Therapeutic Bodywork

Myofascia refers to the connective tissue (fascia) that surrounds and supports your muscles, bones, and organs. It plays a key role in movement, stability, and overall body function. When this tissue becomes restricted or imbalanced, it can lead to pain, tension, or limited mobility. Myofascial techniques work to ease these restrictions, promoting better freedom of movement and relief from discomfort.

Each session begins with a check-in, where we discuss or revisit your goals and specific concerns. I will observe your movement patterns, focusing on how your whole body moves as well as specific areas, such as where you have scars, injuries, discomfort, or pain. Injury, trauma, posture, or habitual movements can create ripple effects that influence other parts of the body, so addressing these connections is key.

During Scar Therapy sessions, you can generally relax while I work on and around your scar. Occasionally, I may ask you to breathe in a particular way, move your body slightly, or provide feedback on how things feel as we work. I may also use specialised tools during treatment and apply topical products at the end to enhance the work and improve tissue health. You’ll have the opportunity to try out different scar care products, and I’ll guide you in selecting the most suitable options for home care.

During Structural Integration and Advanced Myofascial Therapy sessions, you’ll often be more actively involved. While I work on your fascia, you may be guided to focus your breath or awareness, or to move certain parts of your body to enhance the treatment. Most of the session takes place on a treatment table, though for some techniques, particularly Active Fascial Release, you may be upright and moving as I work with your soft tissues.

If movement training is appropriate, we’ll identify and develop exercises together that support your recovery and can be easily integrated into your daily life. Breathwork may also be included to deepen your body awareness, promote relaxation, and support the release of tension.

Unlike massage, therapeutic bodywork often involves more movement and active participation. Many clients choose to wear gym shorts, sports bras (for women), or other comfortable undergarments that allow for easy access to areas like the back, legs, and arms. If you prefer, treatments can also be done through clothing. The primary goal is your comfort.

For Scar Therapy, the scar itself will need to be exposed for effective treatment. Rest assured, I’ll always ensure you are draped comfortably to maintain your privacy and ease throughout the session.

Since movement re-education may be part of your session, wear something that allows you to move freely, like activewear or loose-fitting clothes.

The number of sessions depends on your specific circumstances, needs and goals. Some clients feel significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of treatment. Together, we’ll assess your progress and decide what works best for you.

For Scar Therapy: the number of treatments needed also varies depending on the type and age of the scar, the severity of the effects of the scar and the goals you have for treatment. Each session will usually bring an incremental improvement in the scar and surrounding area, creating more softness and reducing the restrictions. Many clients find that between 4-6 treatments are sufficient to make the improvements they were seeking from Scar Therapy. Some clients looking for optimal recovery or with additional complications post surgery and radiation therapy may require a higher number of treatments. Burn scars often have a larger surface area and treatment may be ongoing over a number of months to achieve the required outcome.

Scar therapy can address scars from surgeries, injuries, burns, and other traumas. This includes but is not limited to scars from caesarean sections, mastectomies, joint replacements, and abdominal surgeries. Whether your scar is new or several decades old, treatment can help improve its texture, mobility, and comfort.

Anyone experiencing discomfort, tightness, or sensitivity around a scar can benefit. Scar therapy is also helpful for improving mobility and addressing deeper tissue restrictions. It’s suitable for individuals recovering from surgery, injury, or burns.

You can begin scar therapy as soon as your scar is fully healed on the surface, i.e. all the scabs are gone and your skin is fully recovered. For surgical scars, this is typically 6-12 weeks post-operation, but timelines may vary depending on the type and location of the surgery. For example, bigger surgeries take longer to heal, especially for the deeper layers in the body to fully knit together. 

If in doubt, consult your healthcare provider or reach out to discuss your situation.

If it’s a serious injury or major surgery we may ask to contact your consultant to check if they have any concerns or restrictions for commencing treatment. 

Scar tissue can improve at any age, regardless of how old the scar is. While it’s true that scar tissue will never be as functional as the original tissue before the injury, the treatment can still enhance its mobility, texture, and overall comfort. We can’t “magic” your scar to be invisible, but we can make a significant difference in how it feels and functions.

Yes, scar therapy can be supportive during or after cancer treatment. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare team to determine the best timing and approach, especially if you’re undergoing treatments like radiotherapy or chemotherapy. I’m happy to collaborate with your medical professionals to ensure your therapy is tailored to your needs.

Therapeutic bodywork focuses on targeted, personalised care to address specific issues such as pain, tension, or movement restrictions. It incorporates advanced techniques like myofascial release, structural integration, and scar therapy, which go beyond relaxation to achieve lasting results.

Absolutely. Bodywork promotes deep relaxation, which helps regulate the nervous system and reduce stress. Clients often report feeling calmer, more grounded, and rejuvenated after sessions.

Your comfort is my priority. We’ll discuss your preferences and boundaries before starting, and I can explain as we go. If you’re ever uncomfortable during a session, we’ll adjust – e.g. the type and depth of touch, we can use massage balls instead or we can use movements and stretches and breathwork or we can of course pause and stop.

This is different for everyone. Some clients feel clients feel more energetic and buoyant while others may experience mild soreness or fatigue after a session – similar to how you might feel after exercise. This is a normal response as your body adjusts to the changes. I’ll provide aftercare advice to help you feel your best.

Many clients notice improvements after their first session, while others experience more gradual changes over a few sessions. The timeline depends on your body’s response, the specific issues being addressed and what you do after and in-between sessions.

Yes, therapeutic bodywork complements many other treatments, such as physiotherapy, osteopathy care, or counselling and also Pilates, Yoga and other movement modalities and exercises. 

If you’re receiving other care or are attending classes, I’m happy to collaborate with your other therapists and teachers or coaches. 

Movement advice and coaching can be part of the session to help integrate the effects of the bodywork into daily life outside the bodywork sessions. Emphasis will be given to movements that relate to YOUR daily activities, sports, dance or other movement modalities you follow.

Homework exercises can be provided to help increase your awareness and any changes you are trying to achieve.

→ Want to know more?

Have a look at my pages on movement: PILATES, YOGA and NORDIC WALKING which also contains information on FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT COACHING.

Breathwork in therapeutic bodywork focuses on using specific breathing techniques to help release tension, improve body awareness, and support the healing process. You may be guided to focus on your breath during treatment to deepen relaxation, improve circulation, or enhance the effectiveness of the work being done. It’s a simple but profound way to support your body’s natural healing process.

→ Want to know more?

Have a look at my BREATHWORK page.