Fascia-based bodywork may include the use of the Block Therapy™ block, barefoot compression techniques, and/or hands-on methods. This work can be deeply restorative and supportive — but it is NOT appropriate for everyone. My goal is to keep you safe, informed, and well cared for during your session.

⚠️ Please note: These contraindications are specific to my practice at The Traveling Sole.   Block Therapy™ as a stand-alone program may have different guidelines.

✅  You may be a great fit if you:

• Want a clothed alternative to traditional massage
• Are open to guided breathwork and holding positions for several minutes
• Are seeking long-term postural, pain, or stress relief
• Are comfortable exploring sensation (from gentle to strong) as fascia unwinds
  
  

❌ Fascia bodywork is NOT appropriate if you:

• Are pregnant (sessions available only after delivery with provider clearance and a doctor’s note)
• Are under 18 years old (sessions not available)
• Have had recent fractures, dislocations, or surgery within the last 6 weeks
• Have surgical mesh, spinal rods, prosthetic joints, or implants in the area being treated — the block and barefoot compression are never applied directly over these
• Have an active infection or fever (cellulitis, flu, etc.)
• Are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy (sessions available only after treatment with provider clearance)
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart disease, or implanted cardiac devices (pacemaker, stent, shunt) without clearance
• Are taking blood thinners, steroids, cortisone, or other medications that significantly impact healing unless cleared by your provider
• Have serious neurological conditions involving numbness, loss of sensation, or progressive weakness
• Are in an active autoimmune flare (lupus, RA, MS, etc.)
• Have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or clotting disorders
• Have severe osteoporosis (risk of fracture)
  
  

Healing Responses (Sometimes Called a Healing Crisis)

Healing responses may include — but are not limited to — the effects listed below. Every body is different and heals in its own unique way. Your experience will depend on your personal holding patterns, tissue restrictions, past injuries, and how your body processes stored tension or toxins as they release.

• Tingling, numbness, or waves of sensation
• Pain may move or shift to a different area of your body as alignment changes
• Flu-like symptoms: fatigue, body aches, sometimes chills or a low fever
• Rash or skin flare-ups — old irritations may briefly resurface
• Emotional release: tears, laughter, sadness, or unexpected memories
• Digestive or sinus clearing: bowel changes, drainage, mucus release
• Brief resurfacing of old pain or memories before easing
• Headaches, dizziness, or vivid dreams as the nervous system recalibrates

• Rib Release (Important to Know)

One of the more noticeable healing responses can be rib release. Laying directly on the block, combined with diaphragmatic breathing, generates heat in the area. This warmth helps melt adhesions and stuck fascia, allowing the ribs to shift, separate, or occasionally “pop” away from each other or their surrounding connective tissue. This is a natural part of fascia unwinding and the body realigning.

This can happen during a session while on the block, or later, even with normal movements like reaching or twisting.

• Intensity varies: some feel mild discomfort, others moderate to severe pain.
• In rare cases, discomfort has lasted up to three weeks or longer.
• Some clients may never experience rib release, while others may experience it multiple times.

👉 Rib release is not harmful, but it can be uncomfortable. It is a natural part of fascia unwinding and tissue realignment. Although it can feel intense, it is temporary and often supports long-term healing and improved alignment.