Simple Wellness Myotherapy, Osteo & Remedial Massage
  • Home
  • Treatments & Bookings
  • Myotherapy FAQs
  • Osteo FAQs
  • Meet Our Team
    • Mel Simon
    • Dr Sarah Varmalis
    • Duke Autret
    • Kel Levi
    • Peter Pascalis
    • Rachael Bird
    • Megan Cornish
    • Ethan Farr
  • Patient Stories and Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Gift Certificates
  • Rowville Osteo - Dr Sarah Varmalis
  • Sports Myotherapy - Rehab Injuries & Return To Match Fitness
  • Dry Needling for Pain Relief
  • Myotherapy for Womens Health Conditions
  • Bookings

Getting into running? Here's some tips to get you going!

6/2/2025

 
​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. ​
Picture

  1. Ensure you have the correct footwear getting them professionally fitted is a big plus
One thing I was told from the get go and I really can’t emphasize it enough is the importance of wearing the right shoes when running. A poorly fitted shoe or one that doesn’t provide the proper support can lead to a variety of issues, from blisters and calluses to more severe injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and knee pain. Here’s how to choose the right shoes for your running journey: 
  • Get properly fitted: Every runner’s foot is unique. A proper fitting from a specialist who understands biomechanics will ensure that you have a shoe that supports your specific foot type and running style (flat feet, high arches, neutral). Many specialty running stores offer gait analysis to help determine the ideal shoe for your running style. A handy little tip is if the specialist isn’t analysing your running gait (or just how you run) as part of their shoe prescription how are they going to have any idea on what support your foot needs when you are running   
  • Consider cushioning and support: If you’re new to running, it’s a good idea to opt for a shoe with sufficient cushioning to absorb the impact. As your body gets used to running. Running in general places a lot of stress on the body, especially on your tendons and joints. The more cushioning your shoes provide the less impact going through your joints and the less often you have to come in and get fixed by us. You can experiment with more minimal shoes if you feel ready for less cushion, generally though tendons can take months to strengthen and develop so by the time your first pair of shoes hit the end of their natural lifespan you can start to consider reducing the cushioning. Talking about shoe lifespan:
  • Replace your shoes regularly: Running shoes wear down over time, even if they don't show visible signs of damage the insoles and support for your foot wears down inside the shoe. Generally, running shoes should be replaced every 500 to 1000km, depending on your gait, body weight and running surface. Another handy tip is if you get two pairs of running shoes and alternate between them you can increase their lifespan as it allows the shoes cushions to fully decompress between runs 
Investing in the right shoes from the start is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury.

     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!

Why is Myotherapy The Ideal Treatment when you do Martial Arts?

22/4/2024

 
By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist

As someone who has done martial arts throughout my early teens and now into adult life I have noticed a few changes in the way I need to train and how I can recover from said training. I still remember when I could jump straight into training without any form of warm up! These days I definitely take more time to warm up and stretch out, even before skipping - a pre warm-up warm-up if you will.
Warming up thoroughly and prioritising recovery has become an essential component of my martial arts routine. That being said throughout my martial arts journey I've discovered a valuable ally: Myotherapy!
Picture
Myotherapy can help with:
  • Addressing Muscle Tension and Imbalances;
  • Muscle recovery;
  • Improved flexibility/mobility and pain free range of motion;
  • Reduced risk of injury;
  • Injury rehabilitation;
  • and not to mention the enhancing Performance with the help of a skilled Myotherapist!
 
Myotherapy is a therapeutic approach designed to identify and target areas of muscle tension and imbalance within the body. Through a mixture/combination of techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial release, stripping, cross fibre frictions, trigger point release, and cupping, Myotherapists work to release tight muscles, alleviate "knots", and restore balance to the musculoskeletal system.
By addressing these issues, individuals can experience improved posture, reduced discomfort, and enhanced overall physical well-being.

Following intense physical activity or injury, muscles often require time and attention to recover fully. Myotherapy plays a crucial role in this process by promoting blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, aiding in their repair and regeneration. Additionally, techniques such as effleurage and petrissage can help reduce muscle soreness, allowing for faster and more efficient recovery.



One of the key benefits of Myotherapy is its ability to improve flexibility, mobility, range of motion and most importantly to most pain free range of motion. By targeting tight muscles and releasing fascial restrictions, your Myotherapist helps you achieve greater freedom of movement and flexibility in your joints. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also enhances overall physical performance and comfort in daily activities and aids in getting those kicks to head height.

Regular Myotherapy sessions can significantly reduce the risk of Martial Arts related injuries by addressing muscular imbalances, enhancing flexibility, and promoting better biomechanics (the quality of movement). By identifying areas of weakness or tightness before they develop into more serious issues, Myotherapy helps individuals maintain optimal musculoskeletal health and prevent injuries from occurring during physical activity or sports.



For individuals recovering from injuries, Myotherapy is an invaluable tool in the rehabilitation process. By targeting specific areas of tension or weakness, Myotherapy helps restore proper function and range of motion to injured muscles and joints. This not only accelerates the healing process through increasing blood flow to the area but also minimises the risk of re-injury by addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to the initial injury.

Beyond its therapeutic benefits, Myotherapy has been shown to enhance physical performance in athletes and active individuals. By improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and promoting efficient movement patterns, we can help individuals achieve peak performance levels in their chosen activities. Whether it's improving strength, speed, or endurance, regular treatments can provide athletes with a competitive edge and help them reach their full potential.



Myotherapy is a great option for all martial artists whether you’re pre/post a big grading session, in a training camp for a fight or even if you’re just trying to remedy those little niggles and aches that tend to pop up after some difficult training and sparring sessions. We can help with pain, tightness or injury related to all kinds of Martial Arts training, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Karate, and Boxing, just to name a few.

If you’re looking to improve your capabilities in martial arts or recover from injury make sure you get in and book with me! I understand exactly what your sport/art demands to get you back to your peak performance and keep you there!


​I'm currently available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Book with me to start your treatment and keep you at the top of your game.

Simple Wellness Myotherapy is located at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178. Additionally, you can contact us on (03) 8204 0970 to arrange an appointment today. 

Bouncing Back Stronger: Harnessing the Power of Exercise for Injury Recovery

15/4/2024

 
By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist

Injuries are an unfortunate reality for many people, whether they occur during sports, exercise, or everyday activities.
Picture
However, the road to recovery doesn't have to be a daunting journey. In fact, exercise can and should play a pivotal role in not only regaining strength and mobility but also in fostering a positive mindset throughout the healing process. Today we'll explore the benefits of using exercise as a tool for getting back from an injury, as well as some key considerations to keep in mind along the way.


Contrary to popular belief, rest alone may not always be the best approach to healing from an injury. In fact A great deal of scientific evidence suggests that the stimulation of movement, especially in the early stages of healing, is a crucial part of recovery from injuries and surgeries. While it's essential to give your body time to recuperate, incorporating gentle exercise can promote blood flow, reduce stiffness, and prevent muscle atrophy. Exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and range of motion, which can be especially beneficial for injuries involving the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Additionally, engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators that can alleviate pain and boost overall well-being.


It's crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional or physical therapist to develop a personalised exercise regimen that aligns with your specific injury and recovery goals and to ensure you understand the exercise, how to do it and what muscles should be activated during the exercise. Depending on the nature and severity of your injury, your exercise program may include a combination of stretching (or getting back to full range of motion), strength training (including building up the muscles endurance), cardiovascular exercises, and low-impact activities (even just walking can have a profound impact on your recovery). Be mindful of any limitations or restrictions imposed by your injury, and avoid activities that exacerbate pain or discomfort the aim is to strengthen not reinjure.


Patience is key when it comes to injury recovery and believe me I understand it’s frustrating not being able to do what you used to do. However it's essential to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts as your body heals and is able to cope with the load. Listen to your body and be mindful of any signals of pain or fatigue. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can impede the healing process and increase the risk of re-injury. Celebrate small victories along the way, whether it's reaching a new milestone in your rehabilitation exercises or experiencing a reduction in pain symptoms.


It’s important to reframe negative opinions on your rehabilitation pathway rather than “this is all I can do without pain”  consider “I can do this much to help strengthen and get me back to a pain free lifestyle” It is also useful to use short term goals to keep track of your progress and improvements e.g. “In two weeks time be able to walk 15 minutes without pain or flare ups afterwards” this would be a great goal as it is timed so you know when to look back at it and see if you met the goal and it is achievable for most.



Injury recovery is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a holistic approach to healing. By harnessing the power of exercise, along with the guidance of healthcare professionals and a positive mindset, you can not only bounce back from your injury but emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

If this interests you ensure that you get in contact with us
by phoning the clinic on 03 8204 0970 or email me at [email protected] - or you can book your first appointment with me to get you pain free and starting on your rehabilitation pathway today!

Does Heavy Lifting Cause Back Pain?

11/1/2024

 
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist

Lifting techniques can contribute to back pain - but like with so many things, its usually a combination of factors that lead to pain after lifting. 


​While I love helping people with back pain, I also understand that a lot of lifting related pain can be avoided by taking your time and managing the loads well. Here’s some of the nuggets of wisdom I give to my patients who injure their back while lifting.
Picture
Some of the most common factors I see that lead to this kind of back pain are:

Poor Lifting Techniques: Improper lifting techniques, such as bending at the waist rather than the knees, can strain the back muscles and lead to injury. Also keep in mind to be careful if you need to twist or lean while holding a heavy load. Generally these lifting techniques may be alright for a small number of light lifts, but if you know you need to lift a lot of items or you know that what you need to move will be heavy, pay closer attention especially as you start to notice fatigue.

Overexertion: Moving heavy items like furniture without proper rest or support can cause muscle fatigue and strain. Take smart breaks if you are going to be lifting heavy or frequently, whether thats a one off event like moving house, or regular weight training at the gym.

Lack of Conditioning: If you are not accustomed to heavy lifting or physical exertion, sudden lifting or moving activities can strain unconditioned muscles and lead to injury. Slowly build up your strength so that you can feel more resilient. If you have a sensitivity from a previous injury, take that into consideration when planning activities that need you to lift heavy things.

Inadequate Support: Carrying heavy objects without proper support or assistance can put excessive stress on the back. Where you can, use a trolley, box or bag, or recruit a buddy to help move a large, awkward or heavy object.

Repetitive Strain: Repeated bending, lifting, and carrying many items over an extended period can cause cumulative stress on the back muscles and spine. Take frequent breaks, even if the workload is light and especially if you are unaccustomed to lifting.

Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a pre-existing back issue or sensitivity, you may be more susceptible to back pain when engaging in heavy lifting or moving activities. If you’ve been injured in the past, make sure you take it slow and take care of yourself.


Are you planning to move house soon? Do you have a job that involves moving things around, loading or unloading things? Or do you know that you need to do some serious lifting in the near future? Here are some of my top tips to minimise the risk of back pain when you’re lifting:

Use Protective Lifting Techniques: Lift with your legs, not your back. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to lift. Engage your core.

Ask for Help: When moving heavy or bulky items, ask for help or use moving tools (like a trolley or straps) to share the load. Are you moving house? Consider outsourcing it to a removalist, it will cost you money instead of injury and pain!

Take Breaks: Don’t overexert yourself. Take breaks during moving tasks to rest and stretch your muscles. Take a break before your body feels like it needs a break - by the time you’re feeling it, you probably needed to rest 10 minutes earlier!

Use Proper Equipment: Utilise proper lifting equipment or tools designed to reduce strain on your back.

Stay Active and Strong: Regular exercise and maintaining overall fitness can help prepare your body for physical tasks like lifting and moving. 



Back pain resulting from heavy lifting or moving can be prevented by being mindful of these factors and taking appropriate precautions to protect your back and overall well-being.

Have you already hurt your back lifting something heavy and now need some pain relief? I’m here for you! Book in with me and we can make a plan that looks at relieving the pain in the short term, and building up the strength and resilience long term as a preventative to future injuries.

How To Get Back Into Exercise Without Hurting Yourself

2/1/2020

 
Picture
As we get into the swing of the new year, many people will make a resolution to get fit. But if you go about this the wrong way, it can end in an injury that puts you on the sidelines for weeks or even months.

Exercise is amazing for your body and your mind. It boosts mental wellbeing, helps you to manage pain and over the long-term can protect you against injury.

So how can you get back into a fitness regime without hurting yourself? Here are our top tips to minimise your chance of injury.

Start small – even if you used to be a master!

We know from experience that it’s really tempting to go back to doing what you have done in the past. After all, running that fast, lifting those weights or doing Pilates 5 days a week used to be easy!

But whether you’ve been away from exercise because of injury, pregnancy or just that life got on top of you, this is the most common mistake people make.

Over time, your muscles will become less conditioned. If you go back to your old regime, it may be too stressful on your body and lead to an injury.

So don’t just jump in where you were. Instead, go back to the start. Your body will start to remember if you give it time to warm back up to exercise.

Increase your frequency and intensity with time

This goes hand in hand with the first point. It takes time for the body to get back into the swing of things. So give yourself at least a couple of months to get back to where you were before you stopped.

For example, let’s say you used to run 10km 5 times per week. You’ve just had a break for several months due to a new job that took up your time. To get back into it, you might want to pace yourself by doing:
2km gentle jog x 2 for the first week to assess your fitness
5km gentle jog x 2 for 2 weeks
5km run x 3 for 2 weeks
7.5km run x 3 for 2 weeks
7.5km run x 4 for 2 weeks
10km run x 3 for 2 weeks

If you’re feeling good and have had no injuries or flare-ups, then progress back to your 5 x 10km runs.

As you can see, this progression takes 10-12 weeks to get back to your original program. It may take longer if you’ve been off exercise for a longer period of time or had a significant injury. But it will pay off in the long run if you pace yourself!

Make sure you’re getting good nutrition and plenty of sleep
Exercise recovery starts from the moment you stop exercising. There are a lot of factors that contribute to recovery, but nutrition and sleep are two of the most important. Our bodies use nutrients to heal and grow muscles, and most of this healing takes place as we sleep.

For nutrition, our nutritionist buddy Samantha Gemmell recommends eating plenty of wholefoods for a good mix of protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support recovery.

When it comes to sleep, Sam says that quality is just as important as quantity. Make sure that your room is completely dark, avoid caffeine after 3pm and minimise your screen time for 30 minutes before bedtime.

Do some gentle stretches after your workout

Exercise is great for your body, but it can lead to muscle tension. Muscle tension can put you at risk of injury. So how do you minimise that risk? One way is to stretch out after a workout.

This doesn’t have to be anything too extensive. If you’ve gone for a run, do some gentle stretching of your legs and hips. If it’s upper body day at the gym, stretch out your shoulders and upper back. 1-2 minutes of stretching after each workout can add up!

Give your body some TLC

Sometimes stretching isn’t enough, and your muscles need a little extra TLC. Many people will get a relaxation massage or remedial massage, but this only addresses one aspect of the muscle tension.

That’s where myotherapy comes in. Myotherapy incorporates massage with other techniques such as dry cupping, needling, trigger point therapy and taping. This combination can be helpful for not only treating exercise-related injury but also preventing it.

Your myotherapist can also assess your muscles and joints to see if any are at significant risk of injury and prescribe exercises to strengthen those areas.

Want to show your body that TLC and reduce your risk of injury? Book in with one of our friendly myotherapists here.

New Years Resolutions Your Body Wants You To Make

16/12/2019

 
Picture
When we make New Years Resolutions, we usually focus on what we want. We want to be fitter, thinner, better organised and able to give up bad habits. But have you ever wondered what resolutions your body might like you to make?

Our head myotherapist and resident body-whisperer Mel has 5 resolutions that your body is begging you to make this year.

Move more throughout the day
Our bodies were not designed to sit at desks for hours every day. They were designed to move constantly in a variety of different ways.

Unfortunately, most of us can’t change jobs just to suit the body’s preferences! But you can find little ways to move more frequently throughout your day.

For example, you could:
  • Take the stairs
  • Go for a short walk on your breaks
  • Take a walk around the office every hour or two to get the blood pumping
  • Walk to the printer instead of getting someone to fetch it for you!
  • Set a reminder or alarm on your phone to remind you to

When you get up and change position regularly, your body will thank you. Regular movement can also reduce the risk of injury and pain that can occur when you’re physically inactive.

Stretch out regularly
Another important way that your body loves to move is with a good stretch! But when we sit for hours at a time, our muscles can tighten up and leave us feeling sore.

So whether it’s at work, at home or even at the gym, find a way to incorporate a regular stretch. Make sure that you stretch until you can feel the muscle stretching out. But don’t go too far – pushing a stretch too deep too quick can lead to injury.

If you do feel any sharp pain while stretching, you might have just stretched too far. But you might have an underlying injury that needs to be checked by your myotherapist.

Focus on good quality sleep
Our bodies do their best healing work as we sleep every night. So if you’re not getting enough deep and restful sleep, your body can’t maintain itself properly.

A good rest isn’t just about how many hours you sleep. It’s also important to get quality rest, so your body can go into healing mode.

Sleep is particularly important if you experience chronic pain. A poor night of sleep can worsen your pain the following day. But this goes both ways – worse pain during the day can impact on your sleep that night.

Find a healthy way to manage your stress
A lot of the less healthy choices we make can come back to stress. How we eat, move our bodies and unwind in our spare time often reflects how we deal with stress.

But on the flip side, these factors can also make a big difference with how we manage stress. That's why it's a good idea to find a healthy way to manage your stress.

There are plenty of options out there, including:
  • Meditation and deep breathing
  • Yoga or pilates
  • Other forms of exercise such as running, swimming or lifting weights
  • Having a hobby
  • Journalling
  • Spending time with friends and family
  • Cuddling a loved one (or furbaby!)
  • Seeing a qualified counsellor or psychologist

Take a proactive approach for body care
When it comes to our health, most of us wait until something goes wrong before we actually do anything about it! But if we can switch to a more proactive approach to taking care of our bodies, we can get onto issues early or even prevent them.

Book yourself in for a check-up with your GP, dentist, optometrist and any specialists you see regularly.

When it comes to your muscles and joints, the team at Simple Wellness Myotherapy are here to help. To book in for a tune-up your body would approve of, head to our booking page here.

A Myotherapist’s Top Tips For Desk Workers

28/10/2019

 
Picture
If you work at a desk for hours on end, you know that it can be uncomfortable at the best of times. Office workers have just as much risk of injury and chronic pain as other more physically strenuous occupations. You may be at risk of issues including back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury or RSI and carpal tunnel syndrome.

So how can you minimise your chance of hurting yourself and stay at the top of your game? Our myotherapist Emily shares some of her tips for staying healthy and preventing pain and injury for office workers.

Stretch often
When you’re focused on your work, you often forget to shift position. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to stay in a position for hours at a time. That’s why the simplest tip is to stretch whenever you feel stiff, sore or fatigued.

Stretching can also help to boost blood flow to the brain, which means you are more focused and productive.

You can simply stretch at your desk if needed – stretch out your neck, shoulders and back, and do some circles with your ankles. But you can also do a standing stretch, which brings us to our next tip.

Set yourself reminders to move
Small amounts of movement throughout the day add up when it comes to preventing office injuries. But when you’re in the zone, you might forget! That’s why it’s useful to set yourself a reminder or alarm on your phone or computer.

Aim for at least 1-2 minutes per hour of movement. This might be standing and stretching, going and getting a glass of water, making yourself a coffee or tea, going to the toilet or just walking around the office to get your muscles and joints moving.

Give a sit/stand desk a try
Desks that can alternate between a seated and standing position have become popular recently. They allow you the best of both worlds – you can sit for a bit, then switch to standing as a break from sitting.

Have a chat to your employer about whether you can trial a sit-stand desk. The good thing is that many people find sit-stand desks boost productivity, so employers are often open to them.

If you work for yourself or you are the boss, you can hire sit-stand desks and other equipment before purchasing.

Make the most of lunchtime
It can be tempting to eat lunch at your desk and power through the to-dos. But your lunch and break times are an opportunity to move around and give your muscles and joints a break as well.

Get up and get moving. Head to a local park to have your lunch if it’s sunny outside. Grab a coffee from the café around the corner. You can even go for a brisk 5-minute walk around the block at the end of your break to wake up your brain and your body. That way, you’ll go back to work feeling refreshed.

Get moving before or after work
Some days you won’t get much time to move at work, so make the most of the hours outside of work. Find a way to get your body moving on a regular basis.


This doesn’t mean you need to slog away at the gym for an hour every day. You can do some yoga stretches at home, walk the dog or go to the playground with your kids.

If you do find yourself too tired to move after work, try getting up 15 minutes earlier and go for a walk around the block before work. It seems counter-intuitive, but exercise actually boosts your energy and relieves fatigue. Even a little bit each day will add up!


Get a regular remedial massage or myotherapy treatment
Your muscles and joints need care, just like every other part of you. That’s why regular treatments can help to prevent injury and pain.

Our desk worker clients find that a treatment every 2-6 weeks helps to relieve tension and pain. Many report that they have fewer headaches, lower stress levels, improved sleep and mood and greater movement in joints and muscles. So if any of those are on your wish list, regular massage and myotherapy might be the answer!



Is regular massage or myotherapy on your to-do list? Our myotherapist Emily is currently open for new clients. You can book with a session with her here.



Massage At A Spa VS Massage At A Clinic – What’s Best?

21/10/2019

 
Have you ever had a massage at a day spa before? If not, you might be wondering whether a massage at a spa is similar to a massage you receive in a clinic setting.

One of our myotherapists, Emily, has experience in both a day spa setting and a clinical setting. So today, she’s sharing with us the similarities and differences, as well as why you might opt for one over the other.
Picture
Why you seek out a treatment
For the most part, people who seek out a spa massage treatment want to feel great. They want to enjoy a massage that relaxes them, but usually aren’t looking for any other outcome.

On the other hand, people who seek out the services of a remedial massage therapist or myotherapist are looking for a specific outcome. When you book remedial massage or myotherapy, you generally want to alleviate symptoms such as pain, or at least prevent future pain and flares.

The aim of a massage treatment
As the reason for seeking treatment is different, it makes sense that the aim is also different. A spa massage therapist will aim to give you a massage treatment that feels good, relieve tension and helps you to feel more relaxed.

A remedial massage or myotherapy session in a clinic will have specific goals and outcomes. This is because you will generally come in with an aim of having pain or an injury treated, managed and/or prevented. We will put together a treatment plan based on your needs and goals, and review that regularly.

In a spa massage, there may be other treatments or tools involved such as hot stones or aromatherapy. Again, these are focused on relaxing you more and easing general stress and tension.

On the other hand, remedial massage and myotherapy can involve a whole toolbox of techniques, depending on your needs.

At Simple Wellness Myotherapy, we use dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation, trigger point therapy, rehabilitation exercises and taping. Not everyone will need all of these in their treatment plan, but we can tailor your plan to your needs and goals.

What to expect in a 60 minute spa massage
Here is how a typical spa massage will run:
  • 1-2 minute chat with your massage therapist about the areas you would like to have massaged
  • 55-58 minutes of massage
  • 1-2 minutes to change and head back to reception
No follow up or assessment after the treatment will take place.

What to expect in a 60 minute clinic massage
This is how a massage or myotherapy treatment runs at Simple Wellness:
  • 5-10 minute sit-down consultation. We chat about your health history and the pain or injury you want to address. This is also when your therapist will assess and test anything relevant such as your range of movement in a joint.
    Once we’re clear on what is the priority, we’ll discuss our recommended treatment plan for the session, including the techniques we want to use and the goal of treatment.
  • 45-50 minutes hands-on techniques. This may include a combination of massage, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilisation and trigger-point therapy.
  • 5-10 minutes of reassessment and prescription. This is when we may recommend at-home exercises and other ‘homework’ for taking care of your injury or condition. We’ll also discuss our recommended treatment plan going forward, including how often we’d like to see you to help you achieve your goals.

Which is better – spa massage or clinical massage?
It’s not really a competition because they are so different! If you’re just looking to treat yourself and enjoy a relaxing massage, there’s nothing wrong with a sneaky spa massage. Spa massage may also be preferable if you’re looking to have other beauty treatments.

But if you’re dealing with pain, injury or significant tension, a clinical massage from a remedial massage therapist or myotherapist is best. Clinical massage is also better for preventing injuries and flare-ups of previous injuries and pain.

Looking for a clinical massage? At Simple Wellness Myotherapy, we offer both remedial massage with our therapist Helvi and myotherapy with Emily and Mel. You can book an appointment with one of our practitioners here.

Why I Want To See You For A Follow-Up Myotherapy Appointment

20/8/2019

 
If you've chosen to see a Myotherapist, theres a good chance that you've got a pain or injury that you're concerned about and you know that it needs more than just a bit of a massage.
There are some cases where follow-up may not be needed. But for the majority of pain conditions or injuries, the best long term pain relief comes from a series of treatments specifically designed for you by your Myotherapist.
Picture
Why do I want to see you for a follow-up treatment? Let me tell you all of the reasons!

Seeing how you responded to the treatment
This one is pretty self-explanatory. When you receive a myotherapy treatment, you might respond well, or you might not. A follow-up allows us to check in and see how you recovered, and how the original problem is going. This lets us know which treatment techniques to keep using because they were effective for you, or which ones to drop from your treatment plan.

Checking progress with at-home care and exercises
Most clients receive either suggestions for at-home care and modifications and/or exercises. During your follow-up appointment, we can check in and see how these changes went for you.
Found yourself struggling to do a particular exercise? We can prescribe an easier alternative until your strength or balance improves.
Forgot how to do one of your stretches, or not sure if you’re doing it right? This is our opportunity to review it for you.

Getting to the root cause of the original issue
For most people, one treatment isn’t going to fix the issue completely. In most cases, there is an underlying cause that needs to be looked into.
This is particularly important for those with chronic conditions and chronic pain. There are multiple contributing factors to chronic symptoms and pain.
Unfortunately, we can’t address all of those factors in just one session! That’s why follow-up appointments can make all the difference.

Helping you achieve long-term health goals
Do you dream of running your first marathon? Or maybe you want to do an obstacle course with your friends? Perhaps you just want to chase the kids around the park and not pay for it later?
Whatever your long-term goals are, we can work on them during a follow-up appointment.
Follow-up sessions can really pay off when it comes to long-term goals, even if you experience chronic pain. One of my long-term clients with a chronic pain condition recently achieved her goal of going back to full-time work. She also goes to F45 several days a week – talk about smashing goals!

Preventing future injuries
Unfortunately, once you’ve had one injury, you are more vulnerable to future injuries. But we can help to minimise the risk of this occurring through follow-up sessions.
During a follow-up, we can assess how strong and stable the surrounding muscles and joints are. Myotherapy treatments such as stretching, taping and exercises can all support the area while it heals and minimise the chance of future issues.

Ensuring that your injury or symptom doesn’t warrant further investigation
If you come in with some pretty impressive muscle tension or pain, it can be difficult to fully assess your situation. Your first session gives us a chance to release those muscles and reduce the pain.
But in some cases, tension and pain can be covering up a red flag sign or symptom. With a follow-up, we have the chance to investigate your concerns further. If we do see any red flags, we can immediately refer you to your GP or specialist to get it sorted.
 
Is it time for you to book your follow-up session? You can do that right here.

We're going to the Anytime Fitness Open Day - are you?

12/8/2019

 
Picture
Anytime Fitness in Ferntree Gully are having a one day sale on Wednesday 21st August, and they've invited us along to talk to you about Myotherapy and how it can help with your training or recovering from an injury.

We'll be there from 5-7pm, and have some Myo vouchers to give away, as well as bringing some of the tools of the trade for you to see. Of course, Perry will be trying his best to get a work out in as well!

If you've been considering joining a gym, I can highly recommend Anytime Fitness. I go there myself and always find the place clean and neat, the staff are friendly and helpful, the personal trainers are happy to help you figure out how to use the equipment and they offer a selection of group classes that are free as part of your membership.
<<Previous

    Meet Our Team

    We have a team of great practitioners available 7 days a week at our Rowville clinic.

    Mel Simon
    Mel is our Senior Myotherapist.
    She's a nerdy, geeky bookworm who loves to help explain complex pain in an easy to understand way.
    ​She has a special interest in chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and more.

    Duke Autret
    Duke is an outstanding Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist.
    He has a deep interest in movement and alignment. He enjoys helping people regain strength and mobility to reduce their pain.

    Kel Levi
    Kel is an experienced Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist, currently also working with AFL Premiers Melbourne Football Club.
    She has a great firm pressure and expertly uses Myotherapy tools like dry needling and cupping to ease pain.

    Peter Pascalis
    Peter has over 10 years experience as a Remedial Massage Therapist, and completed his Bachelor of Health Science in Myotherapy in 2022.
    He is known as our Dry Needling Wizard, and gets exceptional results for chronic pain and acute injuries using advanced needling techniques.

    Megan Cornish
    Megan is a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist. She has a background in dancing and is a qualified personal trainer. She has personal interest in womens health issues like pregnancy care, endometriosis and PCOS.

    Rachael Bird
    Rachael is a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist, with a background in beauty therapy. She is enthusiastic about helping people recover from pain and live well.

    Ethan Farr
    Ethan is a Sports Myotherapist and Exercise Scientist. He loves to help people get back to sport, exercise and activity after injuries by planning out a comprehensive rehab plan.

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016

    Categories

    All
    Accessible Helathcare
    ACL
    Acupressure
    Acupressure Mat
    Acupuncture
    Acute Pain
    ADHD
    Adhesive Capsulitis
    Advanced Diploma Of Myotherapy
    Afl
    Ahm Myotherapy
    Alternative Healthcare
    Alternative Therapy
    Ankle Pain
    Anti Inflammatory
    Arch Pain
    Arm Pain
    Arthritis
    ASD
    Athletes
    Athletic Performance
    At Home Care
    Autism
    Avoid Surgery For Back Pain
    Bachelor Of Health Science (Myotherapy)
    Back Pain
    Back Pain Rowville
    Ballet
    Bicep Pain
    Biopsychosocial
    Bjj
    Boxing
    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
    Breakdancing
    Build Muscle
    Bulging Disc
    Bupa Myotherapy
    Bursitis
    Calf Tear
    Carpal Tunnel
    Case Study
    Christmas
    Chronic Conditions
    Chronic Pain
    Circulation
    Clinical Massage
    Clinical Myotherapist
    Clinic Hours
    Cool Tools
    Corrective Exercise
    COVID19
    Cracking Joints
    Cramp
    Crepitus
    CT Scan
    Cupping
    Cupping Ferntree Gully
    Cupping For Lower Back Pain
    Cupping For Pain Relief
    Cupping Rowville
    Cycling
    Dance
    Dance Injury
    Deep Tissue Massage Rowville
    Diet
    Dislocation
    Does Dry Needling Hurt?
    DOMS
    Dry Needling
    Dry Needling Ferntree Gully
    Dry Needling For Neck Pain
    Dry Needling For Pain
    Dry Needling For Sciatica
    Dry Needling Rowville
    Duke Autret
    Easter
    Eds
    Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
    Elbow Pain
    Endorphins
    Energy
    Ergonomic
    Ethan Farr
    Exercise
    Exercise For Lower Back Pain
    Exercise For Shoulder Pain
    Exercise Pain
    Exercise Plan
    Exercise Science
    Exercises For Shoulder Pain
    Facet Joint
    Facet Joint Sprain
    Fascia
    Feet
    Ferntree Gully Acupuncture
    Ferntree Gully Chiropractor
    Ferntree Gully Myotherapy
    Ferntree Gully Naturopath
    Fibromyalgia
    Fitness
    Flame Cupping
    Flare Up
    Flexibility
    Foam Roller
    Football
    Foot Pain
    Frozen Shoulder
    Gentle And Effective Treatment Of Pain
    Glutes
    Golfers Elbow
    GP Ferntree Gully
    Guest Blog
    Gut Health
    Gym
    Hamstring
    Hcf Myotherapy
    Headaches
    Health And Well Being
    Health And Well-being
    Health Insurance
    Heat Pack
    Heel Pain
    Herniated Disc
    Hicaps
    HICAPS Remedial Massage
    Hip Pain
    Holiday Opening Hours
    Holistic Massage
    Holistic Remedial Massage
    Holistic Treatment
    Hormonal Imbalances
    How Dry Needling Works
    Hydration
    Hydrotherapy
    Hypermobility
    Hypomobility
    Illness Policy
    Inflammation
    Injury
    Injury Assessment
    Injury Prevention
    Injury Recovery
    Injury Rehab
    Intention Tremor
    Interview
    Involuntary Muscle Contraction
    Its NOT All In Your Head
    Jaw
    Jazz Dance
    Joint Mobilisation
    Joint Pain
    Joint Sounds
    Joint Sprain
    Kinesiology Taping
    Knee Osteoarthritis
    Knee Pain
    Knots
    Knoxfield Myotherapy
    Knoxfield Remedial Massage
    Leg Pain
    Lifestyle
    Lifting Techniques
    Lose Weight
    Low Back Pain
    Lower Back Pain
    Low Impact Exercise
    Lymphatic Drainage
    Lymphatic System
    Magnesium
    Manual Therapy
    Marathon
    Martial Arts
    Mask
    Medibank Myotherapy
    Medication
    Meditation For Anxiety
    Meditation For Holistic Wellbeing
    Meditation For Pain Management
    Meditation For Relaxation
    Meditation For Stress
    Meditation Rowville
    Meet The Team
    Megan Cornish
    Meniscus
    Mental Health
    Microbiome
    Migraines
    Mindfulness Rowville
    Mobilisation
    Morning Pain
    Motivation
    Movement
    MRI
    MS
    Muay Thai
    Multiple Sclerosis
    Muscle Cramps
    Muscle Energy Technique
    Muscle Imbalances
    Muscle Pain
    Muscle Soreness
    Muscle Tension
    Muscle Weakness
    Musculoskeletal
    Myofascial
    Myotherapist Rowville
    Myotherapy
    Myotherapy For Kids
    Myotherapy For Teens
    Myotherapy Rowville
    Myotherapy Sunday
    Myth Busting
    Natural Anti Inflammatory
    Natural Anti-inflammatory
    Natural Pain Relief
    Naturopathy Fibromyalgia
    Naturopathy Osteoarthritis
    Neck Pain
    Neptune Mat
    Nerve Pain
    Netball
    Neurodiverse
    Neurological Conditions
    Neuroscience
    New Skills
    New Therapist
    No Pain No Gain?
    Numbness
    Nutrition For Pain
    Nutritionist
    Office Workers
    Online Meditation Group
    Osgood Schlatters
    Osteo
    Osteopathy
    Packages
    Pain
    Pain Assessment
    Pain Killers
    Pain Recovery
    Pain Relief
    Pain Research
    Pain Science
    Pain Studies
    Pain Toolkit
    Patellar Tendinopathy
    PCOS
    Personal Training
    Pharmacy Ferntree Gully
    Pilates
    Pins And Needles
    Piriformis
    Piriformis Syndrome
    Plantar Fasciitis
    Posture
    Pregnancy
    Pregnancy Massage
    Pre Natal Massage
    Preventative Care
    Private Health Rebates
    Progress
    Proprioception
    Rachael Bird
    Randomised Controlled Trial Summary
    Recovery
    Red Flags
    Reduce Cortisol
    Reduce Fatigue
    Reduce Pain
    Referred Pain
    Rehabilitation
    Relaxation For Pain
    Relaxation Massage
    Remedial Massage
    Remedial Massage Ferntree Gully
    Remedial Massage Rowville
    Remedial Massage Sunday
    Repair
    Repetitive Strain Injury
    Research Spotlight
    Resistance Bands
    Retreat
    Rotator Cuff
    Rotor Cuff
    Routine
    Rowville Dry Needling
    Rowville Myotherapy
    Rowville Osteo
    Rowville Pilates
    Rowville Remedial Massage
    Running
    Sacroiliac Joint
    Safe Exercises For Knee Pain
    Sciatica
    Science
    Scoliosis
    Sedentary
    Self Care
    Shakti Mat
    Sharp Shooting Pain
    Shoulder Bursitis
    Shoulder Impingement
    Shoulder Pain
    Shoulders
    Sij
    Sleep
    Sliding Cupping
    Social Medicine
    Spasm
    Special Events
    Spiky Massage Ball
    Spinal Stenosis
    Sporting Event
    Sport Injury
    Sport Recovery
    Sport Rehab
    Sports Injuries
    Sports Massage
    Sports Myotherapist Rowville
    Sports Physio
    Sports Treatment
    Stability
    Stiff Joints
    Strength
    Stress
    Stretching
    Subluxation
    Sunday Pain Relief
    Surgery
    Swelling
    Tech Neck
    Tendon Pain
    Tennis Elbow
    Thai Massage
    The May 50K
    Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
    Tingling
    TMJ
    Top Tips
    Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Travel
    Treatment Options
    Treatment Plan
    Tremors
    Trigger Points
    Triggers
    Ultrasound
    Urgent Care
    Walking
    Weight Loss
    What Is Myotherapy?
    Whats The Difference
    Wholistic Massage
    Why Am I In Pain?
    Winter
    Women's Health
    Womens Health Massage
    Workshops
    Wrist Injuries
    Wrists
    Xray
    Yin Yoga Rowville
    Yoga

    RSS Feed

Got a question about Myotherapy or Osteopathy?
Contact us by phone, email or Facebook
Picture
Simple Wellness Myotherapy & Osteopathy
Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178
Picture
Phone us on
(03) 8204 0970
Picture
Email us at
​[email protected]
  • Home
  • Treatments & Bookings
  • Myotherapy FAQs
  • Osteo FAQs
  • Meet Our Team
    • Mel Simon
    • Dr Sarah Varmalis
    • Duke Autret
    • Kel Levi
    • Peter Pascalis
    • Rachael Bird
    • Megan Cornish
    • Ethan Farr
  • Patient Stories and Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Gift Certificates
  • Rowville Osteo - Dr Sarah Varmalis
  • Sports Myotherapy - Rehab Injuries & Return To Match Fitness
  • Dry Needling for Pain Relief
  • Myotherapy for Womens Health Conditions
  • Bookings