“Change the threat, change the dysfunction, change the pain“
At Feel Better Bristol, we understand that pelvic health is a vital part of overall well-being.
Our therapist Zoe is passionate about supporting women in finding relief from pelvic pain through Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy. This gentle, hands-on approach focuses on the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to release tension, improve mobility and restore balance. A key aspect to treatment is reducing the sense of threat to your nervous system and to help retrain the brain’s response to pain – supporting lasting relief and comfort.
What is Pelvic Myofascial Release?
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a gentle, hands-on technique that targets the soft tissue fascial system that surrounds every muscle, organ and cell in the body. With pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pain may be linked to areas of tension and sensitivity within the fascial network. MFR helps to gently soften tight tissues that may be pressing on nerves and muscles, reducing pain and spasms. The aim with MFR therapy is to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve movement
- Enhance pelvic health
Myofascial Release (MFR) will be applied externally to the muscles supporting the pelvis. When appropriate, internal release of the pelvic floor muscles may be offered and discussed in advance. Zoe takes a whole-body approach, looking at how your whole body functions and how the brain processes pain. Understanding the body’s pain responses can be empowering, and learning how to gently relax key muscles – both during and after treatment – can help you get the most from your treatment.
Who May Benefit?
Pelvic health Myofascial Release (MFR) therapy may be suitable for:
Women experiencing pelvic pain
Menstrual discomfort, bladder dysfunction, prolapse, endometriosis, or other conditions, MFR may help reduce symptoms and improve comfort.
Pregnant women
Gentle MFR techniques may ease tension and discomfort during pregnancy, helping prepare your body for labour and birth.
Postpartum recovery
We support healing after childbirth by addressing issues such as diastasis recti, pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence.
Individuals with chronic pain
If you live with conditions like endometriosis, fibromyalgia, pelvic pain, or lower back pain, our approach may help reduce pain and improve daily comfort.
Other concerns
We also work with women experiencing vulvodynia, painful intercourse, coccyx pain, and hip pain
What to Expect During Your Session
During your first session, Zoe will carry out an assessment to understand your medical health, symptoms and goals. This is to identify any contributing factors and creates a safe, supportive treatment approach.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Following the assessment, Zoe will develop a treatment plan designed, based on your body’s needs and goals.
Gentle, Effective Techniques
Using gentle, sustained pressure, Zoe works to release tension in the soft tissues. During an internal assessment, specific muscles may be found to be tense or tender, sometimes with pain that refers to other areas. MFR works to encourage the tissue to relax. This may reduce pain, improve pelvic floor function, and restore a greater sense of control and ease in the body. Sessions are paced to your comfort, and you may pause or stop at any time.
Empowering You with Knowledge
Zoe is committed to helping you feel informed and in control of your healing. You will receive guidance on self-care practices and rehabilitation exercises to support your progress. Education is a key part of your overall treatment and long-term wellbeing.
Why Choose Us for Pelvic Health Support?
Specialist Expertise in MFR
Zoe has completed advanced pelvic myofascial release training with Yvonne Brannigan, one of the UK’s leading pelvic health physiotherapists. She also brings personal experience with pelvic health challenges, offering genuine empathy in her work.
A Holistic, Whole-Person Approach
We believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. Our approach combines Myofascial Release with lifestyle and self-care rehabilitation strategies to support you progress.
A Comfortable, Healing Environment
Our welcoming treatment space is designed to promote relaxation and healing. After your session, you’re invited to unwind with a warm drink and a book in our peaceful waiting area, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the garden.
Pelvic Floor Care: Physiotherapy vs. Myofascial Release (MFR)
Navigating Pelvic Health Support
If you’re experiencing leaking, prolapse, or pelvic pain, it’s natural to feel unsure where to turn. Should you see a pelvic floor physiotherapist or try pelvic floor myofascial release (MFR) therapy? The answer often depends on your needs, but many people find they benefit most from a combined approach.
What Does a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Do?
Pelvic health physiotherapists are licensed medical professionals with post-graduate clinical training. They work with the muscles, joints, and nerves, using assessment and structured rehabilitation techniques.
Physiotherapy tools may include:
- Internal pelvic assessments
- Pelvic floor muscle retraining
- Biofeedback and electrical stimulation
- Exercise programs
What Is Pelvic Floor Myofascial Release Therapy?
Zoe offers advanced hands-on myofascial soft tissue treatment for pelvic floor health. Restrictions in soft tissue system have been indicated in research to cause or contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
Our pelvic MFR approach includes:
- Gentle, sustained hands-on fascial release (external and internal)
- Assessment of pelvic alignment, breath patterns, soft tissue tone and pelvic floor muscle function
- Tailored movement and breathwork to support integration
- Exercises and self-care strategies based on your individual presentation
Zoe’s training includes working with pelvic floor dysfunctions such as pelvic pain, prolapse, leaking, scar tissue, and postnatal trauma. She is a qualified oncology scar therapist and works with ladies post-surgery on intimate scars and dysfunction, including manual lymphatic drainage.
While Zoe cannot provide a medical diagnosis, her scope includes functional pelvic floor assessment and soft-tissue rehabilitation through manual therapy and movement after you have been assessed by a doctor or physical therapist. She also addresses nervous system and pain science education with clients where relevant.
How We Can Support You
As a CNHC-registered therapist with pelvic floor training, Zoe brings:
- Clinical-level soft tissue and fascial expertise
- Pelvic floor assessment within her professional scope
- A gentle, body-led approach to healing and nervous system regulation
- Respect for your story and autonomy
Zoe is happy to collaborate with your pelvic physio or refer you to one, so your care stays connected and supportive.
Get Started Today
Book online or call for a free consultation: Zoe Macpherson: 07939 127275