Holistic Massage
Experience tailored holistic massage in the Bristol area with Kathy to ease tension, stress, and anxiety while revitalising your mind and body.
Holistic massage is a physical therapy generating a response in the body, enhancing health and well-being.
Massage will also alleviate muscle tension, stress and anxiety. Holistic massage will nurture and support, enhance energy and revitalise the mind and body, restoring calmness within. Kathy works with clients assessing physical and emotional needs to provide an individually tailored treatment, working instinctively to address areas of tension and stress. Kathy uses a variety of clinical, evidence based massage techniques and pressures to suit individual needs, providing the optimal treatment for all clients.
Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may be enhanced with a bespoke aromatherapy blend, creating a deeply restorative experience for both body and mind.
Qualifications and continued professional development
- Holistic massage (level 4) MTI, 2017, part of degree in Complementary Healthcare B.Sc (Hons)
- MTI Conference workshops and training days – 2017 & 2018
- Assessing and treating the neck
- Lumbar-sacral pain
- Releasing the neck
- Advanced Massage Techniques (level 6) – Cardiff Metropolitan Uni – 2019
- Massage and pregnancy Diploma – APNT – 2020
Advanced Massage training – Hands-Free Massage – 2026
Research & Evidence
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systemic review. Bervoets et al, (2015). Journal of Physiotherapy.61(3); pp. 106-116.
Massage benefit: quality of life for breast cancer
Effects of therapeutic Massage on the Quality of Life Among patients with Breast Cancer During Treatment. Sturgeon et al, (2009). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 15(4).
Frozen Shoulder
Adhesive capsulitis: Prospective observational multi-centre study on the Niel-Asher technique (NAT). Niel-Asher et al, (2014). International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine. 17, pp. 232-242.
Massage benefit: pain manage, relaxation, sleep and psychological aspects in acute care
The Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain Management in the Acute Care Setting. Adams et al, (2010). International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 3(10); pp. 4-11.
Benefits of massage, reflexology and other manual therapies for pain in labour.
A systemic review of Massage, reflexology and other manual therapies for pain management in labour. Smith et al, (2018). The Cochrane Collaboration.
Anatomy and physiology for massage and body workers
Anatomy, physiology and pathology for the massage therapist. Fox and Pritchard. (2010). (2 Edn). Gloucestershire: Corpus.
The concise book of muscles. Jarmey and Sharkey (2015). Chichester: Lotus.
Trail Guide to the Body. Biel, A. (2014). (4th Edn). USA: www.booksofdiscovery.com
Soft tissue massage techniques manuals
Dynamic Bodyuse for Effective Strain-free massage. Pritchard, D. (2007). Chichester: Lotus
Muscle Energy Techniques. Gibbons, J. (2011). Chichester: Lotus.
Soft Tissue Release. Sanderson, M. (2012). (3rd Edn). Chichester: Lotus.
Kathy is experienced in working with a variety of conditions that may benefit from holistic massage.
Stress & Anxiety
Relaxation
Back, neck and shoulder problems
Lower back, hip and sciatic pain
Sports and exercise enhancement
Post exercise recovery
Pregnancy
Expert Help
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect at a treatment
Your treatment starts with a full consultation, including a postural assessment ensuring your individual needs are met. Treatments are provided on a massage couch, using massage wax in all treatments, which can optionally include aromatherapy.
Do I need to take all my clothes off?
No. You undress to your level of comfort. Some people remove everything except underwear, while others prefer to keep more on.
Professional draping with massage sheets ensures your privacy at all times.
Will the massage hurt?
Massage should not be painful, although you may feel some deeper pressure on tight muscles. You should always feel comfortable, Kathy will check in with that the pressure is to your liking, and if you would like lighter or deeper pressure.
How often should I have a massage?
This depends on your needs, which are established from your consultation and the outcome of your treatment. Initially a weekly treatment may be required. However, many people benefit from a regular treatment, once the initial aims have been achieved. This could be every 4–6 weeks for maintenance, every 2–3 weeks for stress or muscle tension. More regularly for specific issues.
What if I feel self-conscious about my body?
I work with people of all ages, shapes, and body types every day. The focus is always on helping you achieve your goals for treatment, relax and feel comfortable, not on appearance.
Do I have to talk during the massage?
Not at all. Some clients enjoy chatting, while others prefer complete quiet. The treatment is your time, so either is perfectly fine.
What should I do immediately after a massage?
All clients are provided with detailed individual after care guidance following a treatment. After treatment it is helpful to:
- Drink water
- Take things gently for the rest of the day
- Allow your body time to relax
Before driving it is always advisable to take a moment and breathe slowly for a few minutes, to allow your body to adjust to the treatment.
Is it normal to feel sore after a massage?
Occasionally, especially after deeper work, you may feel mild muscle soreness for a day or two, similar to post-exercise soreness. This usually settles quickly.