Let’s find a way to make it a place of comfort and ease
home
Your body is your
And while these therapies may have provided relief, the results were often short term.
Well, the body develops ways of supporting you through whatever life throws at you.
you name it, most of my clients have probably tried it before finding me.
Massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy, osteopathy—
Literally.
But why?
If you sit at a desk, it will reshape itself to support you.
And it does this through your fascia.
If you injure yourself, it will find a way to work around it.
Fascia is connective tissue that provides support and helps to keep the internal parts of your body in the right place. And when fascia’s healthy, it’s supple and flexible. It moves with you.
But when it’s not…well, it can cause all sorts of trouble.
Unhealthy fascia loses its mobility. It becomes sticky, thicker and sometimes brittle. This pulls our muscles and skeletal structures out of whack, causing pain, discomfort—even debilitating fatigue.
But when it’s not…well, it can cause all sorts of trouble.
Unhealthy fascia loses its mobility. It becomes sticky, thicker and sometimes brittle. This pulls our muscles and skeletal structures out of whack, causing pain, discomfort—even debilitating fatigue.
Structural Integration works directly with the fascia.
Utilising techniques such as myofascial release, we’ll lengthen, stretch and soften fascia to restore a healthy balance to your body. My clients often speak of feeling taller, more flexible and having a sense of ease in their bodies, even after just a few sessions.
TMJ dysfunction
Sciatica
Fibromyalgia
Headaches and migraines
Tendonitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Repetitive strain injury
Gentle is Strong
We’re so overstimulated in our chaotic world that we often think we need more
sensation to have any impact—but I’ve found that the opposite is often true. We
need to quiet down and listen to our bodies.
I’m unlikely to jab an elbow into a knot during your treatment. But I am very likely to help you feel into your body and consciously create more space and flexibility.
And you know what that leads to?
Here are some common ailments that myofascial bodywork can help with:
These techniques are useful for anyone who experiences physical stress—which is just about everyone!
Long term change.
Not short-term relief.
There is a whole spectrum of SI practitioners, from those with a stronger approach, to those with a softer, more gentle touch. And over the years, I’ve found myself drifting further and further towards the gentle end of the spectrum.
Because it works.
The people I work with aren’t looking for a quick fix.
And if you are, I may not be what you’re looking for. My work is collaborative, integrative and personalised. We’ll work together to heal your body, reduce those aches and pains and increase your mobility. You’ll develop a deeper awareness and understanding of your body.
But you need to be an active participant.
book here
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to support you on your healing journey.
Investment
$155
$190
Ongoing individual sessions
Initial appointment and Structural Integration treatments
60-minute session
90-minute session
What to expect working with me
Every treatment plan is different—because every body is different. But the initial appointment with me is the same for everyone: We’ll discuss your medical history and goals and together we’ll build a treatment plan that works for you.
We might decide on a traditional SI 12 series, a shorter 3 series or individual sessions (you can read details on all these options below). I might mix in other bodywork therapies if they’re right for your body. Things like dry needling, cupping or deep tissue massage. There’s even an Infrared Sauna at the studio that some clients like to use before or after a session.
book now
There is no one right healing journey - I will support you in discovering what works best for your body.
Sessions 1-4: soothe and ease the superficial fascia
Sessions 5-8: we begin to work with deeper anatomical structures
Sessions: 9-12: integration of all the previous work
The Traditional Approach: 12 Series
But please remember that each session will vary based on individual needs, goals and preferences. The work is collaborative, personalised and each journey is unique. I’m here to support your individual healing journey.
Throughout the series you’ll notice an improvement in your posture and mobility; a reduction in your aches and pain; and an increase in your energy and wellbeing. Many clients also refer to a ‘lightness,’ as they let go of patterns their bodies have held onto for years.
*If you’d like a more detailed breakdown on what happens in each session, click here.
It’s a full body approach, because nothing’s isolated in your body -
it’s all connected.
The 12 series is a comprehensive approach used in Structural
Integration. It’s based on the work of Dr. Ida P. Rolf, who developed it as a holistic and efficient way for others to learn and share her technique.
Here’s a high level breakdown* of the series:
book here
Ready to get started?
Emma is a talented, knowledgeable, empathetic, and caring bodyworker. I still see her for ‘tune-ups.’ She continues to carefully assess me before each session—no one size fits all here! I cannot recommend Emma highly enough.
- Helen M
I have been seeing Emma for the past two years. I came to her with a long-standing and debilitating lower back complaint and generalized muscle aches and pains. After a number of remedial bodywork treatments, I opted for the 12-series Structural Integration Program. This changed my life!
Though I still get the odd twinge, and old injuries flare up from time to time, I am generally pain-free and I’m able to move freely and energetically. Emma’s treatments and her patient explanations together with my yoga practice have given me a much more acute body awareness and I am able to address twinges on my own before they become problems.
Pelvic girdle and legs
Thorax and arms
Head and spine
Finetune and enhance: 3 series
As with the longer series, each session will be different because every body is different.
book here
Sound like what you need?
The 3 series is useful to finetune or enhance the results of a previously completed 12 series, or it can be used as an introduction to SI work. In this shorter series, we focus on:
I feel like a dolphin released from a net or a bird released from a cage. Nothing has helped me like this before.
-Cora G
Recently I completed a structural bodywork 3-series with Emma. Having struggled with ‘tightness’ all my life and a feeling that my body was wrapped in ropes, the effects of this treatment were amazing.
I was able to move in ways in which I’d previously felt restricted, taking bigger steps when I walked, trusting my dodgy knees to work better, being able to stand a little straighter, to open my shoulders and move them back a bit, releasing pain from parts that were stuck and resistant to stretching.
Individual Sessions (Remedial Bodywork)
Of course you don’t have to commit to an entire series. And sometimes it’s not appropriate. As symptoms, issues or injuries arise, you’re welcome to book in for individual sessions as needed.
I will always include a comprehensive assessment, gearing your treatment toward easing your current symptoms while working within a whole-body framework.
book now
spinal surgery
accident
mastectomy and breast reconstruction
open heart surgery
joint replacement
c-section
hysterectomy
facial
keyhole surgery
ScarWork
Scar tissue is fascia.
This means that all of the principles of Structural Integration apply when working with it. And if you embark on any series of treatments with me, and you have a scar, we’re going to work on your scar tissue. It’s part of your body and your story. But you can also book a standalone treatment, or treatments, to focus on your scar tissue.
Scars that can be treated include:
What to expect from Scar Tissue Therapy
Natural and surgical scars of any age often respond quickly to the work.
Although results may be seen after one session, a series is often more effective (there is a pattern here!). Many clients find that between 4-8 treatments provide them with the improvements they were seeking.
You can read more about Scar Tissue Therapy here.
book now
Cosmetic changes: lumps, gaps, ridges, holes, bumps, knots and strings in the tissue smooth out
Resolution of nerve-impaired numbness
Softer and more mobile scars
Reduction or cessation of pain
First off—working with scar tissue is rarely painful. Each session will usually bring an incremental improvement to the scar and surrounding area, creating more softness and reducing the restrictions caused by the thickening of the underlying tissues and any stickiness between the layers of muscle, skin and fat tissue.
It can lead to dramatic and quick improvements such as:
Do the needles hurt?
How long will the physical changes last?
What happens after I finish a 12 series?
How long should I wait between sessions?
What can I expect in a typical SI or bodywork session?
What should I wear?
Are your fees covered by Health Funds/Insurance?
What is Myofascial Dry Needling?
What makes the ATSI type of Structural Integration different?
What should I wear?
Your level of comfort is important. And it’s equally important to have full access to the areas we’re working on in each session.
FOR WOMEN: a two-piece bathing suit or a bra and full coverage underwear/running shorts that allow for full range of movement. Avoid sports bras that don’t allow for full access to the spine.
FOR MEN: full-coverage boxer shorts, running shorts or bathing suit recommended.
FOR WOMEN: a two-piece bathing suit or a bra and full coverage underwear/running shorts that allow for full range of movement. Avoid sports bras that don’t allow for full access to the spine.
FOR MEN: full-coverage boxer shorts, running shorts or bathing suit recommended.
In your first session, you’ll complete a comprehensive intake form and we’ll discuss your reasons for beginning the work. Initial sessions are 90 minutes to allow us the time to talk through your medical history and goals without feeling rushed.
and/or evaluate your alignment before starting. Sessions are done in your underwear/underclothes.
I use elbows, hands, fingers and knuckles to apply slow and specific pressure to the fascia to reorganize its position in your structure. You may be asked to keep your eyes open (nap time comes later!), breathe into the area we are working, or make small movements during the session.
I love to begin and end sessions with techniques that aim to help you ‘drop in,’ relax your nervous system and ensure you get the most out of your session. The specifics of which techniques we use will depend on you, your body and your goals. They’re often completely different for each person.
The session ends with gentle neck work and sometimes—for the homework lovers—I’ll give you a task to work on at home to help garner the most from your next session.
and/or evaluate your alignment before starting. Sessions are done in your underwear/underclothes.
I use elbows, hands, fingers and knuckles to apply slow and specific pressure to the fascia to reorganize its position in your structure. You may be asked to keep your eyes open (nap time comes later!), breathe into the area we are working, or make small movements during the session.
I love to begin and end sessions with techniques that aim to help you ‘drop in,’ relax your nervous system and ensure you get the most out of your session. The specifics of which techniques we use will depend on you, your body and your goals. They’re often completely different for each person.
The session ends with gentle neck work and sometimes—for the homework lovers—I’ll give you a task to work on at home to help garner the most from your next session.
What can I expect in a typical SI or bodywork session?
3-SERIES:
Ideally a week in between, but every 2 weeks or once a month is acceptable.
12-SERIES:
If you stick to 1 session/week schedule, the 12-series will be completed in approximately 3 months time.
Ideally a week in between, but every 2 weeks or once a month is acceptable.
12-SERIES:
- Sessions 1-4: all four sessions can be done within one week, or one week apart, because each session focuses on a different part of the body
- Sessions 5-8: should be completed a week apart
- Sessions 9-12: can be done 1-3 weeks apart
How long should I wait between sessions?
What happens after I finish a 12 series?
The 12 series is designed to leave your structure balanced and in a finished place. Many clients complete the series and never feel the need for another session.
Others view Structural Integration (SI) as an essential way of maintaining their bodies and come in for regular “tune-ups”—sometimes monthly or annually.
Some clients find so much more ease and relaxation in their bodies after SI that they use it instead of massage. Others take a break for several months after the series and then request a post-twelve-series, generally three sessions, often focused on specific goals.
Lastly, some clients only use SI on an as-needed basis, like after a fall.
There is no right or wrong way. Find what works for your body.
Others view Structural Integration (SI) as an essential way of maintaining their bodies and come in for regular “tune-ups”—sometimes monthly or annually.
Some clients find so much more ease and relaxation in their bodies after SI that they use it instead of massage. Others take a break for several months after the series and then request a post-twelve-series, generally three sessions, often focused on specific goals.
Lastly, some clients only use SI on an as-needed basis, like after a fall.
There is no right or wrong way. Find what works for your body.
How long will the physical changes last?
Depending on how complex your compensation patterns are, it may take a bit of time to unwind all the structures involved. More often than not, the deeper the structure—and the longer it has been that way—the shorter the effects will last.
Ideally, if you establish a dedicated daily self-care routine and address the root causes that are causing your discomfort (like crossing your legs, or sitting at a computer for extended periods of time), the impact of SI treatments will last longer.
Your body’s ability to hold these positive changes is based on things like age, hydration levels, tissue type and tissue conditions.
The ATSI series is a carefully designed sequence to prevent you from regressing. In fact, you can expect positive changes to keep developing in the months following the end of the series.
Ideally, if you establish a dedicated daily self-care routine and address the root causes that are causing your discomfort (like crossing your legs, or sitting at a computer for extended periods of time), the impact of SI treatments will last longer.
Your body’s ability to hold these positive changes is based on things like age, hydration levels, tissue type and tissue conditions.
The ATSI series is a carefully designed sequence to prevent you from regressing. In fact, you can expect positive changes to keep developing in the months following the end of the series.
What makes the ATSI type of Structural Integration different?
ATSI is one particular form of Structural Integration and as such, there are many other brands of SI – Rolfing®, Guild of Structural Integration, Hellerwork, Soma, Core… just to name a few!
I chose to specifically practice the Anatomy Trains “brand” of Structural Integration for the following reasons:
Although many people are drawn to Structural Integration because they’re experiencing some kind of pain or restriction, the true intent of this work is to get to the underlying root condition behind the acute issues.
The key is to create an environment where the client becomes independent and stable on their own, rather than creating a long-term dependency on the therapist or continued work, as seen with some other modalities.
ATSI is compatible with acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, craniosacral work, and most forms of massage, yoga and exercise.
I chose to specifically practice the Anatomy Trains “brand” of Structural Integration for the following reasons:
- System-oriented, rather than based entirely on symptoms
- Treatment is applied gently and sensitively, with full client participation and autonomy
- ATSI-certified practitioners welcome and value the input of other disciplines
The key is to create an environment where the client becomes independent and stable on their own, rather than creating a long-term dependency on the therapist or continued work, as seen with some other modalities.
ATSI is compatible with acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, chiropractic, craniosacral work, and most forms of massage, yoga and exercise.
A technique likened to trigger point therapy with needles—dry needling uses acupuncture needles to release tight, inflamed, and often chronically painful conditions. This can be an especially effective therapy when used in conjunction with remedial massage techniques.
What is Myofascial Dry Needling?
Do the needles hurt?
Initially, there can be some discomfort. Sometimes even the word needle can evoke a level of unease or worry in people. The aim of dry needling is to initiate a twitch response from the trigger point (a taut band or ‘knot’ in a muscle), which can help to relax the muscle.
The twitch response can feel like a dull ache or throb, although it can be uncomfortable it is often a welcomed feeling—like “ahhh, someone finally hit the spot!”
The twitch response can feel like a dull ache or throb, although it can be uncomfortable it is often a welcomed feeling—like “ahhh, someone finally hit the spot!”
FAQ'S
