Soft Tissue Therapy is a person centred approach to the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of minor and chronic musculoskeletal pain and injury.
It is a hands‑on treatment approach that focuses on the body’s muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments—essentially any structure that isn’t bone. It’s used to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help tissues heal more effectively. Soft tissues can become tight, irritated, or restricted from injury, overuse, poor posture, or stress, and this therapy aims to restore normal function.
Examples of people who benefit from Soft Tissue Therapy include anyone , regardless of age or lifestyle who suffers from any of the following :
in addition Soft tissue therapy can also be part of a broader rehab plan that may include exercise, posture correction, or joint mobilisation.
Examples of the benefits of Soft tissue therapy and
Sports massage include:

After obtaining a degree in Physiology and Sports Science I have been working in the health and fitness industry for 30 years. My career has involved various positions including fitness Instruction, Personal training and Health Club management. Sport and exercise have always been part of my work and personal life and I have enjoyed playing squash, football, touch rugby, running and road cycling. As a result of partaking in these different sports and seeing first hand the impact they have on the human body I became interested in movement science, Injury assessment, recovery and prevention and how soft tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia influence everything we do. This lead to me gaining my professional diploma and becoming a soft tissue therapist.
As well as my understanding of postural and muscular dysfunction caused by our normal work and lifestyle, wear and tear, accidental damage and ageing I also have an understanding of the effects of sporting competition and training on our bodies and how Soft Tissue Therapy can benefit individuals in a multitude of ways.
This learning journey has seen me treat a wide range of clients with different needs relating to sporting injuries, postural dysfunction, muscle imbalances, age related wear and tear, post operative issues and pre and post event work amongst other things. It has been fascinating seeing how this treatment has proven beneficial for a wide range of needs.


The Cambridge School of Sports Massage (CSSM)
The Cambridge School of Sports Massage (CSSM) is one of the UK’s leading training providers in soft tissue therapy and sports massage. CSSM has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and practical expertise. The school offers rigorous, hands-on training that equips its graduates with the skills needed to assess, treat and rehabilitate a wide range of soft tissue conditions. Matt upholds the school’s high standards of clinical practice, demonstrating a strong foundation in anatomy, injury management, and therapeutic massage techniques.
Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists (ISRM)
Matt gained his qualifications through the Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists (ISRM), which sets the professional and educational standards for the industry. The ISRM Diploma in Clinical Soft Tissue Therapy is widely respected for its evidence-based approach and clinical relevance. Training with the ISRM gave Matt a comprehensive understanding of injury mechanics, pain science, and the application of advanced soft tissue techniques tailored to each client’s individual needs. His education with the ISRM shows his commitment to high-quality care and continuous professional development. More details here :


A Personally tailored session incorporating advanced Soft Tissue therapy techniques including Soft tissue release, muscle energy techniques, positional release, trigger point therapy, deep tissue work and more
Ideal for someone who is suffering from postural tension, everyday aches and pains, impaired range of motion, stiffness, acute or chronic pain or requires treatment after an injury.
We will start with a full assessment and then choose the right treatment for you on the day.
A structured session to assess and treat pain, injuries, and recurring movement problems, whether its caused by sport or other means.
We’ll begin with a detailed history and movement assessment to understand why the issue is happening, not just where it hurts. Treatment will include targeted advanced soft tissue therapy techniques. If applicable after the session you will also be emailed a series of rehab exercises and guidance on what to work on between appointments
A focused treatment designed to support active individuals, athletes, and anyone with muscle tension from physical activity. This session combines deep tissue techniques, targeted stretching, and muscle-specific work to help improve performance, reduce soreness, and speed up recovery. I will focus on problem areas related to your sport, training, or daily physical demands. Techniques may include trigger point therapy, soft tissue release and more to enhance flexibility and range of motion.
A slower, more holistic soft tissue therapy session focusing on the body’s fascial network; the connective tissue that surrounds and links every structure in the body. Using advanced myofascial techniques, this treatment aims to ease restrictions, restore balance, and support improved movement and body awareness.
A focused session designed to release tension and improve mobility through the neck, shoulders, and upper back; ideal for anyone experiencing postural tightness, headaches, migraines, or stress-related tension.
Using advanced soft tissue therapy techniques, this session targets key structures around the cervical spine, upper thoracic area, and shoulder girdle.
A focused session for returning clients, using advanced soft tissue therapy techniques to treat a specific area; whether it’s a training niggle, postural tension, or a recurring issue.
Ideal for top-up treatments, maintenance, or when you’re short on time but need targeted relief.
(Returning clients only – for new clients, please book a 60-minute session so we have enough time for assessment and treatment.)
Prices for mobile treatments will vary depending on my distance of travel. Please contact me for further details.
I'm happy to answer any questions face to face so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Fitness4Less, Wyncolls Road, Highwoods, Colchester, UK
Mon | By Appointment | |
Tue | By Appointment | |
Wed | By Appointment | |
Thu | By Appointment | |
Fri | By Appointment | |
Sat | By Appointment | |
Sun | Closed |

Shortly after my full knee replacement operation, Matt visited me at home and started,my road to recovery, with gentle sessions to get my extremely swollen left knee working. He has continued to give me regular Soft tissue treatment. 14 weeks later and with prescribed gym sessions too, I have around 130 degree movement in my joint and must say I am extremely grateful to Matt, who was and is very professional in his approach and ability to give specialised treatment in this field.
I am a reasonably fit 77 year old and Colchester's most prolific parkrunner.
Unfortunately at the beginning of the year I sustained an injury to my achilles tendon playing squash with the grandkids. Foolishly I continued to carry on running and ended up with tendinitis.
After a consultation with Matt I accepted his advice to stop running and to rely on minimal impact exercise like cycling to keep me active. This was followed by 4 sessions of concentrated Soft tissue therapy on my leg which he performed in a calm, sensitive and thoroughly professional manner.
I am pleased to report that through his expertise, knowledge and ability I have already been able to return to running without having to undergo any intrusive intervention.
I would, therefore, have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the services of Matt
Matt initially accessed my injury and mobility limitation’s through various forms of mobility and range of motion tests, this gave us an indication of the rehabilitation programme and what form of exercises and strength work was required moving forward.
During a period of 16 weeks of rehabilitation, Matt has been seeing me weekly, from around 8 weeks into my injury until the current state.
Matt has performed various treatments including -
Trigger point release,Mobility exercises. Massages directly to the calf and surrounding areas & Hip flexor work
Matt has always been professional, polite and very informative throughout the treatments, providing me with valuable analysis in gauging what sessions I can incorporate into my recovery.
I am pleased to report that through his extensive sessions, I have been able to return to a volume of around 30 miles per week and my calf is getting stronger every week, even completing a 10k test race this morning in 38:41, just 2:41minutes off my old personal best before the injury setback.
To conclude I would have no hesitation in continuing to use Matt and recommending him to friends, family and other members of our running club
Please accept the following as a true account of my experience with Matt.
Following total knee replacement surgery I was having problems mobilising my knee and legs. I reached out to Matt and he subsequently visited me on 4 occasions. Each time I always found Matt to be totally professional and efficient in his attempt to improve my mobilisation. He was most skilful in successfully achieving greater movement in my leg which in turn has helped me become more mobile in general. He was approachable and a joy to work with.
I would highly recommend him.