Geli

In June 2008,  I answered the advert for a patient/model to demonstrate the effectiveness of a massage therapy largely unknown in the UK on a local TV station. This was myofascial release therapy. I was particularly excited about this opportunity as I am a vocal coach and I have been aware for some years that postural imbalances can affect the singing voice and performance confidence. 

At my first meeting with Christian he explained that postural problems could also be the cause of certain medical conditions I suffered from, such as irritable bowel syndrome, back problems and general fatigue.  He asked me various questions about my medical history and then carried out a basic postural analysis and explained that my hips and shoulders were out of alignment. 

My first sessions with Christian were very traumatic as, to my surprise, I found the massage of my legs and ankles extremely painful.  Christian explained that I had quite severe build up of scar tissue around my ankles, particularly my left ankle.  This had been caused by ankle weakness causing repeated spraining during my teenage years and a broken leg at the age of 14 due to a car accident. 

I perservered with the treatment and very quickly my thickened left ankle started to slim down.  This astonished me as I had assumed that the thickening was a permanent result of the car accident and I had always been self conscious about it.  Although progress on my lower limbs was slow due to my low pain threshold, I was quickly able to see the results of the treatment in my improved overall posture - particularly in terms of my shoulders and neck position. 

Now several months later I walk taller, have more confidence, more defined legs and ankles and far fewer irritable bowel problems than before.  I had not realised how much a body can be altered by manipulation alone.  Previously I had only ever obtained noticeable changes through regular and demanding workouts.  What has surprised me the most is that the changes brought about by the myofascial release therapy seem to be permanent and I have not naturally reverted back to my original poor posture since I received the treatment.

Christian and Geli appeared on the Channel M Breakfast show in 2008 to demonstrate the effects of Myofascial Release. You can view their appearance here on YouTube.

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