Donna Elsey is a fully qualified and insured massage therapist with over a decade of massage experience. She attained her massage qualifications in Canada, the country with the most rigorous massage therapy training in the world.
Here she completed a two year massage therapy degree with honours in 2009, followed by a year of training in kinesiology. Her massage therapy degree consisted of 2200 hours of intensive study and training, including in-depth modules on anatomy and physiology, pathology, nutrition, hydrotherapy and remedial exercise. In addition to this, she has completed further training in hot stone therapy, Thai yoga massage, Esalen massage, deep tissue massage, and strain-counterstrain technique.
Donna’s approach to massage therapy is tailored and holistic, with an emphasis on getting to know her clients’ needs, goals and preferences. She is proficient in techniques which are clinically appropriate, but also possesses an intuitive sense of what would best suit the needs of her clients from day to day. For those with an interest in prolonging the effects of the treatment at home, Donna is also experienced in offering tailored advice on exercises, lifestyle and stretching.
Having recently become a mum herself, Donna has a deep understanding and passion for helping her pregnant clients ease through the beautiful (and potentially challenging), transition into motherhood that goes beyond her clinical training. Donna also practices what she preaches, with a passion for healthy living, proper nutrition and exercise. She has trained for a Tough Mudder, practices yoga, enjoys swing dancing, and receives regular massage.
Services
Donna is fully qualified and insured in Pregnancy, Deep Tissue, Sport, and Relaxation Massage.
Therapist Qualifications
Massage Therapy Degree with Honours
Deep Tissue Massage with Advanced Techniques
Pregnancy Massage
Esalen Deep Tissue Massage/Myofascial Release
Sports and Remedial Massage
Hot Stone Therapy
Thai Yoga Massage
Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training
Kinesio Sports Taping
Professional Associations
Donna is a member of the ISRM (Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage)
Donna’s Testimonials
I always have a great experience at the Soma Room. Lovely clean facilities and the massage therapists are brilliant. They really know their stuff and spend time on areas that particularly need attention. Just had a fantastic massage with Donna who has followed up with great aftercare too.Z. Bridge - Google Review 60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage
I had a deep tissue massage as I’ve been suffering with a lot of neck and shoulder tension and Donna was amazing! I walked away feeling freer, relaxed and have noticed a massive difference In my shoulders already. Highly recommended. I will definitely be going back.L. Given - TripAdvisor Review 60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage
2 weeks ago I received a pregnancy massage from Donna. My entire experience at the Soma Room was relaxing from start to finish. I laid on a special pregnancy pillow on my front which was an absolute relief whilst Donna expertly focussed on my areas of concern. Soon after we received a follow-up aftercare email from Donna which was much appreciated. I’ll definitely be returning for another massage before my baby is due! Thank you Soma RoomN. Hixon - Google Review 45 Minute Pregnancy Massage
I had been having back/shoulder pain, likely caused by sitting at a desk / running / weightlifting. It was pretty badly knotted and Donna did an amazing job at relieving some of the tension and also provided some stretches to prevent future shoulder issues. So good I'm going back in a couple weeks!L. Kerr - TripAdvisor Review 45 Minute Sports Massage
Went on saturday as worried about 'doms' delayed onset muscle soreness. Very deep massage which hit all the spots needed and Donna was kind enough to give me some anatomical self care tipsM. Clifton - TripAdvisor Review 60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage
The massages I have received so far have been excellent!! I have had massages by both Donna's at Soma and both have been professional, they are skillful, knowledgeable and informative. They reflect the high level of training they have received in their treatments. I am happy to continue my treatments at the Soma roomS. Ganger - TripAdvisor Review 45 Minute Deep Tissue Massage
This was my first visit to The Soma Room, for a 60 minute Deep Tissue Massage with Donna E, and I have to say I was extremely impressed. The premises were clean and cozy, the staff warm and welcoming, and the massage itself was truly excellent! Throughout the session the therapist was skilfully adapting and focussing the massage to address my specific areas of muscle tension rather than simply going through a rehearsed pattern. I genuinely felt like I was in expert hands. My personal preference is for a massage with a fairly high degree of pressure, and I was definitely not disappointed – it was easily firm enough to release the muscle tension I'd been carrying from a year of lockdown WFH bad posture, while still being totally relaxing and enjoyable. I absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend giving The Soma Room a try... I'll definitely be going back.M. Tylianakis - TripAdvisor Review 60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage
Everything is thought about to make the experience at soma rooms fantastic. The massage table is made up with sheets instead of paper towels and it feels like getting into bed! The lights, music and heated massage table all help make you feel relaxed. The massage itself is always amazing. This time I saw Donna who managed to make me feel like falling asleep while also fixing some deep knots and tension in my hip and shoulders. Its clean and feels covid secure. A fantastic experience.K. Young - TripAdvisor Review 60 Minute Deep Tissue Massage