Are you trying to find a remedy for a debilitating problem such as low back pain, whiplash or frozen shoulder – one that doesn’t require medication or a strenuous bone-setting session (the traditional Chinese method of die da)? If so, you might want to consider myofascial release massage and bodywork, an alternative treatment that’s been making waves in recent years. You can experience this massage therapy service in the comfort of your own home with Singapore’s therapeutic home massage service, Earth Body.
First, what exactly is myofascial release?
“Myofascial release is about working on the layers of your fascia tissue, the tough membranes that support and surround nerves, muscles, blood vessels, bones and other organs in your body,” explains Sasha, the founder of Earth Body. “It’s about manual pressure and a lot of stretching.”
“My work with myofascial release is all about lengthening the fascia tissue and opening things up. I work a lot with gravity, using it to my advantage. The various techniques address different issues such as whiplash, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, rounded shoulder and many more. Every session is unique. It also depends on what the body needs. Even if the same person has three to four sessions with me, each experience is different. It’s like cooking in my kitchen; I use different ingredients every time!”
A one-of-a-kind at-home massage and bodywork service in Singapore to facilitate holistic wellbeing
It was an article about bodywork that spurred Sasha’s passion and curiosity about how myofascial can help people with various types of physical and mental distress. Over the years, she has enrolled in bodywork courses and workshops both in the US and Singapore. Today, she’s a certified bodywork therapist in Singapore, specialising in myofascial release.
Working closely with her mentor and peers in the US, Sasha has spent hours researching, creating and curating the popular mobile massage therapy offered at Earth Body. “My signature regain myofascial release massage and bodywork is founded on the belief that we need to address the needs of people with physical pain, not just with a calming massage but holistically – mental and physical.”
Myofascial release massage and bodywork is helpful in relieving mental stresses and blockages too!
As such, Sasha’s work with myofascial release massage therapy can also be good for those seeking relaxation and stress relief. “Myofascial release certainly helps with that too,” says Sasha. “Our spine sends information to our brain when we feel a great sense of relief, derived from the techniques applied and the treatment received during the massage therapy. When the body feels better overall, it also positively affects one’s mental state and mood.”
What to expect from a myofascial release massage and bodywork session with Sasha
Each session with Sasha is unique. That’s because she tailors each programme to each client’s particular condition. But Sasha typically starts her session with an “inducer”, which feels soothing and comfortable as the body gets warmed up. “The intensity then moves up gradually to reach a ‘climax’ – this is the part where the session gets active. The heart rate increases slightly, equivalent to a rise in heart rate from exercise or a stress response. This lasts an hour or so depending on the length of the session. Finally, I call this ‘the icing on the cake’ – the session ends in a zen mode that calms the mind. Some will probably feel sleepy or even energised. It varies from person to person.”
Spreading the word about myofascial release massage and bodywork
Sasha’s objective with her massage and bodywork service in Singapore is to help as many as she can when it comes to bodily pains that compromise our day-to-day lives. “I really hope that, eventually, Earth Body will turn into an institution for people who are interested to learn and know more about myofascial and not just a clinic where people can get treatment. Myofascial release bodywork is an amazing tool that can help with many ailments. It could be a life-changing experience for some.”
EL’s Danielle Rosetti recently tried this at-home massage and bodywork service in Singapore. Here’s what she thought!
“I have multiple back and hip injuries from car accidents and sports incidents. As I age, my flexibility diminishes. This massage, which aims to improve range of motion, reduce stiffness and increase blood flow, was exactly what I needed.
Before the massage, I had to complete a detailed form that included recent operations, medications and areas of pain. Sasha followed up with additional queries before our appointment. The session lasted 90 minutes, and she arrived 20 minutes early to set up. I’m glad we did it in an air-conditioned room, as we both felt very hot after the session. It was quite a workout!
She set up music and a massage table. It looked very relaxing, even if I was still pensive about the likely pain to come! I was expecting an Indonesian-style massage where the therapist finds the spots between the muscles and goes deeper and deeper until you want to scream. But this was more like visiting the physio. I was placed in specific positions (my ankle was on her shoulder for one of them) and had to gently push against the therapist while she used her forearms and hands in long firm sweeping movements until I could feel the tension and knots release.
You cannot be prudish here as the disposable pants were very brief and the towel did not cover very much with the unusual positions I had to be stretched into. After a little while, I just closed my eyes and listened to Sasha telling me to breathe and relax. Once I did that, it was much easier.
Afterwards, I felt a lot of areas were ‘released’ or lighter in a way. I was expecting a lot of pain the next day, but only one part of my forearms was very tender to the touch. I definitely felt a greater range of movement and would recommend this for anyone who has ongoing stiffness from injuries.”
– Danielle Rosetti
Find out more about Earth Body or book an appointment with Sasha now at earthbody.com.sg.
IG: @earthbodysg
Want more? Check out our reviews of top facials in Singapore and read more articles like this in our Style & Beauty section!
