I went to see Sharmila for some antenatal massages in my third trimester and after every treatment…read moreI really did feel relaxed, restored and revived! I even fell asleep a couple of times I was so relaxed. She really took the time to understand what I wanted to get out of the treatments and unlike some other practitioners I've seen where they seem to be just going through the motions I felt instantly at ease with her. If you're looking for a really great, affordable pregnancy massage in Bristol I doubt you'll do much better than this.

I've had many different types of massage and also a few whilst pregnant, but I can honestly say…read morethat Shamila's was one of, if not the best. Starting with a very through chat about aliments and background issues, I felt the approach was very professional with an understanding of the connection between body & mind. The massages themselves are just the right level of firm, something that was tricky to find whilst pregnant. Post-natal, Shamila understands the stresses that pregnancy, labour and the subsequent child lifting put upon the body. I also have a profession that is quite physical but unusual and Shamila had no problem understanding the issues arising from that, something I have struggled with from other massage therapists. The room is pleasant, light, warm and quiet. Another rarity! It was also easy to get to, very near a bus stop, there was parking too.

Chris Reynolds is a very experienced and knowledgable osteopath and I have received much benefit…read morefrom his treatment over the last 5 years. He is unique in his approach, very empathetic and has always delivered great results from the visits I have had. Chris is very professional, reliable and helpful and I can highly recommend him to anybody suffering pain or discomfort.

I had a long standing ankle problem since a serious motor bike accident at 21. Treatment here has…read morereally helped and i,m now almost pain free for the first time in years.Thanks.

Clifton Medi Spa, previously called Clifton Complementary Medicine Centre, is a registered…read moreHealthcare Commission Practice in Clifton that offers health and beauty treatments. I usually treat myself to a deep tissue massage or a reflexology session if I'm going to splash out on a complementary therapy for relaxation purposes, and at Clifton Medi Spa is was reflexology. While I'm dubious about some of the more ambitious claims of its many benefits, I enjoy it as a straightforward relaxation treatment. I've never had a reflexology session I haven't enjoyed, although some exert more pressure than others. This one was just the right balance, with enough pressure to feel like it's releasing tension, but not enough to be too painful! Pressure on different parts of your feet is intended to alleviate specific health problems, but for me it just leaves me feeling refreshed and like I'm walking on air afterwards. They also offer a range of other health treatments such as podiatry and chiropody, which I haven't tried, alongside their ever expanding range of cosmetic treatments, which I also haven't tried. The owner has teamed up with Dr Alan Wyn Jones of 'Defy Time' to expand the range of cosmetic treatments available at the clinic - and I hear they now offer all sorts from laser treatments to peels, as well as the scary stuff such as injectibles and fillers - but I think I'll be sticking to the massages and reflexology!

The Family Practice is like a Mecca for all those suffering from acute back pain. I have been there…read morein various states of agony and always found treatment constructive, thorough and sympathetic. The practice is run by a team of very experienced osteopaths who all have a slightly different approach to their craft. But all use structural and cranial techniques. Their clients vary from the decrepit to the newborn and from the sportsman or woman to the couch potato. They offer a variety of treatment for sports injuries and employ several practitioners in complementary therapies from acupuncture and homeopathy to family counselling, reflexology and shiatsu. The excellent website has profiles on every practioner detailing their approaches and influences. And you can expect to be seen fairly promptly if you are in extreme pain. There is also a clinic on Saturday mornings.

The aromatherapy massage I received from Lisa was exquisite. The presence, technique and attention…read morewith which it was delivered left me feeling not only deeply relaxed but also very nurtured. I would encourage anyone to try it for themselves. They will not be disappointed.

Recently I've been having treatment with Madeleine Zagni, who quite simply worked wonders after…read moreeven the first rolfing session. I'd never experienced this technique before and was unsure what to expect. She immediately put me at ease and noticed where she could help, taking great care to patiently and deftly relieve years of tension and poor circulation (as a result of arthritis in my knee) As I await surgery she has helped me improve and maintain flexibility and mobility. I'd reached a point where I was feeling desperate to move more fluidly but the pain with prohibitive. With a combination of her exceptional technique and physiological insight she has released me from a sedantry and restrictive lifestyle, reduced pain levels and increased my mobility in ways I might I have only dreamed a few months ago. Another huge benefit has been, by working to increase function in my legs, she has also significantly improved my blood pressure, which had become a concern. We decided to test it in one session so I took readings before during and after a treatment, with astounding results: Before; 151/94, During: 144/81, After: 116/64. Admitedly, to begin with, it could be uncomfortable at times, but it was so worth persevering as the results speak for themselves. I simply can't recommend Madeleine enough to offer expert, considerate, life changing treatment. Her knowledge, as a multi-disciplinary body worker, is exceptional and I have a new lease of life! Helen C, Bath

I had a course of 10 rolfing sessions with Madeleine last summer, and was very impressed by her and…read moreby the technique. My issues were tight ham strings, short Achilles tendons and minor low back pain. Any slight discomfort during sessions felt constructive, change that's for the better. I was particularly aware of Madeleine's care, concentration and focussed attention, and how she minutely observed my posture and movements before and after work. The clarity of her explanations gradually helped me to understand something of how I had been holding and using my body, and how we were together working on improving that. It seemed to be a short-cut , achieving change that would have taken several years of yoga stretches to accomplish. I came away feeling better in my body, and determined to maintain the changes she had brought about by continuing with yoga stretches and ensuring I kept up my improved posture. I'm still doing both, and very pleased with the whole experience.

Now, I have actually already given recommendation for James Ross Healthcare as a gym but feel my…read morerecent experience of the physiotherapy there deserves a special mention. I suffered from a knee injury related to marathon training and despite my reluctance to have to pay for physiotherapy I really had to bite the bullet and pay a visit to James. For sports related injury I think it's really worth going to someone based in a gym, they know about running so can advise from both sides. After a initial assessment he found the problem and I have had a few follow up treatment sessions - they are expensive (£40 for the assessment and £35 thereafter) but he seems very good at what he's doing and it's the sort of thing - if you need it then you need it. I would highly recommend.

At the back of temple meads, right under the train track, James Ross Healthcare is an excellent…read morelittle gym. Initially started as a physiotherapy centre, they expanded to offer gym services. The space isn't huge, so there's only one of each Cardiovascular trainers, and as such is more geared towards circuits and weight training than the treadmill machines. Having said that, it never gets busy, so the times I've been I've never not been able to get on the equipment I needed. There's a real sense of personal service though, which is its main selling feature. For £35 a month, they'll give you a 15 minute assessment, and give you a programme designed to help you towards whatever goal you're trying to reach. There's always a personal trainer around, and they really care to take the time to have a chat and make sure everything is going well each time you come in. They also offer martial arts and yoga, so it's a well rounded gym off the beaten track - well worth the effort.

Westbury Chiropractic Clinic was opened around a similar time to my birth, in my (totally unbiased)…read moreopinion anything started in 1987 has an automatically good start in life! I visited the clinic seeking relief from a recent sport related injury and found it be very good. They cater for all sorts of things like back/neck/shoulder pain resulting from car accidents, trapped nerves, general joint pain and stiffness and leg pain. It's really well known in the city - I was recommended by a number of people and a lot of people know of it. The people with the healing hands are all very experienced and knowledgeable.

I have been treated by David for over 25 years, as an athlete, and he is the only Chiropractor that…read morehas sorted out my injury EVERYTIME, allowing me to resume training in the shortest possible time. I cannot recommend David Aberdeen highly enough...