What texhniques do I use

What techniques will I use?

Like no one body is the same as another, no massage is either.

My Massage treatments incorporate all the benefits of Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue and Fascia Informed Bodywork (also referred to as Myofascial Release). The techniques I use will be deep when necessary, slow with sustained pressure and is detailed, focused AND relaxing.

When treating clients with specific issues my aim is to treat injury at its source, by looking for and treating the root cause of the pain and immobility at its deepest level, restoring health and function to the entire system.

It really is possible to have a therapeutic massage that works deeply, releases muscle tension and ALSO creates the space for the body and mind to unwind, restore and heal.

I have been fortunate enough to train with one of the most highly regarded Bodywork Schools in the country – The School of Bodywork in Exeter, Devon, UK. I have also studied their Anatomy & Physiology diploma of the human body and have a very good understanding & love for this aspect of my work.

So what are my techniques?

Swedish Massage:

Swedish Massage is the most well-known and widely practiced type of therapeutic massage, focusing on muscle relaxation, targeting superficial muscles and increasing blood circulation. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on the topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints.

By relieving muscle tension, Swedish Massage Therapy can be both relaxing and energising.

So what’s it good for?

Relaxation & emotional wellbeing

Natural source of pain management

Helps to reduce stress & stress related ailments

Rehabilitation for minor muscle injuries

Deep Tissue

The intent of deep tissue work is to break up old structural patterns and allowing the free flow of nutrients and oxygen to the blood. The techniques are very similar to Swedish Massage however they do differ in the intensity of pressure that is applied which are applied more forcefully releasing deeper restrictions of the deeper muscles, tendons and ligaments. I use Trigger Point and Neuro-Muscular Techniques (NMT) or Ischemic Compression when working the deeper tissues of the muscles where tension is held. You may experience pain and discomfort which could refer to another area of your body, this is referred pain and is a defining symptom of myofascial trigger-point.

Although Deep Tissue can feel uncomfortable you should never be in any pain – this would be a sign that your body and muscles are resisting which can cause more harm.

So whats it good for?

Athletes or occasional sports enthusiasts

Individuals with chronic joint or muscle injuries

Individuals that perform repetitive work that cause considerable strain on muscles and joints

Individuals who suffer from stress

That said, deep tissue is aimed at everyone. Most people develop negative postural habits. This is because of repetitive activities or mental and emotional influences on the body.

Fascia Informed bodywork also referred to as Myofascial release

Whilst training and integrating fascia bodywork within my practice the biggest learning for me is witnessing how the body is more responsive and willing to accept change with a far gentler & informative approach that provides lasting results. My aim is to treat injury at its source, by looking for and treating the root cause of the pain and immobility at its deepest level, restoring health and function to the entire system.

I have listened to clients talk about their experiences of traditional bodywork after having had a treatment with me, stating that they were expecting the treatment to be painful. Even before I trained in Fascia Informed Bodywork, I knew that pain was not the answer - the body will resist if too much pressure is applied causing more pain and sometimes being completely ineffective, meaning they have had multiple treatments without success.

Memories and emotions are connected to holding patterns in our physical body, these can manifest as pain. With the help of Fascia Informed Bodywork the physical and emotional content of any injury can be addressed in a safe, gentle and effective way.

Myofascial release works the broader network of tissues that surround the muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones & nerve fibres that might be causing your pain. It tries to reduce tension throughout your body by releasing trigger points across a broad section of the entire fascial network. I will place my hands directly on the skin, and sustained, gentle pressure is applied into the body. I will feel into the connective tissue restrictions and facilitates change within the fascial network.

I will work with you by engaging you in the treatment, helping you to get a greater sense of the changes that occur within your body, as without feeling there is no healing. As the fascia is released movement of or within the body can occur and it is helpful to communicate these to me. What you feel may vary but most patients often feel subtle sensations as changes take place in their body. Sensations such as pins and needles, heat or cold running through the body, or referred sensations to a totally different area of the body, which gives an indication of further restrictions are all common during fascia bodywork.

I will take in consideration what I see in your postural assessment, and work directly with what I see, feel and sense during a session.

Inevitably, there is a physical and emotional component to this work and I have been trained at a high level to assist you with dealing with this aspect of the treatment ensuring you feel safe, understood and taken care of.

Want to know more about Fascia? click here.

How does this differ to traditional bodywork therapies?

Using the elastic band analogy.

If you can imagine taking an elastic band and stretch it between your fingers, it will lengthen. The moment you let go it will return to its original length, producing temporary results just like traditional therapies. However, place the band around a book and leave it for 5-10 minutes, remove it and the band will have lengthened holding its new length. This is what happens with fascia informed bodywork, the body’s tissues will lengthen allowing better range of movement & freedom from restrictions and achieving lasting results.

I do not use any form of oil and my hands are placed directly on the skin, and sustained, gentle pressure is applied into the body. I will feel into the connective tissue restrictions and facilitate change within the fascial network. Fascia cannot be forced so to achieve effective results that are lasting the techniques take time, meaning I can be holding positions for several minutes.

Most traditional bodywork therapies do not allow sufficient time for the collagenous component of the fascia to release and therefore the results are temporary.

So what is it good for?

This form of bodywork that I offer as a stand alone treatment is ideal for those that are suffering with:

Chronic pain

Chronic illness

Lack of mobility / range of motion

Breathing troubles

Headaches

Emotional holding – where body stores pain from an emotional and psychological level.

For patients who feel they have tried everything without success this may help you. Normally a person who is in chronic pain is likely to be put off from traditional bodywork in the fear it will hurt or cause more pain. The techniques I use, as stated above are safe, gentle, permissive and profoundly effective and works with the physical and emotional component of the injury

To find out more about my Fascia bodywork please refer to my advanced bodywork treatments here.