Hello! I’m Aleksej Kulicik — but everyone calls me Alex. I’m a Massage Therapist, and I’ve been practising massage techniques since 2013. I’ve been working professionally here in Scotland for over four years.

My first diplomas, in Classical (Swedish) and Sports Massage, were obtained in Latvia. Later, in Scotland, I completed further training in Sports and Therapeutic Massage and earned a diploma from the Scottish Massage Schools.

But my approach goes beyond massage alone — and that’s why many of my clients have jokingly called me a “physiotherapist”. It’s an interesting (and a bit immodest!) compliment, but let’s be clear: I am not a qualified physiotherapist, and I would never claim to be. Still, let me explain where this perception comes from.

Massage, Physiotherapy — and What I Actually Do

In the UK, and especially in Scotland, many people have experienced difficulty accessing appropriate medical care. It’s no secret. For common musculoskeletal complaints, the standard first-line advice often includes: “take paracetamol” or “see a physiotherapist”. Honestly, in many cases, these are good and sensible recommendations. But — as always — there’s a but...

Here in Scotland, a Physiotherapist is a medical professional with a university-level education. This is not something you can achieve through a short course, private training, or college. A physiotherapist is often akin to a Rehabilitation Specialist. They are trained in a wide range of techniques, including:
Massage therapy (various methods)
- Chiropractic techniques (though this is a complex and sometimes controversial area)
- Acupuncture
- Kinesiology and osteopathic methods
- Electrotherapy, ultrasound, X-ray interpretation
- And, of course, tailored exercise therapy

The foundations of physiotherapy in the UK were built with great care — it’s a comprehensive and valuable field. However, something seems to have changed. Many of my clients report being referred to a physiotherapist, only to receive a generic printout of exercises in the post — without any real interaction, hands-on support, or explanation.

In my view, that’s simply not enough.
Why? Because most people won’t do the exercises at home. That’s not a criticism — it’s just human nature! And even if someone tries, without proper guidance it’s easy to do them incorrectly. A slight change in angle or posture can completely alter which muscles are being used — and potentially cause more harm than good.

What I Offer

So yes, I don’t just offer massage. When needed, I work with clients on corrective exercises, mobility training, and therapeutic techniques — just as I was trained to do (including here in Scotland). I provide care that is hands-on, practical, and tailored to your specific needs.

In essence, I do much of what a physiotherapist might offer after further clinical training — with one key exception: I don’t (yet) hold the official title or certification of a “physiotherapist”.

That’s why many of my clients choose to come directly to me, rather than wait for a GP referral and a long queue. If you’re looking for real, effective, and personal help — I’m here to support you.