Pain Management

Why Integrated Care Matters

• Around 34% of adults in the UK report experiencing chronic pain, with 14% experiencing moderate to severely limiting pain (Fayaz et al., 2016).

• Chronic pain is associated with anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal (Dueñas et al., 2016).

• NICE (2021) recommends consideration of acupuncture and physical therapies as part of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.

• Massage therapy is shown to significantly reduce pain severity in musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions (Furlan et al., 2008).

• Pain scales such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) are used to track progress and personalise treatment plans (Hjermstad et al., 2011).

Our Therapuetic Approach

Hypnotherapy & Reflexology

Chronic pain affects the nervous system’s regulation and perception pathways. Reflexology supports systemic balance through pressure applied to specific reflex zones in the feet, helping to calm the sympathetic nervous system and support circulation.

Hypnotherapy sessions work on cognitive reappraisal of pain, fear reduction, and relaxation training. Clients with conditions such as migraine, pelvic pain, or pain amplified by trauma history may benefit from a series of 4–8 sessions with self-guided audio tools for home use.

Body & Auricular Acupuncture

Acupuncture is recognised for its role in modulating pain perception through activation of endogenous opioid pathways and down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Treatment plans begin with a comprehensive intake to map pain source, severity (via a pain scale such as the NRS), and aggravating/relieving factors.

Auricular acupuncture may be used alongside body points to target limbic structures associated with pain-related emotion and memory. Clients with musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, or nerve-related symptoms often report significant improvements in both intensity and quality of life markers after 4–6 sessions.

Massage is a hands-on therapy that supports circulation, muscle release, and lymphatic drainage, making it ideal for tension-related and postural pain. We combine deep tissue and myofascial release techniques with tailored essential oils such as ginger (anti-inflammatory), lavender (calming), or peppermint (cooling).

Sessions last 60 minutes and are highly individualised—focusing on affected areas while also addressing compensatory tension elsewhere. Follow-up includes home care techniques, self-massage guidance, and optional pain diary use to track relief windows and triggers.

Essential Oil Therapy & Massage

Our Therapies

Specialist Massage for TMJ Release

TMJ Release & Myofascial Alignment Therapy

Soothe deep tension and restore balance to the jaw and facial structure

This targeted therapeutic treatment focuses on relieving tension and imbalance within the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and surrounding musculature. Using evidence-informed myofascial and neuromuscular techniques, the session eases jaw discomfort, improves alignment, and promotes optimal function through precise, restorative touch. Each movement is designed to release deep muscular tension, enhance circulation, and bring harmony to the face, neck, and shoulders.

Outcome: Profound relief and balance—leaving the jaw, face, and mind aligned, tension-free, and deeply relaxed.

Our Client Experience

Lower Back Pain Post-Construction Injury

Background:

Mark sustained a lumbar strain three years ago and developed persistent lower back pain affecting sleep, mobility, and mood. He had completed physiotherapy and used anti-inflammatory medications but was seeking a more sustainable and less medicated approach.

Treatment Plan:

• Body acupuncture (weekly for 6 weeks), including motor points and local needling.

• Deep tissue massage (every 2 weeks) with warming essential oils.

• VAS pain score tracked at intake and each session.

Outcome:

Mark’s pain rating reduced from 7/10 to 3/10 over six weeks. He regained comfort while walking, reduced his use of over-the-counter painkillers, and reported improved sleep.

“I didn’t realise how much tension I was holding until it started to ease. The team helped me feel hopeful again.”

Osteoarthritis of the Hands and Knees

Background:

Ana, a retired teacher, was living with osteoarthritis and found cold weather and stress worsened her joint stiffness. She was wary of increasing pain medication and wanted gentle, supportive care.

Treatment Plan:

• Auricular acupuncture for inflammation and mood.

• Reflexology (weekly) to reduce systemic tension and support circulation.

• Aromatherapy with warming oils during sessions (e.g., marjoram, rosemary).

Outcome:

Ana reported increased mobility in her fingers and knees and reduced morning stiffness. She appreciated the gentle, non-invasive nature of treatments and continued sessions monthly as maintenance.

“This was the first time I felt listened to as a whole person—not just a diagnosis.”

References

• Dueñas, M., Ojeda, B., Salazar, A., Mico, J. A., & Failde, I. (2016). A review of chronic pain impact on patients, their social environment and the health care system. Journal of Pain Research, 9, 457–467. https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S105892

• Fayaz, A., Croft, P., Langford, R. M., Donaldson, L. J., & Jones, G. T. (2016). Prevalence of chronic pain in the UK: A systematic review and meta-analysis of population studies. BMJ Open, 6(6), e010364. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010364

• Furlan, A. D., Imamura, M., Dryden, T., & Irvin, E. (2008). Massage for low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(4), CD001929. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001929.pub2

• Hjermstad, M. J., Fayers, P. M., Haugen, D. F., Caraceni, A., Hanks, G. W., Loge, J. H., ... & Kaasa, S. (2011). Studies comparing Numerical Rating Scales, Verbal Rating Scales, and Visual Analogue Scales for assessment of pain intensity in adults: A systematic literature review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 41(6), 1073–1093. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.08.016

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2021). Chronic pain (primary and secondary) in over 16s: assessment of all chronic pain and management of chronic primary pain [NICE Guideline NG193]. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193