Melanie Allan (Mel), experienced Massage Therapist and Reflexologist, has now been providing care services from the Life Made Simple Physiotherapy centre in Bramley, Guildford for over a year and is an excellent addition to our team.

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Melanie has featured in a good few blogs on our website, and client feedback on these additional services has been excellent. Mel is usually available on a Thursday each week, although other weekdays are available, and please do make contact with Life Made Simple Physiotherapy to make your reservation.

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It is well known that massage therapy, along with reflexology, is a valuable complement to physiotherapy, as well as being a beneficial stand-alone treatment.

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What should be expected from massage therapy?

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The type of massage you can expect depends on what the client requires. Melanie confirmed in her March 2021 blog that most of her clients come to her with aches, pains and stiffness they would like relieved. She mainly applies deep tissue methods to relieve muscle tension or tightness. She uses strong pressure and massage techniques to relax the body, along with a tool called a Wave Stone. This is made from white jade and is curved, hence the name. When placed in hot water it absorbs the heat and not only feels good but warms the muscles and makes them easier to manipulate, increasing the suppleness to relieve tension.

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What about aftercare?

Melanie confirms that an important part of her treatments is the aftercare advice she gives. Usually this means tips on stretching, which really is the best way to increase the effectiveness of the massage and also reduce muscle tightness in the first place.

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Melanie’s journey to becoming a Massage Therapist?

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After 12 years as a social photographer, working in portrait studios, functions and weddings, Melanie decided on a new direction in life. Having had an interest in alternative therapies for many years, she decided in 2008 to retrain as a holistic therapist.

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Having completed a year-long course in holistic massage, reflexology and the associated anatomy and physiology/counselling/pathology studies, Melanie started working in a well-known spa, and soon made the move to independent working.

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Business evolution

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Melanie notes that it took time to build up the successful business she maintains today, with the usual challenges along the way. With help from friends, and referrals from existing clients, her loyal and satisfied client base continues to grow.

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The opportunity to work with a physiotherapist specialising in neurological conditions gave Melanie significant insight into neuro and spinal traumas and different techniques to treat and relieve a variety of symptoms. Melanie has also worked in tandem with a chiropractor which has widened her knowledge of physical conditions and methods of treatment.

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How can massage aid a client’s wellbeing?

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Melanie comments that massage is an underrated and unacknowledged treatment therapy, so many people (fairly) ask what seem really basic questions about what massage can do for them. She has found that there is not a great deal of understanding as to what massage is all about (other than feeling good) or how it aids in so many different physiological, mental and even spiritual ways. Physiologically massage helps the body in a wide variety of ways from increasing circulation, increasing blood flow and oxygen to muscles and connective tissue, draining lactic acid from muscles, releasing tightness in muscles…all of which aid healing from trauma and tension. Many physical illnesses are brought on or made worse by an increase in stress levels, and all holistic therapies work to reduce stress and anxieties which in turn also reduces symptoms of illnesses and mental health issues.

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Massage & reflexology charges

Massage Therapy

Therapy period                 Cost

30 minutes                         £42.00

60 minutes / 1 hour         £63.00

90 minutes                        £84.00

120 minutes / 2 hours     £105.00

 

Reflexology Therapy

Therapy period                 Cost

60 minutes / 1 hour         £53.00

 

Charges correct at time of publication (March 2024). Check for current rates.

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Contact Life Made Simple Physiotherapy

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If you would like to book a massage therapy session with Melanie, please call us on 07309 272 555 or email Physio@Lifemadesimple.co.uk. Life Made Simple - expert physiotherapy in Bramley, Guildford and Surrey.