What is bodywork?

Bodywork is part of a large holistic umbrella that incorporates more than one modality of therapeutic massage, touch or manipulation to promote your wellness and help you heal. Some of these modalities include: acupressure, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, craniosacral therapy, Feldenkrais Method, massage therapy, osteopathy, physical therapy, reflexology, reikei, remedial therapy and various other methods.

A bodyworker can help you release physical and emotional stress and tension that perhaps you were not even aware of holding. The physical body often stores emotions that the conscious mind may not always experience as feelings. The body may also retain the memory of pain well after the trauma has gone. These congestions can inhibit the body’s natural healing processes. A bodywork practitioner would work with you to help release these congestions, to facilitate your progress to enhanced health and well-being.

How many treatments will I need?

How many treatments you need varies greatly from person to person and depends upon your current health issues as well as the conditions you present with. Generally, chronic conditions require more time and acute conditions may resolve within a few sessions.  

It may be that you just need to step out of the hectic pace of daily life every now and again to simply enjoy the experience of a deeply relaxing treatment. Or you may choose to incorporate regular treatments into your wellness routine. For general health maintenance, one or two treatments per month are usually recommended.

For post-operative recovery I would normally recommend a weekly treatment for three weeks as a minimum to experience more lasting results, however, this is very much an individual journey. Some people see dramatic results after the first treatment, while others find it may take several sessions to notice any change, thus requiring further treatments that are increasingly spaced out between sessions.

Will the treatment hurt?

No, the treatment will not hurt but sometimes you may feel a little discomfort. 

In our consultation, we will discuss any areas that may be painful and I will take this into account during the treatment. There may be areas of congestion in the body that feel tender or painful to the touch, particularly with post-operative recovery, or breaking down adhesions with deep tissue massage, where you may feel some discomfort during the treatment, however, I will always work within the perimeters that you are comfortable with and make adjustments accordingly. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A SESSION?

On arrival, you will be asked to complete a confidential health history form. We will talk about your health concerns and expectations, in order to create a treatment plan specific to these concerns. Whether you are looking for a one-time treatment or a custom-made ongoing treatment plan, I am here to work with you along the way and help you to meet your needs.

Your comfort is my primary concern at all times, so I will have this in mind throughout our session together and make any necessary adjustments along the way. The amount of pressure I am using, the therapeutic tools, the temperature and music preferences will all be taken into consideration.

During the treatment, you will be lying comfortably on the massage table. 

With Reflexology and FMT treatments only shoes and socks need to be removed. With body treatments it is preferable to be undressed, thus enabling the treatment to be performed most effectively, however, any areas of your body not being treated will be covered appropriately. Once again this is your choice and I am very happy to tailor this to your personal needs and preferences.

The session is designed to promote total relaxation. If you drift off to sleep, as many people do, that is more than fine! If you prefer to chat during the treatment, or ask questions, well that is also fine! This is your time to release any tension, and I respect it as your sanctuary, to rest, relax and heal.

What are the most common conditions you help with? 

I embrace working with many different types of people presenting with numerous types of health / wellbeing concerns. Most people who come to see me present with a form of pain – neck and shoulder pain, back pain, headaches, post-operative pain, chronic pain, acute pain, muscle pain, nerve pain, arthritic pain. 

I specialise in foot/ankle care and maintenance, including people with plantar-fasciitis; ankle instability; joint stiffness; bunion; sore aching feet, as well as post-operative recovery. 

I regularly help people with other concerns that include; anxiety; depression; digestive disorders / IBS; Insomnia; IVF/Fertility support; TMJ disorder; vertigo. 

I also see people as part of their continuing wellness routine, helping reduce overall stress and tension and creating a sense of balance and vitality to the mind, body and spirit.

Can you help me with my particular issue?

If you are unsure about whether I can help with your particular issue, please feel free to call me for a chat. I welcome open, honest discussions and fully respect that everything you share remains completely confidential.