Royal Free Charity | Complementary therapy massage

Complementary therapy massage

Clinical massage treatments, reflexology and acupuncture

Man lying in hospital bed receiving a massage from a complementary massage therapist.
We offer complementary therapies to enhance the Royal Free London’s care for its patients and support for its staff. 

Research shows that, alongside medical care, massage can reduce stress, anxiety and pain which can help people cope better with the illnesses and uncertainties they face in hospital. 

It can also be used as an effective tool in faster patient recovery and rehabilitation.

We offer a suite of treatments, including:

  • clinical massage 
  • specialised treatments for scar tissue, neurological rehabilitation and radiotherapy
  • reflexology 
  • acupuncture

We work in line with clinical policies and protocols to speed up patient recovery. 

Our service, whether working with inpatients, outpatients, carers or staff, has been built on a holistic approach to patient care. 

The patients become like extended family, and we follow their journey from the beginning, onto the wards, through to them walking out. It’s just amazing.”

– Kristen Curran, complementary massage therapist 

What type of massage do we provide?

The type of massage we offer is clinical massage which is very gentle and based on the Swedish technique which has been adapted to consider the patients’ physical and emotional needs. 

The department uses oils which have been specially blended for us and have been approved as safe to use with patients. 

Patients are referred by a member of their clinical team so the therapist is briefed on any medical considerations to be taken into account.

  • 13,420
    In 2023, our team delivered 13,420 treatments to patients and staff.
  • 100%
    Every patient felt an improvement in their physical and/​or emotional wellbeing.
  • 99%
    A total of 99% of patients said they were very satisfied’ with their massage treatment.

Who do we support?

  • Main areas supported by complementary therapy:

    Oncology (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy)

    Dialysis

    Neuro rehabilitation

    Surgery

    Transplantation

    ICU

    Maternity

    Rheumatology and scleroderma

    Infectious diseases

    Care of the elderly

  • Benefits of complementary therapy:

    Reduce blood pressure

    Aid pain management

    Improve mobility

    Reduce anxiety

    Improve respiratory rates

    Provide companionship, especially for the care of elderly patients

    Improve emotional health and wellbeing

Where possible we can also support patients’ carers, close family members and partners.

A massage therapist giving a woman a back massage.

Patient story

I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. My surgeon recommended physical therapy.

After six months of no results, I was discharged and referred to complementary therapy services.

The warmth, caring and dedication of both the office staff and therapists is second to none. It is a family atmosphere into which one is welcomed.

As a result of my treatments, I experienced the first improvement in my condition since its onset, thanks to the expertise of Teres and Monika, both very experienced therapists.

I left after my final treatment with a warm heart. I left with symptoms that have been alleviated and the knowledge that the root cause of the condition has been addressed.

My deepest gratitude to everyone who contributes and has contributed to making complementary therapy services the amazing facility it is today.

How to get support

Inform staff you would like to be referred. Once the team have received the referral form, they will arrange an appointment for you.

Planned investigation treatment unit and oncology day suite patients: please let your nurse know that you would like to be included on the daily massage therapy list and they will inform the team.

Contact the service

Nickie Williamson, clinical lead:

020 7794 0500 ext: 32051

Helen Turner, complementary therapy services co-ordinator:

020 7794 0500 ext: 38927