About Me - My qualifications and story

By Neil Marshall

Qualifications

My initial training was in Emmett Technique. I first came across it when being treated for a sore knee and after a few treatments, I was so impressed, I decided I wanted to learn more about it. I am now a fully qualified and Certified Practitioner of Emmett Technique (What is Emmett Technique?).

To broaden my training and knowledge I took a BTEC Level 5 Sports Massage and Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy course with the North London School of Sports Massage (NLSSM) and more recently, have trained in ScarWork and MSTR the two prevalent scar therapy techniques being taught in the UK. I also hold a current First Aid Certificate, am fully insured and as a member of the Complementary Health Professionals ogrganisation, I abide by a strict code of ethics and conduct.

As part of my training I can offer a range of different Myofascial Release Techniques, Muscle Energy Technique, PNF, Deep Tissue Massage, Swedish massage, Trigger Point Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage, Postural Analysis and Exercise Programs to help resolve any underlying issues.

How I got here

I have been involved in sport all my life, cycling, canoeing, orienteering, rock climbing, sailing and more, anything that could get me outside and provide some element of adventure. It has given me a good understanding of the stresses and strains that we place on our bodies in the pursuit of fun.

In my late twenties, during a day out climbing in Derbyshire, I tried a route that had always given my friend difficulty. I managed the `hard` section but then due to lack of fitness, couldn‘t manage the final pull over the top. I wasn‘t using a rope, so this led to 10 weeks in hospital recovering from a broken pelvis and fractured skull.

On the other side of life, I‘ve spent many years working in IT, this requires long; hours, days, months and years, sitting in office chairs, designed to provide maximum comfort for least effort.

Time passed, life redirect me from the previous activities, so that the effect of a major fall, sedentary lifestyle and unbalanced exercise started to cause a few issues.

I now have a good understanding of many of the modern ailments and how they can be resolved. My detailed knowledge of anatomy and postural issues, helps me understand their causes, so that a painful shoulder may have its root in the feet or the pelvis, everything is connected. Similarly, any scars, whether they are caused by accidents or surgery or even, apparently inconsequential insect bites, can have an effect right across the body as layers below the skin become stuck together, limiting movement in one area and causing compensation patterns in others.

So, a moments stupidity over 30 years ago, has led me to where I am now. I have no regrets and I delight in being able to help others on their own individual journeys, providing help and knowledge so that they can continue, with the minimum of pain, through life.