Myofascial Release
A gentle, hands-on complementary therapy using sustained, comfortable pressure and time to work with the body's connective tissue.
Explore the treatment →
Trauma-informed, gentle and individual therapy
Trauma-informed John F. Barnes Myofascial Release in Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex, supporting people living with chronic pain, back and joint pain, stress and anxiety. Your comfort, choices and boundaries are always respected.
Book an appointmentDiscover Myofascial Release →Welcome
A warm welcome awaits everyone in this calm, serene space. Set in beautiful rural surroundings, the practice offers time to slow down, feel at ease and give your body attention.
Ali offers individual Myofascial Release sessions shaped around your needs, comfort and pace. Set in a beautiful rural farm setting, the practice offers a calm, serene environment, with free parking for patients. Jacina, our lovely receptionist provides a wonderful welcome to everyone who visits us and is always ready to assist you in any way she can. You might even be lucky enough to meet Poppy, our lovely gentle practice dog; some patients say she provides therapy in her own right! If you are uncomfortable around dogs, please let us know before your appointment so we can make suitable arrangements.
Your sessions
A gentle, hands-on complementary therapy using sustained, comfortable pressure and time to work with the body's connective tissue.
Explore the treatment →One-to-one sessions in a calm setting, with time to discuss what feels important to you and agree an individual approach.
Find out more →Meet your therapist
Experienced, compassionate and committed to creating a safe, respectful space.
I have practised John F. Barnes Myofascial Release for over 10 years and have completed many specialist courses. Prior to training as a therapist my career revolved around working with people, mainly in training and development, and I am a qualified NLP Practitioner. I am also a Certified Reiki Level 2 Practitioner. I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association (CThA). I hold an Enhanced DBS check and am first-aid trained.
I have a keen interest in horses and particularly enjoy working with horse riders. Having taught riding myself, I have a good insight into how tension, restriction or dysfunction in a rider’s body can affect their balance, movement and comfort in the saddle, and in turn influence the comfort and performance of their horse.
Trauma-informed care is central to my practice. I understand that people bring different experiences and needs into the practice. I aim to create a calm, respectful space where you feel listened to and in control. Your boundaries, choices and consent matter throughout; I will explain what I am doing, check in with you and adapt or pause treatment whenever you wish. There is no pressure to share personal experiences, and we work at a pace that feels right for you.
The people (and paws) behind the practice
A friendly welcome and a calm, thoughtful experience from the moment you arrive.

Therapist
Ali has practised John F. Barnes Myofascial Release for over 10 years, completed many specialist courses and is a qualified NLP Practitioner. With a background in training and development, Ali is passionate about offering a trauma-informed, respectful approach where patients feel listened to, comfortable and in control.

Our lovely receptionist
Jacina is here to give you a warm welcome and help make your visit to the practice as smooth and comfortable as possible. She’s always happy to answer your questions or just have a chat while you wait for your appointment.

Head of cuddles
Poppy is our gentle, four-legged resident. You might be lucky enough to meet her during your visit! If you are uncomfortable around dogs, please let us know before your appointment so we can make suitable arrangements.
The treatment
A gentle, hands-on complementary therapy with a whole-body approach. It recognises that the body's connective tissue, or fascia, forms a continuous network throughout the body, and that areas of tension and restriction may be interconnected. People come to the practice for support alongside their wider care when living with chronic pain, back pain, joint pain, stress or anxiety.
Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds and interweaves with muscles, joints, nerves and other structures, forming a connected network throughout the body. The John F. Barnes approach to Myofascial Release takes a whole-body perspective rather than looking at an area of discomfort in isolation. Gentle, sustained pressure and time are used rather than forceful manipulation, with the session guided by your individual needs and comfort.
Sessions are individual and responsive, considering you as a whole person rather than focusing only on one painful area. People may seek Myofascial Release as complementary support when living with persistent or chronic pain, back or joint discomfort, or when stress and anxiety are affecting their sense of wellbeing. The approach is trauma-informed, with your comfort, feedback, choices and boundaries guiding the work. You can ask to pause or change the approach at any time.
If you have new or changing symptoms, or are unsure whether hands-on therapy is appropriate, please speak to us or consult your GP or healthcare professional before booking. MFR does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Kind words
“Many many thanks for using your magic hands on my feet for a whole hour on Saturday… it’s made all the difference in the world!!!”
Mrs N, Essex
Appointments
Choose the session length that feels appropriate. Payment can be made before your treatment or on the day of your appointment. We accept cash and all major debit and credit cards, and payment by bank transfer is also available.
Gift vouchers are available — please contact us to enquire.
If you would like a treatment involving more than one therapist, please contact us to discuss your needs. Ali has a network of John F. Barnes Myofascial Release therapists and only works with therapists she would feel comfortable receiving treatment from herself.
Use the calendar below to request an appointment. You can also book by telephone or email. If you would like help choosing a session length, please get in touch.
Please complete the patient information form we will send you before your appointment. This helps me understand your needs in advance and make the most of your treatment time.
Open appointment calendarPlease give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or rearrange an appointment.
Helpful information
Myofascial Release is suitable for most people, especially those who are looking for gentle, hands-on complementary support and would like time to focus on their comfort and wellbeing. Every person is different, so I will discuss your health, needs and expectations with you before treatment and consider whether this approach is appropriate. We take a full medical history prior to your appointment, but if you are unsure, please speak with your GP or healthcare professional before booking.
People seek Myofascial Release as complementary support when living with persistent or chronic pain, back or joint discomfort, or areas of tension and restriction. Some people also value having a calm space to slow down and focus on their wellbeing. I work with sportspeople, the elderly, people with chronic conditions, people with joint pain and back pain, people preparing for and recuperating from surgery. I can also help with restrictions caused by scars. Responses vary, and results cannot be guaranteed. Myofascial Release does not diagnose medical conditions and does not replace advice or treatment from your healthcare team.
Myofascial Release is not a cure for anxiety. Some people find the gentle approach and calm, supportive setting relaxing, and value the time to pause and focus on themselves. Whilst many people find it helpful in addressing their anxiety, Myofascial Release is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment. If anxiety is affecting your daily life, please speak with your GP or a suitably qualified mental health professional.
Treatment during pregnancy may be possible during all three trimesters, depending on your individual circumstances. The gentle techniques used can be adapted to help you feel safe and comfortable. MFR may help ease pain and discomfort associated with changes in posture and centre of gravity during pregnancy. Some people also find it helps them relax around the hips and pelvic area. Treatment is tailored to your needs and may offer complementary support during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Please discuss treatment with your midwife or maternity team, particularly if you have a high-risk pregnancy or any complications.
Water plays an important part in the function of our bodies, and you may get more from your treatment if your body is well hydrated. Good hydration may also help to prolong the benefits of treatment. Fresh filtered water is available in reception.
Please complete your patient information form before your appointment so I can review it in advance and make the most of your treatment time. At your appointment you will sign a consent form and we will discuss your goals for treatment and conduct a postural assessment prior to commencing hands on treatment. This helps us identify any areas of tightness or restriction that may be contributing towards your symptoms. The session is tailored to you, and you can ask questions or request a pause at any time.
Myofascial Release is a hands-on treatment that works best skin on skin, rather than through clothing. Depending on what we are treating patients are usually treated in their underwear or shorts and a vest top, with you appropriately covered with a sheet throughout. However, we will work in whatever way you feel comfortable. Your choices, privacy and comfort always come first, and we will discuss this with you before treatment begins.
No. Payment is made at your appointment. You can book online, by telephone or by email.
Yes, gift vouchers are available. We can offer gift vouchers as monetary values or as a treatment session voucher. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Located in a beautiful rural farm setting at Town Farm, Old Street Hill, Hatfield Broad Oak, Essex, CM22 7LF.
As you turn into the farm, follow the hedge round to the left. We are in the first building on the left.
There may be a parking space next to our building. If not, please park against the chain-link fence.
You can use what3words to find us: ///layers.ripe.stops.
Get in touch
Telephone
07774 968432
Email
hello@alibradbytherapies.co.uk
Town Farm
Old Street Hill
Hatfield Broad Oak
Essex
CM22 7LF
Google Maps (farmhouse location) →
Directions to the correct farm entrance (what3words) →
For the therapy practice, use the what3words entrance rather than the farmhouse pin. Once inside the farm, follow the hedge to the left; the practice is the first building on the left.
The practice is set in beautiful, peaceful rural surroundings on a farm, with dedicated free parking for patients.
MondayAppointments on request
Tuesday9:00am – 6:15pm
Wednesday11:00am – 8:15pm
Thursday9:00am – 3:00pm
FridayAppointments on request
Saturday9:00am – 3:00pm
SundayClosed
Use the form below to get in touch. You can also call or email us directly.
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