My background is very eclectic having left school with few academic qualifications I joined the British Army and qualified as a classically trained chef, working all over the world.  After 15 years I decided I needed a change and went to the University of Surrey, where I graduated with an Honours Degree in Hotel and Catering Management. 

However, I soon realised I wanted to move away from the catering industry and before graduating I started to work as a volunteer for a homeless charity.  There I helped vulnerable adults with a variety of complex and challenging needs, eventually becoming my new career for some years before the call of the outdoors lured me away.

This eventually led to a move to North Wales, enabling me to climb for fun and to develop my mountaineering career.  I currently hold the highest UK-based mountaineering and climbing qualification called the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI), and I continue to work across the UK and overseas year-round, alongside Eryri Massage Therapies.

Eryri Massage Therapies was born out of my own experiences of receiving treatments from various physiotherapists and massage therapists from a variety of modalities including, sports and Thai massage.  I was always interested in how and why certain interventions worked and during my research, I started to think it might be something that I could do as a practitioner rather than a client.  So, after extensive research I decided that the BTEC Level 5 offered me the training and support that would enable me to be a massage therapist with a particular interest in helping people get back to the things they love, whether that’s sport (professional or amateur), looking after the grandchildren or a bit of gardening.  My focus is to get people active again enabling and supporting them to regain and maintain their ability to do so.

Qualifications

Simon holds a BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Therapist, the only one of its kind in the UK.  Simon trained at The School in Bristol under license from the Institute for Soft Tissue Therapy (ISRM), which was the first externally validated Sport Massage qualification in the UK, which many have since copied.  Simon is a full member of the Sports Therapy Association (STA), which is setting a new gold standard in professional representation for sports therapists, sports injury therapists and soft tissue therapists across the United Kingdom.

Simon also holds a Rescue and Emergency Care first aid qualification and as a former member of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team has wide and varied experiences dealing with accidents and trauma in the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).

Simon continues to develop his professional knowledge and understanding of various massage and associated modalities by attending further training courses and other suitable learning opportunities.

Snow covered Crib Goch with blue skies above

Ethos

Eryri Massage Therapies specialises in an evidence-based, person-centred approach for the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of a variety of minor and chronic musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries and pain. 

I have a holistic approach, preferring to focus on the whole person, rather than simply treating injuries, pain and discomfort in isolation. As an active climber and outdoor enthusiast, I understand people’s motivations for staying fit and active as a life-affirming necessity.

I work with people from all backgrounds and careers including amateur and professional athletes, dancers, performers, office and manual workers among others.  Common issues and injuries I can help with include general muscle aches, sprains and strains, back pain, poor mobility, headaches and muscular imbalance.

I offer injury assessment, treatment and rehabilitation advice, sports, relaxation and recuperative massage treatments.  I will work with you in a consultative manner to help you on the road to recovery, that is realistic for your situation and lifestyle.

Remember massage doesn’t have to be something you seek out when you are injured or in pain, it can actively help you to relax and recuperate from the stresses and strains of everyday life as well.

Testimonials

  • "As a trained sports massage therapist, I have considerable experience of giving and receiving therapeutic massage. Simon is a talented and highly skilled therapist and I have found his treatments extremely beneficial. He is friendly, empathetic and professional, and I would recommend him to anyone who requires either a relaxing massage or treatment to aid recovery from injury."

    Cordelia

  • “Simon identified the injury with my foot, Plantar Fasciitis. He took me through some very useful and easy exercises to strengthen it and supplemented this with a massage around the affected area which accelerated my recovery. The treatment really made a big difference to an injury which wasn't going away!”

    Joe B (professional mountaineer)

  • I really enjoyed my massage with Simon, he was very professional and clear in his communication. The pressure was just right for me and very effective. My body felt relaxed afterwards and in less pain. I definitely would go again and recommend this massage. Thank you!

    Lisa S (professional dancer/performer)

  • "I find Simon really easy to get on with, which put me at ease. Importantly, in my opinion, he listens and responds to your needs, adjusting his approach as required"

    Isi B (climber)

  • “I have used Simon a few times and I have always received an excellent service. He is knowledgeable and interested in really trying to find the root cause of the issue. I have had a niggly Achilles tendon issue for quite a while and Simon has helped a lot to sort it out. Five stars all round.”

    Tarquin S (professional mountaineer)

  • 'Simon was excellent - he established exactly what my need was, made me feel comfortable throughout, and the treatment helped considerably. 5 stars!'

    Tom Lawfield (professional mountaineer)

  • I went for a massage with Simon as I always have aches and pains to some degree or other from climbing. The massage was really pleasant, not painful, and certainly made me feel very relaxed. The place was lovely and warm and comfortable. I’d go again for sure.

    Louise Harvey (climber)

  • “What a beautiful location and view to have a massage in front of! Simon was excellent and very professional, and his background as a Mountaineer gave him a great insight into my aches and pains. Would highly recommend him.”

    Tim O (professional mountaineer)

  • “Simon delivered a series of massage treatments for me that proved very successful. He was highly professional, with an excellent, private location. I have already recommended him to everyone I know!”

    Cat F (professional mountaineer)

  • “I was lucky enough to have Simon for a massage during his training so now fully qualified I would highly recommend Simon for his Massage Services. He is Very professional throughout, makes you feel at ease & very knowledgeable. The massage itself was everything you'd expect. Thorough when needed (my calves) but also Relaxing if required (neck, back & shoulders).”

    Lisa Brown (runner/swimmer)

  • “I was recommended Si by a friend, and safe to say he did not disappoint. He took a thorough approach, taking the time to understand my needs. A perfect mix of targeted deep tissue and relaxing therapeutic treatment. Simon's passion for his subject is clear.”

    Daisy (professional circus performer)

  • “Reviewing after my second session with Si. Professional service in a relaxing setting. I was impressed by Si's approach to my specific needs a historic elbow dislocation injury and lower back pain. Would recommend.”

    E Jones (climber & photographer)