FRIDAY, MAY 18: From athletes to pop stars to treating everyday aches and pains, massage therapist Grzegorz (Greg) Ozarowski’s mission is to help people.
The 38-year-old sports and remedial massage therapist said: “I put my heart into my work. When I work with someone I really want to help them, to make them feel better and to be in less pain.”
Mr Ozarowski, of Poland, has completed more than 1,200 hours of training and has 14 years’ experience in massage therapy.
He moved to Bermuda with his wife and son last year to become a therapist at The Reefs’ La Serena Spa.
Previously Mr Ozarowski was working in the UK, where he attained a BTEC Level Five diploma at the London School of Sports Massage.
His tutors included Mel Cash and therapists who treated top athletes, including British Olympians and Premiership footballers.
“I worked for the best hotels, such as the Savoy, the Hilton and the Mandarin Oriental,” said Mr Ozarowski.
“I also worked with celebrities. Once I treated a star from a boy band.
“He was in the middle of a tour but was having terrible pain and stiffness in his calf. After two treatments, I released the muscles, and he was very happy.”
Due to client confidentiality, Mr Ozarowski is unable to disclose the name of the pop star.
“Both athletes and people who do not practice sport can benefit from my therapy,” he said.
“I do all kinds of massage, I’m very flexible. I can do professional sports massage or a nice relaxation massage.
“But even if someone is coming for a relaxation massage, I can release certain areas to ease pain significantly.”
Mr Ozarowski is also qualified in myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, reflexology, acupressure, deep tissue, Swedish/relaxation and Chinese massage, and Reiki.
He was recently accepted into the Bermuda Massage Therapist Association, enabling clients to submit payments for reimbursement as part of their health insurance claims.
“I can treat professional athletes ahead of a competition or just someone who needs help,” said Mr Ozarowski.
“A lot of people find sports massage helpful.”
Sports massage therapy involves a postural body assessment followed by a set of massage and therapeutic techniques tailored to individual needs. This aims to remove muscle tension and pain, rebalance the posture and to stretch and strengthen the muscles.
Mr Ozarowski also suggests individual exercises after the treatment, to correct postural rebalance and to stretch the muscles.
“My approach is different. I do an assessment and tell you what’s going on, and then release it. The next stage is that I give you tools to maintain it,” he said.
“If something is out of alignment it can create a lot of tension and problems. When I do an assessment I know exactly what can be done, and if you do the exercises you can ease this problem.
“For example with neck pain, I can release the chest and neck and then show you stretching exercises to do every day.
“I try to build up the consciousness of people as to why they have a problem.”
He also holds workshops for island residents, on topics such as biomechanics, ergonomics and stretching.
“If you know a little bit then you can help yourself, so I like people to be aware,” he said.
“I also try to set an example myself. I do sport and yoga and eat well. I’ve been a vegetarian for 14 years, and so I lead a very healthy lifestyle.
“I don’t smoke or drink alcohol, I just want to set an example.”