Michael began his training in January 2000, learning the art of Remedial Massage at the Northern Institute of Massage. Remedial massage differs from other forms of massage, as its aim is not to relax the person, but to fix a mechanical fault. To gain experience and help his studies Michael worked from a number of clinics in Newport on a no charge basis, and to his credit some of those people are still clients to this day. Once he had received his Diploma, Michael quickly began to build his practice, at the same time enrolling on the Advanced Remedial Massage Course. This course taught advanced techniques and also the use of orthopaedic diagnosis, which provides the practitioner with clear and concise information on how best to proceed with treatment or when to refer the client to their GP.

In partnership with Rebecca, Newport Complementary Health Clinic was formed in 2002.

"Rather than sit back and work with the tools I had, I strived to know more about how the body functioned, or better still, why it did not function as it should. Further training with The Northern gave me a deeper understanding of functionality and neurology. I trained in electrotherapy, Positional Release Therapy (PRT), Trigger Point Therapy (TPT), Soft Tissue Release (STR) with Mary Sanderson and specific joint diagnosis and treatment techniques with Professor Graham Smith amongst other courses. The knowledge gained from these courses, allows me to successfully treat a wide range of conditions."

"Remedial Massage may at times have a physical aspect that is not suited to all my clients and this led me to study Spinal Touch in 2005. A very gentle form of re-alignment, Spinal Touch is a great adjunct to the treatments I already use". The following extract is taken from www.spinaltouchtreatment.com where more information about this form of treatment is available.

"Originally the work of Chiropractors Dr. John Hurley, D.C. and his wife Dr. Helen Sanders, D.C.,The Original BioMechanics Technique (AKA Spinal Touch Treatment) is an amazing technique for correction of chronic and acute pain. It is a soft tissue, non-force system for the detection and correction of postural and visceral distortions that may be inducing the disease process, and disorder function. The technique has been used by many professionals like chiropractors, massage therapists, physical therapists and even lay persons. It is easy to learn, and safe in its application for all ages of patients, clients or loved ones."

In 2006 Michael decided to become a Registered Osteomyologist, despite the title being unknown to many, The Association of Osteomyology is constantly adding more therapists as members, all striving for one thing, to bring the individual to optimum health whilst keeping appointments to a minimum. Osteopaths, Masseurs, Chiropractors and Physiotherapists add to the diversity of Osteomyologists. " I did not want to be classed as a particular type of therapist, i.e. masseur, physiotherapist, sports therapist etc., as people tend to have a pre-conceived idea of what type of condition a particular therapist treats and how they treat it. As a Registered Osteomyologist, the aim is for people to consider what I can do for them that's different to everyone else."

An 8 month course in Muscle Energy Techniques (MET) with The Association of Osteomyologists, allowed Michael greater understanding of spinal and joint dysfunctions and how to treat them, using a very gentle form of adjustment, which the body can easily maintain, allowing for fewer visits to the clinic. "Further studies with the Osteomyologists included Neurological Testing. These tests form part of my initial examination procedure to detect any signs or symptoms which may be related to the nervous system and its functioning."

Michael has also attended courses on the work of Tom Myer's Anatomy Trains and Dr. Tom Hendrickson's, The Hendrickson Method, both of which relate to muscle function and its negative effect on the skeletal structure. “I firmly believe that function (muscles) has a huge bearing on structure (skeleton), and this forms the basis for all my treatments.”

Conditions successfully treated by Michael include: migraines, tennis elbow, whiplash, postural pain, restricted range of motion, tendonitis, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, nerve irritation, arthritic conditions, sciatica, pelvic alignment, repetitive strain injury, muscular pains and leg length discrepancy.  And many more.

"To continually meet professional standards laid down by my associations, I am required to regularly attend Continual Professional Development seminars (CPD’s). Here, practitioners such as myself are encouraged to learn new skills that will enhance clinical practice. Continuing Professional Development includes reading and theory as well as practical education."

Michael is a member of the GCMT (General Council for Massage Therapists), the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) who are supported by the Department of Health, the LCSP (London and Counties Society of Physiologists Register of Remedial and Manipulative Therapists) and the MAO (Member of the Association of Osteomyologists). “I adhere to the codes of conduct laid down by these organisations, which give all practitioners strict guidelines on how to work with the general public in a professional and caring manner."