|
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist Headaches can be quite diverse, and understanding the different types and associated symptoms can help in proper diagnosis and management. Here are some common types of headaches and their symptoms:  Tension Headaches Dull, aching pain usually on both sides of the head, pressure or tightness in the forehead or back of the head, neck stiffness or tenderness, mild to moderate intensity, not aggravated by physical activity. Triggers: Stress, poor posture, anxiety, lack of sleep, eye strain. Migraine Headaches Throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell, nausea or vomiting, visual disturbances (aura) such as flashing lights or blind spots, lasts for hours to days. Triggers: Certain foods, hormonal changes, stress, weather changes, strong smells. Cluster Headaches Intense, stabbing pain usually around one eye, watery or red eye on the affected side, nasal congestion or runny nose, restlessness or agitation, occurs in clusters over weeks to months and then may go into remission. Triggers: Alcohol consumption, certain medications, strong odours. Sinus Headaches Pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, and bridge of the nose, worsens with bending forward or sudden movements, nasal congestion or discharge, fever, facial tenderness. Causes: Sinusitis (inflammation or infection of the sinuses), allergies. Rebound Headaches (Medication Overuse Headaches) Dull, persistent headache that worsens with medication use, may occur daily or almost daily, tends to improve temporarily after medication but returns. Causes: Overuse of pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen), caffeine withdrawal. Hormone Headaches (Menstrual Migraines) Migraine-like headaches that occur in relation to menstrual cycles, often associated with hormonal changes, such as during ovulation or just before menstruation. Triggers: Hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain foods. Exertional Headaches Throbbing headache triggered by physical exertion or exercise, typically occurs during or after strenuous activities, may last from a few minutes to hours. Triggers: Intense physical activity, dehydration, heat. Thunderclap Headaches Severe, extremely painful headache that peaks suddenly like a clap of thunder within 60 seconds to minutes, often described as the worst headache of one's life, may indicate a serious medical condition and should be checked out by your healthcare professional. This will be more Serious Pathologies so please see a doctor. (Some examples could be: Subarachnoid haemorrhage, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), other neurological emergencies) (These are general descriptions, and individual experiences can vary) Most of these headaches can be treated by your Myotherapist. But it's important to consult your Doctor for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment if you're experiencing recurrent, ‘out of the blue’ or severe headaches. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist
How it all connects:
Simple ways to help your body work together:
Your body isn’t out to get you. Pain, stiffness, tension — it’s all just communication. Once you start listening, moving a little smarter, and supporting yourself, things start to feel a whole lot better. How some common things are connected: How is shoulder pain connected to headaches? Shoulder pain can come from a range of different things - trigger points, tight muscles or fascia & other musculoskeletal or neurovascular issues. These all can set off a chain reaction, affecting other areas of your body- sometimes even causing headaches. How can hips and back affect leg pain? Leg pain can be caused by a few different things — trigger points, tight muscles or fascia, or other musculoskeletal or neurovascular issues. Most commonly, it comes from muscle imbalances. For example: an anterior pelvic tilt can make your quads tight and your hamstrings overstretched. This imbalance can make simple movements, like touching your toes, more difficult — and may also contribute to pain in your knees, hips, or lower back. How are feet related to back pain? Imbalances in the feet — from injury, posture, or long-term habits — can create a chain reaction up the legs, hips, and back. How much it affects you depends on the severity and how long it’s been happening. For example, flat or pronated feet can cause your legs to rotate inward, which then creates an imbalance in the hips. Over time, this can aggravate your lower back and contribute to pain higher up the chain. How are hips related to shoulder pain? Problems in the hips can create postural imbalances that affect how your whole body moves and holds itself. These imbalances can pull on muscles and fascia, which may then contribute to tension or pain in the shoulders. What is causing my pain? (Referral pain) This one confuses a lot of clients—sometimes the pain you feel isn’t actually coming from the spot that hurts. It can be caused by things like:
How can a Myotherapist tell where the pain is coming from? A Myotherapist works out the source of your pain using a few different tools:
Hi, I’m Andrew, a Myotherapist with a strong belief in combining treatment techniques to help you achieve the goal that brought you into the clinic in the first place. I’ve been working as a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist for the past four years across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and the Yarra Valley. Over that time, I’ve developed a particular interest in treating tendinopathies, headaches and migraines, plantar fasciitis, lower back injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. Whether your injury is acute or something you’ve been dealing with for a long time, my focus is on helping you move and feel better.  When pain or restriction shows up, it’s common to wonder: Should I see a physio? A chiro? A myo? They all can help, but what’s the difference? I genuinely believe there are different times and places for each of these professions. Where I see Myotherapy fitting in is in providing targeted soft tissue treatment to reduce pain and restriction, so you can properly perform your exercise program, get back on track, and prevent further problems. Temporary relief is an important part of the journey of reaching your health goal. One of the most common questions I get is: “What does myotherapy even mean?” “Myo” simply means muscle, so in the simplest terms, I’m a muscle therapist. Personally, I think “muscle specialist” describes what we do even better. Myotherapy focuses on the muscular aspect of your pain, using a wide range of skills and knowledge in treatment. This includes hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, practical advice, and ergonomic adjustments to support you in everyday life. I often describe a Myotherapist as sitting somewhere between a Physio and a Remedial Massage Therapist, combining thorough assessment and exercise prescription with strong hands-on treatment skills. Some of the techniques I use include:
If you’re dealing with pain, tightness, or movement restriction and want a balanced, practical approach to treatment, I’d love to help. Book in a treatment with me on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 3pm–7pm. By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist If you’ve ever wanted to help your partner wind down or loosen up tight shoulders after a stressful week, this one’s for you. As a Qualified Beauty Therapist, Remedial Massage Therapist, and Myotherapist, here are some simple tips to help you give a massage that actually feels good!  1. Keeping Posture a Priority When Massaging On a bed (client lying down):
Working on arms or feet:
On a chair – neck and shoulders:
On a chair – limbs or head:
On a couch:
2. What can I use?
Make sure to only apply more when needed rather than heaps on at the start, and be careful & use a product that they don't have any allergies to. 3. Caution before starting: Physical Safety
Technique and Setup
Boundaries and Respect
4. Feedback
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist
What you can do to help yourself:
Why it matters: Myotherapy can release tension, restore mobility, and reduce pain — but if your muscles go straight back to the same habits, the benefits won’t last. Putting in consistent small efforts outside of sessions means:
Extra bonus tips for maximum benefit:
Think of myotherapy as your body’s jumpstart — but you’re the driver. The more you engage with your recovery and follow through, the faster you’ll reach your goals. It’s a team effort: we work on your muscles, you work on your habits — and together, your body wins. Remember: change doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, patience, and the right guidance, your body can move better, feel better, and stay stronger for longer. Every little step you take outside your sessions counts — and over time, those small steps make a big difference. By Peter Pascalis, Clinical Myotherapist Muscle pain can strike suddenly and disrupt daily life. When this happens, many people wonder which therapy will provide the best relief. Should you see a physiotherapist, a chiropractor, or a myotherapist? While these therapies share some treatment methods, the key differences lie in their areas of focus and expertise. Myotherapy stands out as the specialist approach for muscle pain caused by tight, knotted muscles and related nerve issues. This post explains why myotherapy might be the best choice when your muscles are the main problem.  Understanding Myotherapy and Its Focus Myotherapy is a manual therapy that targets myofascial pain, which means pain originating from muscles and the connective tissue around them. Myotherapists are trained to identify and treat muscle tightness, trigger points (knots), and nerve irritation caused by muscle dysfunction. Their goal is to restore healthy muscle function and relieve pain by addressing the root cause within the muscle tissue. Unlike some other therapies, myotherapy focuses deeply on muscles and their related nerves. This makes it especially effective for sudden muscle pain that appears without an obvious injury or for chronic muscle tightness that limits movement. Myotherapists use techniques such as:
How Physiotherapy Differs Physiotherapy covers a broad range of physical rehabilitation and injury management. Physiotherapists treat muscles, joints, bones, and neurological conditions. Their work often involves restoring movement after injury or surgery, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, and improving overall physical function. While physiotherapists do treat muscle pain, their approach is usually more general. They might focus on joint mobility, posture correction, and functional movement patterns alongside muscle treatment. This makes physiotherapy ideal for complex injuries or conditions involving multiple body systems. For example, if you have a sports injury that affects both your muscles and joints, a physiotherapist will design a program to address all aspects of your recovery. However, if your main issue is painful muscle knots without joint involvement, myotherapy offers a more targeted solution. What Makes Chiropractic Care Unique Chiropractors specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially those related to the spine. Their hallmark treatment is spinal adjustments, which aim to improve spinal alignment and nervous system function. Chiropractic care is often sought for back pain, neck pain, and headaches linked to spinal issues. While chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques and advice on posture and exercise, their primary focus is on the spine and nervous system rather than isolated muscle pain. If your muscle pain is related to spinal misalignment or nerve compression, chiropractic care can be very effective. But for muscle pain caused by tight or knotted muscles without spinal involvement, myotherapy usually provides more direct relief. Why Myotherapy Excels in Treating Muscle Pain Myotherapy’s specialization in muscle pain means it offers several advantages:
For example, many people experience tight muscles after long hours at a desk or from stress. These knots can cause pain and restrict movement. A myotherapist can quickly identify the problem areas and use hands-on techniques to release the knots, improving muscle function and reducing pain. In our experience, patients often report faster relief from muscle pain with myotherapy compared to other therapies because the treatment is so focused on the muscle tissue itself. When to Choose Each Therapy Choosing the right therapy depends on your symptoms and needs:
If you are unsure, many clinics offer combined approaches or can refer you to the most appropriate specialist after an initial assessment. Practical Tips for Muscle Pain Relief at Home While professional treatment is important, you can support your muscle health with simple habits:
These steps can reduce muscle tension and improve the effectiveness of myotherapy or other treatments. Final Thoughts on Choosing Myotherapy Muscle pain can be frustrating, especially when it appears suddenly or without clear cause. Myotherapy offers a focused, effective approach to treating muscle knots and restoring healthy muscle function. While physiotherapy and chiropractic care have their strengths, myotherapy’s specialization makes it the best choice for muscle-related pain. If you struggle with tight, painful muscles that limit your movement, consider booking a session with a myotherapist. Their expert hands-on care and tailored exercises can help you get back to feeling strong and pain-free. Remember, managing muscle pain is about finding the right treatment for your specific needs. Myotherapy provides a clear path to relief when muscle pain is the main issue. Take the next step and book an appointment to explore how myotherapy can support your muscle health today. Neck retractions, also known as cervical retraction exercises or chin tucks, are a simple and effective way to address neck issues, improve posture, and alleviate symptoms associated with neck pain or discomfort. Here's how neck retractions can help with your neck:  Improves Posture: Neck retractions promote better posture by encouraging the retraction of the head over the shoulders. This helps counteract the forward head posture that is common in individuals who spend extended periods sitting at desks or using electronic devices. Reduces Forward Head Posture: Forward head posture, where the head juts forward and out of alignment with the shoulders, can lead to increased stress on the neck muscles, joints, and discs. Neck retractions help bring the head back into a more neutral position, reducing the strain on the neck and upper back. Strengthens Neck Muscles: Performing neck retractions engages the muscles at the back of the neck, including the deep cervical flexors. Strengthening these muscles is important for maintaining stability and supporting the natural curvature of the spine. Alleviates Muscle Tension: Neck retractions can help relieve muscle tension and tightness in the neck and upper back. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience discomfort due to prolonged periods of poor posture. Promotes Joint Mobility: The movement involved in neck retractions encourages mobility in the cervical spine. This can be beneficial for individuals with stiffness or restricted range of motion in the neck. Addresses Cervicogenic Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the neck, can be associated with poor posture and muscle imbalances. Neck retractions may help alleviate these headaches by promoting proper alignment and reducing strain on the cervical spine. Disc Pathology: This may have a positive effect on compressed discs, however it should only be done if your healthcare professional advises you to do so. Make sure to ask first before completing as it might not be suited for you. Here's a simple guide on how to perform neck retractions: - Sit or stand with a straight spine. - Gently tuck your chin in towards your chest, as if creating a double chin. - Keep your gaze forward, and avoid tilting your head up or down. - Hold the retracted position for a few seconds, feeling a gentle stretch at the base of your skull. - Relax and return to the starting position. - Repeat the movement several times. It's essential to perform neck retractions with control and without force. If you have any pre-existing neck conditions or if you're experiencing pain during the exercise, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or myotherapist before incorporating neck retractions into your routine. They can provide personalised guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances. Beyond the Mechanics (Part 3): Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection Through Physical Therapy4/12/2025
By Duke Autret, Myotherapist Following on from Part 1, which explored the multifaceted contributors to non-mechanical musculoskeletal pain, we now dive deeper into the interplay between emotions, the nervous system, and the body. Understanding this connection allows us to address persistent pain and dysfunction with a more holistic approach.  Emotions in Motion: Darwin and the Physicality of Feelings It was Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals back in 1872 where some of the foundations were laid for understanding emotions as both biological and physical phenomena. Far from being intangible feelings, emotions manifest in the body as physiological responses. Think of phrases like:
These expressions hint at the somatic realities of emotional states. Darwin identified the vagus nerve, a key player in the autonomic nervous system, as a conduit between the brain, heart, and gut. This pathway underscores how emotional experiences influence everything from digestion to muscle tension. For example:
Unresolved emotions, particularly those linked to trauma, may remain "stuck" in the body, perpetuating cycles of pain and dysfunction. The Sympathetic Nervous System and “Trapped” Energy Consistent stress and/or trauma can hijack the nervous system, locking it into a state of chronic activation, also known as "fight or flight." This overactivation disrupts the body's ability to relax and recover, often resulting in:
This "stuck" state, while a protective mechanism in acute situations, can become maladaptive over time. Hands-on Physical therapists are uniquely positioned to help regulate this response by targeting the physical symptoms of stress while fostering a sense of safety and calm. Somatic Approaches: Moving Toward Relief The pathway to healing involves bridging the gap between the mind and body. Here’s how physical therapy can integrate somatic principles to release this trapped emotional energy and tension:
The Body’s Language: Listening and Responding Physical cues such as posture, tone of voice, and facial expressions often reveal underlying emotional states. Skilled practitioners "listen" to this non-verbal communication, offering tailored interventions that honor both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain. Your Journey to ReliefWhether you’re experiencing unexplained musculoskeletal pain, chronic tension, or symptoms of dysregulation like fatigue and brain fog, your body is telling a story. By addressing the root causes (both emotional and physical) you can restore balance to the system and reclaim a sense of ease. Reconnect With Your Body Through Holistic Care Are you ready to explore a deeper level of healing? Our myotherapy and osteopathic treatments are designed to:
Pain is rarely one-dimensional. Whether it arises from visceral dysfunction, vascular compromise, neural irritation, fascial restrictions, or psychosocial stress, addressing the root cause as well as the ‘ecological web’ surrounding it is essential for lasting relief. By taking the time to explore and address these deeper layers, you can restore balance, reduce pain, and reclaim your full range of motion. Don’t let unresolved pain hold you back, if you’re experiencing pain or dysfunction that doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, consider consulting a Myotherapist or Osteopath at Simple Wellness. These specialists are trained to assess and treat both mechanical and non-mechanical contributors to pain, using a holistic approach that supports the body’s interconnected systems. By Dr Sarah Varmalis, Senior Osteopath At Simple Wellness in Rowville, one of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I see a myotherapist or the osteopath?" With seven skilled myotherapists and one osteopath working side by side in the clinic, it’s no surprise people want to understand how each approach works, and which one might suit them best. The truth is, both therapies offer real value, just with different tools and treatment styles depending on what your body needs.  What Does a Myotherapist Do? Myotherapy is focused on relieving pain, tension, and dysfunction in the muscles and connective tissues of the body. It’s an evidence-based, hands-on therapy that supports everything from muscle tightness and sports injuries to postural imbalances and everyday aches. At Simple Wellness, our myotherapists draw from a wide range of techniques, such as:
What Does the Osteopath Do? While myotherapy often focuses directly on muscles and soft tissue, osteopathy takes a broader view of the body, looking at how the musculoskeletal system interacts with the nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, and even organ systems. At Simple Wellness, our osteopath uses a unique approach called Fascial Counterstrain. This gentle, highly specific technique works by identifying and releasing tension held in the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding everything from muscles and joints to nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Each session begins with a cranial scan, a subtle but powerful assessment method that helps locate areas of restriction throughout the body. Treatment then involves positioning the body into a place of ease, allowing the nervous system to let go of protective patterns and promote healing. It’s a calm, non-invasive approach that’s suitable for sensitive, complex, or long-standing issues. So, Which One Should You Choose? Both myotherapy and osteopathy can be incredibly effective—the best choice really depends on what your body needs and how it responds to treatment. And sometimes, a combination of both is ideal. Here’s a general guide to help:  The Power of Working Together One of the best parts of the Simple Wellness approach is the way our team works together. It’s not uncommon for someone to see a myotherapist for muscular tension, then the osteopath for deeper system-wide regulation—or vice versa. We believe in personalised care, not one-size-fits-all solutions. That means listening to your goals, understanding your body’s needs, and making sure you’re booked in with the right person at the right time. Understanding Trigger Points and Illness/InfectionHave you ever noticed muscle pain and tender spots without any obvious reason, especially when you don't have other symptoms that would make you aware of an underlying infection or disease? Surprisingly, what may seem like purely musculoskeletal pain can actually be due to an infection, even if you haven't experienced typical symptoms like fever or sore throat. Understanding why this happens can help you manage your pain more effectively. When you're dealing with an infection like a cold, you might notice muscle pain and tender spots, even if you haven’t done anything to strain your muscles. These painful spots are known as trigger points (TrPs), and they can appear during or after an illness due to several interconnected factors. Let's explore why this happens and what you can do about it.  How Illness Leads to Trigger Points
Inflammatory Response Cytokine Release happens when you’re sick, your body releases substances called cytokines to fight off the infection. These cytokines can make your nerves more sensitive, leading to increased muscle pain and tension. Local inflammation throughout your body can worsen existing muscle issues or create new areas of tension, resulting in TrPs. Muscle Tension and Fatigue Increased Muscle Tension while being unwell is common and often the causes of muscle tension as well as body aches, shivering, and overall discomfort is the result. This added tension can contribute to the development of TrPs. Fatigue and weakness from illness, which can lead to poor posture and reduced physical activity. These factors strain your muscles, creating conditions that favour TrP formation. Reduced ATP Availability Energy Depletion results from fighting an infection and the usage of a lot of your body's energy, reducing the ATP available for muscle function. ATP is crucial for muscle relaxation, and its shortage can lead to TrPs. Metabolic Stress arises from the stress of battling an illness that can deplete your energy reserves, causing muscles to stay contracted and promoting TrP development. Sympathetic Nervous System Activation Stress Response gets activated with Illness, the sympathetic nervous system, part of your body’s stress response, which increases muscle tone and tension, contributing to TrPs. Poor Sleep and Recovery Sleep Disruption due to infections often disrupting sleep, impairing your body’s ability to recover and repair muscle tissue effectively. Poor sleep can exacerbate muscle pain and tension, increasing the likelihood of TrP formation. Impaired Healing from a lack of adequate rest during illness hinders muscle healing, leading to chronic tension and TrPs. Why Trigger Points can be Random and Localised Localised Muscle Use and Strain Compensatory Muscle Use can occur when sick since you might change your posture or muscle use to compensate for discomfort, leading to overuse or strain in specific muscle groups and causing localised TrPs. For example, frequent coughing can overwork the neck and upper back muscles, leading to TrPs. Nerve Sensitization from Illness can sensitise specific nerves, increasing pain perception in certain areas and leading to localised TrPs. Metabolic and Circulatory Factors Localised Energy Crisis where the energy demands on specific muscles might be higher due to illness-related activities, causing localised energy depletion and TrPs. Impaired Circulation from Illness can change blood flow and circulation, making areas with already compromised circulation more prone to TrPs. Practical Examples
Practical Implications Infections like a cold can lead to the formation of trigger points due to a combination of systemic inflammation, increased muscle tension, fatigue, reduced energy availability, stress responses, and disrupted sleep. These factors create an environment where muscles are more prone to tension and pain, resulting in localised and seemingly random TrPs. By understanding these mechanisms, you can take preventive and therapeutic measures to manage muscle pain during illness. Preventive Measures To reduce muscle tension and prevent trigger points, it is essential to stay well-hydrated, get adequate rest to support muscle recovery, and engage in regular physical activity. When sick, whether very symptomatic or not, even incorporating gentle stretching and varied movements for all regions of the body can significantly help in relieving muscle tension. Therapeutic Approaches Additionally, therapeutic approaches such as massage therapy are just as important as ever for alleviating muscle tension and dispelling/preventing TrP formation. Consulting a myotherapist for specialised treatment is an effective way to manage muscle pain and tension. Using pain management techniques, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, can also reduce inflammation and muscle tension. Take action today to prioritise your muscle health by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and incorporating regular movement into your routine. Consider therapeutic approaches like massage and myotherapy especially in order to assess that it’s not something more serious, and don't hesitate to use pain management techniques to keep muscle tension at bay. |
Meet Our Team
We have a team of great practitioners available 7 days a week at our Rowville clinic. Archives
April 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
Got a question about Myotherapy or Osteopathy?
Contact us by phone, email or Facebook
Simple Wellness Myotherapy & Osteopathy
Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178 |
Phone us on
(03) 8204 0970 |
|