Dev Basu

Private Clinic

Leading an active life in my early twenties, I noticed that my regular regimen of Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Cycling and Yoga began to ease my long-suffering Asthma symptoms. After receiving a Shiatsu Massage I realised that I would like to learn more about the human body and its healing systems and how to keep the body fit, strong, healthy and supple and my journey into the world of bodywork began.

However the need to make a living got in the way, and I ended up embroiled in a busy career as a Professional Civil Engineer. I initially enjoyed the profession and worked very hard, and became successful rising to a very senior well-paid position of responsibility. However after 15 years, I realised that this line of work was not my true path, and I wasn’t waking in the morning looking forward with joy to the day ahead. In fact, I was stressed and started to resent my job. I wanted to live a life where I loved and felt passionate about my work and I knew this would be possible. I also recognised that I had a strong calling to want to help people.

And so I re-entered the bodywork world and trained in Thai Yoga Massage in my spare time. I loved practising this therapy helping people relax and unwind. However, I really wanted to further understand the human body at a detailed level and have the skills to help people with a variety of symptoms.

It was at this stage that I took the plunge and quit my job working as a Civil Engineer. I was scared at what would come next but I had full faith that it would work out for the better. It was at that stage I came across the NLSSM and the Level 5 Diploma in Sports and Remedial Massage.

And boy did the year-long course go quick. There was so much to learn. A lot of practical work, as well as theory. One of the main reasons I chose this course above all other Sports Massage courses, was that as well as their excellent reputation the school offered a student clinic where we could practice our newly learned skills on the public in a professional clinic setting. There would be a senior tutor to hand should we have any questions during the clinic hours. I made the most of this opportunity and attended the clinic every week and I believe that this helped prepare me for professional practice.

The NLSSM also had good links to the Telegraph newspaper, and I was very happy when I was selected for a placement in their head office offering Sports Massage to their employees. I worked closely with a physiotherapist there with whom I developed an excellent relationship and we referred many clients to each other. I enjoyed my placement so much that I stayed there for 6 months and built up an excellent client base. This prepared me for a professional career in the field as well as increased confidence to sit my final practical exam!

I graduated in early 2015 and started my small practice working from a small therapy room in my home in South London. However, at this early stage in my career, I felt that I would like to work in a dynamic setting with other wellbeing professionals.

And I soon managed to find work, initially with the London Holistic Centre and then Ten Health and Fitness – both well-established clinics in London. This helped me gain even more valuable experience working with other health professionals. And having the NLSSM on my CV helped me find work as both employers recognised the quality of the school.
I now manage and run my own successful Sports Massage practice in the town of Hitchin where many people see the services I offer as part of their wellbeing lifestyle.

And now I wake up in the morning and look forward to the day ahead. And the feeling when at the end of a treatment when your Client gets up moves and smiles, feeling the benefits of the massage and the increased looseness/pain relief is priceless…….





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