Stephen Forde
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Achieve a lasting change.
I’ve been involved in various aspects of holistic health for over twenty years. I became interested in physical therapy as a result of my study of Tai Chi, which I’ve been practicing for about 40 years. I've trained in The Bowen Technique, Traditional Chinese Bodywork known as Tui Na - An Mo, Swedish Massage, Sports Massage and Advanced Massage. I aim to provide hands on therapy, with no reliance on the use of machines, I prefer to focus on refined physical tactile skills.
I’ve found Bowen Technique to be quite amazing in the range of its application and its speed and effectiveness. Bowen Technique was developed by combining early Osteopathic methods, Myofascial Release and elements of Shiatsu.
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.
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 teach public Tai Chi classes and I’m available for private 1 to 1 tuition or small groups.
I also use aspects of these arts to help you relearn how to move properly to improve the effectiveness of the treatment. This physical re-education is known as Somatic education. I'll help you to reconnect your mind to your body.
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.
Forty Years study of Tai Chi, I can provide detailed instruction in all aspects of Tai Chi, including Qi Gong and Meditation.
Over twenty five years experience in Advanced Massage Techniques.
Registered and insured with the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Member organisations
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, Meditation.
Fees
£45.00 - £55.00
Additional information
- Basic fee scale: £45 / hour (Bowen / Sports Massage / 1 to 1 Tai Chi)
- £55/ Hour Shiatsu
When I work
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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
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. Bowen Therapy can often be carried out through light clothing.
There’s no deep pressure as you might experience with say Shiatsu or Sports Massage. Very specifically there is no snapping or crunching of joints that you may have experienced with Chiropractic or Osteopathic therapy.
Sports Massage often 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.
To further address poor physical function, misaligned posture etc. I use Somatic education, which teaches you to become more aware of the functioning and coordination of muscle groups known as kinetic chains. It's very common for muscles to lose efficiency and coordination either due to poor body mechanics or post injury.
I teach all aspects of TI Chi with an emphasis on gentle movement linked to mind / body awareness. I also utilise traditional Qi Gong and meditation techniques to enhance mental wellness and stress management.