Carrie Anderson
Qualifications
Level 3 diplomas in:
Advanced clinical massage
Aromatherapy
Reflexology
Indian head massage
Lymphatic drainage massage
Hot stones massage
Oncology massage
Natural face lift massage
Reiki practitioner level 2
Registered with:
(FHT) Federation of holistic therapists
Why did you choose your current profession as a Massage Therapist?
I’ve been working as a Massage Therapist for over 25 years.
My career as a therapist naturally evolved. Upon leaving school, my intention was to become a make-up artist and to work in film and TV. I was creative and artistic, so at the time it seemed like a different and interesting choice.
In 1991 I began my training with a 3 - year combined hairdressing and beauty therapy course, which included the additional training of stage and character make-up and wig making. However, during this time I became truly inspired by the massage element of the course. I found the human body fascinating and was interested to learn how I could help people through massage.
Upon completing my training, I worked as a beauty therapist at Champney’s of Tring in Hertfordshire. I then went on to work for them on a state of the art P&O cruise ship at the time, called the Oriana, and travelled the world.
Over the years I have constantly been developing my skills in the art of massage. I still find it fascinating and I never stop learning.
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
My passion for massage over the years has been driven by making a positive difference to my clients' lives, physically and emotionally. Connecting with them and achieving the best possible outcome, through my work.
In what areas do you specialise?
It’s hard for me to pinpoint which area I specialise in, as my work varies depending on clients' needs. However, I would say that a high percentage of my work is helping people with back, neck and shoulder pain. Recently I completed my training for and qualified in Oncology & Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
I offer a selection of massage therapies at The Heeler Centre:
Advanced Clinical Massage
A powerful but relaxing deep tissue massage using a combination of advanced soft tissue techniques to break down tense bands of tissue in muscles and tendons. This is very effective for treating common pain conditions, encouraging a pain-free range of movement and enhancing muscle functions.
I use a blend of Easton techniques to harmonise and relax the body. Myofascial Therapy restores mobility in the fascia to soften rigid connective tissue and Trigger Point Therapy to relieve points of tenderness in the muscles. The application of hot stones warms and relaxes the muscles, enhancing the benefits of your overall experience.
My massage is specifically tailored to you and your needs.
Aromatherapy Massage
A beautiful, holistic full body treatment used to restore health and vitality.
Aromatherapy massage uses essential oils extracted from plants. The oils are specifically blended for you. They help to re-balance the body and improve physical and emotional well-being thus stimulating the body to heal itself. The healing potential of the oils is accentuated through their use in Aromatherapy massage.
Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage is a luxurious full-body treatment that uses soothing oils and warm basalt stones to relax your muscles and bring about balance and harmony.
This deeply therapeutic massage employs a variety of strokes and techniques using stones and hands.
Heat has long been used to ease muscular aches and pains. The increase in blood flow to the affected area helps reduce muscular spasms, leading to improved flexibility, and encouraging a pain-free range of movement.
A truly holistic experience to soothe away tension and bring about balance.
Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is a wonderful, traditional practice that can help to relax, soothe or invigorate. Champassage, as it is also known, is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system in India which strives to restore balance and harmony to the mind, body and spirit.
This wonderful massage is performed with or without oils on your shoulders, neck, head and face whilst you are comfortably seated.
An Indian Head Massage treatment is very beneficial for physical and emotional health.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Oncology Massage
MLD, also known as Oncology Massage, was developed in the 1930s. It uses gentle specialised techniques to encourage the flow of lymph throughout the body. It helps clear any blockages that are causing swelling and encourages the removal of toxins and waste that has built up.
This may result in swelling. The build-up of toxins in the body can make you feel lethargic, and run down and you are more likely to get ill. Often the unexplained aches, pains, and fatigue we experience are a result of a compromised lymph system.
Oncology Massage uses the same techniques as those used in Manual Lymphatic Drainage. It has the same gentle, flowing, rhythmic feel. It is cleansing, relaxing, pain-relieving, and has immunological benefits. It helps reduce anxiety and calm the mind.
This treatment helps those recovering from cancer, by reducing the painful lymphedema that can occur as a result of surgery and the removal of lymph nodes. This may be a worthwhile therapy to consider, along with your Consultant's supervision.
Reiki Massage & Treatments
Reiki is a safe, gentle, and non-invasive form of energy-based healing which has a positive effect on the mind, body, and soul. Reiki helps you to become more balanced, in your energy, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Reiki treatment should not be used to replace traditional medical treatments. Reiki compliments other types of medical and therapeutic treatments and can increase the efficiency of other types of healing.
Visit the Reiki Information page
What conditions do you most enjoy treating?
That’s a really difficult one, as I enjoy all my massage therapies. If I had to put my hand on my heart, I would probably say that I’m particularly drawn to Indian Head Massage.
I get such an incredible response from my patients when they have this treatment. We carry so much stress and tension in our neck, head and shoulders, particularly our head. This treatment gives you an amazing release, not only physically but emotionally too. It’s astonishing!
Can you give some examples of when your treatments have helped a patient?
Indian Head Massage - I hadn’t seen my patient for a while. Sadly she lost her mother 6 months before and understandably was still finding it very difficult to come to terms with what had happened. She came to me for an Indian Head Massage. She is usually quite chatty, but this time she was very guarded and explained to me briefly what had happened and how she didn’t want to talk. This I respected.
About 15 minutes into the treatment, she started to sob but insisted I continued. In time she started to calm but remained quiet. At the end of her massage, she looked like a weight had been lifted. She was so so thankful. Her mother's death, so fresh and difficult, but the treatment helped bring some light and renewed energy to my patient in her journey ahead.
Clinical Massage - One of my patients recommended that her husband came to see me. He works at a desk all day, gets lower back pain and neck and shoulder
problems. He was a bit apprehensive about having the treatment but was astonished at how it made him feel afterwards. He couldn’t believe how different he felt. He felt much freer in the neck and shoulder area and his lower back wasn’t aggravating.
He now has regular massage, has made steps to improve his working posture and has taken on board my homework exercises and stretches. He also feels that having this regular treatment has also helped with his mental health. He feels much better for it.
Clinical Massage - A patient with Plantar Fasciitis (a painful foot condition) came to see me. She found it very uncomfortable to walk first thing in the morning or after long periods of rest. I focused my treatment working on her legs, especially the hamstrings, calves and bottom of the foot, using specialised techniques to relax the muscles.
I sent her away with exercises and self-massage techniques to do at home, to help with her condition. When she came back to see me for a second treatment, she was showing great signs of improvement and was doing remarkably well by the third session.
By the end of the course, she was very happy with the results. If she felt at any point, the condition is triggered, she was comfortable with the steps to take to make her feel more comfortable again. Happy days!
How long have you worked at The Heeler Centre and what do you enjoy most about being at the clinic?
I started working at the Heeler Centre in March 2020, just before the lockdown and then regrettably, due to the pandemic, I had to wait until mid-July 2020 before I could return. It was worth the wait. It’s great working here. There is a lovely buzz! It’s a wonderful, friendly environment. Everyone is so welcoming, from the lovely team that work here to the wonderful patients I have seen.
When are you available at The Heeler Centre?
Tuesday / Wednesday / Friday: 9.00am - 6.30pm
Thursday / Saturday: 9.00am - 1.30pm