By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist It’s the start of a new year and perhaps your resolution is to get back into running or just lose weight through running. Well here at Simple Wellness we’re here to support you! Even if it means you don’t need to see us due to injuries caused by running unprepared. I myself have decided to add running back into the lifestyle and here are a few things I have learnt to help keep me injury free and motivated enough to keep coming back to running.
2. Set Clear, Manageable Goals for the short term, medium term and long term When you begin running, it’s easy to get excited and push yourself hard at first. But as with any new activity, it's important to start slow, set achievable goals, and gradually build up your stamina. Short-term goals: These should focus on developing consistency in your routine. For example, your goal could be to run for 15-20 minutes three times a week for the first few weeks. As you become more accustomed to the activity, you can gradually increase the time or distance. The goal here is to make running a regular habit without overloading your body. Medium-term goals: Once you’re comfortable with short runs, you can aim to increase the duration or intensity. Maybe you want to be able to run a 5K in a few months or increase your pace. At this stage, you might also consider incorporating interval training or hill runs to build strength and endurance. Long-term goals: After several months, your long-term goals could involve running a race, achieving a personal best, or running longer distances (like a 10K or marathon). Having long-term goals helps keep you motivated and focused on your progress. By breaking down your goals into short, medium, and long-term milestones, you ensure steady progression without overexertion, and it helps prevent the mental burnout that can come from unrealistic expectations and keeps you motivated because you are meeting your goals. 3. Educate Yourself on Running Form Running might seem like a simple, instinctive activity, but your body’s mechanics matter a great deal. Poor running form can lead to inefficiencies and increase the likelihood of injuries. Posture: A proper running posture starts with standing tall. Engage your core and avoid leaning too far forward or backward. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and your arms should move naturally with a slight bend at the elbows. Keep your head upright, looking forward, not down. Foot strike: Now this is highly contentious. It has been said that where your foot lands is crucial for maintaining efficiency and preventing stress on your joints. A lot of running coaches say you want to land midfoot (not on your heel or toes) but the current research shows very little impact on improved running performance or reduced injury risk from striking with the midfoot and some research shows what can actually increase risk of injury is trying to change how your foot strikes naturally to a midfoot strike. So I suggest going with what feels natural when it comes to how your foot is landing when running, avoid overstriding, which can put excessive force on the body. Think of keeping your steps light and quick. Breathing: Breathing rhythm is another often overlooked element of running. Practice deep belly breathing rather than shallow chest breathing to help reduce fatigue and increase oxygen delivery to your muscles. Aim for a consistent rhythm that matches your stride (e.g., inhale for two steps, exhale for two steps). As a beginner, it might take time to fine-tune these elements, but focusing on proper running form from the beginning will help you run more efficiently and reduce strain on your body. 4. And finally listen to your body While it’s great to have goals and be motivated, it’s equally important to listen to your body’s signals. Running is a high-impact activity, and pushing too hard too soon can lead to injuries like tendonitis, stress fractures, or muscle strains. If you feel pain (beyond just normal muscle soreness), it’s crucial to take a step back. Incorporate rest days into your weekly routine to allow your muscles and joints time to recover. If you're experiencing discomfort or tightness, consider stretching or using foam rollers to alleviate tension. As a Myotherapist, I recommend regular maintenance treatments such as soft tissue therapy to help keep muscles pliable and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. In conclusion, starting your running journey can be an exciting and fulfilling process, but it’s crucial to take it one step at a time. By investing in proper footwear, setting achievable goals, learning the basics of running form, and listening to your body’s needs, you can build a solid foundation for a lifelong running practice. Remember: your body needs time to adapt. Be patient, be consistent, and most importantly, enjoy the process of getting stronger, faster, and healthier with every step you take. If you want to see the difference a sports myotherapist/exercise scientist can make to your running journey, book yourself an appointment with me or call us on 03 8204 0970.
Happy running! By Megan Cornish, Myotherapist Calling all my fellow dancers! Regardless of what style you specialise in, as a dancer myself I am well aware that keeping our hips healthy whilst engaging in our sport can be challenging. This can be due to excessive load passing through the joint, the positional nature of the style (e.g. external rotation of hips in ballet) or repetitive strain over time. These external influences can sometimes lead to the development of overuse injuries of the hip or sudden onset injuries which can be painful and make it difficult to continue to participate in dance and other daily activities. So let's talk about common pathologies that can affect hips in dancers and how we can keep our hips happy and prevent injuries from occurring. Common dysfunctions that can occur at the hip joint as a result of load, wear and tear and repetitive strain in dancers are progressive onset conditions such as cartilage degeneration, bone spurs, gluteal and hip flexor tendinopathy, and/or hip impingements. Sudden onset conditions can consist of an injury to a soft tissue such as labral tears, muscular strain and ligament and tendon tears or in severe cases a fracture to the bone itself. Regardless of the onset, any of the above pathologies can cause pain at the side, back or front of the hip as well as causing possible referral to other regions of the body, most commonly down the leg of the affected side or the lower back.
Although there are conditions that can occur at the hip joint, we can proactively do things to protect the healthy function of our hips and prevent issues from arrising. Dynamic Warm Up I'm sure we’ve all had our teachers take us through a high energy warm up routine before commencing each class and there is a good reason for this. Warming up our muscles prior to engaging in dance is super important to allow time for the soft tissues to get used to quick changes of direction and length which will prevent muscle strains and sprains. If you’ve ever done a fan kick and felt a quick pull in your hamstring you’ll know what I mean and your muscle was likely not warm enough to accommodate that movement safely. Cool Downs Cool downs after dance are just as important as warm ups when it comes to injury prevention and treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness. This gives muscle tissue time to return to their usual daily functions whilst increasing circulation and processing lactic acid build up from strenuous exercise. Strengthening Core This is an interesting one and is to do with muscular imbalances. When our core is weak there is less structural support happening through our lumbar spine and other muscles will overactivate to provide that stabilisation. Usually these will be muscles in our hamstring or hip flexor groups. When hamstrings and/or hip flexors overactivate, we get a recipe for potential complications at the hip joint so if we can share the amount of work these muscles have to take on with our core it can prevent that muscular imbalance from occurring. Have a look at your feet! Next time you are standing barefoot have a look down at your feet and see if you can observe any rolling inwards or outwards of the ankle. You can even try a mindfulness exercise where you close your eyes and take note of where you can feel the majority of your weight distribution is on the foot - can you feel it more on the outside of the foot? Is there more weight through your big toe? Your heel? Ect. Foot health can tell us a lot about what the hip is doing and can be a contributing factor to potential hip complications arising. Investing in supportive footwear throughout the day is highly recommended for us dancers as our pointe, jazz and/or tap shoes don’t always provide enough arch support which can affect our hips overtime. Don't push through pain My last point and arguably the most important is under no circumstances should you push through pain! Pain is your body’s way of letting you know that something isn’t quite right and therefore should never be ignored. My biggest piece of advice would be if you experience any pain, listen to your body, stop the movement causing pain, limit aggravating factors and get it assessed/ treated so that a cause can be identified and addressed before it worsens. Myotherapists are musculoskeletal experts who are experienced and qualified in treating a range of musculoskeletal conditions such as dancers hip! As a dancer myself and experiencing my own hip complications I am fully aware of the impact this can have on not only your ability to dance but complete daily activities and live comfortably. If you are a dancer of any style and are experiencing hip pain I highly encourage you to book an appointment so that we can get you back to moving the way you want to! By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist Sports Myotherapy is a specialised form of manual therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries commonly encountered in athletes of all levels including young athlete development, elite and sub-elite level athletes to even your weekend warriors and general gym goers. As a Myotherapist with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science, I'm the ideal sport focused therapist to help you move through a comprehensive rehab plan that considers your sport, your fitness, the other demands of your lifestyle including work, family and social life.
Sports Myotherapists like myself utilise a combination of hands-on techniques, such as deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, stretching, dry needling, cupping and corrective exercise, to address muscle imbalances, alleviate pain, and enhance athletic performance. Sports Myotherapists work closely with athletes to identify underlying biomechanical issues, design personalised treatment plans, and provide ongoing support to optimise recovery, improve performance and prevent future injuries, making it an integral component of athletic training programs. Exercise science is a multidisciplinary field that explores various aspects of human movement, physical activity, and exercise performance. It encompasses disciplines such as physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, kinesiology, psychology, and nutrition to study how the body responds and adapts to exercise and physical activity. Exercise scientists investigate topics such as the physiological effects of exercise on different systems of the body, the mechanics of human movement, the psychological factors influencing exercise behaviour and performance, and the role of nutrition in supporting physical activity and athletic performance. This field is crucial for understanding how exercise can be utilised for health promotion, athletic training, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement across diverse populations. Exercise science provides valuable insights into the biomechanics, physiology, and pathology of the human body during physical activity, which can inform myotherapy treatments in several ways. Understanding the principles of human movement and functional anatomy allows myotherapists to assess movement patterns, identify muscular imbalances, and pinpoint areas of dysfunction contributing to injury. Additionally, knowledge of exercise physiology enables myotherapists to tailor treatment interventions to enhance tissue healing, improve muscle strength and endurance, and optimise neuromuscular control. By integrating exercise science principles into myotherapy practice, therapists can develop comprehensive treatment plans that not only alleviate current symptoms but also address underlying causes and promote long-term musculoskeletal health and performance. Experience working in fitness and with athletes provides valuable insights that can significantly inform myotherapy treatments. Firstly, familiarity with various athletic activities and sports-specific movements allows myotherapists to understand the specific demands placed on the body during training and competition. This understanding enables them to tailor treatment plans to address the unique biomechanical stresses and patterns of movement associated with each individual sport, thus optimising treatment outcomes. Moreover, working with athletes offers exposure to a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions commonly encountered in sports and fitness settings. This hands-on experience enhances a myotherapist's ability to assess, diagnose, and treat injuries effectively, drawing on practical knowledge gained from working with individuals across different sports and fitness levels. If you want to see the difference a sports myotherapist/exercise scientist can make to your sports rehab, return to match fitness and improved peak performance, book yourself an appointment with me at www.simplewellness.com.au/treatments-bookings or call us on 03 8204 0970. I would love to have the chance to help you be better than you thought was possible. What is Osteopathy? How is it different to other manual therapies like Physio or Chiro? What kind of things can Osteopathy help with? We asked these questions and more when we interviewed our new Osteopath, Dr Sarah Varmalis, who will be starting at Simple Wellness in Rowville on November 6th. What is osteopathy?
Sarah says... "Osteopathy is a holistic approach to the body. Throughout the osteopathic degree, practitioners learn how to treat through the muscular, skeletal, vascular, fascial and organ systems. Not only do we look into multiple systems but also in multiple areas, say you come in for knee pain, I will most likely look at your ankle and hip, depending on how those structures are going I may go to your lower back or toes etc." How does osteopathy differ from chiropractic care or physiotherapy? Sarah says... "Osteopathy is more of a jack of all trades. Although you learn how to manipulate joints in university using HVLA (high velocity, low amplitude technique that elicited ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ sound), you also learn about the soft tissue, organs, veins, arteries, etc. Chiropractors spend 5 years learning primarily to manipulate joints, Physiotherapists spend 4 years primarily learning exercises. So although I can do both of these things, my level of expertise in those treatment modalities may not be equal to those that specialise in them." What types of conditions can osteopathy treat? Sarah says... Osteopathy can treat various conditions, including jaw pain, headaches, neck and back pain, tendinopathies, bursitis, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, constipation, help with breathing difficulties, assist with some forms of tinnitus (ringing in the ear), some forms of incontinence etc. If you have an ache or pain or something in your system is a bit odd that you have noticed, let us know, as with our medical knowledge some of those things may trigger our medical brain linking some complaints to one central structure. How does osteopathy address musculoskeletal pain? Sarah says... "Using soft tissue or manual therapy techniques osteopathy addresses the area of pain and surrounding structures, as we believe in a holistic approach. If you feel like I am being too gentle, never fear, as sometimes clearing surface-level structures can be just as important if not more important than deeper ones. Sometimes you have to deal with the packaging before getting to the item inside and this can be true for the body as well." Can osteopathy help with sports injuries? Sarah says... "Yes, Osteopathy can help with sports injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, ‘pulled’ hamstring, rolled ankles, recovery with bone fractures etc." How does osteopathy support recovery from chronic pain conditions? Sarah says... "Chronic pain is defined as pain that has been felt for more than 3 months. During this time the body will rewire the nervous system, mixing cables around to supervise and monitor the area of pain. Your body will also naturally compensate for this pain structure, so often when a tissue has entered a chronic state, a different approach may be necessary. Osteopaths are trained to peel back the layers of the chronic pain structures to try and get to the starting point, though some areas may take some more peeling than others." Is osteopathy suitable for children and adolescents? Sarah says... "Yes. Osteopathy can be used on all age groups, though for those under the age of 5, we recommend going to a pediatric osteopath, as they have been more thoroughly trained in the treatment of babies and toddlers." Can osteopathy help with headaches or migraines? Sarah says... "Yes. A lot of headaches and migraines can be helped by osteopathic manual therapy techniques, which have been further backed by research." How does osteopathy treat joint pain or arthritis? Sarah says... "The treatment of arthritis primarily involves moving fluid along and helping the joint being pulled or rotated in certain ways to decompress as much as it is able. Unfortunately, once arthritis has reached a certain point we are only able to get to a certain area of comfort level but can help surrounding structures and help by giving exercises and advice." What is the role of osteopathy in improving posture and alignment? Sarah says... "Poor posture is often a result of the body hugging an area of pain or dysfunction. Pain in the body is a result of its inability to compensate for an injury. One way to think of it is like a Jenga tower removing one block won’t cause the tower to fall, nor will the next, but eventually the tower will wobble with a slight breeze before tumbling down. The tower tumbling down here is when you feel pain, up until that point however your body was adapting and compensating for these little insults. As an osteopath, our goal is to find where this initial insult is located and correct it which can help with posture." Booking an appointment with Sarah is simple - she is available Monday to Friday starting from Wednesday November 6th, and online bookings are already open! If you're an existing patient of Sarah's, but new to our clinic, please choose an Initial Appointment. If you're already a patient at our clinic, you can choose a Return Appointment. Dr Sarah Varmalis is starting at Simple Wellness soon - so we wanted to interview Sarah to learn more about her and her approach to healthcare! What areas of osteopathy do you specialise in?
I love working through the vascular, organ and fascial systems. I find that many things are hiding in these systems that can net better results for patients. Do you have experience treating specific types of injuries or conditions? In this post-COVID world, I have found a lot of people have lingering tension throughout their respiratory system. I have had great results helping alleviate some of the long COVID symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue, and have helped reduce asthmatic episodes in a variety of patients. I have assisted with some incontinence issues with both female and male patients working through the bladder in a non-invasive manual therapy perspective and have also assisted those suffering from constipation with training received from the Barral Institute. I have had great results with headache and migraine patients using a combination of Counterstrain, Barral, and Cranial techniques to relieve the pressure throughout the head and neck. As someone with EDS (Ehler-danlos syndrome; a connective tissue disorder leading to increased levels of mobility throughout the whole system), I enjoy treating through their system with techniques that I have found work for me, focusing on the vascular and fascial systems. What is your approach to patient care? My primary approach is patient education. I love for my patients to be able to understand what is happening in their system and why it may be occurring. The body is like a Jenga tower and throughout our lives, we are constantly moving blocks around with every injury. Some systems have REALLY tall towers and are quite stable, others are not. I like finding these missing Jenga blocks no matter where the system leads me to create stability throughout. Osteopathy as a profession is a holistic approach to the body and I enjoy embodying this concept as a practitioner. How do you stay up to date with the latest advancements in osteopathy? To maintain my qualification as an Osteopath I am required to do 25 hours of professional clinical development per year, in 2023 I did 130 hours of external courses. I love to learn more about the body often brushing up on my anatomy, reading journal articles and as mentioned attending courses to advance my understanding of the human body. What are the most rewarding aspects of being an osteopath? I love being able to take away people’s pain, to show them things that they have taken as “oh that’s just my system” or “baseline pain”, that they do not have to live like that. Pain is not normal, and I want to help my patients as much as I can with the knowledge that I have acquired to achieve that. Keep an eye out for more about Sarah in the lead up to her starting at Simple Wellness! If you'd like to make a booking, we are already taking appointments for Sarah. Book online to save a time for your first consultation! Starting on Wednesday November 6th, Dr Sarah Varmalis is joining our team!!
Sarah is an experienced Osteopath who simply loves to help make complicated health conditions easier to understand. She provides effective treatment and support to relieve symptoms and get to the bottom of the problem. Dr Sarah graduated Victoria University as an Osteopath in 2018 and has been working full time helping patients with all sorts of pain, injuries, and health conditions ever since. In addition to musculoskeletal care, did you know that Sarah can help support:
Sarah will be available Monday to Friday, and bookings are already available. If you have already seen Sarah at another location, but you are new to our clinic, please choose from the "Initial Appointment - Its my first visit" menu. If you are a patient of our clinic already, you can book from the "Return Appointment - I've been in before" menu to see Dr Sarah. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist When it comes to bodywork, many people think of massage as the go-to solution for easing tension and promoting relaxation. While massage is an effective tool for relaxation, it is not always the best option for individuals dealing with specific pain, injuries, or health conditions. For these more targeted concerns, Myotherapy may be a better fit. So, what sets Myotherapy apart from regular massage, and how can it offer more comprehensive support for those with pain or injury? The Purpose of Massage
Massage therapy is widely recognised for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve general well-being. Different massage styles, such as Swedish or deep tissue massage, work to loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress levels. After a massage, many people feel more relaxed and at ease, which can be helpful in managing minor muscle tension and improving mood. However, when it comes to treating specific pain conditions, injuries, or chronic musculoskeletal issues, a relaxation-based approach may not be enough. Massage is often seen as a one-off service, which can provide temporary relief but may not address the root cause of pain or injury. That’s where Myotherapy comes into play. What Is Myotherapy? Myotherapy is a specialised form of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Myotherapists are trained to evaluate not only where your pain is but also why it’s happening. This more in-depth approach allows them to tailor a treatment strategy to target the underlying cause of discomfort, rather than just providing temporary relief. A key aspect of Myotherapy is its combination of clinical assessment and manual therapy techniques. This combination means that your Myotherapist doesn’t just treat your symptoms—they assess your movement, posture, and biomechanics to form a clear understanding of your condition. The goal is to create a treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your pain and provides long-term relief. Myotherapy Techniques vs. Massage While both Myotherapy and massage involve hands-on techniques, Myotherapists employ a broader range of methods, specifically designed to treat pain, injuries, and chronic conditions. These techniques include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, cupping, dry needling, stretching, and rehabilitative exercises. In contrast, traditional massage focuses on reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, often without the clinical assessment needed for long-term pain management. Myotherapy treatments are designed to be part of an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time session. A Myotherapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that may include a series of sessions, exercises, and self-care recommendations to support your recovery between treatments. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that your treatment is more than just a momentary fix—it’s a plan for long-term healing. Who Can Benefit from Myotherapy? If you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or managing a specific health condition like sciatica, tension headaches, or sports injuries, Myotherapy may be the better choice. The tailored assessment and treatment approach allows for a more effective recovery and management of your condition compared to a general massage. While massage is excellent for relaxation and occasional muscle relief, Myotherapy is designed for those who need focused, long-term strategies to manage pain and improve function. So, if you're experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, it’s worth considering Myotherapy as a more effective solution. While massage is a wonderful way to relax and reduce general tension, Myotherapy offers a deeper, more comprehensive approach to addressing pain, injury, and dysfunction. With its combination of clinical techniques and personalized treatment plans, Myotherapy is the better choice for those needing more than just relaxation. Our team of experienced Myotherapists are available 7 days a week at 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville. You can book online with one of our highly reviewed therapists to start your treatment plan for pain right away. If you've recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, or have lived with it for years, you might be wondering: can I live a normal life with scoliosis? The answer is yes! Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways, affects millions of people, but the impact it has on daily life can vary greatly depending on the severity of the curve. While more severe cases might require specialised medical care or even surgery, many people with mild scoliosis live active, fulfilling lives. With the right approach to managing discomfort and maintaining physical health, scoliosis doesn’t have to hold you back. What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine, often resembling an "S" or "C" shape. There are varying degrees of scoliosis, from mild curves that are barely noticeable, to more significant ones that may require medical intervention. Most cases are classified as mild scoliosis, where the spinal curvature is less than 20 degrees, and these cases rarely require surgery. More significant structural changes—when the curvature exceeds 40-50 degrees—may need a specialized medical team to monitor and manage the condition. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct the curve and prevent further complications. But the majority of people with scoliosis have a mild or moderate form, which can often be managed with non-invasive treatments and a healthy lifestyle. Mild Scoliosis: Not a Life Sentence For those with mild scoliosis, it’s important to understand that this condition is not a life sentence. Living well and functioning normally is very achievable, even with scoliosis. However, due to the structural changes in the spine, it’s not uncommon to experience muscular compensation and pressure build-up around the affected areas. Muscle tension can develop as the body tries to adapt to the altered spinal alignment. This may lead to discomfort, stiffness, or even pain, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. But this doesn’t mean you can’t live a full, active life. With proper management, you can reduce these symptoms and continue to do the activities you love. How Myotherapy Can Help If you’re experiencing discomfort from scoliosis, Myotherapy is an excellent treatment option to help manage the muscle tension and pressure associated with the condition. Myotherapy focuses on treating the muscles and soft tissues that support the spine, which can often become tight or overworked due to scoliosis. Here are some ways Myotherapy can help:
Consistency with treatment and exercises can significantly reduce the impact of discomfort caused by scoliosis, allowing you to live without constant pain and maintain a high level of activity. High Achievers with Scoliosis If you’re concerned about scoliosis limiting your potential, it’s reassuring to know that many high achievers have lived successfully with the condition. Elite athletes, Olympians, and even celebrities have scoliosis and continue to excel in their respective fields. Did you know these top performers have scoliosis? Usain Bolt – Olympic Gold Medalist, World Record Holder. Known as the fastest man in the world, Bolt has won 8 Olympic gold medals and holds the world record in the 100m and 200m sprints. Natalie Coughlin – Olympic Swimmer. Coughlin is a 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming, known for her excellence in backstroke and individual medley events. Elizabeth Taylor – Iconic Actress. A Hollywood legend, Taylor won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in "Butterfield 8" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". Lamar Gant – Powerlifting World Champion. Gant became a five-time World Powerlifting Champion and set multiple world records in deadlifting, despite his scoliosis. Sarah Michelle Gellar – Actress. Best known for her role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", Gellar became a pop culture icon and has won multiple Teen Choice Awards for her work in film and television. Daria Gavrilova – Professional Tennis Player. Gavrilova has achieved Top 20 WTA rankings and represented Australia in major international competitions despite living with scoliosis. Challenges of Living with Scoliosis While it’s certainly possible to live normally with scoliosis, it’s also important to acknowledge that the condition can present some challenges. You may find that certain activities, particularly those that involve repetitive strain or heavy lifting, can cause discomfort, especially if you aren't actively conditioning your body to maintain those kinds of activities. It’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your spine or muscles. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is key to managing scoliosis. Regular physical care, such as engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises, attending Myotherapy sessions, and staying mindful of the amount of time you spend in certain positions and postures, will help you stay mobile and reduce discomfort. Living Well with Scoliosis Scoliosis doesn’t have to prevent you from living a normal, fulfilling life. Whether you have a mild or moderate curvature, managing the condition through regular physical care, hands-on therapies, and staying active will allow you to overcome many of the challenges associated with scoliosis. By addressing muscle tension and imbalances with treatments like Myotherapy, you can live comfortably without resorting to surgery or more invasive interventions. Remember, scoliosis is a condition you can live with—and thrive despite it. The key is understanding your body’s needs, working with qualified professionals like Myotherapists, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to support your spine and overall well-being. Our therapists can help you with regular musculoskeletal care, and programming exercises that are suitable for you at any stage of fitness to help you stay as mobile and active as possible. Book online for your first consultation with our great team! If you've ever struggled with shoulder pain at night, you know how frustrating it can be to find a comfortable sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your side or back, the pain can keep you tossing and turning, leading to poor rest and discomfort in the morning. Stiffness upon waking, soreness with movement—especially reaching overhead—and even a loss of strength in the affected arm are all common complaints. This deep discomfort within the shoulder joint is often associated with bursitis, a condition that Myotherapists can treat using non-invasive techniques. What is Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the joints, becomes inflamed. The bursa in the shoulder helps reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones during movement. However, when this sac becomes irritated due to overuse, injury, or repetitive strain, it can lead to painful inflammation. The result? Aching, soreness, and stiffness, especially when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder. Bursitis can be caused by various factors, including spending too long in certain postures or positions, repetitive motions (like throwing or lifting), or even direct injury. It may also develop gradually due to general wear and tear. People with bursitis often experience pain when raising their arm above shoulder height, which can make simple tasks like dressing or reaching difficult. Sleeping becomes a challenge as pressure on the inflamed bursa often exacerbates the pain, making it hard to find a position that offers relief. How Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Bursitis? While many people turn to their GP for a diagnosis and are often recommended cortisone injections, Myotherapy offers a more conservative and holistic approach to shoulder bursitis treatment. Myotherapists are skilled in assessing musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and they use a range of non-invasive techniques that can help manage bursitis without the need for injections or surgery. Hands-On Techniques: Myotherapy treatments often include a combination of:
Exercise Prescription: Alongside manual therapies, Myotherapists will often prescribe exercises specific to your type of pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, reduce strain on the bursa, and prevent further aggravation. Strengthening and mobility exercises help restore function while also preventing recurrence of the injury. Consistency is Key: One of the most important aspects of treating shoulder bursitis is maintaining consistency with treatment and prescribed exercises. Unlike a cortisone injection, which may provide temporary relief, Myotherapy addresses the underlying issues contributing to the bursitis. By attending regular sessions and keeping up with your exercises, you can significantly improve your chances of recovery without needing to rely on steroids or surgery. The Importance of a Diagnosis While Myotherapists can treat shoulder pain effectively, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis to ensure you're addressing the right issue. A definite diagnosis of shoulder bursitis usually requires an ultrasound. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, your GP may refer you for imaging to confirm bursitis and rule out other conditions like tendon tears or arthritis. Once diagnosed, GPs often recommend cortisone injections as a first-line treatment to reduce inflammation. However, many patients prefer to explore conservative care options before jumping straight into steroid injections, and that’s where Myotherapy comes in. Myotherapists can work alongside your GP to develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further injury—all without invasive interventions. Finding Relief While You Sleep Shoulder bursitis can make sleeping a painful ordeal. Here are some tips to help you find relief and sleep more comfortably:
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain at night, it may be worth considering Myotherapy as a treatment option. With hands-on techniques like massage, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling, combined with exercise prescription, Myotherapists offer a non-invasive, conservative approach to managing shoulder bursitis. Consistency in treatment and exercise can lead to long-term pain relief, restoring your shoulder's function without the need for injections or surgery. If you suspect shoulder bursitis, an ultrasound from your GP can confirm the diagnosis, but Myotherapy provides a gentle and effective alternative to more invasive treatments. Our therapists help people every week with bursitis. Book online to start the process of treating your shoulder pain. Myotherapy is a highly effective treatment option for people experiencing pain, injuries, or health conditions that cause physical discomfort in muscles and joints. Unlike traditional massage, which focuses on relaxation, Myotherapy is a clinical practice aimed at addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Through a combination of hands-on techniques, clinical assessment, and rehabilitation exercises, Myotherapists help individuals manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve their overall physical function. But what exactly is Myotherapy good for? Let’s explore the various categories of conditions that Myotherapy can treat and a few examples of each. Specific Pain in Muscles and Joints
Myotherapy is particularly well-suited for managing specific areas of pain throughout the body. Whether it’s chronic or acute pain, Myotherapists are trained to identify the underlying causes of discomfort and create a treatment plan that targets the affected area.
Injuries Whether you’re an athlete or someone recovering from an accident, injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Myotherapy plays a crucial role in injury rehabilitation, not only helping to relieve pain but also promoting recovery through a combination of hands-on techniques and exercise rehabilitation.
Health Conditions Myotherapy is not only beneficial for injuries or specific pain but also for managing chronic health conditions that cause musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. Many chronic illnesses affect the muscles, joints, and nerves, leading to widespread discomfort, and Myotherapy provides tailored support to alleviate these symptoms.
Why Choose Myotherapy? What makes Myotherapy so effective is its comprehensive approach. Instead of focusing solely on relieving pain temporarily, Myotherapists aim to address the root cause of discomfort by assessing the body as a whole. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic health condition, Myotherapy provides a combination of manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and self-care strategies to support long-term recovery. Myotherapy is particularly helpful for those who want more than just temporary relief. It’s ideal for people who are looking for a targeted, clinically-driven treatment approach to manage their pain, prevent future injuries, and enhance overall physical function. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, injuries, or health conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system, Myotherapy may be the right choice for you. Our Myotherapists are outstanding practitioners who are well known in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne for proving exceptional care and attention to detail in their treatment plans. Booking online with our team is easy, and we are available 7 days a week at 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville. Call our team on 03 8204 0970 to learn more. |
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