Alain Petitclerc

Massage therapist in Kent and London, offering tailored treatments to relax, relieve pain and restore movement

Common questions

What will happen in my first massage therapy session?

Your first session will begin with some detective work. I will perform a postural assessment, and ask you to explain a little about your problem. I will ask you to fill out a short form which will determine whether you have had any treatments like this before, whether you suffer from things like high blood pressure, and whether you have seen a doctor about your injury or discomfort. I will set to work on the painful area, but I will also work around the whole body to give you a complete treatment.

How long is a massage therapy session?

My massage therapy sessions are typically between 50-minutes and an hour, but I will only stop then if I’m sure the job is done! My clients usually find that three sessions over a few weeks usually work best, as the first session often uncovers tensions in muscles they never knew they had!

Where will my massage session take place?

I like to make things as comfortable as possible, and so my massage therapy sessions are conducted in a warm, light and homely room in my house in Tonbridge. Far removed from the clinical nature of many physiotherapists, you will feel completely relaxed with me!

What should I wear?

As you will have to take some clothes off for your massage therapy, you might like to wear something loose and comfortable. Some people wear sports shorts, but some people come straight from work – whatever is easiest for you! I provide towels and privacy whilst you change, and you will have a bell to ring when you are ready for me to come in and start the treatment.

Is massage therapy always appropriate?

There are some conditions which may make you unsuitable for massage therapy treatment. Please discuss with me in advance of the massage if any of the below apply to you.

High/low blood pressure
Recent surgery
Cancer
Heart condition
Metal/plastic implants
Skin conditions
Thrombosis
Haemophilia
Varicose veins
Diabetes
Taking any medication

07973 745376

Alain Petitclerc's hands have helped me in many a precious situation where the destiny of an entire concert was depending on one or two pinched muscles in the shoulder or lower back. Alain has always made it possible for me to stand through the concert, unaware of the previous pains and there has always been a vast improvement in the days to come. He is a true magician in this field and I wish more musicians came to know him as he, being a musician himself, really understands typical professional problems of health and can help curing them.

Vladimir Jurowski, Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Alain has been treating me for back pain over the past 4 years. My back trouble has been caused by a combination of golf, gardening and gym workouts. On each occasion that I have been given treatment by Alain, the pain has been overcome, allowing me several months of trouble-free living before a recurrence.

Consequently, I have no hesitation in recommending Alain as a skilled practitioner.

Arthur Jones

Pre and/or post- concert, after long flights and longer bus journeys, Alain has restored me to ache-free comfort. He knows his stuff and acts accordingly. When he does not travel with us on tour he is sorely missed, literally.

Andrew Marriner, Clarinettist London Symphony Orchestra

A natural sceptic I went for a treatment with Alain not really knowing what to expect. My expectations were far exceeded by first class caring and knowledgeable treatment that immediately took care of some of my pressing health issues. Having had similar treatments with several others I feel that in this field Alain is right at the top in a class of his own. I recommend him highly.

Peter Hembrough, Violinist

To be able to call upon the services of Alain Petitclerc over the course of my career as a sportsman has proved to be invaluable. A range of injuries and strains have presented themselves at various stages over the years, but not once has anything proved to be beyond his formidable expertise and ability. Without fail, every issue has been met with a precise diagnosis, conscientious advice and remarkably effective treatment. A great degree of consideration is required in order to ensure that the care of one's physical condition has been placed in the hands of someone with both the skills and technology to capably hold such a position. With Alain Petitclerc, however, there is no need for such deliberation; he is a thoroughly consummate professional, and I cannot recommend him more highly.

Maurice Holmes, Ex-Warwickshire Cricketer

Being an HGV driver for the last 40 years, loading and unloading flight cases for travelling orchestras, my back has taken an awful pounding over the years. For the past 10 years or more I have been having treatment from Alain to undo the problems I've encountered during the course of my job.

He has kept my back in fine working order, often at the last minute. I have found his patience, expertise and professionalism extremely helpful, especially when on tour and away from home for two weeks.

I would recommend him to anyone who has muscular problems.

Ken Graham, Road Manager.

I am a busy professional violinist, an activity which requires great strength and flexibility of the right shoulder. Your treatments have enabled me to get back to work and make progressive gains in the freedom and range of movement. Your perception and knowledge has been exceptional and your well- focussed treatments have helped me make great progress towards recovery. I have, in particular, been enormously impressed with the wide range of massage treatments which you are able to deploy in working on the injury in a holistic manner. Thanks to your work I am now working largely without pain and have begun to enjoy a return to the tennis court as well.

Colin Renwick Violinist LSO

"I am a professional violinist and I have been treated by Alain since 2004. Over the years I have trusted and relied on his in-depth knowledge and understanding of anatomy, as well as the specific physical demands of my job to maintain my physical well being. I feel he has always taken an interest in me as an individual, hence the treatments I receive are never routinely administered, but always thoughtfully and sensitively tailored to my condition on each visit. I would whole-heartedly recommend him for the excellent physical results he has achieved for me over the years, and the peace of mind I have experienced in his capable hands."

Lucy Curnow, Violinist