Hey my name is Rachael and I'm the newest Myotherapist here at Simple Wellness. I have a background in Beauty as well as Remedial Massage, therefore I tend to be very versatile in what I can offer you in terms of pressure and type of massage during my treatments. I have always strived to give my clients my personal best and want to help in any way I can to be able to get back to everyday activities pain free. I am known for being very smiley and friendly to others, and my terrible use of dad jokes in the company of clients who share the same kind of humour.
I come from a big Mauritian/Rodriguan family and so I love hearing about those old family stories as they tend to be the best memories. I am an animal lover of mostly dogs, with my beautiful boy Jack Russell being 16 years old this year. I definitely have a more of a hands on approach to Myotherapy, I use massage techniques most of the time because this seems to benefit my clients, and for the other times I can use needling and cupping if it's what's needed at the time. I will always check in with whatever it is I do; whether it be about the pressure, if you were wanting or not wanting me to use any other modalities, or just being that hands on. I will do whatever works best for you and your pain. I can be light or quite firm in my pressure, but it's not always true of “no pain no gain” meaning for those that go above their pain threshold. Sometimes a moderate amount is just enough to make that difference. Massage should always be in your comfort zone where it can be felt, but not to an extreme like over 8-9/10. My favourite regions to treat are the neck, shoulders, and back pain. You would be surprised how common these really are. But let me give a little information as to why these are so common: Neck and shoulder pain together come mostly (but not all) from those who are doing desk work, gamers, and any type activity that leads to a hunched over posture. But why does it hurt? Well when you are in a hunched over position your back is exposed with muscles over stretching to the point where your body is saying ‘ow’ to try and protect itself. Then the front of the body is doing the opposite with muscles being shortened and ‘tight’. So when this happens regularly your body starts to remember this position as its new ‘normal’, so when you straighten your back up it hurts to do so. Sounds familiar? Long held positions play a big part in being the cause of pain and it is important to take those regular breaks, and follow the advice your Myotherapist or Remedial therapist has given you, including using those exercises and stretches they've given to help reduce, and revert this. Back pain can be caused by several reasons: not lifting heavy things correctly at work, gardening, moving house, or even gaming. Maintaining an uneven position for a long time, like mentioned above, can cause back pain/hip pain. It may be caused by the muscles just in your back, but often there is involvement from your glutes or even your hips. You may feel it in your upper back/ middle back, just above your glutes, at your glutes, or at your spine. As your Myotherapists and Remedial Therapists it is our job to help you with your pain and to help find out why its happening so that we can help with your symptoms and also help with the cause. You'll find me in the clinic on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12.30-7, and every second Thursday from 12.30-7. Bookings with me are easy - call us on 03 8204 0970 or book a time online! Can't wait to meet you and begin helping you unravel your pain and feel better. Bursitis is a really common cause of persistent shoulder pain. It can cause significant discomfort and limit our ability to perform daily activities. This common condition, characterised by inflammation of the shoulder's bursa, often results from repetitive motions or injury. In this blog post, we will explore what shoulder bursitis entails, its symptoms, and how myotherapy can play a crucial role in its effective treatment. The shoulder joint is surrounded by small, fluid-filled sacs called bursa, which act as cushions between bones, tendons, and muscles. With a normal, well-functioning bursa, shoulder movement is smooth, effortless and without pain.
When these bursae become inflamed, it leads to a condition known as bursitis, and it can cause a lot of highly sensitive pain. Repetitive overhead movements or a direct trauma like a fall onto your outstretched arm can cause irritation of the bursa and surrounding tissue, and this can result in pain, tenderness, and limited range of motion. Additionally, factors like muscle imbalances and spending a long time in a position that strains the shoulder can contribute to the development of bursitis. Bursitis typically feels worse at certain points in the day - the first thing in the morning is often a time of stiffness and increased pain, with that sensation easing somewhat as you begin moving. After a period of inactivity it can become sensitive again, or following overexertion or repetitive activities. Inflammation makes the area feel irritated, stiff, achey, and sore. Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy that targets the soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As Myotherapists, we aim to relieve your pain, restore your mobility, and promote healing through a variety of techniques, tailored to your specific needs. In the case of shoulder bursitis, myotherapy can provide several benefits.
Shoulder bursitis can be a debilitating condition, limiting our daily activities and causing persistent pain. While traditional treatments focus on symptom management, myotherapy offers a holistic approach to shoulder bursitis treatment. By addressing muscle imbalances, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving range of motion, myotherapy helps individuals regain functionality and prevent future complications. If you're experiencing shoulder bursitis, consulting with our qualified myotherapists can be a valuable step towards finding relief and embarking on the path to recovery. Remember, early intervention and consistent treatment are key to effectively managing shoulder bursitis and restoring your quality of life. Book a time with our wonderful myotherapists or phone our clinic on 03 8204 0970 for more information. Knee injuries are common among athletes, active individuals, and even those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. These injuries can range from mild sprains to severe tears, and can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. In this blog, we'll explore the ways in which Myotherapy and specific dry needling techniques can help treat knee injuries and reduce pain. Myotherapists have a wide variety of treatment techniques and tools that help relieve knee pain.
Massage therapy is an effective way to treat knee injuries because it helps to improve circulation and reduce swelling. When you receive a massage, the therapist uses various techniques to manipulate the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee. This increased blood flow helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Furthermore, massage therapy can help to break down scar tissue, which can cause pain and limit range of motion. By breaking down this tissue, massage therapy can help to improve flexibility and prevent future injuries. Our myotherapists consider all the surrounding muscles of the knee, as well as investigating other nearby areas like ankle and hip pain and mobility, and the strength of your glutes and lower back. In addition to reducing pain, massage therapy can also help to improve range of motion in the knee. Tight muscles can limit your ability to move your knee freely, which can cause pain and discomfort. Massage therapy helps to release tension in these muscles, which can improve mobility and reduce pain. Another treatment option our myotherapists are highly skilled in using for knee injuries is dry needling. Dry needling is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the muscles. This process helps to stimulate the healing process and reduce pain by releasing tension in the muscles. Dry needling can be especially effective for knee injuries because it helps to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and break down scar tissue. Additionally, dry needling can help to release endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. This can help to reduce pain and improve overall well-being. Another benefit of dry needling is that it can help to improve strength and stability in the knee joint. When you receive dry needling, the therapist targets specific points in the muscles that are causing pain and discomfort. By improving the strength and stability of these muscles, dry needling can help to reduce the risk of future knee injuries. Furthermore, dry needling can help to improve range of motion, which is important for reducing pain and promoting healing. Studies have demonstrated dry needling to be an effective and safe treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. By targeting specific locations around the knee, dry needling can effectively aid in reducing pain sensitivity and allow for more freedom of movement. Electrostimulation of the needles has also been shown to have a beneficial effect on cartilage regeneration, and in reducing the need for medications. We know that knee injuries can be painful and debilitating, but massage therapy and dry needling can help to reduce pain and improve mobility. Whether you're recovering from a knee injury or dealing with chronic knee pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, these therapies can help to improve your overall well-being. By combining massage therapy and dry needling, you can help to reduce pain, improve circulation, and promote healing. So, if you're suffering from knee pain, our team is here to help. Book your first appointment to get your treatment plan started today. With regular therapy, you can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enjoy a more active and pain-free life. By Peter Pascalis We know that pain sucks, right? We also know that if our body/mind didn’t produce pain we would probably not be too well or even able to read this blog right now. You see pain serves us by alerting us that there’s something wrong which requires our attention. So, we understand that pain is an important function for our survival and for health but when does pain become a pain in the proverbial? Well, most people who suffer from chronic pain would understand the reality of having to experience discomfort daily. For others it might come and go, but regardless of its presentation something interesting happens in the body when pain evolves from purely alerting us of harm, to becoming the harm that we perceive to be threatening our survival.
We call this chronic pain but also pain which is mediated from our brains. That’s not to say that pain exists only in our brains because obviously when some part of our system is injured there’s a legit reason for having it. The processing of pain occurs in higher brain centres where our values, beliefs, understandings, expectations and experiences exist. This is where we give value to the threat: when will I be able to swim or run again, and what will this mean to my fitness goals? “Oh God I’m going to put on so much weight”. This leads us to catastrophize, and this adds further negative input into an already sensitised nervous system. Fortunately, there are solutions to reducing the likelihood of acute pain progression and that’s where physical therapy can help. Using various treatments, manual therapy can change the way our brain perceives threat by decreasing the sensory stimulus it receives. The mechanism by which this is done is by the stimulation of fast acting sensory nerve fibres which intercept the pain signals from the slower conducting pain sensing nerve fibres. By modulating pain signals, we lower the volume on those painful stimuli which can reduce the level of pain experienced. The mechanisms by which manual therapy creates changes to the neurophysiological system are:
This provides us with a window to which we can address altered muscle and postural imbalances aiming to resolve what led to the pain appearing in the first place. Myotherapy is a holistic manual therapy approach for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions which considers the mechanism of pain and provides tailored solutions for its treatment and its resolution. As therapists we use the above concepts to help change your pain experience through hands on therapies, tools like cupping and needling, exercises and modifications to your daily activities. If you are experiencing pain and are looking for a solution out of it now, we are here to help. Book your consultation and treatment with any of our therapists and we will guide you through a treatment plan customised for you and your specific circumstances. By Duke Autret Many, if not most people will have heard of, or may even have experienced sciatic pain or sciatica, but what is it exactly? Let’s explore. Sciatica is a term that gets thrown around alot but the fact is that it’s quite a vague term which is used simply to describe any condition where the symptoms involve pain running from the lower back down either one or both legs (potentially all the way down to the foot). Pain types can be sharp, shocking, tingly, numb, cause pins and needles, or cause pinching or catching sensations on movements. So in fact Sciatica describes not one single condition, but rather a set of symptoms, and that these symptoms that we call Sciatica can be the result of a number of different mechanisms or conditions. To be more precise, Sciatic refers to the name of the nerves which branch out from origins in the lower spine/back and then splits into two Sciatic nerves - one for each leg, and thus innervates the muscles and structures of the legs. However this nerve can become vulnerable to irritation by pressure bearing on it from other structures, when this happens the experience is Sciatica! As mentioned before there can be a variety of reasons for this impingement on the Sciatic nerves and some examples can include pressure from a tight Piriformis muscle (which the sciatic nerve passes directly through or beneath), pressure from an Intervertebral Disc bulge/herniation of the lumbar spine (lower back), Stenosis which is the narrowing of the spinal canal, Spondylolisthesis which is the slipping of one vertebrae over the next and that can pinch the sciatic nerve, or Spondylosis, an arthritic joint degeneration at the lumbar vertebrae which may cause inflammation and subsequent pressure and irritation from that. As we can see, there are many ways in which the sciatic nerve can become impacted and the end result is the same experience and symptoms we call ‘Sciatica’. Some of these situations sound scary, but the majority of the time it is easy to get the pain under control while working with an experienced Myotherapist who can help guide you or refer you on if your condition is particularly acute or severe. Since the irritation that occurs to the Sciatic nerve is to do with some or other kind of pressure, then the priority for treatment becomes to create more space for the nerve to be free, as nerves also need to be able to slide and move with the rest of the body. Importantly, the treatment we use will be dependent on which of the various mechanisms are at play, but commonly any technique employed will be with the aim of creating more space for that nerve, and most often will involves treating the muscles of the lower back, pelvis, hips, glutes and back of the thighs and maybe even calves. Some of these techniques can include hands on options like remedial massage and myofascial release, or helpful nerve gliding movements that can help reduce the sensitivity of those nerves. And in situations where the symptoms are very acute, fresh and severe often Myofascial Dry Needling is a go-to in order to take the edge off and tone everything right down without adding any more undue pressure to the nerve/system. Myotherapists can also provide joint mobilisations to aid in better mobility of the lower back and hips. Mobilisations vary from manipulations - we won't be "cracking your bones", but gently encouraging rhythmic movement to return to your joints without any high velocity cracks or crunches. From here we would look at tailored exercises for your situation which could simply be stretches for a few key tight muscles to a full program to help build stability around the spine and support the structure for healthy nerve function. Some common exercises you might try could be deep abdominal work, diaphragm ‘weight-lifting’, the sphinx, Piriformis stretches, and Glute and Adductor strengthening. Our practitioners will demonstrate these types of exercises and how to safely do them while you're experiencing sciatica, and we can assist you in progressing them as preventative care exercises once the intensity of your pain has eased. If you or anyone you know is currently suffering with Sciatic pain, please come and see us, we are here to help. Just call or leave a message with us at the Simple Wellness Myotherapy clinic here in Rowville, or alternatively you can see our booking schedule and make an appointment yourself for a time that best suits.
By Jacqui Mulholland
Headaches and Migraines are a common complex and varied condition that may affect most of us at some point in our lives. The frequency, duration and intensity can vary, as well as the types of symptoms that can indicate whether you are experiencing headaches, or migraines. I used to be so confused about how to categorise my symptoms as a longtime headache/migraine sufferer. I would go to GP’s explain my symptoms, how they would affect me and the “cycle” with which they seemed to occur. They had a predictable pattern, and symptoms were usually quite similar each time, only varying in intensity and duration. My experience of these symptoms was often quite an unpleasant and fatiguing process. There was not much else offered as pain management at the time from my GP, the suggestions were pain meds, rest and reduce stress. This would leave me feeling a little bit deflated and helpless to do anything to change or at least manage my condition. My headaches were classified as “menstrual migraines” or “hormonal headaches”. There is a lot of confusion and unknown factors about headaches and migraines, and you wouldn’t be alone in feeling at a loss as to where you can go and the type of treatments that may help you. You should always visit your GP in the event that you suddenly start getting headaches or your headaches are changing. There are many different treatment options now for headache/migraine sufferers that weren’t available 20 years ago so it’s always worth mentioning any new symptoms to your main healthcare provider. So how do you know the difference between headaches and migraines? Well there are several different types of headaches and “Migraines” are just one of those types. The main difference between migraines and the other types of headaches is they may include some of the following symptoms (but not all)
As you can see these symptoms should not be ignored if you have never had migraines before or if your symptoms intensity or change as this could be an indication of something more serious. Always consult your healthcare provider as a first point of call. There are other types of headaches that have similar symptoms but are not classified as migraines: some of these you may have heard of: cluster, tension, sinus. These may present a little differently in terms of the location of the pain symptoms, and intensity can vary but don't usually present with the visual disturbances, heightened sensitivity or with nausea & vomiting. So whilst there is no cure for headaches or migraines, there are treatments and preventative techniques that may help. There can be certain triggers for you that you can help by avoiding. Certain foods, alcohol, getting enough sleep, regular moderate exercise, drinking water etc. In terms of prevention and management of your symptoms, that’s where remedial massage & myotherapy can be really beneficial. When you're experiencing an episode, you might notice that you will feel like your body needs rest and quiet time to recover. Overstimulation can often exacerbate symptoms. Allowing your nervous system and inner balance a chance to restore and calm down the pain sensitivity can really assist in managing the pain. Regular massage may help reduce the intensity & frequency of your symptoms, address any muscular tightness that may be contributing to sensitivity in the head, jaw, neck, upper back and shoulder areas. Remedial massage & myotherapy can provide an opportunity for your body to rest and receive nurturing touch, warmth, blood flow and may assist in improving sleep, reducing stress, regulating hormones & nervous system functioning. Your treatment may not get rid of your headache or migraine but it may help reduce the intensity and duration. I love working to help assist headache & migraine sufferers, because of my personal experience with the condition and knowing that remedial massage and myotherapy has helped me tremendously with the management of my symptoms. I know how good it can feel to receive that attention and touch to calm my hypersensitivity and I often have a really good rest/sleep following the treatment which makes so much difference to my ability to function. If you are a headache or migraine sufferer, come in for a massage and even consider regular treatments to manage recurring symptoms. This is a condition with complex clinical presentations but a very real pain experience for many people, and I’d love to help you feel and function better with less pain. I am available to help you on Mondays and Wednesdays 9.45am-2pm, Thursdays 2.45pm-7pm, and every second Saturday 9.30am-2pm. Book in with me or one of our myotherapists via our website: www.simplewellness.com.au/treatments-bookings I look forward to working with you! Like a proud mama bear, I am so pleased to congratulate Duke on his graduation from RMIT with his Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy! If you've already had a treatment with Duke, you'll know that he is pretty top notch! His knowledge of body mechanics and movement are exceptional, and he's wasted no time in putting new advanced skills into practice while he's been studying his Advanced Diploma over the last year or so.
He is also our go-to recommendation for anyone who loves a firm deep tissue massage - Duke is strong, and knows how to get the best angles to apply that intense level of firm pressure for those who need it. So what will change now that he's graduated and earned his Myotherapist title? To be honest, not a lot, because he has been integrating his knowledge as he goes. What we do hope will change is his availability!! Now that he's no longer spending time studying, we hope to be able to offer more appointments with him in the near future! He is now qualified and insured to offer Dry Needling treatments - however, we know there is a bit of a misconception where a lot of peoples understanding of Myotherapy is that its simply "a massage with added needles", but this is not the case! Not all Myotherapists choose dry needling as a go-to treatment option, and in our clinic we often try for less invasive techniques before using needles. For people who already know their body responds well to needles, it can be a fantastic tool to get quick changes in the muscles, but don't be put off from booking with a Myotherapist if you are scared of needles. Needles are just one tool in our very broad tool kit! Congratulations again, Duke, on persevering with your studies throughout the pandemic. We know that its been hard for students to maintain their focus and commitment especially to very hands on courses like Myotherapy when there have been so many campus closures and restrictions around being able to complete classes and student clinics. We see plenty of people who come in and tell us "I have a rotator cuff", but we know what they mean is "My shoulder hurts, and I might have injured one of the muscles". The Rotator Cuff itself isn't the injury. Its an essential group of four muscles that stabilise and move your shoulder joint. What should you do if you've injured your Rotator Cuff muscles? The same as any other injury - book in with your favourite Myotherapists to have us assess the area so we can help you determine what type of injury you have, and follow our treatment plan to let is heal and recover. Image sourced from: https://www.orthobethesda.com/blog/rotator-cuff-disorders-the-facts/
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint. These muscles—supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis—work together to stabilise the shoulder and facilitate smooth movement. The tendons of the rotator cuff attach these muscles to the upper arm bone (humerus) and the shoulder blade (scapula). The primary role of the rotator cuff is to keep the shoulder joint stable, allowing for a wide range of motion. It helps to hold the ball of the humerus firmly within the shoulder socket, providing support during activities that involve lifting, reaching, throwing, and rotating the arm. Additionally, the rotator cuff aids in generating power and controlling movement in the shoulder. Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries Rotator cuff injuries can occur suddenly, as a result of a traumatic event like a fall or lifting a heavy object, or develop gradually due to repetitive motions or wear and tear. Common causes include:
Protecting and Maintaining a Healthy Rotator Cuff While some rotator cuff injuries may be unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect and maintain a healthy rotator cuff:
The rotator cuff is a crucial structure that enables the remarkable range of motion in the shoulder joint. Understanding its function and the causes of injury can help you take proactive steps to protect and maintain a healthy rotator cuff. By practicing good shoulder habits, engaging in strength training exercises, and seeking prompt treatment for any shoulder pain or discomfort, you can reduce the risk of rotator cuff injuries and preserve your shoulder's mobility for years to come. Book online with one of our myotherapists to start your treatment plan and keep your rotator cuff as happy and healthy as possible! |
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