About me

with Samantha James

MSK Pain and Sports Therapist. Lifestyle and Menopause Coach

About Me

I'm a health and wellbeing practitioner based in beautiful North Devon, where I live with my husband and our four children. I’ve always been passionate about people, movement, and health — and my professional journey reflects that.

Starting in health and social care, I spent many years supporting individuals in mental health, women’s services, youth outreach, and later, teaching life skills and wellbeing at The Amber Foundation. After relocating to the coast, I briefly ran a wholesome food café, but quickly realised I missed working with people on a deeper level.

I retrained in massage therapy and spent over a decade in clinics, teaching for massage schools, and expanding into sports and clinical rehab. I went on to complete a BSc in Health & Wellbeing with First Class Honours, focusing on chronic health, exercise prescription, nutrition, community health, and behaviour change. My dissertation explored person-centred support for people living with long-term conditions.

My approach is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and empowerment. I believe in supporting individuals to build confidence, strength, and autonomy — physically, mentally, and emotionally. I combine evidence-based rehab, movement coaching (including Pilates and functional strength), and behaviour change strategies to support those navigating chronic conditions, injury, and menopause.

My own experiences — with perimenopause, chronic pain, dyslexia, and returning to study mid-life — has given me deep empathy for the ups and downs of health journeys. I don't promise perfection, but I do offer consistency, integrity, and a truly person-centred approach.

Qualifications:

BSc Health and Wellbeing Practitioner

L5 Sports / Clinical Therapist and Injury Rehabilitation

Exercise Prescription Therapist for Chronic Health Conditions

Personal Trainer

Pilates Teacher

Nutrition For life

Behaviour Change Therapist

Lifestyle Practitioner

Bowen Therapist

Western Acupuncture And Dry Needling

Manual Therapist - Injury Assessment, Strapping And Taping, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Ultrasound, Mobilisations

Complementary Therapies - Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Indian Head, Pregnancy, Hot Stones

Lymphatic Bodywork, Drainage, And Tutor for CPD’s

Vagus Nerve Bodywork

Currently Working With My Mentor (John Downey PHD behaviour change) for Behaviour Change coaching, Positive Psychology And Chronic Health Exercise Rehabilitation

Partnering With The Body Rewired To Deliver CPD Courses in Red Light Therapy, Lymphatic Bodywork And The Menopause Reset

This Year I am looking to do Stress Management Training With Stress Edd, CPD’s in Positive Psychology, Menopause Care and TCM Acupuncture.

The things that bring me joy!

  • Gym work

  • Nutrition

  • Beach runs

  • My horses

  • Pilates

  • Outdoor life

  • Family Time