Client Testimonials
Read what past clients say about their experience at Body Recon Manual Therapy receiving the following treatments:
Structural Integration
What SI has done for me:
The changes are gradual and are not necessarily visual as much as improvements in lifestyle. The back pain I suffered from each night in bed caused me to have to get up early each morning. I have no back pain. I like to exercise and play football and have been told that I look like I am moving easier on the field. The position I play has changed from defence (stationary) to winger (running all the time). I feel straighter but mostly am aware of my centre core all the time. I can feel this holding me up and working all the time. My feet are straighter. This has probably helped gain pace in running and reduced stress.
The process itself can be uncomfortable and painful. However it is short lived and there has never been any residual pain, only fatigue from the sessions. As a patient, I tend to attempt to tolerate as much as possible so the out come is better. A bit like exercising.
Claire is professional and easy to communicate with. It is a very personal experience, clothes off, photos taken, and Claire will keep it comfortable.
- B.L.
Dear Claire
Firstly thank you for including me in Structural Integration programme. I can not believe how fast the 8 months flew by and how much more relaxed I became about standing in front of a camera with my underwear on!
When I started the programme I had a history of lower back pain and stiffness in the hip/pelvis region, which I thought was related to endometriosis. (Could well have been I don’t know) Those symptoms have certainly changed, I am having very few twinges with my back now and the stiffness I would often feel in the lower back, pelvic region after exercise and gardening is nowhere near as bad now.
I also used to seize up (in hip/pelvic/back region) after sitting down for a long period, especially if I was sitting or squatting on the floor, well this doesn’t happen nearly as much now. It does this after I have exercised strenuously, and then sat on the floor later on for a while, whereas it used to do it all the time, exercise or not.
Three or four months into the programme I decided I needed to do something for myself, it was the beginning of a new year and the start of a new life so to speak. I am not sure whether my new lease on life was contributed to the programme or not but I was enjoying the new energy I seemed to have.
I decided to start running (something I hadn’t really done seriously for years, I have always ran now and again for about 3-5 kms about once or twice a week for a couple of weeks every year or so) and focus on training, with the ultimate goal being to run the Auckland Marathon in October 2011.
I am certain that the programme helped my muscles and joints cope with the transition from a non runner to serious running training.
I also learnt how to control my breathing better, which I am still working on. Activating my core, ensuring the oxygen I breathe in is transported to every part of my body effectively has helped me relax better and made the running easier. When I get tired when out running I focus on my in breathe filling up my spine and pushing out oxygen out further. It seems to make my legs feel much better, have more energy and move easier.
I feel taller now, although I haven’t grown taller and don’t measure any taller, I think I look a bit taller too. I do stand straighter, my pelvis always used to feel tilted, so that my butt poked out. My muscles seem to have a better shape to them. My clothes fit better and I am much more comfortable in my body now. Hell I may even wear a bikini to the beach this summer, whereas I have always worn togs and shorts.
Each session was different, as you worked on different areas of the body, some more uncomfortable than others but this only usually lasted while you were working on that particular area at that time. A couple of the sessions involving the pelvic area were more uncomfortable afterwards with cramping sort of pain. Not unlike period pain, which I put down to the endo areas being shifted around. I am only guessing at this and it was only uncomfortable for a day or so. I wish I had taken notes so I could remember fully.
Claire, I do think the Structural Integration Programme has helped me a lot, my body feels like it is working efficiently with more ease now and I like myself more, I can even look at myself in the mirror naked and I look ok.
- S.M.
I originally approached Claire for the Structural Integration programme because of a chronic lower back problem. I had previously tried osteopathy, acupuncture and massage, which all helped initially, but the problem kept returning. So I thought I had nothing to lose by giving this treatment a go.
Claire explained to me how the programme worked and how it was a whole body process and not just focussing on the part of my body that I thought was the problem. I was amazed at how she could just observe my body while I was standing or walking and know exactly what was going on. I have to say that at times I was gritting my teeth while Claire worked on me, but as long as I let her know when enough was enough then it was bearable!
My sore lower back resolved after just the second treatment and as Claire worked through my body, other issues arose – both physically and emotionally – but because the treatments were a month apart, it gave time for my body to work through these issues on its own. The great thing about this treatment is that it teaches the brain to work with the body in a different way to what it is used to, and thereby changes the old patterns that no longer work.
With each treatment Claire would send me home with simple movements and ideas that would reinforce the work that she had done on me that session. I found these very helpful and I became so much more aware of my body, how it moved and how to subtly change positions to make my body more balanced and maximise its strength. I also found that I was stronger in my muscles and had more stamina while working out at the gym. It seems illogical, but I also feel taller and leaner than I did when I first began this treatment, and the before and after photos certainly show this!
Now that I have concluded my programme I have so much more knowledge about my body; its strengths and weaknesses, how I should be carrying myself while walking and sitting, and putting into practice the mind/body exercises that Claire has taught me. It has certainly been much more than just “fixing my back” and I will be continuing to see Claire for “tune-ups” on a regular basis from now on.
This treatment programme requires dedication and commitment to go to every scheduled appointment in order to get the maximum benefit, but after the first session this won’t be difficult, as it is very addictive. I am totally hooked! I recommend this treatment to anyone and everyone.
- T.M.
For me this therapy was the next step in pulling my body back into myself, reasserting my self belief and re-building my foundation. It was a start of a journey of realigning my muscles, tissues, tendons you name it, back to where they should be. The amazing journey of relearning ones body, discovering how my body works, with Clare explaining every process and move, the feelings of exhilaration at the end of each session, the natural high as my body slowly fitted itself back into its original placement were indescribable, the small price of discomfit were worth it for me. Even now while I type this piece, my body naturally folds itself into proper place, with my height and build I had always feared a hump back, sloping shoulders, hunched over frame, which was where my body was heading if I hadn’t taken the steps to put into place a change. I seriously recommend the SI therapy to anyone and everyone, at the end of 10 sessions you will see the difference.
- S.R.
Having had a spinal fusion of two vertebra in my lower back I have been prone to discomfort and pain. I thought I would do a course of Structural Integration after reading about the treatment. I had tried everything else with varying results. This 10 month treatment address’s all parts of the body and concentrates on the myofascial aspect of the body .. My treatment with Claire has been very beneficial and I have learnt a lot from her about how I can help myself. By strengthening my core, and learning about posture, my general health and confidence in what I can do (or should do) has improved immensely. I will definitely visit Claire again in the future for a “tune-up” and would recommend this treatment to anyone who has any physical issues, or just wants to improve their general health and wellbeing.
- E.H.
Neuromuscular Therapy
David. Age 52
Born with an abnormality to my lumbar spine, I have had discomfort in my back ever since I can remember; more noticeable since I started a career in cabinetmaking during my teenage years and noticed a kyphosis on my spine.
By the time I reached my 30’s osteoarthritis had developed in my joints and a scoliosis on my spine. I experienced pain predominantly in the back, shoulder and neck which over time has become more constant and severe.
As an adventurer I have always been very active in outdoor pursuits. About 8 years ago I’ve been held back by my affliction; affecting my ability to work full time.
Eighteen months ago I started regular appointments with Claire, the results have been amazing. From the first visit with her I had a visible improvement to my posture and after several visits; pain in my back, neck and shoulder had notably eased. With her extensive knowledge she has advised me on techniques to improve my stance while walking, sitting and working. The flexibility I have gained has allowed beneficial exercises such as pilates to strengthen my body for better back support.
I’ve had treatments from other specialists such as Osteopaths and Acupuncturists with good results. However with Claire and the exercises she recommended my quality of life has been improved long term.
- D.
Late in 2006 I was diagnosed with severe post-traumatic osteoarthritis in my right shoulder. This was related to an old injury which had also caused severe damage to my right hip. Because of the problems with my hip and the pain medication I was taking for this, my shoulder injury went largely unnoticed while at the same time being exacerbated by me having to support my lower body with my upper body ie walking on my shoulders.(crutch walking and using my shoulders for support and balance etc)
I’d coped for over ten years, but late last year I knew I was in real trouble when no amount of medication seemed to work to ease my pain and the surgeon to whom I was referred told me that even though I needed a shoulder replacement, this wouldn’t be a complete treatment for my discomfort, because a great proportion of my pain was related to a pain syndrome where trigger points are developed in areas away from the sight of injury. This is caused by the body tensing/contracting muscles to protect and prevent movement of the injured area.
At this point I sought Claires help, initially thinking that massage would provide some comfort and ease some of the pain and stiffness. At this stage I’d never heard of neuromuscular therapy, but with outmost care and gentleness Claire began to address my immobility and pain. She spent months gradually working through the muscle layers, beginning with the muscle sheath till finally she was able to reach the deep trigger points an eliminate them. At this point although still in pain from the actual joint sight I was much more comfortable and I had a greater range of movement. I was able to maintain some muscle tone though exercises Claire had given me.
I underwent a total shoulder joint replacement in March this year, apart from mild discomfort at the op site I was largely pain free from day one and after 7 days post op I had a full range of movement in my shoulder. Five months down the track I am 99% fully recovered and have almost complete strength back in my shoulder. My rapid recovery has surprised all of the clinicians involved in my care, which I attribute to the treatment I received pre-op from Claire.
- B.K.
I came to Claire after more than 5 years of severe muscle & joint pain.
During this period I had treatments from various practitioners – physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathic, therapeutic & sports massage therapists. They all offered temporary relief but the root of the problem was still at large.
Claire’s unique treatment made major in-roads into remedying my problem within the first couple of treatments, and continued to achieve results with subsequent visits.
The Neuromuscular therapy went to depths in my muscles that had never been worked on before. The process looks at how muscles & connecting tissue in the body work together – isolating those being overworked by others underperforming. Claire also focuses on body alignment and offers practical remedial exercises for posture correction and muscle strengthening. The results are outstanding.
This treatment process requires dedication to continue to achieve results. The outcome will be well worth the effort.
After years of suffering each time I used my muscles, I am now able to exercise and regain my fitness.
My mental health has also improved significantly with the wellness my body enjoys.
- G.H
I have received regular massage treatment from Claire over the last 3 years.
Her professional knowledge and massage techniques have been very beneficial for me over this time.
In particular Claire’s Neuromuscular massage techniques have brought great relief and an increase in my range of movement to my arm and shoulder area.
I absolutely recommend Claire for any massage treatment requirement.
- G.B.
I initially sought treatment for my jaw which had “clunked” for many years. The experience of having massage done on the inside of the mouth was very unusual, but the result was a re-aligned jaw which is now pain free and rarely clunks.
With such good results I decided to continue treatment for what had been diagnosed as Fibromyalgia and symptoms of OOS (occupational overuse syndrome) in my arms. Treatment targeted soft tissue problems but also postural ones.
Through a combination of massage, postural changes and stretches pain has reduced to the point where strengthening exercises are now possible. One of the best spin offs so far is that I can now comfortably lie on either shoulder which has significantly improved my quality of sleep.
- D.C.
Last year, from a chance encounter, I bumped into Claire who said she could help me with my jaw problem, she called it TMJ. This problem had occurred after an incident of physical assault from my ex.
What followed was a series of sessions that took me through a long journey of understanding my body and feelings. Claire has a holistic approach to healing and I started counselling sessions consecutively.
When I started, I could hardly open my mouth, now my range of jaw movement has doubled, and I can actually yawn again. I feel no clicking when I talk either.
Claire actually involved me in my own healing by giving me exercises. I have released my jaw. Now I find myself still continuing to use the exercises in different parts of my body to free them up also.
Claire also recognised the relationship between my jaw and hips and actually realigned them too. I actually have a good posture now and that makes me look taller and slimmer.
To accomplish this without surgery could only be a miracle.
- N.H
Having suffered a serious Quad bike injury in 2007 and with a series of efforts by other treatment providers to alleviate ongoing muscular and ligament pain, I finally found Claire from Body Recon.
The results from her treatments have been no less than remarkable in terms of my bodies rehabilitation as before I felt as though I was going nowhere.
I am relatively free from the constant pain I was suffering and will continue to use Claire.
I have no hesitation in recommending Claire’s professional treatment to others.
- S.C.
Serendipity means happy accident, it was a happy accident to meet and be treated by Claire. I had, due to an accident as a teenager, limited movement in both hips and long term pain in my thigh muscle. In the middle of 2006, the pain in my leg had gone from Bad to Worse. Treatment in the past had not helped much. I looked in the yellow pages and found, by serendipity, Claire.
I can honestly say she has increased movement in both hips by a healthy amount and reduced the pain level in my thigh muscle by 95% – please note this problem had been with me for 35 years.
Thank you Claire and I recommend you to anyone who is in need of treatment.
- S.B.
A friend suggested I have a massage treatment with Claire after I had had unsuccessful treatment with a chiropractor and a physiotherapist for leg and hip pain. Over a five week period I had four treatments. After two treatments I received relief from pain in my hip and back and have received considerable improvement in movement of my legs and feet.
- T.G.
Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage
I and my family have all had treatments from Claire over a number of years. I have always found her to be caring and concerned, always showing a high standard of professionalism. Claire will always listen to what I am saying and work to find a resolution.
I have had particular success after seeing Claire for long term lower back pain & Migraines caused by Neck problems. I have had great results from both complaints particularly if I maintain the exercise guidelines she has set me.
I also saw Claire after a compound fracture to my ankle a couple of years ago, requiring 2 attempts at bone grafts. I truly believe my ankle would not be so functional today without the intensive treatment Claire gave me.
With an active family of 5, Claire is our first port of call when requiring treatment, we receive a high standard of treatment that will see us back doing what we love!
- C.G.
My name is Nicky and I am one of Maxine’s fully satisfied clients.
Maxine is a wonderful masseuse, a kind person and is obviously passionate about her work. I have suffered from Plantar Fascitis for the past 5 years and thanks to Maxine I am finally getting some relief from it.
I represent New Zealand in my sport so relief from this is very important to me. There is no doubt that without help, I would not have made the improvements with body movement in my sport that I have.
I always walk away from one of Maxine’s sessions feeling like a new person and would recommend getting a massage from her to anybody.
- N.
I first went to Claire at Body recon several months ago after hearing great things about her remedial treatment on several people I know. At the time I was suffering from the after effects of a major mountain bike crash in early 2009 which broke many bones in my body. It left me with basically a “frozen” neck & left shoulder/collarbone area, which, although I had regained full fitness & strength in most of my body, left me unable to turn my head to the left, & my left shoulder was considerably weaker than my right, to the stage of where I could not perform the arm lifts in “star jumps”, which are to me a very important part of my warm up, or lift weights above my left shoulder height. In other words I was basically “munted.”
Claire began my treatment & I immediately began to feel the effects. After about five treatments I can now move my neck fully to the left, & have regained full strength in my left shoulder/collarbone area, plus I now can perform “star jumps” with no problems. I jokingly call Claire’s treatment my hour of pain, but the results are great, & I would recommend her treatment to anyone (& her massages are not too bad as well!).
- B.D.
Having been a keen sportsman for more than half a century I have had my fair share of muscle injuries – I have more confidence in Claire’s ability to sort out muscle injuries than any other therapist that I have ever attended!
- B.
Claire has been a fantastic help for my back. A few month’s ago I was in a lot of pain and can now play with the kids, have a better sleep and walk without pain. I would have no hesitation to recommend Claire to anyone with back pain.
Thanks again Claire.
- E.W.
I came to you for a massage last week for a low grade headace which I had had for about two months. The massage was great, I felt I had to drink heaps of water over the next day but my headache was gone.
Thankyou so much.
- J.C.
I believe that therapeutic massage is one of the best things you can do to keep your body supple and functional. I have been having regular massages at least once a month for several years. This enables me to maintain an active lifestyle and do hard physical work. I have found that therapeutic massage helps ease sore muscles. It also enables the early detection of minor aches and pains and helps prevent problems developing further. It’s an effective way of monitoring how your body is doing and it usually feels great too !
- J.P.
As well as providing me with regular maintenance massages I find that Claire is very good at dealing with specific muscle injuries, she is an excellent communicator and highly professional with all of her work.
- S.S
Relaxation Massage
I have been having massages once a month regularly for a few years at Body Recon and really enjoy it.
I find it helps me to deal with the stresses of my job as a teacher and the stresses of everyday life. It helps me to be able to keep calm and deal with what life has to throw at me. The kids get the benefit of a relaxed and calm teacher which is also an added bonus.
Another positive is that I find it helps me to sleep and get a great sleep at that!
The staff at Body Recon are very knowledgeable and become friends as well as therapists. They are able to answer questions I have about the body and really care about their patients.
Definately well worth the visit and a great monthly treat for the body that we all deserve.
- J.B.