Your first treatment session can be booked online here. It is an important time for you and it’s understandable if you’re a little nervous. To start with I need to understand what your hopes and expectations are from treatment with me. So you’ll have a bit of time to go through your history, ask any questions and starting to feel comfortable with me and in the space.
To make the most of this time please complete a consultation form in advance (online form here, or other formats here) and return it to me before the date of your appointment.
Then, once I’ve had a look at your posture, identified key areas of tension, the treatment itself will take up around half of the overall appointment time. My hands will be on you for the whole time and they will be guided by quite subtle cues from your body as to where they’re needed. You are in control at all times and I encourage you to move whenever you need to, give me feedback if it’s helpful, and whenever possible stay present so you can ‘listen’ to what your body is saying. This can feel odd at first but believe me, it works and your body will thank you for it.
At the end of the session, we’ll review how you’re feeling, deal with any concerns and work out how you’d like to proceed. Whether you need one or many appointments, this is the start of a healing journey that I hope will bring you great benefit.
What you should wear
Ideally, arrive in loose clothing that’s quick and easy to remove and put back on. Most clients choose to undress to underwear (please wear some! – pants plus your normal bra if you wear one, but not an all-in-one body or racer-back bra), or you might prefer to bring shorts and a vest top. I will need to get to skin in most areas of your body, so easy access to your torso, shoulder and hips is really helpful. Don”t worry, we’ll keep other areas covered and warm with a sheet and blanket(s) as necessary. Please don’t use a moisturiser on the day of your appointment, and strong-smelling perfumes and deodorants should be avoided too.How you’ll be treated
Treatment is hands-on, skin-on-skin. But it’s your body and you need to tell me if you feel uncomfortable at any point. You’ll be in a comfortable position, usually lying down or seated, sometimes standing and I’ll ask you to alter your position during the treatment. Indirect myofascial release requires no oil or lotion; my hands remain static. You’ll experience gentle pressure or pulling, then a sense as if the tissue tension is softening and melting, even a feeling of unwinding deep inside and you might find spontaneous movement of your body starts to occur/
The treatment should make you feel nurtured and cared for. It shouldn’t be painful although you may experience some discomfort, particularly if we’re dealing with a long-term problem. You decide how you feel about your treatment as we go along (I’ll usually ask you anyway). Tell me if you’re not happy and we’ll work out together how to proceed.
Afterwards
You can expect to have less pain, better movement and leave feeling lighter and more mobile. You need to go easy on yourself for the rest of the day, especially after the first treatment, and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated while your body adjusts. You may feel a bit ‘zonked out’ or a little emotional and you will almost certainly sleep well. Download a copy of my Treatment guidelines and privacy notice to refer to and contact me if you have any concerns.
Don’t worry if your symptoms come back over a few days. This is normal – most problems have built up over many years and it will take between four and six sessions for your body to learn that it’s safe to let go of the pain and restrictions that have developed. You will probably find that a regular treatment every month or so will then keep things improving.