Remedial Massage Therapist Gareth Philips

Gareth described himself as an ex police officer currently working as a remedial massage therapist based in Kirknewton. His company is called Body Work Therapy Ltd. He is happy to try and treat anyone who consults him. His definition of massage was “the manual movement of soft tissue to achieve a therapeutic effect”.
 
He stated that massage has a history extending back thousands of years and famous people who have used massage included Julius Caesar, who used it for the treatment of neuralgia and headaches.

Gareth stated that his aim was to reduce pain, increase circulation, reduce anxiety, help clients to relax and to heal. He stressed that he used no candles in his treatment room! His clients range in age from 12 to 84. He treats conditions that are either the result of an injury or not.
 
He considered that the modern challenges to the body are watching TV/PCs, fast food and a neck bent too far forward. He is particularly interested in rugby and was looking forward to treating the All Blacks.

Unlike physiotherapist and osteopaths, massage therapists are not licensed.

The vote of thanks was given by Fraser Marshall.