Meet the pro: Martin

When you think of massage, you probably picture easing sore shoulders or finding a moment of calm. For Urban pro Martin, it’s all of that and more – a practice that’s changed his outlook on health, stress and even sleep.

After years of working as a cabin manager in the airline industry, travelling the world and experiencing massage cultures first-hand, he trained in 2018 and never looked back. Today, he blends deep tissue with acupressure to help clients recover, relax and reconnect with themselves.

Here’s his take on the underrated benefits of massage, the wellbeing differences he’s noticed since moving from London to Edinburgh and the one small change he thinks everyone should make.

Travel, food and a passion for massage

“I love to travel, whether that’s a UK break or a long-haul escape,” says Martin. “My love of travel comes with the territory of being a cabin manager at an airline. I’ve always loved meeting new people being immersed in new cultures, food and experiences with those you meet along the way.”

Martin’s career in massage began in 2018 after discovering first-hand how powerful deep tissue and acupressure could be for easing back pain:

“From there it’s been a passion of mine, a journey where the learning never stops – I’m constantly evolving, keeping up with new research to help my clients.”

Partnering with Urban over seven years ago gave Martin not only a community but also the chance to help clients in a meaningful way: “I still love helping my clients achieve their goals whether it’s relaxing after a busy week or a combo of acupressure and deep tissue to help reduce pain.”

From Edinburgh to London and back

After 14 years in London, Martin recently relocated back to Edinburgh with his partner – this time with more than just the rucksack he originally arrived with. While starting over with a new client base was daunting, he’s found a better quality of life in Scotland:

“Edinburgh’s got all the best parts that we loved about London – it has the culture, the food scene and the amazing theatre. Being close to my family, my wee niece and the improved quality of life is just what we needed.”

Having worked as a mobile therapist in both cities, Martin has noticed a shift in attitudes:

“The mobile industry isn’t as established in Edinburgh. So initially when I moved back, I found it hard to establish my business. But my clients in Scotland are much more aware of putting health and wellbeing first, protecting their time for “me days” and blocking time out from work and mobile devices.”

It’s a mindset he champions himself – something he’s learned through massage.

How massage helped Martin stress less and sleep better

Studying massage not only helped Martin understand body mechanics and common pain complaints, it also changed his approach to his own wellbeing:

“Massage has honestly changed everything for me. Before I studied, I felt the stress of life and work getting to me – and I didn’t know how to disconnect from those. Breathing work, self massage and implementing self-care has not only helped me get out of pain, it’s helped my daily life.”

For Martin, the most underrated benefit of massage is sleep: “For me personally it’s all about improved sleep, your body needs good quality sleep to help heal and restore.”

Tackling the pains of modern life

The most common concerns Martin comes across is neck, shoulder and lower back pain: “It’s my bread and butter as a massage therapist. And with our work life balance today, I’ve seen a tenfold increase in these concerns.”

But he always takes a personalised approach: “For me it’s all about working with my client, creating a treatment plan that’s for them and focusing on the aftercare. Realistic, appropriate aftercare helps prolong the benefits of massage and shows the client easy ways to help themselves long after.”

One of Martin’s most memorable client stories is from his London days, supporting someone through pregnancy:

“She was in pain and distressed, and turned to massage after trying other therapies. I created a treatment plan that reduced her pain and supported her after each session. She became one of my most loyal clients – it was great seeing her go through her pregnancy journey, continuing our treatments long after her wee one was born.”

The wellbeing shortcut you’re probably skipping

For anyone looking to improve their wellbeing, Martin’s advice is: “Me time. It’s a must in busy modern day life. Take time in the day to disconnect and do what you love, something that enriches your soul. That may be art, breath work or just reading a book.”

The takeaway being that self-care is essential, not optional. Massage can reduce pain, improve sleep and provide calm – but Martin believes the real power lies in making space for yourself: “Blocking off time for you is a must.”

Ready to prioritise your own time?

Book a massage with Martin or another trusted Urban therapist – delivered straight to your home. Available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Glasgow.