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. 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. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Understanding Microbiomes and Their Impact on Health Microbiomes are communities of tiny organisms living in our bodies, feeding off our environment and the food we consume. I recently learned about them from a Netflix documentary called "Hack Your Health." It's an engaging watch and surprisingly informative, with little animations throughout the movie. If you have a Netflix subscription, you should certainly give this a watch! Here's a summary of what I learned after watching it. What Are Microorganisms?
Microbiomes are made up of colonies of microorganisms that come in various types, depending on what you're exposed to and what you eat. When there's a healthy amount of microorganisms, there's quite a range of diversity. Conversely, a lack of healthy microorganisms results in little diversity, which can lead to health problems such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ADHD, and many more. The Impact of Diet on Your Microbiome The documentary highlighted that a diet rich in vegetables can significantly increase the diversity of your microbiome. Interestingly, the good and bad microorganisms in your body will battle each other based on what you feed them. For instance, if you constantly consume sugary foods like chocolate, it will starve the good microorganisms, leaving you with fewer of them. Conversely, eating healthy foods will starve off the bad guys. Additionally, certain microorganisms thrive on fats. If you consume a diet high in fats, these fat-loving bugs will feed on the fat, influencing the composition and health of your gut microbiome. The Battle Within One of the fascinating aspects is that the more you eat sugary foods, the more you crave them. This happens because the bad microorganisms get "angry" when you try to starve them. However, if you persist in eating healthier, the baddies lose their power and cravings diminish. Real-Life Testing and Results The documentary featured microbiome and gut health testing on four people. Although some participants weren't doing as bad as they thought, the results showed a lack of microbiome diversity for most of them. This revelation led them to change their beliefs and decide to work towards better treating their bodies. Interestingly, one participant who had been consuming a blend of different fruits and vegetables saw a significant improvement in microbiome diversity due to this change in dietary behaviour. It's fascinating to know that such changes can really affect your body if you choose to make them. The documentary recommends consuming 20 to 30 different fruits and vegetables per week. Fecal Transplant Donations The documentary also touched on fecal transplant donations of microbiomes. Yes, that does pretty much mean a poo transplant! This process can improve the health of someone with bad microbiomes if the transplant is filled with healthy microorganisms. Interestingly, they also mentioned that it can transfer symptoms such as depression or hormonal acne, so its sounds like you want to be fairly picky with the donor if you were ever to try out a poo transplant yourself! Understanding how your microbiome affects your body and mind is crucial. This knowledge can be particularly useful for those struggling with IBS and other gut-related health issues. By making informed dietary choices, you can enhance your microbiome diversity, leading to better overall health. Watching "Hack Your Health" opened my eyes to the incredible impact of microbiomes. As we learn more about these tiny organisms, it's clear that taking care of them can lead to significant improvements in our health and well-being. If you haven't seen the documentary yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. It might just change the way you think about food and health forever. When it comes to choosing the most effective type of massage, the answer depends largely on your goals. Are you looking to reduce pain, recover from an injury, or restore mobility? Or is your main focus to relax, unwind, and relieve stress? Understanding the purpose of your massage is the first step in choosing the right treatment. Pain Management and Injury Rehabilitation: Myotherapy
If your primary goal is pain relief, injury recovery, or improving your mobility, Myotherapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment available. Unlike traditional relaxation massage, Myotherapy is a clinical therapy that focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain, dysfunction, and injuries in a highly individualised manner. What makes Myotherapy so effective is the comprehensive assessment that precedes each treatment. Myotherapists don’t just treat the symptoms of pain—they work to understand the underlying causes. Whether it's back pain, neck stiffness, or a sports injury, a Myotherapist will assess how your muscles, joints, and nerves are interacting, identifying the root cause of your discomfort. This allows them to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. The Techniques Used in Myotherapy One of the reasons Myotherapy is so effective for pain relief is that it combines traditional massage techniques with evidence-based clinical practices. While traditional massage techniques, like deep tissue or Swedish massage, are useful for loosening tight muscles, Myotherapy goes beyond this. Here are some techniques a Myotherapist might use:
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Day Spa Massages If your goal is relaxation and stress reduction, however, Myotherapy may not be the best choice. For those looking to unwind in a peaceful, meditative environment, a massage at a day spa is often more appropriate. Spa treatments, such as those offered at places like Endota, focus on creating a serene experience aimed at soothing the body and mind. Day spa massages typically focus on relaxing the body, calming the mind, and releasing general muscle tension. These treatments often occur in a quiet, tranquil setting with soft lighting and calming music, offering an escape from daily stresses. If you're after a silent, meditative experience, this type of massage is perfect for you. However, it's important to note that while these treatments can help alleviate tension, they may not be sufficient for addressing underlying pain, injuries, or mobility issues. Myotherapist Training: Why It Matters One of the key reasons Myotherapy is so effective for pain management and injury rehabilitation is the level of training that Myotherapists undergo. Many Myotherapists begin their careers as Remedial Massage Therapists, where they learn essential techniques for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation. After gaining experience, many therapists go on to complete further education, obtaining an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy or a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy). This advanced training equips them with a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system and the clinical skills needed to assess and treat complex conditions. It also allows them to integrate clinical techniques like dry needling, joint mobilisation, and rehabilitation exercises into their practice. This additional education and experience make Myotherapists uniquely qualified to treat pain, injuries, and mobility issues. Choosing the Right Treatment for You Ultimately, the most effective type of massage depends on what you're hoping to achieve. If you're looking for pain relief, injury recovery, or improved mobility, Myotherapy provides a targeted, evidence-based approach that addresses the underlying causes of your discomfort. By combining clinical techniques with hands-on therapy, Myotherapy can help you manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve your overall function. On the other hand, if your goal is to relax and de-stress, a massage at a day spa is the better choice. Spa treatments provide a calming, meditative experience designed to soothe the mind and body, offering a peaceful break from the pressures of daily life. Our therapists are all highly qualified Myotherapists with experience in injury rehabilitation and pain management. We are here for you 7 days a week to support you through treatment of painful conditions - you can book online with any of our therapists. While our team technically can provide a relaxation style treatment, this is not our primary focus, and we can recommend many day spa and beauty therapy locations nearby who can better accomodate for a relaxing, enjoyable spa treatment. By Megan Cornish, Myotherapist With breakdancings recent debut in the olympics, and the current trending entry from Australia in the 2024 Paris Olympics (I think we know which one I’m referencing), I can’t think of a better time to talk about just how physically demanding this sport truly is and the level of skill required to not only execute this style of dance well, but to not injure yourself while you do it! So why is breakdancing an olympic sport now? Can’t anyone just hit the floor and bust out a move? Well no - although breakdancing has a creative and improvisational nature it also encompasses a wide range of technique and skill when it comes to control, balance, strength and flexibility just to name a few. Even if we analyse common breakdancing moves like freezes, flips and headspins we can clearly see the physical load on the dancer's body, in particular their upper body and joints such as their neck, shoulders and wrists. Which brings me to the essence of this blog which is discussing common injuries break dancers may experience and the ways in which Myotherapy can assist in the recovery process.
Given that this style involves a lot of floor work that requires quick shifts of weight and load transfer through the upper body the chances of sustaining an overuse injury or impact injury (from a possible awkward landing here and there) are pretty high, with the most common affected body part being the wrist. Some symptoms of a wrist repetitive strain injury can include one or more of the following:
Some other regions specific to breakdance that pain can potentially arise in are neck/ spine, shoulders, elbows and knees which is not a surprise when you look at the crazy moves these dancers are pulling off so effortlessly! Now that we have identified some common areas and physical conditions a dancer of this style may experience at some point in their dance life, let's talk a bit about Myotherapy and its place in supporting breakdancers in their craft. Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy using manual techniques to influence and treat soft tissue such as muscle, ligaments, tendons and support overall joint health and function. As myotherapists we are qualified and experienced in the treatment of a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions/ injuries and are also able to assist in their rehabilitation management and recovery. We work with a variety of different people from all walks of life which includes anyone from more of a sedentary lifestyle to high level performing athletes Who am I? I am a certified Myotherapist and Dancer of over a decade of experience. I have assisted dancers of a range of different styles with a variety of different injuries and musculoskeletal conditions to help my fellow dancers get back to doing what they love quickly. If you break dance professionally, if you like to bust a move in the privacy of your own home or anything in between, and if Myotherapy sounds like something you might need .. pop and lock your way into Simple Wellness Myotherapy today or give us a call on (03) 8204 0970! We can’t wait to see you! You'll find us at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178. |
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