rb massage - about Rachel

Rachel Berryman

LSSM (Dip), MISRM, MSMA

Hi, I’m Rachel and I started rb massage in 2015 after completing the ISRM/BTEC (Level 5) Professional Diploma in Clinical Sport & Remedial Massage Therapy / Soft Tissue Therapy with the London School of Sport Massage (LSSM) in 2014.

I developed an interest in soft tissue therapy while training for the London Marathon in 2012, experiencing first-hand the benefits of sports massage / soft tissue therapy when training at an increased level. Experiencing these benefits, I then sought remedial massage to assist with ongoing postural issues around my neck and shoulders, seeing a marked reduction in the pain and discomfort I had felt for a number of years. Realising the benefits of massage as both sports and remedial therapy motivated me to pursue a career as a Soft Tissue Therapist.

I have always believed in professional development throughout my working life and have completed a number of additional training courses in areas of particular interest to me. I am a certified Level 2 Rockdoc in kinesiology taping application and a certified c section, hysterectomy and abdominal scar immersion therapist. My keen interest in running means that I have completed the Running Repairs course with The Running Physio, Tom Goom, and the Strength & Conditioning with Rehabilitation of Runners with Benoy Mathew and Glen Robbins. My experience of soft tissue therapy while pregnant led me to completed specific training in pregnancy and postnatal soft tissue therapy. You can find out more about the training I have completed here.

I enjoy seeing clients from all walks of life, ensuring everyone receives a professional service whether this is for a sport or remedial soft tissue issue, pregnancy or postnatal soft tissue issue or scar immersion therapy. I enjoy working with clients to help them feel more comfortable and achieve their goals. I do not have a ‘typical’ client; my clients come from a wide variety of backgrounds include elite athletes, recreational sports people, and those who benefit from remedial soft tissue work to help them lead the lifestyle they wish to, including pregnant and postnatal clients.

I have worked at a number of high profile events with elite athletes including the World Para Athletics Championships and the IAAF World Championships both in London in 2017. I also worked as part of the international medical team as a soft tissue therapist and mentor to local massage therapists at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. For three years, I also provided the Soft Tissue Therapy at Farnham Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic, gaining valuable experience working in a multi-disciplinary clinic, only leaving when I had my son. My experience also includes being a soft tissue therapist for Basingstoke RFC for the 2014-15 season, the Hook Fun Run and Road Races, Fleet Half Marathon, London Marathon, Crossfit 1664 Colosseum Games, Crossfit Box Rocks and Bournemouth Rugby 7s.

When I am not working, I'm a mummy to two young children and assisting in the renovation of our home. Having been a keen runner, if/when time now allows, I still enjoy running, training in the gym and swimming. I completed the London marathon again in 2018. I am actively involved with Hook Runners, sitting on the original committee as the Membership Secretary for the first two years and regularly training with them. rb massage sponsored Hook Runners since it was founded in 2016 until 2021.

I am a member of the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM) and the Association for Soft Tissue Therapists (SMA). I am fully insured and hold an Emergency First Aid at Work certificate. Click here to find out more about my training.

Exactly 6 years apart