New Therapist Laura Kavanagh!
The good times keep rolling at Evolve Byron Bay and we have landed another Gem of a therapist in Laura Kavanagh!
Laura has been receiving rave reviews over her first month at Evolve and has also started instructing some of our group exercise classes.
With over 20 years experience in the industry, She specialises in injury management and prevention using a combination of hands on therapy and movement repatterning. We Caught up with Laura with some customary intro questions.
Tell us a bit about your background, where you are from and how you came to Byron Bay?
I came to Byron Bay in 1997, where I first learned massage while studying at Southern Cross University. Since then I’ve worked in an eclectic array of settings; from beach side massage in the Greek Islands to providing rehabilitative care in an Integrative Health Clinic in Mosman, Sydney.
Along the way, I gained an Advanced Diploma in Soft Tissue Therapy, Diploma in Polestar Pilates Studio & Rehabilitation Method and have certified as a JEMS® Rehabilitation Practitioner.
I am truly grateful my path led me back to Byron Bay in 2019.
What are you passionate about with Pilates and Remedail Massage Theray?
Can I pick 3 things?!
1: Becoming a JEMS ® Rehabilitation Practitioner in 2012 was a game changer, both in my body and in the way I treat and teach. I employ the JEMS philosophies of finding the easy, never fighting tension with tension and promoting balance and connectivity through all regions of the body in all of my sessions and classes.
2: The diaphragm. In particular working with the diaphragm as a key to healthy spine dynamics. I’m fascinated by the immediate changes that can occur with a simple change in breath awareness and pattern.
3. Appreciation of the Anatomy Trains in our posture and movement. Looking at the body as a jumble of muscles and joints in isolation never made sense to me. Thomas Myers Anatomy Trains describes slings and chains of muscles and fascia that connect the body from head to toe. I enjoy the integrated approach to the body enabled by considering an area of pain or injury in relation to the “trains” they sit within.
In 2024, I am looking forward to further study in Visceral Manipulation.
What are some activities you enjoy doing outside of teaching Pilates?
Dance, Qi Gong, swimming in the ocean, running, exploring our beautiful region. Just generally moving naturally in nature. I’m a pretty avid reader and typically have half a dozen books on the go. I’m also very slowly learning the Ukulele.
