Simon Breen

Diploma in Health Science and Therapeutic Massage

What brought you to NZCM?

I have been self-employed as a Personal Trainer for five years running Podium Fitness. During my classes I discovered I was coming across more and more individuals that were losing their range of motion, due to either their sedentary work, sport or lifestyle. I began doing a lot of release work with foam rollers and spikey balls to assist in helping them move better. But I wanted to learn more about the human body and movement in general. This led me to completing my Relaxation Certificate, then receiving a Scholarship to complete my Diploma in Health Science and Therapeutic Massage at NZCM Christchurch.

How did you find the first year at NZCM?

The first year at NZCM was more of a revision and recap of my previous studies and seeing the body in a different way. It helped my personal training offering, as it gave me a more in-depth knowledge of the human body in regards to how it functions and moves, and what could be causing the imbalances in certain individuals. I had some great tutors and clinic supervisors which opened doors to some amazing opportunities.

Have you added to your skills?

I have completed a few courses since graduating from NZCM. Completing the RockTape and Kinesiology Strapping Course and a Cupping Therapy Course. In 2019, I am looking into attending a Dry Needling/Acupuncture Course. I am also involved in an amazing team of Massage Therapists, working with top level sports teams and individual athletes. Typically, during this time you learn new techniques off each other from working in one big room all at once, as everyone has their own variation and style of treatment.

How did NZCM help you?

NZCM gave me a greater understanding and a new perspective on how I see the human body, movement and how much of a role massage therapy plays in recovery. It helped with my personal training business as I was able to assist clients in getting them moving better. In my first year after graduation and to this day it has opened doors and allowed me to work with the All Blacks, Crusaders, NZ White Ferns, Tonga Rugby League and many more elite teams and individual athletes, as well as applying to be part of the New Zealand Olympic Massage Team to head to Tokyo in 2020.

What have you learnt over the past few years?

The most important thing I have learnt over the past few years, is that everyone reacts differently to a certain style of treatment. The industry is continually changing with new research. The big thing for me is finding what gets the best result for each individual client, whether it be hands on massage, fascial work, cupping or needling – it’s important to find what works best for them and be open to change your techniques from client to client.