"My back is flat on the floor. It hasn’t done that in years."
After trying the Buttafly Technique for the first time, eyes often fly open. Sometimes a back that hasn’t rested flat on the floor in years does exactly that. Sometimes the lower back feels suddenly held, as if a hollow has been made just for it. And then, often, comes a simple, surprised “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that.”
If you’ve been living with back pain, or have been told something about your spine that has left you feeling stuck, you may have learned to expect very little from your body. That makes complete sense. This page is an invitation to be curious about whether there’s more going on in there than you’ve been led to believe.
There’s no need to believe anything. simply notice what you notice.
In their own words
Everyone comes with a different story, and everyone’s experience is different. Here are three people in their own words.
Paul
“I’ve had chronic back pain and sciatica for almost thirty years. I’ve been to physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths, and all have helped in their own way, but nothing has really resolved it completely. I love my sport, but I’ve had to stop football, and I limit how much I run and cycle.
Even after the first session, I noticed a difference in my hips. They felt like they were tilting differently. I couldn’t really explain it. It was a strange feeling, but a very pleasant one. As the days went on, I found my posture changed. I was more confident running, and sitting at my desk for long hours became easier.”
David, retired psychotherapist and psychologist
“I've recently had back surgery - lumbar decompression - about 6 weeks ago. It's been really good since except for the last week or so. I overdid things, travelling too much, and I've been in great discomfort. I tried the Buttafly this morning for just ten to fifteen minutes, and I can’t tell you the difference it’s made. Unbelievable. I’m going to use the Buttafly every day.”
Ashton, 22, sports science student
“I play a lot of sport, and I ride horses. My lower back gets stuck really easily, and my hips are often out of line. When I get off the Buttafly, I feel a lot straighter and a lot taller. It’s definitely helped to ease the pain.”
How I came to trust this
I’m Loulou James, founder of the Buttafly and the Buttafly Technique.
The Buttafly began as a yoga block and meditation seat. How it led me to the Technique is told on the Our Story page.
What I haven’t said there is what came next. After more than thirty years as a physiotherapist, I first explained what I was seeing mechanically, as my training had taught me. But over eleven years and around 2,000 people, I’ve watched a similar kind of release happen in nearly everyone: backs that hadn’t touched the floor in years, hips that felt different, a sense of being lighter and taller.
It was too consistent to ignore. I was, honestly, the biggest sceptic. So I started asking different questions, and I’m still asking them.
Your body is listening to your thoughts
Before anything else, here’s a small experiment. It takes [X] minutes, and all you need is somewhere comfortable to sit.
I’ll invite you to imagine two phone calls, one that stirs disappointment and one that brings joy, and simply notice what happens in your body each time. You can stop whenever you like.
Many people are surprised by how quickly the body responds to something that isn’t even happening.
[Guided audio - coming soon]
This is the idea behind the Technique, not the Technique itself.
I had been handicapped with intense pain from sciatica for nearly two years when Loulou introduced me to the Buttafly Technique. The gentle but profound release that ensued in the months following was an integral part of my healing. I will be forever grateful.
— Sara Saund
1st August, 2026
Who can benefit?
The Buttafly Technique may be supportive for people experiencing:
Additional areas of support
You can also explore how the Buttafly Technique may support:
- Pregnancy care
- Post-partum recovery
Individual guidance
Although many people use the Buttafly Technique independently, initial guidance can be invaluable.
A consultation helps refine the set-up, deepen your understanding of the experience, and build confidence in using the Technique as part of your own self-care.
This can be particularly helpful if symptoms are persistent, your situation is complex, or you would simply value personalised support.
Learn more
If you would like step-by-step guidance, practical tips and support with integrating the Buttafly Technique into daily life, my eBook offers a deeper introduction.
You can also explore the set-up guide if you are ready to try the Technique.
Beyond the spine
Although the experience begins with the spine and pelvis, its effects are often felt more widely through the body.
People may notice changes in their breathing, posture, ease of movement or overall sense of well-being. Some feel lighter, calmer or more grounded. Others become aware of patterns of tension and holding they had not noticed before.
A small change in support can sometimes create a ripple of change through the whole system. This is part of what makes the experience so individual.
The Buttafly Technique invites a different kind of attention. Not one of effort or correction, but of listening. What happens when the body no longer has to work so hard to hold itself together? What becomes possible when support is offered in the right place, and the nervous system begins to settle?
There is nothing to force. In my experience, both personally and professionally, many of the most meaningful changes begin quietly.
When the body is supported with precision, confidence and care, it often reveals an intelligence that is far greater than our attempts to control or correct it. This understanding sits at the heart of the Buttafly Technique.
The Buttafly Technique is probably the best system I’ve used for low back relief, and I’ve tried them all.
— Paul James Donnelly
CEO and co-founder of Winback Medical UK & Ireland
Hear from our customers
I’ve been to physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths. All have helped in their own way but nothing has resolved the problem. But I’ve recently discovered the Buttafly and it’s been an absolute revelation to me.
— Paul, sedentary occupation, keen cyclist and kick-boxer
The Buttafly has definitely helped me feel more realigned... I always feel straighter afterwards — taller too, and a bit prouder in my posture. I also get sciatic pain, and it’s definitely helped ease that as well.
— Ashton, sports science graduate, accomplished horse-rider
I've been in agony and it's been very tender. I tried the Buttafly this morning and I can't tell you the difference — unbelievable.
— David, retired psychologist and pyschotherapist
I'm blown away by how quickly I felt a difference — nothing else has worked like this.
— Tracey Mellor, yoga and Pilates teacher; founding member of the Fascia Research Society
The body has a deep intelligence and the capacity to bring itself back into balance. That said, we rarely, if at all, consider how this applies to the spine and posture. But it does, and the Buttafly Technique harnesses it beautifully.
— Loulou James, MCSP
Founder of the Buttafly and the Buttafly Technique
Frequently asked questions
Ready to get started with the Buttafly Technique?
The most effective way to begin is with personalised guidance.
A consultation helps refine the set-up, answer your questions, and give you confidence that you're experiencing the Technique as intended.
Prefer to explore independently?
Discover the eBook and set-up guide for practical guidance and support at home.