The Therapist Behind SOMA

Hi, I’m Michelle.

I provide assessment-led sports massage and therapy in Portsmouth for people who want practical, structured support with performance, recovery, and regulation.

Whether you're training for your next event, trying to stay consistent in the gym, recovering from a demanding job, or simply wanting to move more comfortably, treatment is tailored to your individual goals.

I work with a wide range of people, including:

• gym-goers, runners, and hybrid athletes

• those managing ongoing muscle tension, tightness, or restriction

• individuals with chronic conditions or physical limitations

• neurodivergent clients, including ADHD

• young people who benefit from a clear, structured approach

Each session is guided by how your body presents on the day.

Treatment is adapted based on:

• how you move

• how you train

• how your body responds to load

Pressure, pace, and technique are adjusted to support effective treatment, without pushing beyond what is useful or tolerated.

I understand the demands because I train too

Alongside my clinical work, I have a genuine passion for training and understand the physical demands it places on the body.

My background includes:

• gym-based training

• running

• HYROX

• mixed martial arts

• Hiking

Like many of my clients, I've experienced injuries, setbacks, muscle soreness and periods of rehabilitation. I understand the difference between normal training fatigue, overload and the frustration of feeling held back by pain or persistent tightness.

That experience helps me relate to the people I treat and shapes a practical, realistic approach to recovery.

How I work

My approach is structured, practical, and assessment-led.

There is no fixed routine. Each session begins with a short assessment to understand how your body is moving and responding.

From there, treatment is targeted and adapted throughout, using sports massage and soft tissue techniques to:

• reduce muscle tension and restriction

• improve movement and mobility

• support recovery from training and physical load

• address areas of imbalance or strain

The aim is simple:
to improve how your body moves, responds, and recovers, so you can train, work, and function without ongoing restriction.

Experience

Alongside my sports therapy work, I bring over 23 years of experience supporting people with a wide range of needs.

This includes working with:

• children and adults

• neurodivergent individuals, including ADHD

• people with disabilities

• those experiencing high levels of stress or physical demand

This experience directly informs how I work.

Sessions are structured, predictable, and tailored to the individual, with a focus on clear communication, consent, and practical support.

Working with young people

I work with children and young people where sports massage and therapy is appropriate.

Sessions are:

• fully consent-led

• age-appropriate

• adapted to the individual’s level of understanding

Treatment is only carried out where appropriate consent has been given.

Support can be delivered on a 1:1 or small group basis, with sessions designed to help young people:

• understand their body

• recognise tension

• use simple techniques to support self-regulation

The focus is always on physical support, within clear professional boundaries.

Background

Before moving into sports therapy, my background was in the health and social care sector, including work within children’s homes.

I held roles ranging from support positions to senior management, working with young people aged 5–18 in complex, high-demand environments.

This experience continues to shape my approach.

I have a clear understanding of:

• safeguarding

• consent

• appropriate professional practice

I hold a current DBS and work in a way that is transparent and reassuring for families, professionals, and organisations.

My approach is trauma-informed, while remaining clearly within the scope of sports massage and therapy.

I do not provide counselling or psychological treatment.

The aim

To improve movement, support recovery, and reduce ongoing physical tension, so you can train, work, and function without unnecessary restriction.