Helping you understand and improve your wellbeing and resilience so you can live life with greater ease.
View ClassesA bespoke space bringing together a collective of skilled and experienced therapists who believe that movement is fundamental to wellbeing.
WHAT IS IT?
Functional Health
Our Therapists
Whether you are supplementing other activities, returning from injury or illness, developing your practice, or simply wanting to move well and feel better, you will be in knowledgeable and supportive hands with our recommended partners. Please head to their websites to book sessions with them directly.
Chloe Fitzjohn Allen
CA FITNESS
At CA Fitness, Chloe is passionate about helping people feel stronger, move more freely, and get the most out of their bodies. She offers a range of treatments and fitness services, including sports massage, dry cupping, pregnancy massage, personal training, fitness classes, and exercise rehabilitation.
With a personalised approach, Chloe works with each individual to help them move more efficiently, whether they’re recovering from an injury, managing everyday aches and tension, preparing for an event, or simply looking to improve their health and fitness.
Her goal is to create a welcoming and supportive space where everyone feels comfortable, confident, and empowered to work towards their own goals.
Fiona
Therapist
Offering hands on therapies and movement informed care. Specialising in cancer care -accreditation level 4 rehabilitation.
AoR Reflexology, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Gold Standard Vodder Method MLD – post surgical specialist), Structural Integration Therapy, Scar work and Oncology Therapeutic Care.
Fiona Palmer Specialist Clinical Bodywork, Lymphoedema Management, Oncology Rehabilitation & Movement Different skills. One body.
An individual approach.
Understanding the Person, Not Just the Problem.
With 30 years of experience in movement, rehabilitation and therapeutic bodywork, Fiona Palmer brings together an extensive range of specialist skills. What makes her approach distinctive is not simply the number of therapies she has trained in, but how she uses that knowledge to understand the person in front of her. Someone might arrive with swelling after surgery, a scar that feels restrictive, persistent discomfort, changes following cancer treatment, or simply a feeling that their body isn’t working quite as it used to. The obvious symptom isn’t always the whole story. Fiona’s work is built around listening carefully, observing movement, understanding medical history and considering how different systems of the body may interact. The starting point is never simply, “Which treatment shall I do?” It is, “What might be happening here, and what would genuinely help?”
Lymphatic Health — More Than Just Drainage
Fiona is a Dr Vodder-trained Lymphoedema Therapist, having completed specialist education in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and lymphoedema management. This comprehensive training extends well beyond the techniques commonly associated with lymphatic massage. It includes lymphatic anatomy and physiology, the mechanisms behind swelling, clinical assessment, treatment precautions and the wider principles of managing lymphatic dysfunction. Her approach also considers compression, skin health, appropriate exercise and self-management — recognising that successful lymphoedema care involves much more than hands-on treatment. Fiona works with people experiencing lymphoedema and post-surgical swelling, while recognising that swelling may have several possible causes. Not all swelling is lymphoedema. And not all swelling requires MLD. Understanding that distinction, and recognising when medical investigation or specialist referral is needed, is an essential part of safe and appropriate care.
Oncology — Supporting the Body Through Change.
Fiona’s oncology training includes Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation, Oncology Massage, specialist Oncology Scar Therapy and post-surgical breast cancer rehabilitation, alongside her lymphoedema qualifications. Cancer and its treatments can affect far more than the area directly treated. Surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatments may contribute to changes in tissue mobility, sensation, swelling, strength, fatigue and confidence in movement. Fiona’s combined training allows her to consider how these changes may relate to one another rather than approaching each concern in isolation. Whether someone is recovering from breast cancer surgery, managing treatment-related changes or looking for appropriate movement and supportive bodywork, her approach is adapted to their medical history, current health and personal goals. Her role is not to replace oncology or medical services, but to provide informed, individualised support alongside them.
Structural Integration — Seeing the Bigger Picture
As an Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI) practitioner and educator, Fiona has spent many years studying fascia, anatomy, posture, movement and the relationships between different regions of the body. Structural Integration involves extensive theoretical and practical education in how the body’s tissues and movement systems interact. This background has strongly influenced Fiona’s clinical thinking and the way she approaches assessment and treatment. A restriction in one area may influence movement elsewhere. Surgery can change tissue mobility. Persistent pain may affect how someone moves, how much they do and how confident they feel in their body. Understanding these relationships encourages Fiona to look beyond the immediate area of discomfort, while recognising that not every symptom has a structural or mechanical explanation. Her extensive experience in Clinical Pilates and rehabilitation helps bridge the gap between hands-on treatment, movement education and everyday function. The aim is not simply to change how something feels on the treatment couch, but to consider what that change means for the person in daily life.
Reflexology & Gentle Touch — Knowing When Less Is More
Not everyone needs, wants or benefits from more intensive hands-on treatment. Fiona also holds a Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology, complementing her experience in oncology massage and other gentle therapeutic approaches. For people experiencing fatigue, stress, heightened sensitivity or the physical and emotional challenges associated with illness, supportive touch and the opportunity to relax may be particularly welcome. Reflexology and gentle therapies are offered as complementary approaches to relaxation, comfort and wellbeing, rather than treatments for underlying medical conditions. Sometimes the most appropriate approach is gentle touch. Sometimes movement is more helpful. Sometimes the priority is education, reassurance or referral. The skill lies in recognising the difference.
Movement, Confidence & Independence. Fiona began working in the movement industry in 1996. Her specialist training spans Clinical Pilates, Level 4 Cancer Rehabilitation, GP Exercise Referral, lower back pain management, pelvic floor dysfunction and post-surgical breast cancer rehabilitation. She has also trained in pole walking for rehabilitation, recognising the importance of accessible, adaptable movement beyond the clinic environment. This extensive movement background informs her hands-on work, helping her consider not only how someone feels, but also what they can do, what has changed and what they would like to regain. Fiona believes that treatment should, wherever possible, help people build confidence in understanding and managing their own bodies. Her work extends into community exercise and cancer wellbeing programmes, including her role as Lead Ambassador for 5K Your Way Clacton, supporting people affected by cancer to remain active and connected. These experiences reinforce an important principle within her practice: progress is not always measured by how far someone can stretch or how much they can lift. Sometimes it is the confidence to walk further, return to a familiar activity, manage symptoms or feel comfortable moving again.
What Does This Mean for You? You don’t necessarily need to know which therapy you require before seeking advice. You may simply know that something has changed, that you are uncomfortable or that you would like to feel more confident in your body. Fiona takes time to understand your health history, listen to your concerns and explore what may be contributing to your difficulties. Depending on your individual circumstances, treatment may involve specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage, scar therapy, Structural Integration, reflexology, gentle bodywork or movement and self-management advice. There may also be times when another practitioner, your GP or a specialist medical service is better placed to help. Recognising and explaining that is part of responsible clinical practice.
Jacqui
SPORTS & REMEDIAL MASSAGE
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Sports Studies from Roehampton (1993), with a dissertation on Sports Massage, and a Level 5 Dip. Sports & Remedial Massage from the LSSM under Mel Cash. I have undertaken extensive further study including Myofascial Release, Anatomy Trains, cadaver dissections and specialist CPD, and am a fully qualified, registered and insured LSSM/ISRM practitioner.
I completed my yoga teacher training with Claire Missingham in 2010 and continue to study and practise with a wide range of highly respected teachers, including Alessandra Pecorella, John Scott, Swami Nityamukatananda, Jeanne Heileman, Dr Gabor Maté, Gary Kraftsow, Nikki Myers and the Institute of Yoga Sports Science, as well as the NHS accredited Yoga4Health through the Yoga in Healthcare Alliance. This ongoing study continues to deepen my own practice and inform my teaching. I am RYT700 qualified and a Yoga Alliance UK Senior Registered and insured teacher.
In 2021 I added Pilates Reformer training with Joanne Cobbe, further developing my work in functional movement and injury rehabilitation. I see Yoga, Pilates and Massage as interconnected disciplines, with each informing and enhancing the others.
I am also a Y12SR Leader and hosted Leadership Training for the UK and Europe. For eight years I taught yoga at the Focus12 drug and alcohol rehabilitation programme and have been involved in Cambridge University research exploring yoga and recovery.
Alex
PERFORMANCE COACH
Alex works with athletes of all ages, supporting the person behind the performance.
Sport can bring incredible opportunities, but also pressure, setbacks, injury, selection decisions and times when confidence takes a knock. Alex gives athletes space to make sense of what’s going on, understand themselves better and build the skills and resources to navigate those moments well.
With more than 20 years’ experience across sport and education, an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology and specialist training in athlete development and transitions, her approach is practical, positive and always human first.
Performing well is about more than training or competition, it’s the foundations to navigate pressure, recover from setbacks and thrive in sport and beyond it. Here for the whole story: www.alexandrathurlow.com
Tania
Psychotherapeutic Counsellor
I am a qualified integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor with a BSc from Matrix College of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have worked with a wide range of clients as a counsellor in a charity setting and in private practise over the course of the last five years. Prior to training as a Counsellor I trained and worked as a music therapist. In this capacity I worked in additional learning needs education settings, mainstream primary schools and neurological rehabilitation settings.
I absolutely get that it can be daunting to take time to look at what is troubling to you. As an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor, I aim to be alongside you in this journey. We can look together at whatever you would like to bring to therapy and find ways of understanding emotions and experiences from the past and the ways in which these impact our emotions, thoughts and behaviour in the present. You can then start to see how your growing understanding of your self might play out going forward.
My way of working is very much rooted in the therapeutic relationship and led by the client with elements of creativity and gestalt thinking. I am of the firm belief that in order for therapy to have a positive impact I need to be working, at all times, with the whole client; body, mind and spirit. I hope to be always moving forwards with my clients in a holistic way that hears, and responds to all these aspects.
Dawn
Ultrasound Clinician
Running clinics here at Fornham Functional Movement and seminars in conjunction with Fiona Palmer on a regular basis – please check booking system for updates.
Other Recommended Partners
We also work with a number of local partner businesses and professionals, who would be delighted to support you. See the list below and please get in touch with them directly to organise some support.
Taylor Built Coaching
GYM
They’ve created Taylor Built Coaching to be the kind of gym they believe training should be — friendly, personal, supportive and somewhere you genuinely look forward to coming to.
Their members train in small groups, with their own personalised programme and a coach there to guide, support and adapt their training when needed. Whether someone wants to get stronger, move better, feel more confident or simply keep doing the things they love as they get older, they want training to fit around real life.
The biggest part of their gym has always been their members. They’re incredibly proud of the community that has grown there — people of different ages, abilities and backgrounds who train hard, support each other and have a lot of laughs along the way.
Jonathon Kettle
Bury Osteopaths
As an Osteopathic clinic we have been treating our community for over 30 years. Our Osteopaths use a range of hands on techniques tailored to each of our individual patients needs, these can include; assisted stretching, gentle joint manipulation and cranial techniques. They will also where it is beneficial provide a tailored exercise programme and postural advice to achieve the best outcome.
We treat back, neck and joint pain as-well as injures that occur in the home, workplace and in sporting activities. We also treat chronic conditions, sciatica and other nerve pain conditions including headaches.
Osteopathy is suitable for any age as a non invasive way to return to being pain free.
Derby Cottage
Wellness Centre & Clinic
Derby Cottage Clinic is equipped with the latest technologies to provide a comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation service through world class Osteopathy, Physiotherapy and Sports Therapy.
After 21 years of hands-on therapy, Derby Cottage Clinic has expanded into wellness. Our new mini wellness studio marks the next step in our evolution – from sports and human performance to supporting all ages and lifestyles. Find out more on the Derby Cottage Wellness site.
Momentm Health
Medical Scanning Experts
As clinicians, we saw firsthand the frustration and anxiety caused by long waiting times for diagnostic scans. We witnessed how, even in the private sector, delays in obtaining crucial imaging could impede treatment plans and impact patient outcomes. We also experienced the limitations of outdated systems that didn’t keep pace with the evolving needs of modern healthcare.
We wanted to create a diagnostic imaging service that combined the highest standards of clinical excellence with the efficiency and accessibility that patients and clinicians desperately needed. Our goal was simple yet ambitious: revolutionising medical imaging by providing swift, high-quality diagnostic services without compromising expertise or patient care.
Kevin Hunt
Spinal Physio
Kevin is the chief physiotherapist at Spinal Physio and author of Pain: The Ultimate Mentor. He graduated from University College Dublin in 1998. After working as a research assistant for the University on a movement analysis project, he took up a rotational post in a large Dublin teaching hospital specialising in neurosurgery. He then went to work in Australia, where he gained experience in a rehabilitation hospital helping those with multiple injuries from severe trauma and also worked in private practice.
Kevin moved to Cambridge in 2004 and after working as an occupational health physiotherapy advisor for a large multi-national pharmaceutical company he set up the Spinal Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic.
Physiofixx
Bob Grainger
Welcome to PhysioFixx, where the pursuit of peak physical performance and unwavering compassion converge. Our passion lies in empowering individuals like you to reach new heights of wellbeing and achieve your full potential. As pioneers of integrated healthcare services, we are dedicated to blending cutting-edge techniques with a personalised touch, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care possible.
At PhysioFixx, we go beyond the ordinary to deliver exceptional results. Our team of highly skilled and accredited professionals brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every interaction, tailoring our approach to your unique needs and goals. Whether you seek rehabilitation after an injury, performance enhancement for sports, or simply yearn for a healthier lifestyle, we are here to guide you on a transformative journey with sessions that last longer than any other in our industry.
The Roaming Sauna
WILD SAUNA AT LARKWOOD LAKES
The Roaming Sauna is more than just about the deep heat and contrasting cold water plunges… it’s about bringing people together to slow down, spend time outdoors and share something simple.
From quiet sunrise sessions and slow daytime saunas, to golden sunset evenings and firelit nights under the stars, each gathering has its own rhythm. You might find yourself sat around the firepit chatting with someone you’ve just met, moving between the sauna and fresh air, or looking up at the sky on a clear night.
Whether it’s a gentle reset or a full moon gathering, it’s a space where everyone is welcome.
Dr Philippa Ridley
Therapeutic Coach
Are you overwhelmed with life/stress/anxiety? Or just stuck in the same loop wondering what life is all about? Do you know something needs to change but don’t know where to begin?
Are you needing to find more inner peace in this crazy world? Craving a life that feels richer, fuller and more meaningful? Whatever your issues, I can help you both with transforming your inner world and influencing your external one
OUR APPROACH
As our venue hosts a collective of independent specialists we don’t offer a membership subscription. The studio is home to a roster of established independent practitioners, and therefore bookings and credits cannot be transferred between teachers.
Our sustainable approach centres around enabling our teachers to earn a fair living in delivering quality classes that are limited in size to optimise the student experience. To achieve that, we support our teachers in offering excellent tuition at affordable price points by investing in their ongoing professional development. The wellbeing of our community is important to us and we don’t want cost to be a barrier to accessing movement. If funding your classes is a challenge, please contact the relevant instructor directly to establish if support is available (some teachers have concessionary spaces).
Contact Us
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions