About

The Therapist

Fran Walker

Soft Tissue Therapist

I'm a member of the Sports Therapy Association (STA) and hold the BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy from the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage, having studied at the well-respected Oxford School of Sports Massage (OSSM).

I have 15 years' experience working as an international professional dressage rider, during which time I represented Great Britain on a number of occasions.

I'm also a keen runner and enjoy taking part in the occasional 10k or half-marathon. Between dressage and running, I've experienced a few injuries over the years so can sympathise with the need to get treatment and recover as quickly as possible!

My combined love of sport and science, and the desire to help people led me to the decision to become a soft tissue therapist.

I enjoy treating a wide variety of people, from desk workers to keen sportspeople, with the main aim of regaining full function to get you back to doing what you love.

Education:

BTEC Level 5 Professional Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy from the Institute of Sport and Remedial Massage

Certifications:

Myofascial Dry Cupping

Emergency First Aid at Work

What is Soft Tissue Therapy?

Soft Tissue Therapy is the management, manipulation, and rehabilitation of the soft tissues within the body, including muscles, connective tissue (fascia), tendons, and ligaments.

The aim of treatment is to ensure that these tissues are in the best possible condition and are aligned correctly. This, in turn, will relieve any undue stress on joints and can help to reduce joint pain, as well as aid muscle activation to prevent a recurrence of any issues or injuries.

Everyone can benefit from treatment - you don't have to be sporty or physically active to have aches and pains. Many of us spend significant amounts of time sitting at a desk or in a car, something our bodies weren't designed for, and over time we start to feel the negative effects of this as short-term niggles turn into long-term aches.

Soft Tissue Therapy can help to treat these issues, as well as improve posture, something which can also be impacted by work and life stress. It can be used as a preventative treatment, an aid in your recovery, or to help improve performance.

Treatment sessions involve a number of different techniques to treat the soft tissues and combat the effects of everyday life, including deep tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, soft tissue release, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. The hands-on treatment is generally followed by advice, including stretches or strengthening exercises for you to do at home.