The therapist behind Essential Massage
Francia Gregory
I am the only therapist at Essential Massage, a women-only studio in a private log cabin in Stoke-on-Trent. I have been practising since 2008, I am a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists, and I hold FHT-accredited training in pregnancy massage.
Every guide on this site is written by me, from what women actually ask in the studio. For the story of the cabin and how the studio came to be, see about Fran and the studio.
Qualifications
Trained and qualified since 2008, with continuing professional development since. These are the documented qualifications behind the treatments offered here.
- 2008Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Therapies (Holistics)VTCT
- 2009Level 2 Certificate in Holistic TherapiesVTCT
- 2010Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapies (QCF)VTCT
- 2012Level 3 Certificate in Sports Massage Therapy (QCF)VTCT
- 2013Warm Bamboo Massage CPD SeminarFederation of Holistic Therapists
- 2015NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Dementia CareNCFE
- 2022Massage for Pregnancy & ChildbirthTEACH Therapy (FHT Accredited Short Course)
FHT membership you can check
I am a current member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists. You do not have to take my word for it: my membership and listed therapies are on the public FHT register.
View my FHT register listingGuides written by Francia
Plain-English answers to what women ask most, on pregnancy massage and everyday wellbeing.
- What is pregnancy massage?
- Is pregnancy massage safe?
- When should you not have a pregnancy massage?
- Pregnancy massage for back pain and sciatica
- Massage for pelvic girdle pain and SPD
- Pregnancy massage vs regular massage: what is different?
- Can massage help pregnancy insomnia and anxiety?
- Massage for swollen legs and feet in pregnancy
- Pregnancy headaches: can massage help?
- Deep tissue vs Swedish massage: which do you need?
- Massage for period pain and cramps: can it help?
- What to expect at your first massage
- Massage for stress and anxiety: does it actually help?
- Massage for neck and shoulder tension from desk work
- How often should you get a massage?
- Massage and menopause: what can it help with?
Book with the therapist who wrote the guides.
One therapist, every visit, in the women-only log cabin studio on Withies Road, Stoke-on-Trent. No payment taken until you visit.