Massage and Fascial Release

Miriam will combine some Fascial Release techniques with more traditional massage techniques to provide a bespoke treatment for you. If desired, Miriam can just use massage techniques and perform full or half body massages also.

Fascial Release is a very gentle, relaxing series of holds and tissue work, stretching and releasing the restricted connective tissue where needed.

Massage techniques used are derived from Miriam’s training as a Physiotherapist and training in Swedish Massage. The massage performed is relaxing with an aim to relieve tension, help to clear the lymph system, improve wellbeing and reduce pain.

A bit about the Fascia…

The fascia is our bodies connective tissue which runs all the way through us, right down to a cellular level.

The fact that there is no beginning or end to the fascial system, means that the body must be treated as a whole/one complete interconnected system and each session will build on what previously went before. As it is one continuous system from head to toe, this means that one restriction may lead to another.
An initial area of restriction can be found, treated and then subsequent areas of restriction can be discovered.

The diagram illustrates how a restriction at the knee or shoulder will then have a pull on subsequent surrounding areas, changing the whole dynamics of the fascial web.

Want to know more about the fascia?

Fascia is full of sensory nerves that relay information to the central nervous system and help to regulate body Physiology.
The fascial system has a vital function in that it permits the body to maintain its normal shape and allows the body to resist mechanical stresses, internally and externally.
We have around 600 hundred muscles in the body but they do not work in isolation. Due to the interconnected web of fascia, it is perhaps more accurate to say that there is actually ONE muscle, poured into 600 interconnected fascial pockets.
Fascia surrounds, infuses, protects all tissues/tendons/muscle/bone/ligaments/lymphatic vessels/circulatory system and organs. This means, that a restriction at the hip can have an effect within an internal organ for example.
It supports/separates/cushions every other living cell in the body.
It is a shock absorber, responsible for proprioception and a stabilizer (Anti-gravity system). Therefore, when Fascia gets bound down, restricted or dysfunctional, it has a huge impact on our entire health in more ways than one.

Healthy conditions- Fascia moves freely, is hydrated and allows the body to move freely without restriction. However, every knock/bump/accident/trip/trauma/poor posture/repetitive movements/surgery has an accumulative affect, so over time the fascia can change its structure, start to dehydrate, bind down and densify. Superficial restrictions can be visible to the naked eye but the restrictions deeper in the system (Beyond original injury or impact) can be felt by a trained therapist.
The restrictions in the fascia can cause pain, imbalance and discomfort and so fascial release techniques aim to address these restrictions in the body.
Releases, particularly those that have been held in the body for many years which have gone unnoticed (For example even as far back as birth), can create huge shifts on a physical and emotion level.
Everyone’s system is unique, just like our finger print.
Our intellectual minds/our thinking are what hold conscious memories but our body will hold the REACTIONS/RESULTS of these memories- Pain and tension for example.

“The body keep the score”
Trauma- Emotional and/or physical trauma has been found to have a profound link with the fascial system. Trauma can cause a person to feel unsafe within their body, can cause holding patterns and subsequent restrictions and for the fascial system to be negatively impacted. By becoming aware/more in tune with our internal sensations in our body, we begin to allow suppressed pain and emotion to release.
Fascial release therapy allows body sensations to be felt and in turn, helps with release of a problem stored within the system. Trauma is held on a Psychological AND Physiological level and until both receive therapy, we will not fully heal.