Question 1

Why does everyone start with the Myofascial Appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Because guessing is expensive. Pain rarely starts where you feel it, so before any hands-on treatment or programming, I want to see how your whole body is actually moving and loading. The appraisal tests your fascial lines, joint control, balance, breathing and movement compensations, and takes in your health history, injuries and lifestyle. From there I can recommend exactly what you need next, and in what order — rather than you trying to work it out yourself.

Question 2

What happens in the appraisal, and what do I leave with?

Accepted Answer

It runs for around 90 minutes. We talk through your history and goals, then move through a series of movement-based fascial tests, barefoot, so I can see where restriction and compensation are showing up. You leave with an explanation of why your body is moving the way it is, targeted mobility work to start on, and a clear plan for what comes next — therapy, movement sessions, training, or a combination.

Question 3

Is a Myofascial Therapy & Massage session a massage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is a hands-on massage, but one that is uniquely tailored to your body's needs rather than a routine sequence of techniques. The focus is on the origin of the pain and restriction, not only on chasing the sore spot. By working with the fascial lines and how your body compensates, the treatment aims to release tension, restore movement, and reduce the reason the pain keeps returning. The Myofascial Appraisal first helps me identify exactly where to start, so each session is targeted rather than generic.

Question 4

What do I wear for a Myofascial Appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Comfortable activewear — anything I can see your posture in easily and that you can move and stretch in. You don't need shoes; the appraisal is done barefoot.

Question 5

How much does the Myofascial Appraisal cost?

Accepted Answer

The initial appraisal is $160 for 90 minutes.

Question 6

How soon will I feel a difference, and how many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Many people notice a change in how they move after the first treatment, but lasting change comes from combining hands-on work with movement you can do yourself. There's no fixed package. Some clients need a handful of therapy sessions, others need ongoing movement work. After the appraisal you'll have a realistic idea of what your body needs and roughly how long it may take.

Question 7

Do I need a referral, or can I book directly?

Accepted Answer

You can book directly — no referral is needed. Bookings are made online through Square.

Question 8

Can my GP or another practitioner refer to me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors and exercise physiologists are welcome to refer patients, particularly those with persistent or recurring pain where a whole-body fascial appraisal would add value. Referred patients start with the same 90-minute appraisal, and I'm happy to communicate findings back to the referring practitioner with the patient's consent.

Question 9

What is fascia?

Accepted Answer

Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fibre and muscle in place. It does more than provide internal structure — fascia has nerves that make it almost as sensitive as skin, and when stressed it tightens up. Think of an orange. If your skin were the rind, your fascia would be the thick pithy layer below. The thin white layer around each segment is like the fascia enveloping your muscles, and the fine layer holding each juice droplet is like the fascia encasing individual cells. It gives the body stable scaffolding while still allowing movement and flexibility.

Question 10

What happens when fascia isn't optimal?

Accepted Answer

When it's functioning well, fascia moves, slides and glides with everything you do. When it's held in a shortened position for long periods — sedentary work, poor postural habits — it adapts by shortening and tightening. Restrictions can also follow trauma, infection, inflammation or surgery. These impact the freedom of movement of the fascia, creating tension points, pain and compensation in the surrounding tissues.

Question 11

I've had pain for years and tried everything — can this help?

Accepted Answer

This is who the appraisal is designed for. If treatment has only ever given you temporary relief, it's often because the area being treated is the symptom rather than the source. Looking at the fascial lines as a connected system frequently explains why the pain keeps returning. I can't promise an outcome, but I can promise you'll leave the appraisal understanding your body far better than when you walked in.

Question 12

Why does my pain move around, or show up away from the injury?

Accepted Answer

Fascia runs in continuous lines through the body, so a restriction in one area changes how load travels through everything connected to it. A tight hip or a foot that isn't functioning well can quietly show up as shoulder or neck pain. That's why the appraisal looks at the whole body rather than only the spot that hurts.

Question 13

What do you commonly work with?

Accepted Answer

Back pain, neck and shoulder tension, hip and knee pain, foot and plantar pain, tension-related headaches, postural strain, recurring niggles that never quite resolve, and general stiffness or loss of mobility. I'm not a diagnostic service. If something needs medical investigation, I'll say so and encourage you to see your GP.

Question 14

Is myofascial therapy painful?

Accepted Answer

It can be firm, and restricted tissue often feels tender as it releases, but treatment is always adjusted to what your body can tolerate on the day. You stay in control of pressure throughout — nothing is pushed through sharp pain.

Question 15

Can I come while recovering from an injury or surgery?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, once you've been medically cleared for hands-on treatment and movement. Scar tissue and post-surgical restriction respond well to careful fascial work. Let me know your history when you book so the session can be planned appropriately.

Question 16

Is this suitable if I'm older, deconditioned, or living with a neurological condition?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Supported Movement Sessions are gentle, individual sessions built exactly for this — helping you stay mobile, balanced, strong and confident in everyday tasks so you can maintain your independence.

Question 17

What's the difference between a 60 and a 90 minute therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Sixty minutes suits a focused area or maintenance work. Ninety minutes gives time to work through more of the fascial line involved and address the connected areas contributing to the problem, which is usually the better choice for long-standing or widespread tension.

Question 18

What is Lymphatic Reset™ and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

Lymphatic Reset™ is a gentle, standalone treatment supporting lymphatic flow — helpful for fluid retention, sluggishness, recovery and post-surgical swelling. It's booked on its own rather than added into a Myofascial Therapy & Massage treatment, and is available as a 60 or 90 minute session.

Question 19

Should I choose group classes or one-to-one sessions?

Accepted Answer

One-to-one sessions are the right start if you're in pain, rehabilitating, or need close attention on technique. Group Myofascial Movement Classes suit you once you're moving well and want progressive, functional strength and mobility in a small-group setting. Many clients do both.

Question 20

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

I'm located within Ascension Chiropractic. Group Myofascial Movement Classes run outdoors — details are confirmed when you book.

Question 21

How do I book, reschedule or cancel?

Accepted Answer

All bookings are made online through Square. You'll receive a confirmation with a link to manage your appointment, so you can reschedule or cancel from there. Please give as much notice as you can so the time can be offered to someone else.

Question 22

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — gift vouchers are available and can be used towards any service, including the Myofascial Appraisal.

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