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Success Stories

People seek treatment for many different reasons, and each experience is unique. These stories offer reflections from people who kindly chose to share their results from working with me.

— Stephanie Reading

‘Gerry Andrews in partnership with the Leeds Marriott Hotel. We have been working in partnership as part of our wellbeing strategy for around 2 years now, Gerry offers massage and self-help expertise to our associates. Gerry is very experienced in his craft and has the ability to connect with everyone he meets. Gerry has helped our associates to reduce their pain suffered through muscular and joint problems, we have also been able to organise a staff discount programme which our associates feel the benefit from to continue to improve their wellbeing.

Gerry is also experienced in managing stress, wellbeing and managing and improving mental health amongst many other things.

We are also working on offering our associates various wellbeing classes as we have realised that through massage sessions our associates have a wonderful connection with Gerry and often speak of their personal situation whilst having massages in confidence.

Our partnership will only continue to grow as we build stronger relations with Gerry, I know that Gerry is truly making a difference to our team as they have been open to sharing their stories with us. If your business doesn’t have a wellbeing strategy I would seriously suggest you implement one and I would highly recommend that you work with Gerry.’

Jayne Uren (Associate CIPD) Human Resources Manager

Leeds Marriott Hotel. June 2019

“Gerry has supported me with a Wellbeing Programme for more than 900 NHS staff across Leeds and the quality of his holistic approach is exceptional. Gerry is not only a very skilled massage therapist, but also has a range of mind and body therapeutic interventions at his disposal to identify and treat client issues.

After experiencing just 20 mins of treatment from Gerry, one of our NHS guests became emotional as she showed me the range of movement in her arm that had been painful and restrictive for many years. I would highly recommend Shan Holistic Massage Therapy.”

Simon Thomas

Optimus Team Learning Ltd.

What was your situation like before we started to work together?

I first came to see Gerry in November 2015 initially to see if he could help me better manage a long-standing chronic back pain. The MRI scans showed irreversible degenerative change. At the time my back would collapse anytime which was painful and restrictive. When the pain was full-on I couldn’t sit down and had difficulty walking. It was debilitating to the point that it brought me to a halt. The pain consumed my life so when a friend suggested I saw Gerry I thought I have nothing to lose having tried so many different types of treatment which didn’t give much relief.

What’s it been like working with me?

Gerry is a kind, sensitive and caring practitioner. Professional and mindful of the patient’s needs. He is able to treat you as a whole person rather than just do a superfluous back massage. He is completely present and respectful. He does not offer an indulgent spa-type treatment, he addresses the mind body and soul. He listens and helps you understand yourself. Often a physical problem is the result of a deep personal trauma or hurt.

This is a joint effort as I had to let go and work with him. The result of my sessions with him was far greater than I could imagine and was expecting. It was transformational.

I trust Gerry and see him more as a confidante and personal friend. I was underneath quite raw when I went to see him having lost my Dad recently. What he has managed to do is help me to find my mojo in time which at the time seemed impossible given the closeness of my connection with my late father. I was just functioning on autopilot with no desire or aim in life.

What has been the one best result you have got from working with me?

There have been too many positive benefits but the one that really stands out is the fact that I believed I could attempt the Great North Run in 2016. That wasn’t it though in 2018 I did the London Marathon now I was never a serious runner so to go from suffering from debilitating back pain to actually running a marathon was an impossible feat. This is just one example how he has helped me on so many levels. I feel more confident and centred. I’m in a much better place than I was before.

Why might you recommend me (Shan Holistic Massage Therapy) to a friend?

If you are going through an emotional crisis or have physical pain I would recommend you see Gerry. Don’t expect a result in one session, it’s like having a gym membership you need to invest your time and money for your overall well-being. He will listen to you and help you regain your emotional strength which in turn will help you better manage life and who knows you might go on to achieve things that once seemed impossible.

Daxa Patel

Solicitor & Coach

What was my situation like before we started work together?

  • I had a very sore left shoulder injury from dog walking
  • Various aches and pains throughout my body were presenting themselves and restricting my movement.
  • At night in bed I would have a very stiff neck and sore lower back.

What has it been like working with Gerry?

  • Gerry took great care to assess my body and found numerous points of tension
  • Gerry listens well to your symptoms and spends time getting a picture of your lifestyle
  • Gerry makes several suggestions for tools and techniques that might help outside of the sessions
  • He makes you feel very comfortable and shows a great deal of knowledge and technique experience.

What has been one of the best results you have got from working with Gerry:

  • After just 3 sessions my shoulder is almost pain free
  • I feel a lot less pain in bed at night in my lower back and neck
  • I feel more positive in my outlook and more flexible in my body.

Why might you recommend Gerry to a friend?

  • He seems very experienced and very keen to help you resolve issues
  • He has a very approachable manner with clients
  • My body hasn’t felt this good for a long time

Sally

What was my situation like before you started to work with Gerry?

I’d been suffering with general aches and pains related to lifestyle; spending most days working at a desk or driving long distances.

Then more recently I suffered with foot and ankle pains that severely restricted movement and

the ability to conduct simple day-to-day activities. Getting out of bed became agony! The emotional as well as physical impact this was having on

my life needed to change. As a new father and previously an international athlete, the thought of not being active with my son or continuing to have an energetic lifestyle past 35 was very scary. After spending every day of my early 30’s in pain, seeing various ‘specialists’ whose ‘solutions’ all seemed to be artificial (steroid injections & insoles), I decided to take control of my health in a more positive way.

What has it been like working with Gerry?

A friend recommended Gerry and I’ve never looked back. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and effective in his techniques, Gerry creates an

environment that allows you to relax your mind as well as body and take some time to invest in yourself. The sessions are interactive, he listens and adapts to make the most of the time and it’s never rushed. I leave not only feeling relaxed, but with a real sense of progress. Gerry genuinely cares, he often sends clips for stretching routines or shares insight from relevant studies to help me understand and take control outside of our sessions.

What has been one of the best results you have got from working with Gerry?

I’ve been seeing Gerry for almost 1 year now and it’s had a profound impact on my health and in turn my mind-set. I’ve ditched the insoles, no more

injections and can wake up and walk straight away! Not only that, I plan to run a half marathon in 2020 and chase my son around any sports field he chooses! There have been a few changes that helped to get me to this stage, one big one is Gerry and I’m extremely grateful to him.

Why might you recommend Gerry to a friend?

I’d highly recommend Gerry to anyone suffering with general aches & pains, acute injuries, stress, anxiety or if you’re simply in need of a time-out to relax and re-set.

Andrew

What was my situation like before you started to work with Gerry?

I was looking for someone to help put me “back on track”. Suffering with pain in my neck and shoulders and coping with a stressful situation (due to the ill health of a family member), I needed a bit of T.L.C.

What has it been like working with Gerry?

The following day I found myself in the company of someone who was clearly very passionate about his work.

At the heart of Gerry’s practice lies the art of “Listening” (a rare thing these days). I felt that he listened carefully and fully in order to gain an understanding and to identify exactly which element of his holistic approach would best suit my needs. He applied his skills and knowledge in the form of a massage followed by reiki and worked carefully, thoughtfully and with a high level of intuition. Gerry oozes generosity of giving rather than any sense of taking.

What has been one of the best results you have got from working with Gerry?

Following my treatment, I felt so much better. My neck and shoulders had released their tension and I felt calm, positive and energised.

Why might you recommend Gerry to a friend?

Occasionally, one comes across a special person in life, someone with a little bit of magic to them. I would define Gerry as such and shall definitely turn to him again in the future. I have no hesitation whatsoever in highly recommending him. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed.

Katy

“Gerry’s deep tissue massage has really helped me get to grips with my longstanding calf problem resulting from scar tissue that built up following a muscle tear some years ago. This has prevented me from running, but following a series of treatments, I am now able to run again without a recurrence of the tear. My regular maintenance treatments with Gerry keep me on the road.”

Angela

“Attended a Summer Solstice alcohol-free party. Amongst the treasures of the event, we came across Gerry! My companion was impressed by Gerry’s massage and how knowledgeable and humble he was. Gerry also put me onto the Backnobber which reached the formerly unreachable knots by one’s own hands. I’ve ordered it and can’t wait to use it – a must for those tight knots around the neck and shoulder blades. Thank you Gerry for creating a relaxing, therapeutic and enjoyable experience.”

Bajie

“I’ve seen many osteopaths, chiropractors and physios in my lifetime, and know a good one from bad. So I was delighted to discover how good Gerry is. Very professional and very knowledgeable, he sorted my extreme shoulder pain in one session. I had been taking painkillers for 4 days to cope with the pain, and I’ve not needed any since. He also found various other niggles in my back that I’d had so long I’d just got used to them or forgotten, and he got to work on those too. I left feeling as light as a feather. Can’t recommend enough.”

Neil

What was my situation like before you started to work with Gerry?

For many years, I have felt like I have little control over my joints and muscles. I have a long history of tripping up, falling over, and bumping into things. Sprained ankles, painful knees, awful balance, muscle spasms, and torticollis have been regular symptoms.

After a recent slip in the bath, a long walk (not particularly long for most people), and a very long drive on Friday, I was in excruciating pain and virtually unable to move.

I finally decided to do something to look after myself and called Gerry Andrews for a massage.

What has it been like working with Gerry?

After a very thorough consultation, Gerry examined every aspect of my movement and made me realise that all the different trips and tumbles have led to me adjusting the way I move.

The way I have ended up shuffling around instead of walking properly is the way I have unconsciously chosen to protect myself from further discomfort, by adjusting my gait and therefore causing further problems.

Gerry worked by massaging the large muscles of the legs, and I instantly felt the effect right down to my ankles.

What has been one of the best results you have got from working with Gerry?

My knees are now totally pain-free for the first time in about 7 years. I have been sat today, manipulating the points Gerry indicated, whilst watching TV. Although still not quite right, my back is substantially more comfortable, and I am really looking forward to a second appointment next weekend.

Why might you recommend Gerry to a friend?

Without a doubt! Thank you Gerry, highly recommended.

Lorna H.

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