FAQ
Pain relief frequently asked questions
62 common questions in nine categories. Contact us on WhatsApp about your own circumstances.
About pain
Understanding pain
Understand pain before deciding on the next step.
Here, pain refers broadly to persistent or recurring pain, aching, tension or uncomfortable movement, often in the neck, shoulders, back, waist, knees, elbows or ankles.
Acute pain often develops soon after injury or strain. Pain persisting or recurring for around three months or more is generally called chronic. A registered doctor should determine the appropriate classification.
I often see neck and shoulder tension, aching shoulder blades, upper-back tightness, lower-back discomfort and knee strain, as well as elbow and ankle concerns. Visit theTechnique photosto explore by area.
Screens, phones and prolonged posture often make the neck and shoulders tighten first. Interrupt continuous looking down. ReadTight neck and shoulders from sitting? Three everyday relaxation tips。
My cases often involve office computer work, standing to serve clients or teach, physical renovation work and racket or ball sports. Seecases by situation。
My own experience taught me not to simply endure pain: delay can carry a cost. Pain is a signal worth responding to before it becomes unbearable. Seek medical advice first for persistent, suddenly worsening or unexplained discomfort.
Some clients wake frequently because of discomfort in several areas; others report neck and shoulder pain affecting sleep. See theteacher's caseandAn office worker's case. Individual experiences vary.
Options
Medical care options versus hands-on relief
Different professionals have different roles. Understanding them helps you decide what you need now.
Common Hong Kong options include registered doctors for diagnosis, tests and medication; physiotherapists for exercise, manual therapy and rehabilitation; chiropractors for spinal and neuromusculoskeletal concerns; and Chinese medicine practitioners for acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine. My hands-on work supports comfort and maintenance. See the homepagePain care options。
I am a pain relief practitioner. I combine hands-on relaxation and stretching with wellness exercise guidance. I do not diagnose conditions or replace a chiropractor, physiotherapist or doctor. For imaging, rehabilitation plans or medication advice, consult the relevant registered professional.
No. Hands-on relief focuses on relaxation, comfort and wellness without diagnosis or replacing medical care. SeeDisclaimer。
See a registered doctor first for sudden pain, severe pain after injury, an unclear cause, worsening pain or a suspected fracture. After medical concerns have been excluded, you can WhatsApp me about relaxation and maintenance exercises.
No. I ask where you feel tight and how you sit and move to select techniques, but that is not medical diagnosis. Consult a registered doctor for diagnosis.
No. I offer hands-on relaxation, acupressure massage, stretching and exercises. Ask a registered doctor about medication and a registered Chinese medicine practitioner about acupuncture.
Ask your doctor whether hands-on care is suitable first. If so, explain your circumstances on WhatsApp.
I can describe my own process: detailed consultation, relaxation, stretching, focused work and exercises to help reduce recurrence. SeePhilosophy and techniques。
About Tom
About Master Tom
Background, roles and technique origins.
Pain relief practitioner, wellness massage instructor, exercise instructor and Taiwanese cranial-base sleep head-care practitioner. I am not a chiropractor, physiotherapist or doctor. SeeQualifications and roles。
I have personally worked with over 8,000 people.
I once struggled with recurring pain and sought help widely. An experienced master used precise techniques to release deep tension, inspiring me to study the approach myself. Full story:About me。
Malaysian techniques, Chinese acupressure massage and tendon stretching, combined for each client's current needs. Exercises afterwards help reduce recurrence.
The hands sense tension and relaxation, using a direct rhythm to help muscles release guarding. Pressure follows your feedback rather than a fixed routine. I learned this rhythm and pressure from experienced practitioners.
No. I use acupressure concepts in massage to relax areas such as the neck, shoulders and lower back. It is supportive care, not diagnosis.
I combine techniques for current needs instead of using one routine for everyone. Working with 8,000+ people has shown me that the same area of tension can reflect very different lifestyles.
Services
Hands-on services
Six services organised by comfort goals.
Whole-body relaxation, focused hands-on care, gentle tendon care, Taiwanese cranial-base sleep head care, maintenance exercises and self-care classes. SeeOur services。
Whole-body sessions suit general persistent tension, with consultation, relaxation, combined techniques and exercises. Focused sessions suit particular neck, shoulder, lower-back or joint concerns, relaxing first before addressing the main area.
Clients who prefer gentler pressure and maintenance, with slower relaxation and stretching followed by simple self-care movements.
After consultation, slower techniques focus on the head and neck for clients seeking quieter relaxation. Possible feelings include a looser head and neck and greater calm; experiences vary.
Individuals or small groups learn about common urban discomforts, watch demonstrations, practise and take movements home. Enquire on WhatsApp for dates. SeeSelf-care classes。
Common areas include the neck, shoulders, back, lower back, knees and ankles, and I have worked with persistent elbow discomfort. See technique photos in theTechnique photos。
You do not need to choose alone. Tell me your concerns on WhatsApp; we can arrange a time and select techniques after consultation.
Fees depend on the service. Please enquire on WhatsApp at +85257678865.
A session
The session process
From consultation to taking exercises home.
Five steps: detailed consultation about tension and daily movement, muscle relaxation, combined techniques, exercises and maintenance reminders. SeeThe session process。
It depends on the consultation, areas addressed and exercise guidance. Your slot is agreed when booking. Please enquire on WhatsApp first.
Pressure is adjusted to your feedback. Some areas may feel achy or under pressure, but pain should not be intolerable. Speak up at any time and I will adjust immediately.
The body first needs to release its guarding. Stretching relaxed muscles can feel smoother, followed by focused work for the main concern.
Clients often describe relaxation, warmth and smoother movement. Experiences vary and relief is not guaranteed.
No. It is a brand slogan. Some clients report satisfaction or relaxation after the first visit, but physical conditions and experiences differ.
It varies. Some clients return the next day, several days later or after a week. Follow-up is discussed according to your current needs.
Today's tension may differ from your last visit. Each session starts with consultation and a combination suited to current needs.
Not necessarily. One persistent elbow case began with whole-body acupressure focused on the waist and back before the elbow. SeeCase 10。
Wear clothing that allows movement. For more preparation advice, seeWhat should I know before and after a hands-on session?
Wellness exercise
Exercises and everyday maintenance
Exercises help you maintain comfort after leaving.
Usually. Exercises after the session help maintain comfort and reduce recurrence. They are adapted to your current condition, so they may differ between visits.
Exercise typically raises the heart rate and works muscles for load and performance. Wellness movements are slower and smaller, giving tight areas room and supporting easier movement. SeeExercise versus wellness movements。
I suggest relaxing the tightest areas first, maintaining comfort with simple movements, then playing sport or training. A suitable sequence often makes movement feel smoother.
One routine does not suit everyone. Movements follow your work, sport and current tension. SeeWhy do my wellness exercises change?
Six videos cover simple neck, shoulder and back relaxation; neck stretches; lower-back comfort; knee care for stairs; waist, hip and shoulder-blade relaxation; and rounded-shoulder stretches. SeeWellness section。
Videos are general references; work within your limits. They may not suit everyone, whereas exercises taught after a session are tailored to your current needs.
Stop immediately and seek medical advice as needed. Adjust the range to your condition and do not force movements.
Take breaks every 40–50 minutes; lower your shoulders before gently moving your neck; and use a moderately warm towel briefly in the evening unless your skin is sensitive or wounded. SeeTight neck and shoulders from sitting? Three everyday relaxation tips。
Regular practice supports maintenance. I will explain how much and how to practise according to your current needs.
Safety
Suitability and safety
When care may suit you and when to ask a doctor first.
A referral is generally not required. Send a WhatsApp message with your area of concern and a convenient time. If you are receiving medical care, first ask your doctor whether hands-on work is suitable for you.
Examples include fever, open wounds, recent surgery, suspected fracture, medical advice to avoid hands-on care or a feeling that something is wrong. Ask a registered doctor before booking if uncertain.
Consult a registered doctor first. If considered suitable, explain your circumstances on WhatsApp so Master Tom can assess whether hands-on work or gentler care is appropriate at that time.
Ask your doctor about suitability first, then disclose your condition and long-term medication before the session.
Disclose relevant health information, including pregnancy, recent surgery, fractures or serious injury, long-term medication and advice to avoid hands-on care.
See a registered doctor first for severe post-injury pain or suspected fracture. Contact me once a doctor considers hands-on care suitable.
Speak up at any time. Pressure and stretching stay within what you can tolerate, and I will adjust immediately.
Consult a registered doctor for persistent, suddenly worsening or unexplained discomfort or any medical concern. In an emergency, call 999 or attend accident and emergency.
Booking
Booking, location and contact
54 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. By appointment.
Visit theBooking pageand submit your details to our booking system, or contact us directly on WhatsApp.
54 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. See the map on theContact page。
Near Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan. Walking from the MTR is recommended. Ask on WhatsApp for detailed directions.
By appointment. Mention convenient times, such as weekday evenings or Saturday afternoons.
Visits are by appointment. Please WhatsApp or call ahead so a time can be arranged.
Notify us on WhatsApp as early as possible so the slot can go to someone else. Leave a message if you cannot attend at short notice.
Yes. Overseas clients often book when returning to Hong Kong. Send your travel dates on WhatsApp before arriving. SeeCase 02。
Tell us the number of people and preferred times on WhatsApp. A father and daughter previously booked together; seeCase 04。
Wear clothing that allows movement and disclose surgery, injuries, persistent discomfort and other relevant information.
Call +85257678865. You can leave your email in the conversation for a written record. Chinese and English Facebook pages and a YouTube channel are linked on theContact page。
Cases
Client cases and privacy
Cases reflect individual experiences only.
They are my actual client cases. They share concerns and experiences without private details, sometimes under pseudonyms. SeeClient stories。
Similar results cannot be guaranteed. Stories do not imply a cure or freedom from recurrence.
Actor Mr Deno Cheung is a real client. His long working hours contributed to accumulated strain, and I designed a gradual hands-on programme for him. SeeCase 13. This is an individual case; experiences vary.
Photos and screenshots are displayed only with client consent. Tell us if you do not want them shared.
Client photosThe gallery has 31 photos, and the client stories page includes videos.
No. The website provides general hands-on care, relaxation, comfort and wellness information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Full statement:Disclaimer。
Read more
Want to learn more about hands-on care?
These pages offer fuller explanations.
Philosophy and techniques
Four elements and five steps: relax, stretch, focused work and exercises to reduce recurrence.
ServicesOur services
Who the six services suit, their process and possible experiences.
CasesClient stories
13 detailed cases organised by area and situation.
KnowledgeBlog
Desk-related neck relaxation, exercise versus wellness movements and session preparation.
Cannot find your question?
Tell us your concerns on WhatsApp and Master Tom will reply personally.
Master Tom is a pain relief practitioner, not a chiropractor, physiotherapist or doctor. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult a registered doctor about medical concerns.Full disclaimer