5 minutes with… Lorna Hetherington Massage

04 June 2026 — lia-rogers

In today’s blog, we chat with Lorna Hetherington about her massage services, including her specialised training in oncology massage.

When did you start? What was the inspiration and motivation behind your business?  Whereabouts are you based?

I set up Lorna Hetherington Massage over 20 years ago, as I wanted a job that helped people feel better in their bodies. I had benefited from Soft Tissue Therapy to help recover from injuries, and was looking for a change of career that didn’t involve sitting at a desk all the time. After taking a career break to go travelling, I studied at the London School of Sports Massage and went on to work in and manage a private physiotherapy clinic in Central London for 17 years, treating a wide range of patients. I have since completed numerous additional training courses, including Medical Acupuncture, two oncology massage courses, and lymphatic drainage massage and taping courses.  I am based in my tranquil garden studio at my home in Palmers Green, North London.

What services do you offer people living with or affected by cancer?

I treat anyone affected by any type of cancer and at any stage of their treatment. You could be going through chemotherapy and dealing with the multiple side effects, recovering from surgery, or be many years post-treatment. Whatever you are going through, my goal is to help you feel better in your body – be that helping you to relax, ease anxiety, improve sleep quality, improve range of movement in joints/muscles affected by surgery/treatment (including cording post-mastectomy), reduce swelling/lymphoedema, or helping surgical scars to heal.

Who are your services aimed at supporting? 

I can work with all ages (with a parent/guardian present if under 16) and can also provide treatment at your home/hospice (within the local area) if you are unable to get to me.

How do you cater for people with specific needs?

Parking is available on street outside of my house and there is a short walk to the studio. There is one small step up into the studio, but I have many clients with reduced mobility on sticks/crutches who manage the step. The doorway is also wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Unfortunately, the toilet facilities are not wheelchair accessible.

What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?

The most rewarding thing about my job is making people feel better and helping them reach their health goals. Knowing that I have played a role in easing pain and discomfort, reducing swelling, improving range of movement and sleep quality, reducing stress and anxiety and also being a safe space for clients to discuss their concerns is incredibly satisfying. I love meeting the range of clients I see and helping them through their treatment or even seeing them many years post cancer treatment, but with the reassurance that they are receiving treatment from a certified oncology practitioner with the background knowledge to treat them safely and effectively.

What would you say to those who are considering getting in touch with you but are nervous or apprehensive?

I believe all of my clients would say that I am a very empathetic therapist, who is professional, knowledgeable and caring. I take time to listen to what has happened so far and do a full background history, but am also very keen to ensure you get what you need from the treatment. I have treated many clients over the years with many different cancers and I find that therapeutic touch can be extremely powerful and important, both for physical and mental wellbeing. This is particularly the case if you are in the midst of hospital visits/medication/surgeries. I know that many places don’t offer massage treatment if you have a history of cancer, and that is why it is important to see a certified oncology therapist. I am very easy to talk to, and am always happy to discuss what I can do to help you over the phone ahead of booking treatment, so please feel free to get in touch. 

Do you have testimonials from people that have used your services?

“Lorna is brilliant! She’s an incredible therapist and I’m so glad that I found her! She managed to find a tiny cording issue (that I was not aware of) post-mastectomy and with gentle manipulation, she got rid of it in a couple of sessions. I was so glad that she actually found it, as it actually released the tightness that I had thought was “normal”. Have already recommended her services to a friend and I will continue to recommend!” Rina N

“Lorna is an incredible therapist. I struggled with post-op cording, and even after 1 session there was a remarkable improvement and my pain was significantly reduced. After 2 or 3 sessions I had no more cording issues. I’ve since seen Lorna for running-related minor issues, and she’s worked them right out!” Claire H

“I can’t tell you how happy I am to have found Lorna. I have been suffering with lymphoedema for the past 20 years and have been looking for an MLD specialist for some time. I can honestly say that she has helped me enormously with swelling and pain. She is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Lorna has also performed deep tissue massage and acupuncture for other issues I suffer with and when I walk out of her studio I feel so much lighter and in far less pain. Thank you so very much Lorna, looking forward to my next session next month.” Irene C

“After surgery, chemo and ongoing immunotherapy following ovarian cancer, the soles of my feet felt like I had sponges under the balls of my feet. I was resigned to them feeling like this forever, but after Lorna’s wonderful treatment yesterday the difference is mind-blowing! Feeling my feet connect with the ground and having my toes connect to the rest of my soles was amazing. Working collaboratively with Lorna was empowering, especially after so many procedures over the last 18 months. Thank you for helping me feel like myself again.” Leslie J

“I have visited Lorna a few times for lymphatic drainage massages and I am very pleased with the improvement in my arm. I am many years post-cancer surgery and I should have come years ago! Lorna is a lovely lady and so easy to talk to. I look forward to my appointments with her. If you have lymphoedema please do make an appointment with Lorna.” Fiona H

“I have been visiting Lorna for the past 2 months. I love the deep tissue massage but have also had the lymphatic massage to help with slight swelling in my arm post cancer and chemo, which is gone for now so has definitely helped. I would highly recommend Lorna and feel lucky she is right on our doorstep.” Leona G

Can you tell us about your team?

I run my own business and work alone, which often means I do get booked up several weeks ahead, but it also means that I have complete control over the quality of treatment and care provided.

What are the values of your organisation and can you describe your organisation in 3 words?

Lorna Hetherington Massage is professional, caring and effective. My aim is to help you feel better in your body and to treat each client with empathy, compassion and the wide range of soft tissue skills I have learned over the past 20 years to help you achieve your goals.

And finally, how are you funded?

I am a private company and clients are self-funded. If you are able to claim back for Soft Tissue Therapy/Remedial Massage/Lymphatic Drainage Massage or Medical Acupuncture under a health insurance cash plan, then I am happy to provide receipts for treatment, but am unable to bill private health insurance companies directly.