WHOLESOME HANDS
Clinical Massage Therapy
About Dana
She/Her
“I work with my hands, my head and my heart.”
Dana’s love of connecting with people and a belief in the healing power of touch has inspired her to learn and practice massage therapy.
Dana is a Jing Method™ Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist and has achieved the BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical Massage and Sports Massage at Jing Advanced Massage Training. She can help you with most types of chronic musculoskeletal pain including: back pain, sciatica, neck pain, whiplash, migraines, frozen shoulder, sports injuries, knee pain, ligament and tendon issues, as well as systemic conditions like fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and plantar fasciitis.
Furthermore, she is certified in the following manual therapies:
- Oncology massage
- Scar therapy with a specialty in treating breast cancer scars, c-section scars and surgical scars.
- Vocal Massage
- Pre- and post-natal massage
She is a full member of the Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and is insured to practice by Balens Specialist Insurance Brokers. Wholesome Hands is a fully inclusive business, committed to inclusion across age,
gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity and perspective.
perspective.
DANA'S QUALIFICATIONS
Bodywork Beginnings – the Jing Method™
This nine-day intensive course introduced Dana to the wonderful world of advanced clinical massage.
Jing Method™ Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist at Jing Advanced Massage Training
This is a unique three-year BTEC Level 6 Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical Massage & Sports Massage. This degree-level course is fully accredited by Pearson/Edexcel and is currently the highest level of sports and clinical massage in the UK.
Certified Oncology Massage Therapist
Dana was taught by the knowledgeable and highly professional Susan Findlay. In this course, Dana learned about real-life conditions and how to provide a clinical oncology session. After taking a client through a thorough assessment, she plans a massage tailored for the client’s well-being, along with suitable home care suggestions.
Scar Therapist
Dana is a manual therapist with a specialty in scar therapy. She works with clients who have new or old scars that have occurred because of injury, burns, cancer and other types of surgery, including c/sections. She has trained extensively with Emma Holly.
Scar therapy is a gentle method of non-invasive physical therapy developed to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and adhesions after surgery or injury using specialist scar massage, fascial release, therapy tools and self-care advice to promote healthy recovery.
Scar therapy is designed to:
- Stimulate changes in scars, on the skin surface and any adhesions or fibrosis in the underlying skin.
- Promote functional and cosmetic improvements after surgery or injury.
- Reduce common symptoms such as pain and sensitivity.
- Assess and treat any associated functional changes.
- Support emotional well-being after surgery or trauma.
Vocal Massage at The Vocal Care Centre
What is vocal massage?
Vocal Massage (sometimes called Laryngeal Therapy, Vocal Manual Therapy, or Laryngeal Manipulation) is a unique manual therapy treatment to help restore and improve performance of the voice. If you are putting your voice through stress on a regular basis, vocal massage is vital to ensure you can continue performing at your best and to help prevent any serious conditions from arising in the future. The treatment predominantly targets the neck and larynx, but attention may also be given to the jaw, diaphragm, chest, ribcage and thoracic spine. Vocal Massage aims to support optimum vocal health, including voice function and the vocal rehabilitation process. It facilitates an integrated release of muscles involved in voicing. Dana works closely with each client to ensure that the treatment given is in line with the goals of the client and that there is no pain or discomfort involved.
What can it help with?
Vocal massage can be beneficial for a wide range of issues including:
- Globus Pharyngeus / Globus Hystericus – a sense of a ‘lump’ in the throat
- Loss of range or smooth transitions between vocal registers
- Freeing up the belt voice quality
- ‘Airy’ or ‘breathy’ voice
- ‘Gravelly’ voice
- Restricted vocal performance
- Lack of vocal projection
- Difficulty swallowing or swallowing disorders
- Difficulty fully opening mouth
- Muscle Tension Dysphonia – a change in the sound or feel of your voice due to excessive or extra vocal work and strain.
- Jaw and tongue root tension
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) issues/pain
- Teeth grinding
- Jaw pain, locking/clicking jaw
- Tension headaches/migraines
- Neck tension/stiffness
Who is it for?
Vocal massage can be beneficial for many voice users, including:
- Professional singers
- Actors
- Voice-over professionals
- Choral Singers
- Amateur performers
- Media professionals
- Teachers
- Barristers
- Sales people
Ultimately, it is helpful for anyone who is having problems with their voice!
Online Self-Care Massage Practitioner – Jing Advanced Massage Training
Exciting new modules are added each week to give Dana a full skill set in self-care for low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, shoulder girdle issues, sporting injuries and many more common client problems. Online, she can show you effective techniques for stretching, breathing exercises, simple meditation, self-trigger point work and self-massage.
Story Massage Therapist
Dana uses the creativity of story and song with the benefits of massage, working with both adults and children of all ages and abilities in a variety
of settings.
Diploma in Pregnancy and Post-Natal Massage from Jing Advance Massage Training
EQUIPTMENT USED IN DANA'S PRACTICE
Deep Oscillation®
Dana uses DEEP OSCILLATION®, a massage therapy that works on the effects of creating an intermittent, low frequency electrostatic field (5Hz – 250Hz) in the client’s tissue beneath the applicator or gloved hand, while either is in motion over the skin. It reaches a depth of 8 cm penetrating the entire depth of the tissue layers (skin, connective tissue, subcutaneous fat, muscles, blood and lymph vessels). It can be applied over implanted pins and plates. There is no cause for concern that the therapist or client will electro-statically charge during treatment. The device is fitted with patented circuitry meaning a circuit is never completed. No heat is used, nor is there any electrical stimulation. This is applied as normal massage through vinyl gloves or applicator.
SOME OF THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF DEEP OSCILLATION®
- Pain-alleviating effect on acute traumatic as well as chronic pain conditions
- Prevention and reduction of secondary and primary lymphoedema, and reduction of oedema and lipoedema
- Prevention of fibrotic remodeling process, reduction of fibrosis
- Anti-inflammatory effect
- Muscle relaxation, mobilisation, functional improvement and improved range of motion
- Support of wound healing processes
- Accelerated recovery after intensive physical workout
- Decongestion and functional improvement in obstructive pulmonary conditions
LymphaTouch®
Dana uses LymphaTouch®, a treatment device which is based on a negative pressure. The device serves as a support for manual work. The device is also suitable to be used as a support for treatments of the following:
- Scar treatment and management
- Oedema management (acute/chronic)
- Post-operative care
- Improve R.O.M
- Manage pain
- Recover from activity
- Muscle maintenance
Winback S1
The latest edition to Dana’s practice is the Winback S1. It uses radio frequencies of 300KHz to 1 MegaHz and has many of the following clinical benefits:
- Removes pain faster by blocking the pain related to injuries for up to 48 hours
- The frequency of the current makes the cell walls more permeable, thus allowing the influx of nutrients into the cell and waste product out of cell
- Restores function faster by releasing tension (contractures, oedema, fibrosis) by local revascularisation. With heat caused by molecular friction, blood vessels open up and blood flows back into the injured tissue once more and the patient regains range of movement.
- Heals injuries faster by accelerating the body’s natural self-healing system by encouraging the intra- and extra-cellular exchanges
- Increases collagen synthesis and oxygenation
- Breaks down fibrotic tissue and has a direct effect on the viscoelasticity of fascia and on the regulation of fascial stiffness
- Acts on the lymphatic network to accelerate drainage
- Fits in with the treatment and not vice versa
- Augments what Dana is already doing with her hands
- Protocols can be personalised to the clients needs
Contraindications.
Pace maker, Insulin pumps, Cartlidge Growth, Cancer, Fever/infection, Impaired sensation to an area, Children/Adolescents, Pregnancy, Active DVT.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH DANA
Cleanliness
A thorough sanitisation process is carried out in between each appointment to ensure the cleanliness of Dana’s clinic and the wellbeing of her clients.
Bespoke Treatments
A thorough assessment will be conducted at your first appointment. This process ensures a tailored treatment plan, focusing on your needs and desired outcomes.
Donate to Charity
£5 from every massage will be donated to that month’s highlighted charity. You can see which charity Dana will be supporting that month by following her on Instagram @wholesomehandsuk
Punctuality
Dana asks that her clients arrive 5 minutes before their appointment in order to maximise their hands-on treatment time.
Personalised Environment
A variety of massage waxes, essential oils as well as music choices are available to ensure your ideal relaxation environment.
Wholesome Space
Wholesome Hands clinic is a safe body-positive, gender inclusive space where you can feel welcomed. Dana has seen it all, so all insecurities can be left at the door. Your comfort is Dana’s first priority.
Covid-19
Dana uses PPE to ensure the well-being of her clients. She does not expect her clients to wear face masks. However, if you have not been vaccinated from covid-19, Dana will ask you to wear one to ensure the safety of her vulnerable clients.
Still on the Fence?
Hear from Dana’s clients and read her reviews here.
TREATMENTS
Book a Bespoke Massage Today!
Rejuvenating Massage
Enjoy a 60-minute rejuvenating massage that helps your body feel relaxed, refreshed and revitalised.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Holistic Deep Tissue Massage
After a thorough consultation, Dana will work with you to create a specific set of therapeutic massages that are designed to help decrease your pain and increase your range of motion. She will also advise on an aftercare program that enables you to take charge of your healing. This is a 60-minute treatment.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Scar Therapy
Scar Therapy is a specialised manual treatment to help patients with scar tissue, fibrosis, adhesions and changes in tissue health following surgery and radiotherapy. This is a 60-minute treatment session that combines Scar Therapy with relaxation.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Pre- and Post-natal Massage
A new mum’s body goes through a lot of stress and changes during her pregnancy. Come and enjoy a bespoke, therapeutic, as well as relaxing, massage that focuses on common problem areas that women have during pregnancy and after birth.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Vocal Massage
Vocal Massage can be beneficial for a wide range of voice users, including professional singers, choral singers, actors, voice-over artists, presenters, as well as non-professional voice users who may be experiencing voice-related troubles. This treatment is also beneficial for people recovering from oral and throat surgeries. This is a 60-minute treatment session that is designed specifically for your needs and desired outcomes.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Oncology Massage
Dana, having gone through her own cancer journey, understands the needs, both physical and emotional, of a person going through cancer treatment. She plans a massage tailored for the individual’s well-being, along with suitable home care suggestions.
1 session for £65
3 sessions for £180
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Is there parking available?
Yes, there is free street parking available just outside the clinic’s entrance.
Is your clinic wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Wholesome Hand’s clinic is easily accessible with no steps from the street to the treatment room.
I'm not feeling well. Should I keep my appointment?
If you are feeling unwell please contact Dana as soon as possible to rearrange your treatment session for when you are feeling better. The 48 cancellation policy still applies in the event of illness or emergency.
What massage oils or waxes do you use?
Dana offers a wide range of scented as well as unscented massage waxes. To make your treatment as relaxing as possible you are most welcome to bring any preferred oils or lotions you would like Dana to use during your session.
What is your cancellation policy?
Dana has a strict 48-hour cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your treatment session with less than 48-hours notice for any reason you will be charged the full treatment cost. Furthermore, if you are more than 20 minutes late, your appointment will be cancelled.
Please note: You are most welcome to try and fill your appointment with another client so as not to incur the cancellation charge.
Do you only treat women?
Dana primarily treats female-identifying clients only but will also treat male-identifying clients via referral. Please contact Dana before booking your appointment to discuss who referred you.
Do you treat children?
Yes, Dana does offer treatments for children and is trained in baby massgage. For more information on how Dana may be able to help your child, please leave your details on the contact form and Dana will contact you to discuss treatments.
What are your payment options?
Dana requires full payment via bank transfer before your visit to secure your appointment. Payment details will be emailed to you prior to your treatment session.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes! perfect for Christmas, birthdays and as a gift for a new mum. Leave your details on the contact form about what kind of treatment you would like to purchase as a gift and Dana will contact you with payment details as well as a personalised electronic gift certificate.
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
“From the moment you walk into Dana’s studio, it feels warm and comforting. With a heated mattress, warm towels and Dana’s caring hands I was so relaxed I didn’t want to leave!
Thank you Dana”
“Dana has been an amazing scar therapist. I’ve been seeing her after a burn and skin graft to help aid in my recovery. Dana made the experience very easy for me, always being super positive, friendly and reassuring that I was doing all the right things to help my scars. She’s done an absolutely amazing job and has helped me feel much more confident with my scars. I couldn’t have asked for a better scar therapist!!”
“Dana is fantastic! She is a great communicator, makes you feel comfortable and safe, and the sessions help your body relax and loosen. It’s a special treat each and every time!”
“Dana is a wonder worker! Back exercising again pain free when I thought I might need a few weeks off for my body to repair!.”
“Dana is a marvel! I’ve been very nervous to have therapeutic massage following a nasty break in my leg (pins in ankle & knee and a rod connecting them) despite desperately needing one! Dana used Lymphatouch, a therapeutic tool that expands and stresses the tissue through negative pressure. She can control the pressure of the massage, allowing me to relax and after only a few visits, today receiving a deep massage in my legs and feet without any discomfort whatsoever…. I’m honestly blown away by the improvements!!”
“I was really struggling with pain after becoming a new mum. My back was in agony from bending up and down. After a session with Dana my headaches improved I was able to bend easily and pain-free!
I look forward to my monthly massage!”
People We Trust
Dana has a community of healthcare professionals to whom she refers her clients regularly.
Here are a list of people she trusts.
Helen Wright
Yoga
Hi, my name is Helen and I have been an established yoga teacher for over 5 years. My mission is to encourage students to open up their bodies as well as their minds by focusing on improving their physical and mental health.
We will work together to strengthen and stabilise our bodies and our minds focusing on Hatha yoga and combining this with calming breathing techniques.
Contact Helen at:
Kelly Thistlethwaite
Personal Well-being
Hi my name is Kelly Thistlethwaite and I am a trauma informed yoga and breathwork instructor working with those who have experienced trauma in their life. I also specialise in supporting women through motherhood including following perinatal trauma and loss.
I help my clients understand the effect that stress and trauma have on their physical bodies and work with them to help reduce the physical fallout of their experience.
Common fallouts include anxiety and overwhelm, panic attacks, pain, low mood and depression, anger and rage, reduced connection to self and others, reduced function of the digestive, respiratory, immune, circulatory, reproductive, and lymphatic systems.
I deliver education around the nervous system and how we can start to physically identify when we are moving towards/when we are in altered nervous system states. I guide you through movement, breathing exercises and neural exercises to physically bring you back to regulation, health, and ease in the body.
I look forward to supporting you.
Contact Kelly at:
Gary Edwards
Personal Training
Gary is a qualified personal trainer with over 17 years of experience. With a particular interest in working with people with short- and long-term injuries and conditions.
Gary uses a mix of techniques and approaches to work on improving his client’s strength, mobility and overall fitness.
Contact Gary at:
Angela Rake
Pilates
Angela Rake is a Harpenden based Pilates Teacher and Women’s Health Specialist. She provides online and face to face Pilates courses for women in pregnancy, postnatally, throughout motherhood, menopause and beyond.
Angela specialises in pelvic floor health, pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis recti and back pain. She takes a holistic approach and incorporates other disciplines as well as Pilates into her practice. Angela’s own experience with chronic pain due to congenital hip disorder, her experience of bowel cancer, her birth experiences resulting in pelvic floor dysfunction and a prolapse and as a mother of three young children, give her a uniquely empathic and understanding approach. She believes strongly that the body talks to us and if we listen carefully no one needs to live with pain or symptoms that affect quality of life. She strongly advocates daily movement as medicine for the body both physically and mentally.
Contact Angela at:
Angel Ashcroft
Personal Well-being
I can help with free, bespoke 1-2-1 Skincare and Makeup Consultations, which include a mini facial or makeover.
Contact Angel at:
Katharine Tate
Nutrition
Katharine Tate, The Food Teacher™, is an award winning registered Nutritional Therapist (mBANT, rCNHC) specialising in female and child health. She typically works with clients struggling with hormone imbalances, digestive issues and weight management.
Katharine also supports a large number of clients who have recovered from cancer. Consultation packages, functional tests and health profiles are available through her clinic.
All clients receive a detailed holistic health plan and recommended supplement programme, which is personalised to address individual imbalances and aims to restore optimum health. She sees clients online and at her Hertfordshire clinic in Harpenden.
Contact Katharine at:
Susanne Barry
Pilates
Susanne Barry is a Pilates and a Somatic Movement teacher and therapist, teaching Pilates classes and one to ones with a mindful holistic approach to movement. She is passionate about the mind body connection and weaves this into her work. She is always learning more, having recently studied Bones for Life, and completing a Pilates for Mental Wellbeing course bringing a whole-body approach to the people she works with. Her aim is to help you find joy and freedom of movement; enriching how you move in daily life, as well as helping you to improve your posture, core strength, flexibility, mobility, balance and co-ordination….. and to breathe better.
If you would like to find a deeper connection with your body and like the sound of what she offers, please get in touch with her.
Contact Susanne at:
07711 847415
Maddy Hill
Personal Well-being
Hi, I’m Maddy, the founder of RE.VIBE. I’m deeply passionate about the power of our mind, body and soul and how we are the healers of our own lives. I am a curator of authenticity, and inner healing, and created RE.VIBE as an interwoven web of self-discovery, self-connection and self-harmony.
Sound Healing and Sound Massage are in the family of bodywork therapy we use at RE.VIBE. Tibetan crystal bowls are struck, causing the emission of vibrations and frequencies that deeply penetrate through tissues, cells and bone. The sounds produced help to relax the mind whilst the vibrations work deeply through the body. This allows you to feel your body’s presence and highlights emotions and discomfort that may need processing, releasing or reconnecting, too. This gentle process promotes attention within and encourages your own body’s natural healing process.
The impact of sound is incredibly healing and transformational!
Contact Maddy at:
Lorraine Madden
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
I completed my initial training in 2009. Over the years I have continued to develop my therapies. In 2014 I qualified as a Vodder trained MLD/CDT practitioner. I also have a Hivamat 200 Deep Oscillation Therapy Machine which enhances the treatment.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is an advanced therapy that encourages the natural process of the lymphatic vessels to eliminate waste products and to boost your body’s defences and lymphatic function.
MLD:
- Promotes the healing of fractures, torn ligaments, sprains, lessens pain and reduces swelling.
- Reduces post-surgery and liposuction swelling and bruising.
- Improves many chronic conditions: sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, whiplash, acne and other skin conditions.
- Relieves fluid congestion: swollen ankles, tired puffy eyes and swollen legs due to pregnancy.
- Promotes healing of wounds and burns.
- Combined with compression and exercise helps reduce pain and volume in Lipedema
Find out more about MLD here: http://www.mlduk.org.uk/
Contact Lorraine at:
