Orchard Sports Massage

Orchard Sports Massage: sports massage and scar therapy in Welwyn Garden City

Orchard Sports Massage is a hands-on therapy centre located in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, specialising in sports and remedial massage, scar therapy and other adapted techniques. Therapist Anca Bratu, with over ten years of practice, runs the centre and treats people with pain, restricted movement, sports recovery and after-effects of surgery or cancer treatment.

Available treatments

The centre offers a range of treatments that are combined according to the needs of each session. Sessions start from £75. The website notes that you don't need to know which technique to book, but rather start with what your body is experiencing.

• Sports and remedial massage: soft tissue work for pain, overload and restricted movement, aimed at both athletes and anyone who puts their body under strain.
• Scar therapy: gentle, specialist hands-on treatment around fully healed scars, when tightness, sensitivity or restriction affects comfort. Post-surgical, oncology, C-section, burn and trauma scars, and older scars are addressed. Wounds must be fully healed before treatment and suitability is assessed beforehand. The therapy aims to improve comfort and mobility, but does not remove scars or guarantee changes.
• Myofascial release: slower, sustained hands-on work for areas that feel tight or restricted, with attention to comfort and movement.
• Pregnancy massage: adapted positioning and careful pacing to ease muscular tension associated with bodily changes.
• Oncology massage: adapted treatment for people during or after cancer treatment, adjusted to their energy, sensitivity and medical guidance.
• Medical acupuncture: an optional technique used within hands-on treatment when suitable and desired by the person.

Therapeutic approach

The working method is based on listening, assessing and treating. Each session begins by understanding what has changed, what feels restricted and what matters to the person. Movement, comfort and areas needing attention are then analysed, and treatment is adapted by combining appropriate techniques rather than following a fixed routine. The therapist takes an approach that considers the whole person, with additional training in coaching and communication.

Anca Bratu's professional background

Anca Bratu has over a decade of experience and has worked with people aged 12 to 85: athletes, gym-goers, office workers, people recovering from surgery or injury, pregnant women and oncology patients. Her training includes Level 5 sports and remedial massage, scar therapy, pregnancy massage, oncology massage, myofascial release and medical acupuncture. She was also an assistant tutor at NLSSM between 2016 and 2020.

Her practical experience spans events such as the London Marathon, where she supported Young Lives vs Cancer and the British Heart Foundation; the Argentine rugby team at the 2015 World Cup; Nike Epic Training and other endurance events; the Hever Castle Triathlon, the London to Cambridge and Thames Path challenges; and collaborations with Palantir Technologies and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care.

The clinic and its surroundings

The centre is located in The Commons, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, near the QEII Hospital and easily accessible from Hatfield, Hertford, St Albans, Luton and other areas of Hertfordshire. Appointments are available in the morning, afternoon and evening, with online booking.

Location and contact

The Commons, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 4RW · Phone: 07834 536 807 · Email: anca@orchardsportsmassage.co.uk · Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00