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By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist When it comes to bodywork, many people think of massage as the go-to solution for easing tension and promoting relaxation. While massage is an effective tool for relaxation, it is not always the best option for individuals dealing with specific pain, injuries, or health conditions. For these more targeted concerns, Myotherapy may be a better fit. So, what sets Myotherapy apart from regular massage, and how can it offer more comprehensive support for those with pain or injury?  The Purpose of Massage
Massage therapy is widely recognised for its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve general well-being. Different massage styles, such as Swedish or deep tissue massage, work to loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress levels. After a massage, many people feel more relaxed and at ease, which can be helpful in managing minor muscle tension and improving mood. However, when it comes to treating specific pain conditions, injuries, or chronic musculoskeletal issues, a relaxation-based approach may not be enough. Massage is often seen as a one-off service, which can provide temporary relief but may not address the root cause of pain or injury. That’s where Myotherapy comes into play. What Is Myotherapy? Myotherapy is a specialised form of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Myotherapists are trained to evaluate not only where your pain is but also why it’s happening. This more in-depth approach allows them to tailor a treatment strategy to target the underlying cause of discomfort, rather than just providing temporary relief. A key aspect of Myotherapy is its combination of clinical assessment and manual therapy techniques. This combination means that your Myotherapist doesn’t just treat your symptoms—they assess your movement, posture, and biomechanics to form a clear understanding of your condition. The goal is to create a treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your pain and provides long-term relief. Myotherapy Techniques vs. Massage While both Myotherapy and massage involve hands-on techniques, Myotherapists employ a broader range of methods, specifically designed to treat pain, injuries, and chronic conditions. These techniques include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, cupping, dry needling, stretching, and rehabilitative exercises. In contrast, traditional massage focuses on reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, often without the clinical assessment needed for long-term pain management. Myotherapy treatments are designed to be part of an ongoing strategy rather than a one-time session. A Myotherapist will work with you to create a treatment plan that may include a series of sessions, exercises, and self-care recommendations to support your recovery between treatments. This comprehensive approach helps ensure that your treatment is more than just a momentary fix—it’s a plan for long-term healing. Who Can Benefit from Myotherapy? If you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or managing a specific health condition like sciatica, tension headaches, or sports injuries, Myotherapy may be the better choice. The tailored assessment and treatment approach allows for a more effective recovery and management of your condition compared to a general massage. While massage is excellent for relaxation and occasional muscle relief, Myotherapy is designed for those who need focused, long-term strategies to manage pain and improve function. So, if you're experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, it’s worth considering Myotherapy as a more effective solution. While massage is a wonderful way to relax and reduce general tension, Myotherapy offers a deeper, more comprehensive approach to addressing pain, injury, and dysfunction. With its combination of clinical techniques and personalized treatment plans, Myotherapy is the better choice for those needing more than just relaxation. Our team of experienced Myotherapists are available 7 days a week at 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville. You can book online with one of our highly reviewed therapists to start your treatment plan for pain right away. If you've recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, or have lived with it for years, you might be wondering: can I live a normal life with scoliosis? The answer is yes! Scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways, affects millions of people, but the impact it has on daily life can vary greatly depending on the severity of the curve. While more severe cases might require specialised medical care or even surgery, many people with mild scoliosis live active, fulfilling lives. With the right approach to managing discomfort and maintaining physical health, scoliosis doesn’t have to hold you back.  What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curvature of the spine, often resembling an "S" or "C" shape. There are varying degrees of scoliosis, from mild curves that are barely noticeable, to more significant ones that may require medical intervention. Most cases are classified as mild scoliosis, where the spinal curvature is less than 20 degrees, and these cases rarely require surgery. More significant structural changes—when the curvature exceeds 40-50 degrees—may need a specialized medical team to monitor and manage the condition. In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required to correct the curve and prevent further complications. But the majority of people with scoliosis have a mild or moderate form, which can often be managed with non-invasive treatments and a healthy lifestyle. Mild Scoliosis: Not a Life Sentence For those with mild scoliosis, it’s important to understand that this condition is not a life sentence. Living well and functioning normally is very achievable, even with scoliosis. However, due to the structural changes in the spine, it’s not uncommon to experience muscular compensation and pressure build-up around the affected areas. Muscle tension can develop as the body tries to adapt to the altered spinal alignment. This may lead to discomfort, stiffness, or even pain, especially after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. But this doesn’t mean you can’t live a full, active life. With proper management, you can reduce these symptoms and continue to do the activities you love. How Myotherapy Can Help If you’re experiencing discomfort from scoliosis, Myotherapy is an excellent treatment option to help manage the muscle tension and pressure associated with the condition. Myotherapy focuses on treating the muscles and soft tissues that support the spine, which can often become tight or overworked due to scoliosis. Here are some ways Myotherapy can help:
Consistency with treatment and exercises can significantly reduce the impact of discomfort caused by scoliosis, allowing you to live without constant pain and maintain a high level of activity. High Achievers with Scoliosis If you’re concerned about scoliosis limiting your potential, it’s reassuring to know that many high achievers have lived successfully with the condition. Elite athletes, Olympians, and even celebrities have scoliosis and continue to excel in their respective fields. Did you know these top performers have scoliosis? Usain Bolt – Olympic Gold Medalist, World Record Holder. Known as the fastest man in the world, Bolt has won 8 Olympic gold medals and holds the world record in the 100m and 200m sprints. Natalie Coughlin – Olympic Swimmer. Coughlin is a 12-time Olympic medalist in swimming, known for her excellence in backstroke and individual medley events. Elizabeth Taylor – Iconic Actress. A Hollywood legend, Taylor won two Academy Awards for Best Actress for her roles in "Butterfield 8" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?". Lamar Gant – Powerlifting World Champion. Gant became a five-time World Powerlifting Champion and set multiple world records in deadlifting, despite his scoliosis. Sarah Michelle Gellar – Actress. Best known for her role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", Gellar became a pop culture icon and has won multiple Teen Choice Awards for her work in film and television. Daria Gavrilova – Professional Tennis Player. Gavrilova has achieved Top 20 WTA rankings and represented Australia in major international competitions despite living with scoliosis. Challenges of Living with Scoliosis While it’s certainly possible to live normally with scoliosis, it’s also important to acknowledge that the condition can present some challenges. You may find that certain activities, particularly those that involve repetitive strain or heavy lifting, can cause discomfort, especially if you aren't actively conditioning your body to maintain those kinds of activities. It’s crucial to listen to your body and avoid activities that put excessive strain on your spine or muscles. However, maintaining an active lifestyle is key to managing scoliosis. Regular physical care, such as engaging in stretching and strengthening exercises, attending Myotherapy sessions, and staying mindful of the amount of time you spend in certain positions and postures, will help you stay mobile and reduce discomfort. Living Well with Scoliosis Scoliosis doesn’t have to prevent you from living a normal, fulfilling life. Whether you have a mild or moderate curvature, managing the condition through regular physical care, hands-on therapies, and staying active will allow you to overcome many of the challenges associated with scoliosis. By addressing muscle tension and imbalances with treatments like Myotherapy, you can live comfortably without resorting to surgery or more invasive interventions. Remember, scoliosis is a condition you can live with—and thrive despite it. The key is understanding your body’s needs, working with qualified professionals like Myotherapists, and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle to support your spine and overall well-being. Our therapists can help you with regular musculoskeletal care, and programming exercises that are suitable for you at any stage of fitness to help you stay as mobile and active as possible. Book online for your first consultation with our great team! If you've ever struggled with shoulder pain at night, you know how frustrating it can be to find a comfortable sleeping position. Whether you sleep on your side or back, the pain can keep you tossing and turning, leading to poor rest and discomfort in the morning. Stiffness upon waking, soreness with movement—especially reaching overhead—and even a loss of strength in the affected arm are all common complaints. This deep discomfort within the shoulder joint is often associated with bursitis, a condition that Myotherapists can treat using non-invasive techniques.  What is Bursitis?
Shoulder bursitis occurs when the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the joints, becomes inflamed. The bursa in the shoulder helps reduce friction between muscles, tendons, and bones during movement. However, when this sac becomes irritated due to overuse, injury, or repetitive strain, it can lead to painful inflammation. The result? Aching, soreness, and stiffness, especially when trying to sleep on the affected shoulder. Bursitis can be caused by various factors, including spending too long in certain postures or positions, repetitive motions (like throwing or lifting), or even direct injury. It may also develop gradually due to general wear and tear. People with bursitis often experience pain when raising their arm above shoulder height, which can make simple tasks like dressing or reaching difficult. Sleeping becomes a challenge as pressure on the inflamed bursa often exacerbates the pain, making it hard to find a position that offers relief. How Can Myotherapy Help Shoulder Bursitis? While many people turn to their GP for a diagnosis and are often recommended cortisone injections, Myotherapy offers a more conservative and holistic approach to shoulder bursitis treatment. Myotherapists are skilled in assessing musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and they use a range of non-invasive techniques that can help manage bursitis without the need for injections or surgery. Hands-On Techniques: Myotherapy treatments often include a combination of:
Exercise Prescription: Alongside manual therapies, Myotherapists will often prescribe exercises specific to your type of pain. These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint, reduce strain on the bursa, and prevent further aggravation. Strengthening and mobility exercises help restore function while also preventing recurrence of the injury. Consistency is Key: One of the most important aspects of treating shoulder bursitis is maintaining consistency with treatment and prescribed exercises. Unlike a cortisone injection, which may provide temporary relief, Myotherapy addresses the underlying issues contributing to the bursitis. By attending regular sessions and keeping up with your exercises, you can significantly improve your chances of recovery without needing to rely on steroids or surgery. The Importance of a Diagnosis While Myotherapists can treat shoulder pain effectively, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis to ensure you're addressing the right issue. A definite diagnosis of shoulder bursitis usually requires an ultrasound. If you're experiencing shoulder pain, your GP may refer you for imaging to confirm bursitis and rule out other conditions like tendon tears or arthritis. Once diagnosed, GPs often recommend cortisone injections as a first-line treatment to reduce inflammation. However, many patients prefer to explore conservative care options before jumping straight into steroid injections, and that’s where Myotherapy comes in. Myotherapists can work alongside your GP to develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain, restoring mobility, and preventing further injury—all without invasive interventions. Finding Relief While You Sleep Shoulder bursitis can make sleeping a painful ordeal. Here are some tips to help you find relief and sleep more comfortably:
If you’re struggling with shoulder pain at night, it may be worth considering Myotherapy as a treatment option. With hands-on techniques like massage, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling, combined with exercise prescription, Myotherapists offer a non-invasive, conservative approach to managing shoulder bursitis. Consistency in treatment and exercise can lead to long-term pain relief, restoring your shoulder's function without the need for injections or surgery. If you suspect shoulder bursitis, an ultrasound from your GP can confirm the diagnosis, but Myotherapy provides a gentle and effective alternative to more invasive treatments. Our therapists help people every week with bursitis. Book online to start the process of treating your shoulder pain. Myotherapy is a highly effective treatment option for people experiencing pain, injuries, or health conditions that cause physical discomfort in muscles and joints. Unlike traditional massage, which focuses on relaxation, Myotherapy is a clinical practice aimed at addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Through a combination of hands-on techniques, clinical assessment, and rehabilitation exercises, Myotherapists help individuals manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve their overall physical function. But what exactly is Myotherapy good for? Let’s explore the various categories of conditions that Myotherapy can treat and a few examples of each.  Specific Pain in Muscles and Joints
Myotherapy is particularly well-suited for managing specific areas of pain throughout the body. Whether it’s chronic or acute pain, Myotherapists are trained to identify the underlying causes of discomfort and create a treatment plan that targets the affected area.
Injuries Whether you’re an athlete or someone recovering from an accident, injuries can significantly impact your mobility and quality of life. Myotherapy plays a crucial role in injury rehabilitation, not only helping to relieve pain but also promoting recovery through a combination of hands-on techniques and exercise rehabilitation.
Health Conditions Myotherapy is not only beneficial for injuries or specific pain but also for managing chronic health conditions that cause musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. Many chronic illnesses affect the muscles, joints, and nerves, leading to widespread discomfort, and Myotherapy provides tailored support to alleviate these symptoms.
Why Choose Myotherapy? What makes Myotherapy so effective is its comprehensive approach. Instead of focusing solely on relieving pain temporarily, Myotherapists aim to address the root cause of discomfort by assessing the body as a whole. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic health condition, Myotherapy provides a combination of manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and self-care strategies to support long-term recovery. Myotherapy is particularly helpful for those who want more than just temporary relief. It’s ideal for people who are looking for a targeted, clinically-driven treatment approach to manage their pain, prevent future injuries, and enhance overall physical function. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, injuries, or health conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system, Myotherapy may be the right choice for you. Our Myotherapists are outstanding practitioners who are well known in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne for proving exceptional care and attention to detail in their treatment plans. Booking online with our team is easy, and we are available 7 days a week at 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville. Call our team on 03 8204 0970 to learn more. When it comes to choosing the most effective type of massage, the answer depends largely on your goals. Are you looking to reduce pain, recover from an injury, or restore mobility? Or is your main focus to relax, unwind, and relieve stress? Understanding the purpose of your massage is the first step in choosing the right treatment.  Pain Management and Injury Rehabilitation: Myotherapy
If your primary goal is pain relief, injury recovery, or improving your mobility, Myotherapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment available. Unlike traditional relaxation massage, Myotherapy is a clinical therapy that focuses on assessing and treating musculoskeletal pain, dysfunction, and injuries in a highly individualised manner. What makes Myotherapy so effective is the comprehensive assessment that precedes each treatment. Myotherapists don’t just treat the symptoms of pain—they work to understand the underlying causes. Whether it's back pain, neck stiffness, or a sports injury, a Myotherapist will assess how your muscles, joints, and nerves are interacting, identifying the root cause of your discomfort. This allows them to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. The Techniques Used in Myotherapy One of the reasons Myotherapy is so effective for pain relief is that it combines traditional massage techniques with evidence-based clinical practices. While traditional massage techniques, like deep tissue or Swedish massage, are useful for loosening tight muscles, Myotherapy goes beyond this. Here are some techniques a Myotherapist might use:
Relaxation and Stress Relief: Day Spa Massages If your goal is relaxation and stress reduction, however, Myotherapy may not be the best choice. For those looking to unwind in a peaceful, meditative environment, a massage at a day spa is often more appropriate. Spa treatments, such as those offered at places like Endota, focus on creating a serene experience aimed at soothing the body and mind. Day spa massages typically focus on relaxing the body, calming the mind, and releasing general muscle tension. These treatments often occur in a quiet, tranquil setting with soft lighting and calming music, offering an escape from daily stresses. If you're after a silent, meditative experience, this type of massage is perfect for you. However, it's important to note that while these treatments can help alleviate tension, they may not be sufficient for addressing underlying pain, injuries, or mobility issues. Myotherapist Training: Why It Matters One of the key reasons Myotherapy is so effective for pain management and injury rehabilitation is the level of training that Myotherapists undergo. Many Myotherapists begin their careers as Remedial Massage Therapists, where they learn essential techniques for relieving muscle tension and improving circulation. After gaining experience, many therapists go on to complete further education, obtaining an Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy or a Bachelor of Health Science (Myotherapy). This advanced training equips them with a deeper understanding of the musculoskeletal system and the clinical skills needed to assess and treat complex conditions. It also allows them to integrate clinical techniques like dry needling, joint mobilisation, and rehabilitation exercises into their practice. This additional education and experience make Myotherapists uniquely qualified to treat pain, injuries, and mobility issues. Choosing the Right Treatment for You Ultimately, the most effective type of massage depends on what you're hoping to achieve. If you're looking for pain relief, injury recovery, or improved mobility, Myotherapy provides a targeted, evidence-based approach that addresses the underlying causes of your discomfort. By combining clinical techniques with hands-on therapy, Myotherapy can help you manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve your overall function. On the other hand, if your goal is to relax and de-stress, a massage at a day spa is the better choice. Spa treatments provide a calming, meditative experience designed to soothe the mind and body, offering a peaceful break from the pressures of daily life. Our therapists are all highly qualified Myotherapists with experience in injury rehabilitation and pain management. We are here for you 7 days a week to support you through treatment of painful conditions - you can book online with any of our therapists. While our team technically can provide a relaxation style treatment, this is not our primary focus, and we can recommend many day spa and beauty therapy locations nearby who can better accomodate for a relaxing, enjoyable spa treatment. Back pain is a common issue that many people experience, but it can be difficult to determine when it’s just a minor issue and when it requires immediate attention. Understanding the type of pain, the mechanism behind it, and recognising red flags are key in identifying whether your back pain might be more serious. Here’s how to tell when to seek urgent medical help and when myotherapy might be the right solution for your discomfort.  Types of Back Pain
Back pain can vary widely in intensity, location, and quality. Understanding the characteristics of your pain can help you assess whether it’s something that may resolve with time or requires more urgent care:
Mechanism of the Pain: Why Did It Start? The onset of your back pain can provide important clues to its seriousness:
Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention Certain symptoms, known as "red flags," indicate the need for immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, it’s essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible:
How Can Myotherapy Help? For many types of back pain, especially those not associated with these red flags, myotherapy can be an effective, non-invasive treatment option. Myotherapists use a combination of techniques to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and address the root cause of your discomfort. Some common methods include:
Back pain can be alarming, but not all pain is cause for immediate concern. By understanding the type of pain you're experiencing, its onset, and being mindful of red flags, you can better assess whether your back pain is serious. For many cases of back pain, myotherapy provides a safe and effective treatment to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery. However, if you notice any red flags, consult with a doctor immediately to rule out serious conditions. If you are free of red flags, its likely that our team of excellent Myotherapists can help with a strategy for your back pain. Book online to consult with one of our experts. Our Rowville clinic is open 9am-6pm every Sunday! We have two fantastic therapists who work on a Sunday:  Ethan Farr - Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist Ethan is an excellent rehabilitation focused therapist. He has a wealth of experience with exercise centred injury recovery, and is building a fantastic reputation for his hands on treatments. He loves to help people with non-surgical recovery of sporting injuries, including things like:
 Duke Autret - Myotherapist Duke is a Myotherapist and Remedial Massage Therapist, with qualifications in Pilates. He is passionate about encouraging movement as medicine, and providing outstanding care to help people in pain to regain better mobility and live a more painfree life. He loves to help people with things like:
Book a Sunday AppointmentOnline booking for a Sunday appointment is easy - check our availability and book in advance, our Sunday sessions are popular!!
Simple Wellness Myotherapy is located at Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178 Contact us on (03) 8204 0970 By Megan Cornish, Myotherapist Over the last week in particular there has been an increase in acute neck pain and cases of facet joint irritation. In this blog we will discuss the symptoms of an irritated facet joint and discuss available treatment options as well as some tips and tricks you can utilise at home. So, without further ado, let's dive into the wonderful world of facet joints!  Have you ever woken up one morning with neck pain and stiffness that progresses quickly into very limited ability to move your neck and intense pain? Maybe you’ve found it difficult to head check to the left or to the right when driving in the car so you’ve had to use your whole body to turn to do so. Maybe you have been standing under the warm water of the shower for a while now or glued to your hot pack trying to get any form of relief from extremely stiff neck muscles. If you have or are currently experiencing any of the above scenarios you may have an irritated facet joint in your neck.
Facet joints are joints that connect the bones of your spine together allowing your spine to bend, twist and rotate. Whilst providing movement they also support the spine and prevent excess movement by providing structural support to the overall spinal column. These joints sit at the back of the spine and there are 4 facet joints for each vertebrae, 2 upper and 2 lower. Sometimes these joints can become inflamed due to certain conditions such as osteoarthritis, trauma from a car accident or sport injuries, or from more mundane daily activities like sleeping awkwardly or a rapid movement that twinges the neck. For the purpose of this blog we will be addressing neck related facet joint pain however it is important to note that facet joints can get inflamed along any point of the spinal column. How do we know that your current neck pain is facet joint related? There will be a few different things that we look for to identify that the root cause is a facet joint. The biggest clue that we get is which movements of the neck are impacted. In facet joint presentations it may be painful to move/look to one side however almost completely fine/very minimal pain when looking the other way. For example you may be able to head check to the left with no issues but have difficulty head checking to the right. You may also be experiencing discomfort when looking at the ceiling however not when looking down at the ground. This is due to the space between the joints narrowing/ closing off in these same side movements compared with the other side. Facet joints will usually affect one side and pain will often be one sided/ local to the region. Another big clue is your description of the type of pain you are experiencing. Patients will often describe their pain as a locking, jamming, pinching, tightness/stiffness or achy sensation. As Myotherapists we can assess your ability to move actively AND passively. Which means we will watch you do the movements first, but if that doesn’t confirm our suspicions we can then do the movements for you by getting you to lie down on your back and (try your best to) let us control your movements. When we do this we are taking the muscles out of the equation and all that's left is your joints, if you still experience pain while we do the movements for you this is most likely a facet joint. We will also palpate (feel/press on) the joints to check for tenderness at the joint itself, there are also a couple special orthopaedic tests that we can use to confirm that we are dealing with a facet joint. If all of that comes up positive for a facet joint pathology as well as the correct symptom profile for a facet joint pathology, then we have found the culprit of your pain! One of the main reasons facet joints are so painful is the muscular guarding that comes with the condition. The main thing to remember here is that the body is very VERY good at protecting itself when something isn’t quite right. Therefore if your joint gets inflamed your nervous system is going to send messages to all of the surrounding muscles to “guard” and protect the injury as best as possible. This is what causes the really tight muscles and very limited range/ability to move your neck. Another important thing to note is that your body will absolutely heal itself! Facet joints usually tend to be acutely painful for anywhere from 2-7 days, but usually do not hang around longer than 2 weeks. We call this a self limiting condition, which means it typically will resolve itself even without any intervention - however, most people like to speed up the process by getting it treated. Myotherapy is a great way to support the natural healing process and speed up your overall recovery from this condition. As Myotherapists we are trained in being able to safely treat joint pathologies and facet joint irritation as part of our scope of practice. This means that along with treating the muscular component we can also use techniques such as joint mobilisations and joint MET to promote healthy joint function and healing. Not sure what a joint mobilisation is? Its a slow, low grade movement that we use to allow an irritated joint to begin moving freely again. Its not a “Crack!” of your neck!! The “cracking” technique is called a Manipulation or Adjustment, which is a full force, high velocity movement that only a qualified chiropractor or osteopath is able to provide for you, if that is more your style. Facet joints also tend to respond well to dry needling on the affected side. We can needle the super tight muscles that are locking up around the joint to restore freedom of movement. This can help make the healing process quicker, and reduce the intensity of the pain while your facet joint recovers. In terms of home care for facet joints here are some things we like to suggest patients with a joint irritation do at home:
This exercise can be done by making a double chin! (We know, super flattering!) Keep your eyes on a fixed structure at eye level in front of you and pull your head back to create that double chin. Be careful not to drop your chin to your chest or have your head tilted upwards, we want that nice neutral position and a slide back to execute this exercise efficiently.
The above suggestions are just some of the things you can do at home to aid the recovery of an inflamed facet joint in the neck; however it is most beneficial to the healing process to be doing these in conjunction with physical therapy to get the best results. Myotherapy is a great form of physical therapy and we treat these cases and presentations frequently. Its important to know that while this kind of pain can feel really horrible in its most acute stage, it usually won’t last longer than a few weeks, and likely even less if you get it treated very early on. If you have any of these classic facet joint irritation symptoms don't hesitate to book an appointment and together we will create a treatment plan to get you and your facet joints healthy and happy again! 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. By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist & Exercise Scientist This is a bit of a loaded question. There are a lot of factors that contribute to when you are able to get back to exercise post injury; the severity of injury, what kind of injury, your strength/conditioning pre injury and the kind of training you do just to name a few.  Strictly speaking you are able to get back into the gym while injured as long as you are training around said injury and finding no increase in pain or swelling the next day e.g. an injured leg you can still train upper body, however for training the injury there are 3 general phases of healing: the inflammatory phase, the proliferative phase and the remodelling phase.
What do these stages mean for you and getting back to the gym? Realistically these stages are not quite set in stone as you may be able to tell as there is quite a large range in timeframe that these stages can occur in but these stages aid in creating a general guide to what kinds of exercise should be programmed into your rehabilitation pathway. Generally within those first 3-7 days you should be focusing on reducing inflammation and pain so exercise isn’t your main concern at this point. However if you must, the exercise you should be doing generally consists of non-weight bearing exercise going through the range of motion of the injured site without increase in pain. Between days 4-21 you are looking at introducing more weight bearing exercises for things like ankle sprains this could be a little as walking for shoulders you could be looking at light band work trying to use the full range of motion of the joint with some resistance. In this stage a VAS pain scale can be used to guide your movements and exercise programming a VAS pain scale in this case would be a pain rating from 0 being no pain at all to 10 being incredibly painful, if the exercise you’re doing increases pain to the 7-10 ranges then it is not suitable for rehabilitation and could be doing more damage than good (No pain no gain need not apply to the rehabilitation pathway in this sense). The last stage of healing is a long lasting stage most people may not even realise they’re still in the process of healing when they’re in this stage, it can present as something as small as having a reduced ability to balance on one leg compared to the other or even just being a little apprehensive in doing certain movements. At this stage you are looking to incorporate increased challenge to the exercises programmed you are looking at including your bigger compound movements or increasing instability during the exercises, in this stage exercises will generally be guided by your daily life activity needs e.g. working a trade vs office work will have very different needs and if you play sport your exercises can be tailored to your sports needs. Getting back to the gym feeling better then you felt pre-injury is what I love about myotherapy and fitness so if you find all of this too complicated to follow but still want to get back to top shape after an injury, I would love to have the chance to guide your rehabilitation pathway and get you back to peak performance. Book with me on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday. 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. By Duke Autret, Myotherapist Chronic pain is a complex and persistent condition that significantly impacts an individual's quality of life. Managing it often requires a multi-pronged approach. Myotherapy, a specialised form of physical therapy, offers effective interventions for chronic pain, particularly ‘nociplastic’ pain, which lacks clear structural or inflammatory causes. This blog explores the management of chronic pain with myotherapy, including key interventions and techniques.  Understanding Nociplastic Pain
Nociplastic pain is characterised by pain that arises from altered nociception despite no clear evidence of actual or threatened tissue damage or sometimes disproportionate to the level of tissue damage that may be there. This type of pain can be challenging to manage as it often involves central sensitization. Central sensitisation is where the central nervous system becomes hypersensitive to pain signals, which is in effect like the malfunctioning of the sensory system rather than the tissues themselves, perhaps like when your car has a sensor problem rather than actual part problem it is monitoring. Causes of Nociplastic Pain The exact causes of nociplastic pain are not well understood, but factors may include:
Symptoms of Nociplastic Pain Common symptoms can include:
Myotherapy offers a range of physical and educational interventions to manage nociplastic pain effectively. Physical Interventions: Movement and Exercise Therapy: Movement and exercise therapy, including graded activity and graded exposure, helps retrain the nervous system and reduce pain sensitivity. Adjunct Tools/Modalities: Techniques such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation can alleviate symptoms by reducing muscle tension and pain. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy, including joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques, can be beneficial when integrated with other treatments. Educational Interventions: Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE): Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) helps you understand the nature of pain and how to manage it better. Here are some key principles to keep in mind: 1. Pain is an Output from the Brain: Pain is not just a signal from damaged tissue. Your brain processes information from all over your body and creates the sensation of pain. This means pain is not only a physical sensation but also involves cognitive and emotional experiences. 2. Pain Does Not Always Indicate Harm: Understanding that pain is not always a sign of serious damage can help reduce fear and anxiety. Many factors, such as stress, emotions, and past experiences, can influence pain. 3. Changing Your Perspective on Pain: By seeing pain as a signal that your brain is sending to make you pay attention to your body, you can take steps to manage it more effectively. This can help reduce the intensity and frequency of pain. 4. Techniques to Manage Pain: Relaxation and stress reduction techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage pain by reducing muscle tension and anxiety. Regular practice of these techniques can make a significant difference in your pain levels. 5. Listen to Your Body: It's important to listen to your body and take care of yourself in ways that feel safe and comfortable. This includes practising good posture, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): PMR is a technique used to reduce muscle tension and anxiety, promoting relaxation and pain relief. Steps for Progressive Muscle Relaxation:
Graded Exposure Therapy: Graded exposure helps individuals gradually confront and overcome activities or movements they avoid due to fear or pain, reducing pain and improving function. Protocol for Graded Exposure:
Graded exposure gradually helps people confront their fears or anxieties. By slowly exposing you to things that make you anxious, your brain learns these things are not as dangerous as initially thought. This builds tolerance and reduces anxiety over time, helping you regain control over your life. Comprehensive Pain Management When structural or biomechanical explanations fall short, pain often results from central sensitisation, neuroplastic changes, psychological factors, lifestyle influences, and environmental factors. Effective management involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical and cognitive interventions tailored to individual needs. Common Explanations in the Pain Process:
Chronic pain, particularly nociplastic pain, requires a comprehensive approach to management. Myotherapy offers effective interventions, including physical techniques and educational strategies, to manage pain and improve quality of life. By integrating myotherapy into your treatment plan, you can address the multifactorial nature of chronic pain and take proactive steps toward relief and improved well-being. You can book online to start the process now! 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. |
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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 |
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