Massage for men too, says Hatfield osteopath

LIKE most blokes, the idea of having a massage is something that has never really appealed to me. But a recent visit to the Penn Clinic in Hatfield changed all that. Founded in 1979 by

LIKE most blokes, the idea of having a massage is something that has never really appealed to me.

But a recent visit to the Penn Clinic in Hatfield changed all that.

Founded in 1979 by Caroline Penn, the Crawford Road clinic will be holding an open day on Wednesday to celebrate its 30th birthday.

And as part of the celebrations, Caroline invited me to come and experience one of the many treatments she offers.

Although set up as a clinic of osteopathy - the practice of manipulating the bones and muscles - it also offers a range of other complementary therapies, including massage, pilates, homeopathy and hypnotherapy.

I opted for a brief massage, which was skilfully delivered by Kim Hutchinson.

During my 20-minute treatment, it emerged that my rhomboids - the muscles which connect the spine to the shoulder blades - were tight.

But by the end, I must admit, they certainly felt a lot looser.

Massage, Kim told me, is for everyone, but she admitted most of her patients were women.

"I think women are more open to trying things," she said, "but everybody can benefit."

Following my massage, I chatted to Caroline and it immediately became clear that osteopathy is her passion and not just her job.

"I came into osteopathy after suffering a head injury," she said.

"I fractured my skull and had to have it patched up with a chunk out of my leg.

"It was a long slog to recover but osteopathy helped me."

Caroline agreed osteopathy can benefit everybody, and said her patients ranged in age from young children up to people in their 80s.

"We really are family orientated here," she smiled.

Since the clinic opened 30 years ago, more than 12,000 patients have passed through its doors.

Dorothy Wiggans, 82, has been coming since suffering a whiplash injury in 1983.

Speaking about her treatment, Mrs Wiggans said: "It has really benefitted me.

"They are so good here."

For more information visit www.pennclinic.co.uk, or call 01707 274148

The clinic is holding an open day on Wednesday to celebrate its 30th birthday.

The free event will feature a range of talks on the treatments offered at the clinic.

Free massage taster sessions can be booked and there will also be story telling, face painting and a puppet show to entertain the children.

It starts at 10am and finishes at 8pm.

All are welcome.