My Massage Journey

23 years ago with a toddler clinging to one leg and a newborn in my arms, I made the crazy decision to enrol in a massage course at Colchester Institute.

At first, it was just something for me—a personal outlet in the midst of the madness of motherhood.

But what started as a simple interest quickly grew into something much bigger. Before I knew it, I had earned my VTCT certification in Swedish Massage, and I was off on a new path.

My first job was in supported living accommodation, where I learned to adapt massage therapy to meet a wide range of needs. This experience opened the door to working with MND Scotland, a role that deeply touched me. I still carry the memories of the people I met there, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful touch can be.

For 17 years, I was on the move, running a mobile massage business that took me all over. During this time, I felt a strong urge to expand my knowledge, so I enrolled in the Western School of Massage and earned a Diploma in Remedial and Sports Massage. This marked a turning point for me.

I transitioned from mobile work to a more settled practice, eventually opening my own treatment room in Lennoxtown, where I now live. I still spend my Mondays at West End Physio—a place I hold in high regard for their commitment to patient-centred care.

Massage isn’t just a job for me; it’s become a passion—though my husband might cheekily suggest it’s more of an obsession.

I’ve always believed in the importance of staying at the forefront of the field, so I’m constantly learning and updating my skills. My journey in ongoing education has taken me through courses like Understanding Pain, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Functional Therapy for Low Back Pain—a method I find incredibly effective.

I’ve also explored DermoNeuroModulation, a gentle touch based therapy developed by Canadian Physio, Diane Jacobs, which has added yet another layer to my practice.

Bringing all these approaches together has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career and it’s led to some incredible outcomes for my clients.

I’ve had the privilege of working with everyone from elite athletes to heavy metal musicians backstage—each experience adding another chapter to my story.

When I’m not in the treatment room, you might find me getting “mockit” while I’m digging and growing veggies in my garden.

I also love lifting weights a few times a week, enjoying good food and good conversation, and occasionally taking a wild swim or “dook.”

Life outside of work is full of its own adventures—my 88-year-old mum keeps my sisters and me on our toes, and my camper van... well, that’s a story in itself.

Let’s just say it’s a marriage-long talking point, but at least I’m helping to keep my mechanic’s kids in shoes!

A Deeper Connection to Touch

Touch has always been a significant part of my life, although it didn’t start that way.

I didn’t grow up in a particularly touchy-feely family, so it’s not something I learned at home. It just developed naturally.

I think drama school had a lot to do with it. I went at 18, and suddenly I was surrounded by expressive, physical interaction. It was like discovering a new language.

Even now, when I’m on the sofa with friends or my husband, we often give each other foot massages—it’s just part of who I am.

No matter how busy my mind gets, there’s something about stepping into my treatment room that brings me an instant sense of calm and peace.

I’ve created a little garden there, filled with plants like fennel, lavender, thyme, and rosemary. I love touching and smelling them before my clients arrive.

Right now, my sweet peas are in bloom, and they smell absolutely amazing. For me, nature is at the heart of everything I do—both in my work and in my life.

Touch, after all, is as natural and nurturing as nature itself.