ALL of her adult life, Veronica Ayre has suffered from agonising back and shoulder problems which not only affected what she could do during the day, but also her ability to sleep at night.

For the last six months, the 50-year-old primary school teaching assistant has been receiving weekly remedial massages at the Health and Wellbeing Centre in Gandy Street, Exeter.

The difference they have made have been life-changing for Veronica, who lives near Newton St Cyres.

"I have always had back problems and have been to different osteopaths and chiropractors over the years," explained Veronica.

"But this treatment seems to really be making a difference.

"I'm just amazed every day. At one point I was taking painkillers nearly 50 per cent of the time but I don't now.

"I have to say I don't feel 50 at all. I've got quite a young outlook and I feel a bit more energised."

Veronica's health improvements have occurred since receiving deep tissue remedial massage.

It is said to help calm the nervous system, and stimulate all of the body's systems that have become sluggish.

Nigel Millett, who has been treating Veronica and owns the centre, said: "For example, blood circulation will be improved, which will help cold feet and chilblains plus encourage healthier skin and muscle tone.

"It also aids the lymphatic system to move cell debris. This improves healing deep within the body and increases the flow of nutrients, therefore alleviating the threat of cold and flu symptoms, helping the body to cope more efficiently with a more rapid recovery time.

"Those with stiff, aching joints will also benefit as the blood flow improves and muscle tone becomes better and more elastic, creating better mobility leading to improved joint movement and flexibility.

"The digestive system, which can become very sluggish, benefits greatly from abdominal massage which is always carried out in a clockwise direction as this is the natural flow of food and waste in the intestines.

"Another region of the body that can receive great relief from deep tissue massage and complementary techniques are the lungs."

When Veronica started her treatment she admits she wasn't expecting great results.

She recalled: "I went mostly because of my shoulder which has been bad for five years.

"It was hurting nearly 90 per cent of the time. Now it's the other way round and is not hurting very much at all.

"I think a lot of it stems from very bad posture which started in my late teens. I wore quite big, high-heeled shoes.

"I also had a major operation as a child which affected my back and spine.

"My muscles were so tight and twisted. Nigel has been working on loosening them. He massages very deeply so it really sorts out the problem.

"It's quite painful when he does it, but when I get up and walk away I feel so light.

"You don't realise how tight you hold your body."

Since receiving regular remedial massages, Veronica is looking forward to being physically active again and taking up badminton. She said: "I wish I'd heard about Nigel 30 years ago because I would not have had the problems I have had over the years.

"It's also changed my sleeping habits. I'm sleeping on my back now instead of my side to take some of the strain off my shoulders and I now sleep like a log. I used to wake up quite often before."

Remedial, or deep tissue massage, is suitable for a wide range of people, explained Nigel.

"Of course, those under a strict medical regime should consult their GP, but there is generally no reason why anyone on medication or otherwise should not benefit from a massage, if only to feel better about oneself," he said. "Once a month or every six weeks is a recommended timing for treatments."

For more details, call Nigel Millett at the Health and Wellbeing Centre on 01392 258855.