Hello, my name is Natalia ☺ a.k.a Talia B!

I am a BTEC Level 5 Soft Tissue Therapist who trained at LSSM -The School of Soft Tissue Therapy (formerly the London School of Sports Massage) which is an ISRM school (Institute of Soft Tissue Therapists – formally the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage) and am registered with The Sports Therapy Association.

I am a busy mum of one human and three felines who enjoys being outside and being on or near water – swimming, paddleboarding, walking by rivers and coastline. I am involved in local Scouting in various capacities and enjoy movement of all varieties!

I have spent my career in health care within the NHS:  as a Healthcare assistant and then a HCPC registered Diagnostic Radiographer.

I worked at Kings College Hospital, London in general imaging (x-ray etc) before specialising  in Nuclear Medicine and PET-CT working for Barts and the London NHS Trust (the use of radioactive substances for diagnostic purposes). I have the privilege to see inside a lot of bodies and assist the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases for individuals who come into the medical healthcare system and in my own little way support them to navigate through the complexities of the NHS and the challenges of healthcare and wellbeing in general.

During the pandemic I was part of the NHS Test and Trace team from its very launch untill after the close of the service as a Clinical member of staff and problem solver which was a rollercoaster of an experience and really eye opening on many levels: personal and professional.

What do I do?

I work with people who are experiencing both minor and chronic musculoskeletal discomfort or pain, to feel and move better using a variety of massage and movement-based techniques to ‘treat, assess and rehabilitate’.

The modern, all encompasing term for this approach is “Soft Tissue Therapy” – I use “Massage” and “Soft Tissue Therapy” interchangeably.

There are so many names around for different types of massage each with their own explanations – that has a lot to do with marketing and history. I believe firmly in evidence based practice but recognise that there is much we have yet to fully understand about the workings and interactions of body and mind. Ultimately, if it feels good then thats a good thing right? the key is, for you to keep feeling good!

As a Soft Tissue Therapist, I use a variety of massage and movement techniques based on your needs on the day.

These can include gentle techniques :

• For relaxation (what people may associate with Swedish Massage).
• To treat superficial nerves in the skin (DermoNeuroModulation) Myofascial Release type work which is done very slowly on the skin and without any massage medium.

Deeper more focussed techniques which people associate with:

• Sports massage,
• Deep tissue massage
• Trigger point therapy work.

Clothed and stretch based work using Thai Yoga Massage style techniques on the table.

The use of tools such as soft silicone cups (RockPods), Kinesiology Tape (RockTape), Hot stones or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Type tools such RockBlades to add a different layer to treatment (use of these maybe clinic location dependent).

Movement-based techniques (which you may experience elsewhere with physiotherapists or Osteopaths or Personal Trainers) such Muscle Energy Technique / PNF and Soft Tissue Release.

Exploring the role that your visual (eyes), vestibular and proprioceptive systems (balance and the sense of knowing where you are position wise) may working with some toys, tools and exercises.

Some simple exercise work and working on developing a plan for rehabilitation = I am keen that you leave the session with tools and strategies for you to keep the lovely post- treatment feeling going!

Who do I work with?

People come to see me for a wide variety of reasons and from a variety of backgrounds.

They may be:

• People who are training for sports events,
• People who have been injured or experiencing niggles from whatever they have been up to
• People who are experiencing tension and discomfort from backs, necks, hips etc and feel that a massage will be helpful
• People who are experiencing pain and fatigue (physically and mentally) and wish to have some downtime to relax and unwind.

Feeling and moving better are really important elements for our emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing. It is my goal to assist you on your journey to feeling well and to help you maintain that wellness.

Please feel free to ask me any questions on the techiques I have mentioned here and to explore how I might be able to work with you.

Contact me using TaliaBSoftTissueTherapy@gmail.com

Event & Mobile Support

You don’t have to rely on finding me in my clinic space, if you prefer I can bring my clinic to you – mobile appointments in Caversham and North Reading are available on request.

I am available to support sports events of any size with massage work pre / post and during run events and locally I have worked at Endure24, London Marathon, Round Reading 50K.

I also provide treatment at community events such as the Emmer Green 10K and School events with my couch and massage chair.
Please get in touch via tbsofttissuetherapy@gmail.com if you wish to discuss potential event work.