By Tim Done, Sports Massage Therapist
I’ve worn a few uniforms in my life.
I spent over 30 years as a police inspector, a role that teaches you a lot about people, pressure, and pain. But it was only later in life, after my fair share of injuries—some on duty, others from sport—that I discovered a different kind of calling: helping people feel better in their bodies.
Strangely enough, I’ve found parallels between the two careers. Both require empathy, trust, and the ability to assess situations quickly. In both, people come to you at their most vulnerable, hoping for support, clarity, and some form of relief.
And with Sports Massage Therapy I don’t mean just easing aches. I mean helping them move again, trust again, and sometimes, smile again. That’s what recovery is really about.
Why Pain Is Never Just Physical
If you’ve ever lived with a long-term injury, you’ll know that pain changes you.
After a motorbike accident nearly 30 years ago, I had a constant spasm in my neck that became part of the furniture. I adapted my posture without even noticing. And while I carried on, played sport, worked, helped others... it was always there! Until one day, I came across something that changed everything.
At a trade show, I met Will, the owner of Tend. I was nursing a hockey injury at the time, but it was that persistent neck tension I decided to try the device on. I wasn’t expecting a miracle. But the next morning, for the first time in decades, that spasm was gone. And it never came back.
That moment didn’t just change my body, it changed how I practice.
Helping People the Way I Wish I'd Been Helped
I treat people from all walks of life, from international athletes, weekend warriors, elderly clients trying to stay mobile. And here’s what I’ve learned: the tools are important, yes. But what really makes a difference is being heard.
People don’t just want a diagnosis. They want someone to see them. To listen. To care.
That’s why I love using Tend. It’s not just that it works (and believe me, it does). It’s that it gives people agency. It’s gentle, intuitive, and effective. Especially for those nervous about being touched or those who’ve had bad experiences in the past. It lets them feel what’s possible again.
The Client I’ll Never Forget
A woman once came into my clinic with severe knee pain—9 out of 10. She walked with sticks, wore a brace, and looked exhausted. I’d seen her before for other issues, but this was new. I did my usual assessments and found nothing structurally wrong. I suspected nerve sensitivity.
So, I tried Tend on her knee for just a few focused minutes.
She started crying.
Worried, I stopped immediately and asked if she was okay.
Her words?
“The pain’s gone.”
It was one of those rare, powerful moments you never forget. And I’ve seen more like it since.
A Therapist’s Toolkit: Recovery Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
No two people are the same. An 80-year-old with a hip issue and a 25-year-old sprinter might present similarly, but they need completely different approaches. That’s why I’m constantly adapting; whether that’s taping differently, adjusting pressure, or using the right head on my Tend device.
It’s also why I value variety in recovery tools. Tend’s focal vibration gets into areas traditional massage can’t reach. Especially around the neck, shoulders, and delicate joints. It’s a precision tool that works where others can’t.
And because it’s small enough to fit in my pocket, I’ve taken it across Spain on long-distance walks and treating everything from tight calves to tired backs. It’s my go-to.
It’s Not About Being “Fixed.” It’s About Feeling Free
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or someone trying to make it up the stairs without pain, the goal is the same: freedom. Freedom to move. To live. To do the things you love without hesitation.
So if you’re dealing with something, whether it be pain, stiffness, tension, don’t ignore it. Don’t assume it’s just part of getting older. There’s always something you can do, even if it’s just 5 minutes a day.
Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
Final Thoughts
I got into this work because I love helping people. I’ve felt pain. I’ve worked through it. And I’ve seen firsthand how small shifts can create massive change.
Tend is one of those shifts. It’s not the whole answer, but for a lot of people, including me, it’s a powerful part of the puzzle.
If you’ve been waiting to feel better, maybe this is your sign to stop waiting and start trying. You might be surprised by what’s possible. I definitely was!