Since I started Complete Worx Massage in the summer of 2007 the way i work has changed. Over the years i have trained in shiatsu for massage in pregnancy, thai yoga massage, deep stone massage, pilates teaching, and sound therapy to get better results for my clients. I have expanded my knowledge on the sports orientated techniques out there and received some brilliant one to one tuition, notably from a Gyrotonics teacher in London. Shame it was too pricey to continue permanently! 
My one constant in 8 years has been the use of hot and cold stones in a therapeutic way, merging them with deep tissue sports massage techniques or for deep relaxation. They have consistently surprised me with their ability to: - ease tension in the tightest of muscles
- speed up muscle tissue recovery post exercise (marathon, recreational run, long distance bike ride etc)
- prepare muscles for endurance exercise
- reduce the occurrence of injury
- relieve stress and fatigue in the body
- recharge the batteries
- improve circulation, lymphatic drainage and revitalise a tired face
The new additions have been sound therapy, pilates style exercises and working in a more intuitive manner. They have all contributed to:- a deeper sense of wellbeing
- the ability to switch off quickly and recharge the whole body: body, mind and spirit
- a greater awareness of which muscles to engage to create a stronger, more robust body for exercise of all types
- better sense of self, and what is needed to keep the body healthy and moving fluidly
To better understand the way i work now, here is an interview with an existing client (female, age 40s)
Q1. Was there a particular reason for seeing Vanessa for massage?
I was seeing a physio for a shoulder niggle, and he recommended i see Vanessa for more regular sports massage. I was training for an Ironman at the time and needed some TLC to keep everything moving.
Q2. How long have you been having treatments?
Since about 2010
Q3. Do you usually come for the same reason each time?
At the moment yes, but it has changed a lot - from sports massage, to relaxation, healing and more recently for one to one pilates sessions.
Q4. What is it about Vanessa that is different to other practitioners you have seen in the past?
My treatments always feel really personalised, based on how i am feeling at the time.
Q5. Are you a sporty person? Explain a little about what you do and have done in the past sports wise.
I am sporty, although less so than i used to be. I have done a number of endurance events in the past and Vanessa was a key part of my overall regime. I still run and cycle, and have a personal trainer - seeing Vanessa helps to manage the effect of this (and age) on the body.
Q6. Do you think the hot and cold stones go deep enough to reach areas of your body that have been overworked, are tight or stiff?
I do - i find the stones really effective.
Q7. Is there something appealing about going to a home clinic?
Intimacy is not there in a separate clinic. It helps to relax both of us.
Q8. What has been the most important/beneficial treatment and why?
Hard to answer. As treatments have evolved, i have had very different benefits - from injuries, relieving stress from work. Over the last couple of years, Vanessa played a key role in my healing and was an invaluable source of support as i was treated for breast cancer.
Q9. Anything else you would like to add?
The fact i still try to see Vanessa regularly, five years later, says it all!
* Disclaimer: no bribery used!
