Movement & Alignment Coaching
How Does it Work?
What are the four principles of Movement Coaching?
Every body is different. Our work together is guided by four interconnected principles, tailored to your needs:
Awareness
We begin by exploring how you stand and move, using posture and gait analysis to build a clearer picture of your body. I'll share what I observe and explain why it may be relevant, helping you understand your body and become more aware of your movement in everyday life. Awareness is the first step to change.
Alignment
We explore how your body is aligned when standing and moving, identifying existing patterns and considering other options that may support more balanced, adaptable movement.
Movement
We look at movements that may be limited or less accessible in different parts of the body, and explore ways to reintroduce them, helping your body develop a wider range of movement options.
Strength
As we develop your movement and alignment, we build strength to support and reinforce them, helping you develop the capacity and confidence to use them in everyday life.
Our work is a process of exploration, not a quick fix. Through small, intentional practices during and between sessions, you'll build your awareness and explore new ways of moving at a pace that suits you.
What will working together ask of you?
This isn’t a quick fix, and it isn’t something I do to you. I can’t wave a magic wand, and I can’t do the work for you. What I can do is guide you, explain what’s happening and give you a clear plan.
Through small, intentional practices during and between sessions, you’ll build your awareness and try new ways of moving, at a pace that suits you. Your plan asks for no more than around 15 minutes a day. Many people find that their discomfort changes as their body gains more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this right for me if I’ve tried other things?
Quite possibly. Many people come to me after trying physio, massage or stretching. I look at how your whole body is moving and organising itself, not only the area you feel it, which can offer a different perspective.
Will you fix my pain?
I never promise to fix anyone’s pain, but many people find that exploring new ways to move and align their bodies can help them feel and move better. We look at how your whole body moves, not just the area that hurts, and explore patterns and habits that may be contributing to your symptoms. Having experienced long-term back pain myself, I know how valuable this can be. Symptoms can still return, but understanding your body gives you more options for responding to them.
What kinds of conditions do you work with?
I work with a wide range of movement challenges, from general stiffness and aches to foot pain, plantar fasciitis, Morton's neuroma, tennis elbow, and general knee, hip or back pain. I also support people rebuilding movement and strength after surgery or joint replacement. You don’t need a specific diagnosis to get started. We’ll explore how you move and what you’d like to improve.
Do I need a specific problem to book?
No. Some people come with a long-standing issue, and others simply want to understand how they stand and move.
What is a gait and posture analysis?
It’s a way of looking at how you stand and walk, using photos and a short video you send beforehand, plus assessments in the session. I will analyse the photos and videos looking for patterns in how your body is organising itself to see what we may need to reintroduce or work on.
What does the force plate foot scan show?
The force plate is a platform you stand and walk across that measures how your weight is distributed through your feet. I use it as one part of the picture, alongside your photos, walking video and hands-on assessment. It’s not a diagnosis, just extra information that helps us understand how your body is organising itself. It’s only available for in-person sessions.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you’ll need varies from person to person. For many people, a few sessions provide the opportunity to make progress and develop a deeper understanding of their body. This is why I offer a three-session package. Some people find one session meets their needs, while others choose to continue with occasional or monthly sessions after an initial course of sessions. It depends on what brings you to me and what you’d like to work towards.
Do I need to do anything between sessions?
Yes, regular practice is an important part of the process. I’ll give you a personalised plan to work on at home, ideally daily, which should take around 15 minutes or less. Consistent practice helps you become more familiar with new movements. We’ll adapt your plan if something isn’t working for you.
When will I receive my practice plan?
On the day of your session, so you can begin right away.
Can I work with you online?
Yes! Many aspects of our work can be done online. We can explore your movement, review photos and your walking pattern, and work through movement practices together remotely. Some parts of the assessment are adapted for online sessions, and the foot scan is only available in person.
Do I need to be fit or flexible?
Not at all. I work with people of different ages, body types and activity levels, whether they exercise regularly or not. We’ll work with your current abilities and adapt the practices to suit you. Some practices use the floor for support, so let me know if getting down to or up from the floor is difficult.
How is movement coaching different from physiotherapy, massage and other treatments?
My approach looks at how your whole body moves, rather than focusing only on the area that hurts. I observe how you perform each movement, offer personalised cues and help you understand what you’re feeling, so you can practise with greater awareness at home. Rather than relying on a treatment being done to you, the aim is to help you develop your own awareness and explore new ways of moving.
Can I work with you alongside my existing treatment?
Absolutely. Movement coaching can complement support from your GP, physiotherapist or other practitioners. Hands-on treatments such as massage, osteopathy and chiropractic care can also be valuable, and our work may fit alongside them. If you’re already receiving care, you’re welcome to let me know so we can consider how our work fits with it.
Will the exercises or movement work make my pain worse?
Everyone responds differently to movement, and unfamiliar practices can sometimes cause discomfort. I’ll encourage you to work within your limits rather than push through pain. If a practice causes discomfort at home, stop and let me know. I may ask you to film yourself doing it so I can review your movement and adapt the practice if needed. If pain becomes significantly worse, persists or feels unusual, seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.