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.

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:

• Hands-on therapies like massage and myofascial release help to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and alleviate the pressure that builds up around the curved area of the spine.
• Dry needling targets trigger points in the muscles, helping to release tightness and reduce pain.
• Cupping is another technique that increases blood flow and releases fascial restrictions, helping to ease muscular discomfort.
• Exercise programs prescribed by a Myotherapist can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improving posture and reducing the risk of further compensation.

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!

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:

• Massage therapy to release tight muscles and reduce pressure on the shoulder joint.
• Myofascial release, which targets the connective tissue (fascia) to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Cupping to increase blood flow and promote healing in the affected area.
• Dry needling, which involves inserting fine needles into trigger points to relieve muscle tension.
• Taping to provide support and stability to the shoulder while it heals.

These hands-on techniques work to reduce inflammation and pain, improve range of motion, and enhance blood flow to the affected area. As a result, patients often find relief from their symptoms, including the ability to sleep more comfortably.

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:

• Avoid sleeping on the affected shoulder: Sleeping on your sore shoulder puts pressure on the bursa, increasing inflammation and pain. Try sleeping on your back or your opposite side, using pillows for support.
• Use a supportive pillow: A well-placed pillow under your arm or shoulder can help maintain a neutral position and reduce strain.
• Anti Inflammatory creams: Applying an anti inflammatory cream to your shoulder before bed can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain, making it easier to settle down for sleep. Make sure to check with your pharmacist whether these readily available over the counter creams like Voltaren or Nurofen are safe and suitable for you, and always follow the instructions on the label or directed by the pharmacist.

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.

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.

• Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain: These are among the most common complaints seen in Myotherapy clinics. Whether it’s a result of poor posture, stress, or muscular imbalances, Myotherapy can address these issues through targeted soft tissue work, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Conditions like tension headaches or shoulder impingement often stem from underlying muscle dysfunctions that Myotherapy can address.
• Joint Pain in Hips, Knees, and Shoulders: Myotherapy can help alleviate joint pain by addressing surrounding soft tissue restrictions and muscular imbalances that may contribute to the discomfort. This is especially effective in managing conditions like hip bursitis, knee osteoarthritis, or shoulder instability.
• Pre- and Post-Natal Care: Pregnancy puts a lot of strain on the body, particularly in the lower back, hips, and pelvis. Myotherapy can help pregnant individuals manage these pains by relieving muscle tension, improving posture, and promoting better mobility. Post-natal care can focus on restoring the strength and function of muscles affected during pregnancy and childbirth.

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.

• Sports Injuries: Myotherapy is highly effective for managing sports-related injuries such as muscle tears, ligament sprains, tendinopathies (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis), impingements, disc injuries, and cartilage tears. By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying cause, Myotherapists can help athletes recover faster and reduce the risk of re-injury.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow often result from repetitive movements, leading to muscle fatigue and joint inflammation. Myotherapy can alleviate the tension in affected muscles and promote healing through soft tissue work and corrective exercises.
• Whiplash: After a car accident or sudden trauma, whiplash can cause significant neck pain and stiffness. Myotherapy can help reduce muscle tightness, increase neck mobility, and speed up the recovery process by using gentle but effective techniques tailored to each phase of healing.

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.

• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriatic arthritis can cause inflamed and painful joints. Myotherapy helps to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and manage pain by addressing soft tissue restrictions surrounding inflamed areas.
• Hypermobility Disorders: People with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) often experience joint instability, muscle pain, and fatigue. Myotherapy can improve joint stability and reduce widespread pain by strengthening muscles and enhancing soft tissue support around hypermobile joints.
• Nervous System Disorders: Diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease can lead to muscle weakness, stiffness, or nerve-related pain. Myotherapy can help manage these symptoms by improving muscle tone, reducing spasticity, and increasing range of motion through gentle manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises.

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.