What to expect in a treatment
A treatment will involve either Myofascial Release, Remedial Massage, or a combination of both. A thorough consultation will determine which approach is best for you. Your first session will involve a postural assessment to identify restrictions and holding patterns.
Remedial Massage uses techniques to manipulate muscle tissue and joints, and is usually done with oil. It helps to relax muscles, improve mobility, increase circulation, and can help with pain management and stress. Firmer, sustained pressure is used to treat deeper layers of muscle and tension. It's important to remember that strong pressure doesn’t always mean better results, and an effective treatment will use more gentle pressure too.
Myofascial Release (John F Barnes method) is a safe, effective treatment that uses sustained pressure (without oils) to release restrictions in the fascia. Restrictions can be observed in posture, and may also feel sore or tight. Treatments are generally relaxing, although sometimes a level of discomfort is necessary to release holding patterns. Spontaneous movement, called unwinding, or emotional releases may also occur.
Every treatment is different and is directed by the needs of the client on the day.
Treatments are 60 minutes, which includes consultation.
What can treatments help with?
Back and neck pain, frozen shoulder, tight muscles, headaches, postural imbalance, injury recovery, fibromyalgia, stress, sleep issues, chronic pain, low energy, and much more.
If you’re experiencing pain, physical restriction or tightness, Myofascial Release and Remedial Massage can help.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends! Some issues can be resolved with just one session and others may need more. Everyone is different. If more than one session is needed, I recommend booking them close together for more effective and longer-lasting results. Some clients choose to book monthly or every six weeks once symptoms have gone, as maintenance.
I aim to empower you with tools and knowledge to treat yourself at home too.
Comprehensive Myofascial Self-treatment by Joyce Karnis is a great book containing stretches for the whole body (currently only shipping from the US).
How do I book and pay?
The easiest way to book a treatment at my clinic in Weston, North Hertfordshire is online. The website will ask for your card details to confirm the appointment, and you can choose to pay now or after the session.
Treatments are 60 minutes (including consultation) and £70. You can book a block of 3 treatments for £195.
If you need to cancel your session, please reschedule via the link in your confirmation email at least 48 hours before your appointment. Cancellations within 24-48 hours of appointment will be charged 50% of the treatment cost, and cancellations within 24 hours of appointment will be charged at 100% of the treatment cost. I will make allowances for exceptional circumstances.
What should I wear?
During the session you will be covered under a sheet and towels, however I recommend wearing shorts and a sports bra. Please refrain from applying moisturiser on the skin on the day of your treatment, as Myofascial Release is best done without lotion on the skin.
Will I feel sore afterwards?
Some people feel achy after a treatment; where restrictions have been released it may feel uncomfortable as the body reorganises. This usually lasts no longer than 48 hours.
A less common but possible experience is a “healing crisis”; where we feel worse before feeling better — this is part of the healing process.
Most people feel these benefits after the first treatment. Always drink lots of water after a treatment, it’s important to keep fascia hydrated.
What is fascia?
Fascia is connective tissue that surrounds, supports, protects and connects every structure and cell in our body — including our muscles, bones and organs. This three-dimensional web is made of a watery gel-like substance containing collagen and elastin, and runs from head to toe throughout our entire body.
Fascia is responsible for our shape and structure, supporting movement and facilitating communication within the body. Healthy fascia moves and glides freely. When we experience trauma, our fascia tightens to protect the surrounding tissues. Trauma could be caused by a fall, a car accident or even surgical incision. Emotional trauma, too, can be stored in the body.
Tightened fascia cannot glide and move as easily; imagine this watery-gel like substance freezing and becoming more solid. This then restricts the movement of muscles, leads to poor posture, potentially creating crushing pressure on nerves, which can be extremely painful. Fascia cannot be seen on current medical scanning technology such as MRI and CT scans.
What is unwinding?
During a Myofascial Release treatment you may experience involuntary movement of the body, shaking, crying or laughing. These are natural processes and is how the body releases energy “stuck” within tissue, and is called unwinding.
If you don’t experience these things during a session there are still positive structural changes happening! However, if you do notice the urge to move or express emotion, you are encouraged to take off your brakes and go with the flow.
The first time this happens, it can feel odd and like we want to brace and control what’s happening. But if we can trust the process and let go, we allow the body to reorganise and heal. When an emotional release occurs, we don’t need to analyse or even know what past experience it is connected to, although sometimes memories can surface. After unwinding, people report feeling lighter, with reduced pain and greater ease of movement.
Who is John F Barnes?
John F. Barnes is an American physiotherapist who began developing his Myofascial Release Approach® and teaching seminars in the 1970s. He has trained over 100,000 therapists and physicians from around the world, and is also the owner and director of two Myofascial Release treatment centres in Sedona, Arizona and Malvern, Pennsylvania.
John was named one of the most influential persons in the therapeutic profession in the last century, and has been the featured speaker at the American Back Society symposiums for over 25 years. The American Back Society is comprised of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists and TMJ specialists whose focus is the most important advances in healthcare.
Find out more on his website www.myofascialrelease.com
Testimonials
“Katie is an excellent massage therapist. She has successfully treated a lower back / hamstring problem I had been struggling with for 2 years. The pain and discomfort eased noticeably after my first appointment with her. I have recommended her to friends and colleagues” ~ Debbie, Ashwell
“I am so pleased that I found Katie, with her specialism in Myofascial Release. For years I suffered with spasmatic pain in two fingers. With NHS tests fizzled out and pain impacting daily life I decided to try a session. Katie was reassuring from the start, and continues to be professional and attentive, working in a beautiful treatment room. She seems to know just what my body needs in terms of Myofascial Release, and I am seeing huge improvement in my finger pain. Katie also recommends exercises that allow me to self-manage between sessions.” Linda, Ampthill
“Katie’s massages are second to none. Her experience and professionalism is apparent from the moment you walk in the door. She is extremely knowledgeable and is able to adapt and provide bespoke massages depending on that day’s needs. I’ll be back to see Katie very soon!” ~ Ruth, Barnet
“Katie is a great therapist, she takes time to listen to you and really understand your condition. A skillful balance between actively managing your symptoms and providing a relaxing, calming experience.” ~ Holly, Barnet