My Story
I began my journey into nutritional and massage therapy after I experienced a stroke in my mid 40's. A normal relaxed Saturday afternoon shopping with my young daughter suddenly changed when I lost my vision on the left side. Scans revealed a haemorrhage in the visual cortex of my brain caused by a blood vessel abnormality called a cavernoma. Over the next few years I had more strokes leading to the clinical recommendation for brain surgery to remove the anomaly. In 2022 I had a successful craniotomy and resection. With the uncertainty of not knowing if my vision would return and how I would recover after surgery, I had to learn how to function again.
I intuitively knew I needed the right foods to allow my body to recover and that I had to turn down the dial on my stress response so my body could repair. This is when I discovered the invaluable benefits of nutritional and massage therapy. It answers why it's important to fuel your body with the correct foods and why it's equally important to practice relaxation to allow healing to happen.
Since my life-changing experience, I have successfully completed a Master's in Nutritional Therapy and a Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapy from patient to practitioner, I am now focused on helping clients find their way to feeling nourished and revived.
Our Services
Post Stroke Wellbeing Service
I am now offering an in-home* holistic stroke wellbeing service, informed by both professional training and lived experience. This is suitable for people who have experienced a stroke and are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, low energy, anxiety and muscle stiffness. The service includes evidence based Nutritional Therapy to support recovery, resilience and long term health. Key areas we will work on is including anti-inflammatory nutrition, foods to support brain health and nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to address fatigue and energy.
Regular massage treatments also form part of the service. Key benefits of these treatments will be supporting relaxation, reducing muscle tension and improving circulation and lymph flow.
This service is also suitable for people who have experienced a TIA and who are seeking lifestyle change.
Services and Prices
Discovery call (15min) FREE
Initial Assessment - includes diet and lifestyle analysis and recommendations plus short treatment (90min) £110
Follow-up consultation/massage/MLD (60min)£60
Follow-up extended (90min) £90
Recovery Support Pack-initial assessment plus 3 x 60 min follow up £275
The therapies offered as part of this service are complementary and not a replacement to medical or rehabilitation care.
*Travel costs may apply depending on location. Sessions are also available at Chakra Therapy Rooms, 31A Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA. This will incur extra costs. Please note this is on the first floor of the building.
Scar Therapy Massage
I have trained with Restore Scar Therapy, an evidence-informed method used within both NHS and private healthcare settings. Treatment focuses not only on improving the physical characteristics of scar tissue but also on supporting emotional wellbeing and empowering clients with practical self-care strategies. For the best outcomes, a personalised course of treatments is usually recommended.
What is Scar Therapy?
Whenever the body heals following surgery, injury or trauma, scar tissue is formed. This tissue can become thickened or fibrotic and may adhere to surrounding structures, reducing normal movement between tissue layers. As a result, scars may feel tight, sensitive, numb or uncomfortable, and the surrounding area may not move or function as freely as it once did.
Scar therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment designed to improve the quality, mobility and comfort of scar tissue. Using specialist massage techniques, myofascial release, carefully selected therapy tools and tailored self-management advice, treatment aims to support healthy tissue recovery and improve the function of the affected area.
The Restore Scar Therapy approach works by encouraging the body’s natural tissue remodelling processes. Many clients notice the treated area feels lighter, softer or more comfortable following treatment. While some improvements may be apparent after the first session, lasting changes often develop gradually over a series of appointments.
How Can Scar Therapy Help?
Scar therapy aims to improve both the visible appearance of the scar and the underlying tissue by addressing restrictions caused by fibrosis and adhesions. Potential benefits include:
- Improved movement, flexibility and range of motion.
- Reduced tightness, discomfort, tenderness, sensitivity, numbness or pain.
- Softer, more mobile scar tissue.
- An improvement in the overall appearance of the scar.
While scar therapy cannot completely remove a scar, many people notice significant improvements in both how their scar looks and how it feels.
Who Can Benefit from Scar Therapy?
Scar therapy may be suitable for a wide variety of people, including those recovering from:
- Caesarean birth: Treatment can help reduce tightness, discomfort and restricted movement around the abdomen while supporting recovery and improving scar mobility.
- Surgical procedures: Whether following orthopaedic, cosmetic or other operations, scar therapy can help improve tissue mobility, reduce discomfort and support rehabilitation.
- Accidents or injuries: Scars resulting from trauma or injury may respond well to treatment, helping restore flexibility, reduce restriction and improve function.
Every scar is unique, so treatment recommendations are based on factors such as the age of the scar, its location, the type of surgery or injury, and your individual healing process. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your goals and specific needs.
Although scar therapy tends to be most effective during the first 18 months after surgery or injury, older scars can also respond positively to treatment. It is never too late to improve scar mobility and comfort.
For newly formed scars, treatment should only begin once the wound has healed completely. This is typically around eight weeks after surgery, although healing times vary. The wound should be fully closed with no scabs, open areas or stitches remaining.
Here is a link to Restore Scar Therapy to see some before and after photos of scars https://www.restoretherapyclinic.co.uk/before-and-after/
Services and Prices
Discovery call (15 mins) FREE
Initial assessment and treatment (60 mins) £60
Follow up consultations (30 min) £30
Scar Support Package - initial assessment plus 2 x 30min follow up £100
I am offering these sessions at your home. Travel costs may apply depending on location. Sessions are also available at Chakra Therapy Rooms, 31A Bishopthorpe Road, York YO23 1NA. This will incur extra costs. Please note this is on the first floor of the building.
Nutritional Therapy
Nutritional Therapy offers a highly personalised, supportive and evidence based service to help you achieve your health goals and optimise your health.
The Nourish Package
- Detailed dietary analysis of a 3 day food diary using specialised software to identify any low intake of macronutrients, fibre and 28 vitamins and minerals.
- 1 x 60 minute consultation (Zoom or in-person) to provide bespoke dietary recommendations, recipes and a weekly meal plan.
Cost £165
The Revive Package
- Nourish package plus 3 months support
- 1 x 90 minute detailed consultation to understand your current health and wellbeing.
- A bespoke designed 3 month nutrition and lifestyle protocol
- Support to implement your personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies through fortnightly 30 minute consultations (Zoom or in-person).
- When appropriate supplements and testing may be recommended, these will incur extra costs and will always be discussed and agreed with the client.
Cost £295
Massage Therapy
I am now offering massage therapy at Chakra Therapy Rooms. My therapist name is Elle. Please head over the website to book a treatment.
https://www.chakratherapyrooms.com
I am also offering a massage and nutritional support package for people with digestive symptoms such as IBS. For more information please contact me here or email elle@chakratherapyrooms.com
Testimonials
Mrs B - Nutritional Therapy support
"Michelle's approach to nutritional consultancy is the right balance of professional and personal. Her caring personality means she is a great listener motivated by the desire to help you feel better. She will gently guide you to uncover patterns, symptoms, or deficiencies you would've never put together yourself. But that is only the start! While bringing awareness to you about the past and present, she also builds a concrete action plan for the future based on her qualifications and training, industry recognised resources, and importantly, what feels right and realistic for YOU. I could not recommend Michelle enough; she's been my guiding light in improved health this year. "
Mrs L - Full body massage
"I would recommend Michelle and found her thoughtful approach to my wellbeing very reassuring and positive. Her treatment and comments also helped me become more aware of what I could do to help myself."
Mrs F - Nutritional Therapy Support
"Working with Michelle on my nutrition has been nothing short of life-changing! I originally enlisted Michelle's help for weight-loss but following her advice and, by making permanent life-style changes to my diet, I have benefitted so much more. My mood is lifted, I feel so much more energized plus I've lost a few pounds in the process too!. Michelle's knowledge is outstanding; she really listened to my needs, devised a sensible eating plan that exactly suited my lifestyle but, most important, was a constant support keeping me on the right track. Thank you Michelle"
Mrs C - Back, neck and head massage
"I found the massage extremely beneficial, my overall feeling of calm is wonderful!"
Miss M - Full body massage and facial treatment
"I have visited Michelle for both her massages and a facial. She approaches the consultation process with interest and passion, to provide the best treatment for you, her client. Her knowledge and selection of local, organic products plus her cosy treatment room, together create a lovely experience. I would highly recommend making a booking."
Further Training
NTEC - Nutrition in Culinary Practice.
The Christies Institute for Cancer Education- Massage for Cancer and Supportive Care.
Restore Scar Massage Therapy.
Myofascial Release Massage
Advanced and Deep Tissue Massage
Dry Cupping
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Warm Bamboo Massage
Facial Massage and Skincare Training
