Stephen Forde
About me
Achieve a lasting change.
I’ve been involved in various aspects of holistic health for over twenty years. I've trained in The Bowen Technique, Traditional Chinese Bodywork known as Tui Na - An Mo, Swedish Massage, Sports Massage and Advanced Massage. aim to provide the kind of treatment that you might hope to receive from physiotherapy, but with no reliance on the use of machines, I prefer to focus on refined physical skills.
I’ve found Bowen Technique to be quite amazing in the range of its application and its speed and effectiveness, Bowen is an amazingly effective therapeutic modality. Particularly when used in a targeted way.
Sports Massage includes a number of specialist sub modalities including; deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy and muscle energy techniques. Sports Massage is used by professional athletes the world over and is often considered to be integral to their training regime.
Tui Na - An Mo is one the most holistic of all bodywork methods, viewing the body and mind both on a physical and energetic level, similar in approach to acupuncture, while at the same time taking into account the individual's natural constitution, lifestyle and living environment. Tui Na - An Mo uses a combination of massage techniques, passive joint movement and acupressure and can address a wide range of conditions using a variety of massage and manipulation techniques. Tui Na was the precursor of Shiatsu but predates it by several centuries.
Because of my extensive background in Tai Chi and Yoga I am experienced in the analysis of structural and anatomical function, this helps me to target treatments to get quick and long lasting results. I also use aspects of these arts to help you relearn how to move properly to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.
Training, qualifications & experience
Over thirty years experience. Trained and qualified with the European College of Bowen Studies The Manchester School of Massage, The College of Oriental Medicine (Sheffield) and Gateway School of Holistic Therapies.
Over twenty five years experience in Advanced Massage Techniques.
Registered and insured with the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Member organisations
Federation of Holistic Therapists
FHT is the largest multi-disciplinary therapy organisation in the UK and has been representing holistic, beauty and sports therapists for over 45 years.
There a number of different membership categories (including Fellows, Member, Student, Associate and Non-Practitioner) which are dependent on qualifications and experience.
FHT enforce high professional standards, and all Members, Fellows and Student Members are required to follow a strict Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
Therapies offered
Other available therapies
Tui Na - An Mo, Acupressure, Muscle Energy Technique, Trigger Point Therapy ,Tai Chi, Chinese Yoga, Dao Yin.
Photos & videos
Fees
£40.00 per session
Additional information
- Basic fee scale: £40 / hour
- First two initial sessions booked together for a total cost of £70, this includes initial case history.
- Any subsequent sessions £40 / hour
Availability
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In addition to standard office hours I can provide some appointments on Saturdays and Sundays and some evenings in Stockport and Cheadle. Local house calls can also be arranged.
Further information
Tui Na is usually delivered as a whole body therapy, the techniques used and areas of focus are determined by assessing the body in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine principals. Treatment can often be carried out through light clothing it involves techniques such as acupressure (An Mo), passive joint manipulation, deep pressure work and often includes aspects of Dao Yin (Chinese Yoga) for self treatment between therapy sessions.
The Bowen Technique is a remedial, hands-on therapy that is applied using relatively light pressure. The practitioner uses thumbs and fingers on precise points of the body to perform Bowen’s unique sets of rolling-type moves which stimulate the muscles and soft tissue of the body. There is no manipulation or forced adjustment of joints. The experience of a treatment is gentle, subtle and relaxing.
There’s no deep pressure as you might experience with say Tui Na, Shiatsu or Sports Massage. Very specifically there is no snapping or crunching of joints that you may have experienced with Chiropractic or Osteopathic therapy.
Advanced Therapeutic Massage uses Trigger Point Therapy and Muscle Energy Technique to create movement in deep fascial and muscular tissue. Great at addressing poor posture, restricted movement and painful joints.
I work out of a private Yoga studio in Heaton Chapel, Stockport. It's called Studio 17 and is located on Egerton Road South, SK4 4LS.
The studio is a few hundred yards from Heaton Chapel railway station and the main A6 Manchester to Stockport road which has several bus routes running along it. Free on street parking is available outside the studio.
