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CARAN JOHNSON

Services

Bowenwork

Bowenwork, also called Bowen Therapy or Bowen Massage is a form of deep tissue bodywork that uses a light touch instead of heavy pressure. Precise rolling moves made on muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves that release stuck fascia for long lasting pain relief from acute and chronic conditions. Short series of moves are followed by rest periods that let your body process and respond. It's deeply relaxing, calming for the nervous system, and done fully clothed.

Bowenwork may be a good fit for you if you’ve tried other types of bodywork such as massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture, and only get short term relief for your chronic pain, or if you’ve recently injured yourself and want to support your body's healing.

Client often come to me with:

  • back pain, scoliosis, or sciatica

  • neck pain, headaches, migraines, or TMJ issues

  • arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, or EDS

  • dysautonomia or chronic fatigue syndrome

  • shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder

  • hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems, including plantar fasciitis

  • carpal tunnel, golfers elbow, or tennis elbow

  • sports and accident injuries

  • recovery before and after joint replacement surgery

Benefits clients often notice:

  • less chronic and acute pain

  • better flexibility and range of motion

  • more restful sleep

  • less anxiety

  • more energy

  • faster recovery from injuries and surgeries

  • relief that often lasts longer than other bodywork

What to expect:

What to wear: Thin, loose clothing like sweatpants, shorts or a t-shirt. Please avoid jeans and spandex, which make the work harder and less effective.

Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may do range-of-motion testing and before/after photos to track your progress. Your privacy is always protected.

During the session: You will stay fully clothed, usually lying face down with pillows for comfort. Seated or standing work is available if needed. I use gentle rolling moves over specific muscles and tendons, with less pressure than you'd expect. After each series of moves, I step out of the room so your body can respond. Warmth, tingling, or small muscle twitches during the rest periods are normal.

Session length: Your first visit is 90 minutes. After that, sessions are 30, 60 or 90 minutes, depending on your needs and how your body responds.

How many sessions: For first time clients or anyone who hasn't had Bowenwork in over a year, a minimum of three sessions (one a week for three weeks) is recommended. After that, a 2-3 week break lets your body integrate the changes. Many clients notice significant change in the first few sessions, and chronic conditions may need more.

After your session: I'll give you simple stretches to start at home the next day, to help your body adjust to the changes.

It's common to be sore the next day. It's also common to feel relief for a few days after your first session, then have the pain return, sometimes stronger than before. This is normal. Your body is adjusting to new signals while it's still pulled toward old patterns.

That's why your second session matters so much. Repeating the work reinforces the new changes, and relief lasts longer with each session.

A full list of aftercare instructions are available here.

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Lymphatic Bowenwork

If you've been searching for manual lymphatic drainage, Lymphatic Bowenwork offers a different, gentle approach. Instead of rhythmic pumping, precise Bowenwork moves release congested fascia so your lymphatic system can move more freely. Short series of moves are followed by rest periods that let your body process and respond.

You might benefit if you experience:

  • fatigue, brain fog or headaches

  • sinus congestion or worsened allergies

  • a puffy face or eyes

  • soreness and stiffness upon waking

  • digestive gas and bloating

  • difficulty losing weight despite your efforts

Clients often come to me with:

  • mild lymphedema and swelling after injury or surgery

  • strains, sprains, or bruising (recent or long-standing)

  • swelling before or after joint replacement surgery

  • rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, hypermobility, or EDs

  • tendonitis or bursitis

  • chronic inflammation

  • migraines, or lasting effects of a concussion

 Benefits clients often notice:

  • more energy

  • more restful sleep

  • clearer thinking

  • better flexibility and range of motion

  • less muscle pain and fewer headaches

  • less bloating

Lymphatic Bowenwork can support mild lymphedema. Clients with pitting edema, swelling that requires compression wrapping, heart conditions, or lymphedema related to cancer treatment are referred to a certified lymphedema specialist.

What to expect:

What to wear: Thin, loose clothing like sweatpants, shorts, or a T-shirt. Please avoid jeans and spandex, which make the work harder and less effective.

Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may do range-of-motion testing and before/after photos to track your progress. Your privacy is always protected.

During the session: You will stay fully clothed. You'll start face down on the table, then turn onto your back with a pillow under your knees. I use gentle Bowenwork moves to release the fascia where congestion builds, stepping out of the room so your body can rest and respond. To finish, I gently massage your main lymph nodes, the "Big 6", and walk you through each one so it's fresh in your mind for practicing at home. It's so relaxing that many clients fall asleep.

After your session: I'll teach you how to do the Big 6 on yourself at home, so the benefits continue between sessions. For full aftercare instructions, see my Lymphatic Aftercare page here. 

 

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McLoughlin Scar Tissue Release (MSTR)

A scar can affect how you feel as much as how you move. Many people feel self-conscious, anxious, or upset about a scar, especially when it's tied to a hard experience. You're not alone, and you don't have to keep living with it this way.

You might notice at or around your scar:

  • burning, numbness, or tingling

  • pulling, tightness, or a hard, ropey feel

  • roughness or hypersensitivity

  • less range of motion, flexibility or strength nearby

  • cold hands or feet

Benefits clients often notice:

  • a softer, less noticeable scar

  • less pain and hypersensitivity

  • relief from burning, numbness, and tingling

  • softer skin around the scar

  • emotional relief surrounding scar formation

  • better range of motion and flexibility

  • fewer muscle spasms

  • reduced risk of muscle tears and strains

Clients often come to me with:

  • scars from mastectomy, lumpectomy, or breast reconstruction

  • scars from abdominal surgery, such as appendix, gallbladder, hysterectomy, or C-section

  • scars from joint replacement (knee, hip, shoulder)

  • head wounds, trauma wounds, or amputations

  • Some burns

  • plantar fasciitis or carpal tunnel syndrome

What to expect

What to wear: Loose clothing that gives easy access to the scar.

Your first visit: We'll review your health history and may include range of motion testing and photos of the scar/s before and after treatment. Your privacy is always protected.

During the session: You stay fully clothed except for the scar area, positioned comfortably with pillows.

First I'll ask you to touch the scar and describe what you notice, physically and emotionally at your own pace. Then I use light fingertip pressure on the scar and surrounding skin to free restrictions. There's no force, and the work always stays within your comfort. At the end, you'll touch the scar again and notice what's changed.

How many sessions: Smaller scars (less than 3 inches) often just need one session. Larger scars may need three or four sessions. Scar work begins at least 8 weeks after surgery.

After your session: The area may be sore for a couple of days. In the week after, it's normal to have an emotional release, such as crying, sadness, or anger. This is your body letting go of feelings tied to the scar, and it passes.

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