About Us
Belfast Physio & Massage
Hello, my name is Shari, and I am the proud founder of Belfast Physio and Massage. I’m also a mother of two beautiful kids, and my journey to building this business has been full of unexpected twists and turns—but it’s a story I’m proud to share.
It all started back in 2008 when, as a teenager, I wasn’t sure what to do with my life. I had convinced myself I would become a chef and was all set to start a culinary course (hahaha). Then, on the day the course was supposed to begin, I got a call from the receptionist saying there was a last-minute opening in a beauty therapy course. I had just 10 minutes to decide.
Confused and overwhelmed, I ran to my mom for advice. Her words changed my life. She simply asked, “Shari, do you see yourself with a knife in a kitchen, cooking all day?” My answer was clear—“No, I hate cooking.” With her encouragement, I decided to take the leap into beauty therapy, and I’ve never looked back.
During the course, I discovered my passion for treatments that focus on body care, health, and well-being. I trained in spas, learning rituals, facials, and body treatments, but massage completely captured my heart. I realized that massage wasn’t just about relaxation—it could play a critical role in preventing injuries and improving lives.
After completing my two-year beauty therapy course, I knew I wanted to take my skills further. I pursued a four-year physiotherapy degree in Spain. It was a tough journey as the only South American in a Spanish university, but my passion for treating the body pushed me through every challenge. I graduated with a deeper understanding of how massage can be used not just to treat injuries but to prevent them.
From there, I moved to London, where I worked for over three years and gained invaluable experience. It was also where I met my other half on St. Patrick’s Day. Together, we moved to Northern Ireland in 2017, and that’s when the next chapter of my life began.
When I first arrived in Belfast, I struggled to find a place offering the kind of high-quality massage I was trained to provide. I realized there was a gap in the market, and that’s when I decided to start my own business. I began in a small therapy room with just two clients a week. Slowly but surely, I built up my clientele by focusing on quality care and preventative treatments.
As demand grew, I expanded into a gym on the Lisburn Road, adding more therapy rooms and eventually more therapists to the team. Then COVID-19 hit, and like many others, I faced one of the most challenging times in my career. But instead of giving up, I made a bold decision to rent a larger, two-story clinic to meet the growing demand for our services.
Today, Belfast Physio and Massage is thriving, with a team of six talented therapists working alongside me. We’ve recently taken over a second physiotherapy clinic in Lisburn, and I couldn’t be happier with where this journey has taken us.
We are united by one core value: a genuine love for what we do. Every member of our team is passionate about helping clients feel their best, and we’re committed to providing tailored treatments that focus on long-term health and well-being.
Northern Ireland has truly become my home, and I feel so grateful to serve this community with a business I’m so proud of.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, recovery, or prevention, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
Shari Chavez
Business Founder
Our Team
United by a Shared Passion
