I caught up with Fiona from Complete Calm Therapy to understand more about massage and it’s health and wellbeing benefits.
After suffering the effects of chronic stress, insomnia and muscle tension in her old job as a magazine designer, massage really worked for Fiona and she wanted to learn more. Gaining her ITEC Level 3 and Massage Training Institute (MTI) Level 4 in Holistic Massage, Fiona decided to leave her stressful job and set out to help others through massage. Since then, Fiona is now a self confessed massage and anatomy geek and travels to Brighton to complete her Advanced Clinical Massage Certificate – good luck Fiona!
So I decided to ask this massage geek a few questions to understand why we all should look after our bodies more and how she may be able to help you.
What are the benefits of regular massage?
It helps so many issues; from stress-related insomnia, chronic pain conditions, anxiety, increases range of motion.
Who should have a massage?
I’d say everyone! But if you’re feeling stressed and your shoulders are tight and aching, or you’re suffering from chronic low back pain, then a massage would be really beneficial.
What are the signs that you should book in for a massage?
Are you feeling stressed with work or life? Are your shoulders creeping up round your ears? Can’t switch off and relax? Got muscular pain that you’d like easing? Then that’s the time to schedule a massage.
What treatments are on offer?
I blend a number of techniques together, so you could get some deep tissue, some stretches, Trigger Point work, hot stones, holistic and facial massage. It changes according to what’s best for the client on that day. One day a deep tissue Restore massage that leaves you invigorated and irons out all your knots, another day a soothing Relax massage to calm frazzled minds and help you sleep.
What’s your top beauty tip you tell your clients?
After cleansing at night, give your face a massage with facial oil (rosehip is lovely for dry or dehydrated skin). Don’t get too close to your eyes though.
Why did you set up in Harrogate?
I’ve recently relocated from north London (I’m actually a northerner originally). My husband and I loved London for many years but we wanted to improve our quality of life and be closer to family. Harrogate was an obvious choice! And I had fond memories of day trips here when I was a child.
Relaxation and repair
I was lucky enough to experience a massage from Fiona. Arriving at Pure Treatment Rooms, where Fiona rents a room by appointment on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. From 9:30am – 7:30pm. I headed up to her massage room and we started with a consultation. Fiona when into great detail about my health, wellbeing, job, exercise, diet, skin condition the lot! The whole consultation can take up to 15 minutes. This enables Fiona to ensure she gives the best treatment for you. Due to my job, and the extra long hours of blogging we agreed my shoulders were the first priority. She would work to relieve pressure points and stress but the rest of the massage was up to me. I chose to also focus on my lower back, neck and feet.
Fiona then left the room so I could get comfortable. Most people don’t know what to do here so most therapists expect you to undress down to your underwear, taking off your bra if you’re wearing one, lie on the bed, face down, and cover yourself in the towel provided.
Fiona returned to the room and popped my feet up onto a bolster, I’d never been in this position for a massage but I could feel the pressure release from my lower back immediately.  Fiona put on some relaxing background music before starting the massage. The first touch was bliss. I’ve never had such a slow and considered massage like this one. I’ve been to many spas and love a deep sports massage but Fiona’s hands were incredible. Nothing was rushed and every part of my shoulder was explored for hidden stress points. I could feel myself drifting into a sleep-like state. After what felt like a lifetime of eternal bliss Fiona carmly let me know the massage had ended. She said to take my time to get up and she would go get me some more water. I would certainly recommend Fiona, I would certainly say some of my friends with babies and small children who suffer from back pain would benefit greatly from Fiona’s healing hands.
I left feeling calm, feeling lighter and I slept for 10 hours straight!
Treatments and price list
Treatments
- Holistic (90, 60, 45 or 30 minutes)
- Deep tissue (60, 45 or 30 minutes)
- Hot stones can be added to the treatments above*
*Advanced booking is required to allow stones to heat - Facial rejuvenation 45 or 30 minutes
- Indian head massage 45 or 30 minutes
Cost
- 90 min treatments £60
- 60 min treatments £45
- 45 min treatments £35
- 30 min treatments £25
Express de-stress (this is available at events, please call to discuss booking)
Seated chair massage.
- 30 min treatments £20
- 15 min treatments £10
If you’re interested in booking a massage or have a question for Fiona she can be reached on 07931 999477 or email her fiona@completecalm.co.uk Fiona is based at Pure Treatment Rooms on 1 Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate HG1 1DW.
More about Fiona
What’s your favourite thing about Harrogate?
Where do I start? I always breathe a sigh of relief and my shoulders relax as I get back in to North Yorkshire after a trip south. The countryside and the town are staggeringly beautiful. The people are so warm and welcoming. And the restaurants are great, actually I’m not so sure this one is a good thing as I keep finding excuses to eat out rather than cooking!
Where do you go to get a good cup of tea and a cake?
Tricky question, there are so many great places. The Farm Bistro, Baltzersens, Filmore & Union and of course Bettys.
What are your hobbies?
Yoga, cooking and I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with running.
If you enjoyed this post you may also be interested in reading my post about Green Peel Facials. Read more here.
P.S. Thank you to Fiona for the wonderful massage. This is a sponsored post.
 
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