor – South East Regional College, Bangor campus 2002-Current
QCF Personal Trainer and Part Time Instructor – David Lloyd 2001–2009
Sports Massage Practitioner – Ulster Senior Rugby Team 2002-2006.
Gym Instructor – Ards Leisure Centre 1997-2001
Education
VTCT Level 5 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (QCF) Pending
VTCT Level 4 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (QCF)
VTCT Level 3 & 4 Sports Massage Association Tutor
OCR Level 3 & 4 Assessor
Body Balance Instructor
Kinesio Taping (KT1 & KT2)
Professional Memberships
Tutor Member of Sports Massage Association (MSMA)
Tutor Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT)
Body Balance Instructor Lesmills