Meet the Team: Tomas Woolner

When Tomas Woolner first walked through the doors of Massage Matters, it wasn’t to start a new career – it was to fix a cricked neck during his marathon training. Fast forward 18 months, and he’s now part of the team. We sat down with him to chat about his journey, and what makes massage therapy so rewarding.

So Tom, how long have you been at Massage Matters now?

I started in September last year, so about eight months ago. It’s funny really, because I didn’t know much about the clinic at first. I came purely as a client while training for the London Marathon in 2023. I had a massage with John Holman, who owns the business,

as I’d cricked my neck. John worked on it, manipulated it, using muscle energy techniques – and honestly, it made such a difference. It was more than just a massage and it stuck in my mind for months. Then one day, I just thought, “I want to know more about what you guys do.” 

And that was the start of your career change?

Yeah, John and I met for a coffee, and he shared his story, his experience, all the skills he’s gained over 36 years. It was incredibly inspiring. He encouraged me to try a Level 3 holistic massage qualification to see if it was the right path. I did, and now I’m training in BTEC Level 5 remedial soft tissue therapy, which is much more clinical, in-depth, and anatomy-focused. It’s fascinating.

You mentioned that your first treatment was “more than just a massage.” What did you mean by that?

It’s hard to explain, but it wasn’t just a nice, relaxing experience. It was a hands-on, physical therapy that actually fixed something. It was targeted, deep work – yes, painful at times, but incredibly effective. Most of our clients come in with pain or injury. They’ve tried other routes – physios, osteos – and they’re still stuck. What we do is very different. We take the time to listen, understand what’s going on in their lives, their stress, their routines – and we treat the whole person, not just the injury.

So is this very different from what you were doing before?

Massively. I was a town planning consultant for 15 years. My background is in human geography, sustainability, and urban design. But sitting at a desk wasn’t for me! I realised I couldn’t do it for another 30 years. I wanted something hands-on, meaningful, where I felt I was genuinely helping people.

And now that you’re in clinic, how’s it going?

It’s amazing. The days fly by. You might have six hours of treatments booked, but you’re thinking, solving, talking the whole time. No two people are the same – every injury, every story is different. It keeps you on your toes. You’re forming relationships too. People come back, and you’re with them on their journey, whether it’s recovery or performance.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Honestly? Studying again! I hadn’t done formal learning for over 20 years, so getting back into that mindset was tough, but also really rewarding. The human body is endlessly complex. You might only scratch the surface after 10 years. But that’s what keeps it interesting.

Do you have a particular area you’d like to specialise in?

Definitely sports. I run, I play tennis, so I really get those injuries. If someone talks about shoulder pain during a tennis serve, I know exactly what that feels like. That connection helps. I want to keep learning – I’m intending to do a strapping and taping course and dry acupuncture needling is also on my radar, maybe even a PT qualification so I can work with people through rehab and strength too.

And what’s the best part of the job for you?

Helping people. It’s as simple as that. Someone walks in with pain they’ve had for a year, and after treatment they say it finally feels better – that’s everything. It’s real, it’s personal, and it makes a difference.

And finally, any time off coming up?

Yes! I’m off to Madrid this week to watch Arsenal play Real Madrid, which will be fun, and then I’ve got some time with my kids – parks, playgrounds, the usual. Bit of recovery time before the next round of marathons and massage!