About Optimal Performance

Hello!

My name is Kirsten Lawton & I hold a Level 5 Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy from the Oxford School of Sports Massage. I help people with lots of different injuries & issues that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints; and I enjoy working with people who:

have lifestyle & occupational related postural issues or injuries
are sports people, all levels from beginners to professional
walk, run or cycle, whether this be recreationally or because they are working towards a particular challenge or goal
are living with long term conditions, such as Parkinson’s, Fibromyalgia & Arthritis, that can cause reduced movement, mobility & pain
are looking for support with health & wellbeing

I also have a special interest in women's health and as well as providing pre & post natal massage, have completed further study into female hormonal health covering menstruation, maternity & menopause.

I'm a keen runner and have completed events of all distance from ultra-marathon to 5k's. I also enjoy road cycling and have undertaken several multi-day challenges and a one-day 205 mile event....although that did nearly destroy me. Most of all I love being outdoors, especially if it is with our energetic cocker spaniel, aka 'The Receptionist'.

In the past I have been a commuter & desk worker and like most people, I've experienced first hand the injuries, aches and pains associated with being both over-active and inactive. I underwent surgery to overcome a running injury and had almost 5 years away from the sport I love, so I understand how frustrating it is to be held back by injury & pain.

Over the years, I've seen many different professionals for musculoskeletal injuries & issues, but found soft tissue therapy to be the most helpful for me. Soft tissue therapy takes what is known as a 'person centred approach' and considers lifestyle, occupation, exercise and previous injury as part of the injury/issue assessment. Soft tissue therapy considers the reasons WHY someone may have become injured and addresses this through treatment, rehabilitation and advice. An important part of the job is being able to provide advice on how to reduce risk of injury and how to resolve issues for the long term, rather than just treating the symptoms.

I initially qualified as an environmental health officer and worked as food safety specialist for almost 25yrs, but it is fair to say that my own experiences and outcomes played a significant part in my decision to make a career change in 2019. For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in how the body works and my own experiences make me realise how important it is to address pain, dysfunction & injury, if we are to remain mobile, pain free and able to do the things we enjoy.

I'm proud to work with local sports club Thame Runners & worked with the Physio Team at Chinnor RFU for several seasons, providing support & treatment to the Men's First XV Squad. I was also selected to work at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games as a Sports Massage Therapist in 2022.

Treatment is not however limited to people that participate in sport. Many of my clients have occupational & lifestyle related issues or chronic conditions; and others see me for regular preventative maintenance and wellbeing.

Above all, I’m passionate about people experiencing the positive benefits of soft tissue therapy and both the restorative & preventative care that it can provide, but don't take my word for it...take a look at what my clients say about me.

I have undertaken further study into Remedial Exercise Prescription and am trained in FHT Accredited Myofascial Dry Cupping and 'Maitland' Joint Mobilisation techniques (Grade IV). I am also trained and certified to offer pregnancy massage.

I am a member of the Institute for Soft Tissue Therapists (ISRM) and The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists (SMA) & hold full insurance.

All appointments are offered at my private home clinic in Thame.

Get in touch to see how I might be able to help you.

Contact