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Meet ROWVILLE's Newest Myotherapist, Andrew!

5/3/2026

 
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.
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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.
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​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:
  • Deep and soft tissue massage
  • Muscle manipulation
  • Joint mobilisations
  • Stretching and muscle energy techniques
  • Exercise prescription
  • Myofascial dry needling
  • Cupping

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.

Spondylolisthesis — What is it?

18/12/2025

 
By Duke Autret, Myotherapist
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that can significantly impact one's quality of life. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options, particularly through myotherapy, is crucial for those dealing with this condition.
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Understanding Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is the displacement of one vertebra in the spine onto the vertebra below it due to a defect at the facet joints which hold each vertebral segment to the next. This condition is often associated with a "step off" or "slip" at the L5/S1 level, and its severity is categorised into five grades based on the extent of vertebral slippage. Individuals may experience localised pain, radicular (or referred) pain in the legs and possibly feet, tight hamstrings, and even issues with balance or walking.

The gradings of Spondylolisthesis are 1-5 and are determined by the level of ‘slippage’ present i.e. 25%, 50%, 75% etc. And just in case you had come across these other variations on the term and were wondering, they are distinct conditions but all relate to the spinal joints and vertebrae with the same prefix spondy- (spine): Spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine), Spondylolysis (a defect in the facet joints of the vertebra), and then what we’re looking at here, the Spondylolisthesis (the slipping of a vertebra on the vertebra below).

Causes of Spondylolisthesis
Several factors contribute to the development of spondylolisthesis, including:
  • Genetics: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to spondylolisthesis.
  • Trauma: Spinal fractures or injuries can lead to the displacement of vertebrae.
  • Degenerative Changes: Aging, arthritis, and degenerative conditions and even pregnancy can contribute to wear and tear on the spine.
  • Congenital Defects: Those born with spine defects may be more susceptible to spondylolisthesis.

Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
The most common symptoms include lower back pain and stiffness. Pain may radiate into the legs or feet, causing numbness or tingling sensations. Additional symptoms may include weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control (in severe cases), and pain that worsens with activity.

Myotherapy Treatment Options
For individuals dealing with spondylolisthesis, myotherapy offers effective treatment options that focus on relieving pain and improving functionality.
  • Soft Tissue Massage: This technique releases tension and promotes healing in the muscles surrounding the affected area.
  • Trigger Point Therapy: Applying pressure to specific muscle points helps relieve pain and enhance range of motion.
  • Myofascial Release: Stretching and releasing connective tissue around the affected area improves circulation and reduces pain.
  • Joint Mobilisation: Gentle movement of the affected joint enhances range of motion and reduces pain.
  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: These exercises target flexibility and pain reduction in the affected area.

Seeking Relief through Myotherapy
Spondylolisthesis can significantly impact daily life, causing pain and discomfort. Myotherapy, with its diverse treatment options like soft tissue massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, joint mobilisation, and targeted exercises, provides a holistic approach to alleviating pain and improving functionality.

If you are experiencing symptoms of spondylolisthesis, it is crucial to consult with a qualified myotherapist. They can assess your condition and tailor a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. Don't let spondylolisthesis control your life, take proactive steps towards relief and improved wellbeing through myotherapy.

Protecting Your Knees in High-Impact Sports: Because You’ll Miss Them When They’re Gone

27/11/2025

 
If you've ever heard that crack or click in your knees after a jump shot, a sprint, or even just trying to stand up after binge-watching your favorite show, you know how important your knees are. But here's the thing: your knees don’t always get the memo that they’re supposed to be indestructible when you’re diving into a tackle, leaping for a rebound, or taking that final sprint to the finish line. Whether you're an elite athlete or a weekend warrior who still thinks they can dunk like they did in high school (spoiler: you can’t), protecting your knees is something you should take seriously.
In this post we’ll dive into the top ways to keep your knees in prime condition, including a not-so-secret weapon: 
myotherapy. We’ll also look at why taking proactive steps now can help you keep running, jumping, and playing without worrying about that dreaded "clicking" sound becoming your new soundtrack.
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1. Strengthen the Muscles That Provide Support for Your Knees
Your knees are only as strong as the muscles supporting them. If your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes aren’t in top shape, your knees  and the ligaments that support them will be forced to pick up the slack—and that’s when the pain and injuries can occur.

How to do it:
Start incorporating exercises that target the muscles around your knees. For quads, think squats, lunges, and step-ups. These movements also have the added bonus of strengthening the glutes. For hamstrings which sadly tend to be the most neglected muscle in the legs think, hamstring curls, deadlifts (I know a very scary movement but can do wonders when instructed by a great trainer)  and RDL’s which is very similar to the deadlift but puts a greater focus on hamstring growth and strengthening. For calves one of the best exercises I would recommend is an elevated calf raise (a calf raise from a step or platform so your heels can go below the balls of your feet. And finally glutes if the quad exercises aren’t quite enough you always have the glute bridge/hip thrust, clam shells or glute kick backs. Through these exercises you build strength and stability, reducing the chances of knee strain during those sharp cuts and sudden jumps.


Bonus Tip: Don’t skip your core exercises! A solid core ensures better posture and movement mechanics as well as better transfer of power from the legs to the upper limbs, which can take the pressure off your knees during high-impact sports.


2. Master Proper Technique (Mastering the Basics has Profound Benefits)
Improper technique is one of the leading culprits behind knee injuries, especially in sports like basketball, football, and soccer. If your form is off—whether it's during a jump, a sprint, direction change, deceleration or a tackle—your knees are absorbing a lot more stress than they should.

How to do it:
Focus on landing with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered. When jumping, try to land softly, like you’re gently absorbing the impact rather than slamming down, think landing like a ninja not an elephant. Avoid valgus collapse (when your knees cave inward) while squatting, jumping, or lunging, as this misalignment is a huge stressor on your knees if you’re struggling with this knee control the glute exercise clam will be your best friend. Remember that when it comes to mastering any kind of movement, practice makes perfect or as Bruce Lee once said "I fear not the man who has practiced ten thousand kicks once, I fear the man who has practiced one kick ten thousand times”.  


Bonus Tip: one small movement inefficiency done repetitively over years of play can have major consequences on joint health it is important that as soon as a joint feel “off” to question why this could be the case consider discussing this with an exercise/movement/biomechanic professional 


3. Warm Up and Cool Down (Yeah, It’s Not Just for Old People)
Warming up might feel like a chore, and cooling down might seem like wasted time, but both are essential when it comes to protecting your knees. By warming up, you're preparing your muscles for the intense action ahead, and cooling down helps your joints stay limber and keep you moving with the same range of motion which may not see value in yet but you will thank yourself if you get on top of this early.

How to do it:
For a great warm up, remember RAMP:

Raise: raise your body temp and heart rate this can look like a light jog on the spot, skipping, star jumps basic movements required for your sport
Activate: engage the muscles required for the activity especially those stubborn muscles that don’t like working as well (looking at you glutes) 
Mobilise: looking at dynamic stretches and movements that mirror movement patterns used in your activity  
Potentiate: gradually increase the stress on the body to prepare for the activity, usually looks like starting to add drills or higher intensity drills just before game time
Now your ideal warm up will definitely look different from sport to sport it may even look different between two athletes in the same sport it’s important to note that you as an individual may need greater focus on different movements and activation then anyone else 

Bonus Tip: Warm ups don’t just have to be for muscles. Taking a joint to its maximum ranges of motion in a controlled environment is just as important for reducing risk of injury as warming up the muscles surrounding the joint


4. Myotherapy: A Secret Weapon for Knee Pain Prevention
If you haven’t heard about myotherapy yet, it’s time to pay attention—especially if you're involved in high-impact sports. Myotherapy is a form of soft tissue therapy that targets muscle pain, tension, and dysfunction, and it’s a fantastic way to prevent knee issues before they start.

How myotherapy helps:
When muscles are tight or imbalanced, they can affect your knee’s mechanics and the way they transfer and absorb impact forces, leading to pain and if neglected can lead to injury. Myotherapists use techniques like trigger point release, deep tissue massage, dry needling, cupping and myofascial release to target those areas of tension, restoring muscle balance and promoting better joint alignment. This not only helps with recovery, but it can also reduce the risk of injury by addressing issues before they cause pain.


Bonus Tip: Regular myotherapy sessions are especially beneficial if you feel tightness in your hips, quads, or calves. These muscles directly influence knee function, and a myotherapist can work to release any tension or imbalances that could lead to knee discomfort or injury.

Knee health isn’t just for the elite athletes—it’s essential for anyone who plays sports, pushes their limits, or simply enjoys an active lifestyle. Whether you're sprinting down the court, tackling on the field, or just pushing through a high-intensity workout, your knees bear a huge load and deserve attention. By strengthening the muscles around your knees, mastering proper technique, committing to consistent warm-ups and cool-downs, and incorporating therapies like myotherapy into your routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury and keep your knees functioning at their best.

Remember, knee pain and injury don’t usually come out of nowhere; they’re the result of small, repetitive stresses that accumulate over time. Taking proactive steps now will ensure that you can continue to run, jump, and move with confidence, without the nagging concern of knee discomfort holding you back. Treat your knees like the invaluable assets they are—because once they're gone, you’ll truly miss them. Stay strong, stay smart, and keep your knees in the game for years to come.

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Stretching for performance vs stretching for pain management

21/8/2025

 

The benefits of adding a stretching routine to your week!

By Ethan Farr, Sports Myotherapist and Exercise Scientist
Stretching is often recommended for everything from warming up before a run to easing an aching back—but not all stretching is created equal. The way you stretch should match your specific goal. Whether you’re aiming to boost athletic performance or manage pain, understanding the right type of stretching can make a big difference in your results.

Let’s break down the key differences between stretching for performance and stretching for pain management, so you can stretch smarter, not just harder.
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Stretching for Performance
If your goal is to move better, run faster, or lift more efficiently, your stretching should support those physical demands. Some recent meta-analysis found that 10 minutes of stretching a day can help maintain exercise performance levels even if you have not trained, which is a great tool for those of you going away on holiday.

What It Looks Like:
  • Dynamic stretches before activity: think walking lunges, high knees, or leg swings. These movements prime your muscles and nervous system. Due to this you want to use stretches specific to the activity you are doing
  • Static stretches after workouts: gentle holds that help maintain flexibility and promote recovery. These tend to be held for 20-30 seconds each and should be completed in 2-3 sets like with exercise

Why It Works:
  • Increases blood flow and joint mobility
  • Prepares muscles for explosive movement
  • Reduces risk of injury by ensuring proper range of motion
  • Enhances recovery by reducing post-exercise tightness

 A Word of Caution:
Avoid long static stretches before intense activity. Research shows that holding stretches too long before exercise can temporarily reduce power and strength. Save those for your cool-down.


Stretching for Pain Management
Chronic tension, poor posture, or injuries often require a different approach. When you're stretching to relieve pain, the goal shifts from performance to comfort, healing, and balance.

What It Looks Like:
  • Gentle static stretching, often held for 30+ seconds
  • Combined with deep breathing, mindfulness, or even physical therapy
  • Focused on pain-free movement—never pushing into sharp discomfort

Why It Works:
  • Reduces muscle tension and improves circulation
  • Releases pressure on nerves (e.g. in sciatica or neck pain)
  • Calms the nervous system, which helps reduce pain sensitivity
  • Can improve posture and joint alignment over time

 A Word of Caution:
Stretching alone won't fix everything. If muscles are weak or imbalanced, strengthening exercises are just as important. And if a stretch makes your pain worse, it's a sign to back off and reassess.
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Final Thoughts
Stretching can be a powerful tool—but only when used with intention. If you’re training for performance, focus on dynamic movements to prep your body and static holds after workouts to aid recovery. If you’re managing pain, prioritize gentle, sustained stretches and always listen to your body.
Need help creating a personalized stretching plan based on your goals? Whether you're chasing a new PR or recovering from back pain, understanding your body’s needs is the first step and we’re here to help. Book your appointment today!

How Poor Posture Leads to Shoulder Injuries

22/5/2025

 
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist
Maintaining good posture is essential for overall health and well-being, yet it is often neglected in our daily routines. Whether we are hunched over our desks, slouched on the couch, or constantly looking down at our phones, poor posture can have a detrimental impact on our bodies. One of the most affected areas is the shoulder. Understanding the connection between poor posture and shoulder injuries is crucial for preventing discomfort and promoting long-term musculoskeletal health.
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The Anatomy of the Shoulder
The shoulder is a complex joint that relies on a delicate balance of muscles, tendons, and ligaments to function properly. It consists of the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and clavicle (collarbone). The rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and their tendons, plays a critical role in stabilising the shoulder joint and allowing a wide range of motion. However, this intricate structure is highly susceptible to injury, especially when subjected to poor posture over extended periods.

How Poor Posture Affects the Shoulders

1. Forward Head Posture
One of the most common postural issues is forward head posture, where the head juts forward beyond the shoulders. This misalignment shifts the centre of gravity and increases the strain on the neck and shoulder muscles. The trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, responsible for shoulder movement and stabilisation, become overworked, leading to muscle fatigue and pain. Over time, this can result in conditions such as tension neck syndrome and myofascial pain syndrome, which can radiate to the shoulders.

2. Rounded Shoulders
Another prevalent postural problem is rounded shoulders, often caused by prolonged sitting or slouching. This posture shortens the chest muscles (pectoralis major and minor) and weakens the upper back muscles (rhomboids and trapezius). The imbalance creates a forward pull on the shoulders, altering the natural alignment of the shoulder joint. This misalignment places excessive stress on the rotator cuff tendons and can lead to conditions like rotator cuff tendinitis and impingement syndrome.

3. Kyphosis
Kyphosis, characterised by an exaggerated curvature of the upper back, is another consequence of poor posture. It is commonly seen in individuals who spend long hours hunched over their desks or screens. Kyphosis alters the biomechanics of the shoulder joint, reducing the space within the joint capsule. This can cause the rotator cuff tendons to become pinched or irritated, increasing the risk of tendinopathy or even rotator cuff tears.


Long-Term Consequences
The effects of poor posture on the shoulders are not limited to immediate discomfort. Over time, chronic poor posture can lead to degenerative changes in the shoulder joint. The constant strain and misalignment can accelerate the wear and tear of the joint structures, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis. Additionally, compensatory movements resulting from poor posture can cause muscle imbalances, further exacerbating the risk of injury and reducing overall shoulder function.
The good news is that shoulder injuries caused by poor posture are largely preventable. 


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Preventing Shoulder Injuries Through Good Posture
Here are some practical tips to maintain good posture and protect your shoulders:

Ergonomic Workstation: Ensure your workspace is set up to promote good posture. Your computer screen should be at eye level, and your chair should support your lower back. Keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs.

Frequent Breaks: Take regular breaks to stand, stretch, and move around. This helps to reduce the strain on your muscles and prevents stiffness.

Strengthening Exercises: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the upper back and shoulder muscles, such as rows, reverse flyes, and scapular squeezes. These exercises help to counteract the effects of poor posture and improve shoulder stability.

Mindful Posture: Be conscious of your posture throughout the day. Try to keep your shoulders back and down, your chest open, and your head aligned with your spine whenever you can. Avoid slouching or leaning forward for prolonged periods. The breaks is a great way for that as a ‘reset’ to the system.

Stretching: Regularly stretch the chest and shoulder muscles to maintain flexibility and prevent tightness. Doorway stretches and shoulder rolls are simple yet effective stretches to incorporate into your routine.

In conclusion, poor posture is a significant contributor to shoulder injuries. The misalignment and strain it causes can lead to a range of conditions, from muscle fatigue to rotator cuff tendinitis. By understanding the impact of poor posture on the shoulders and taking proactive steps to maintain good posture, we can prevent injuries and promote long-term musculoskeletal health. Prioritising good posture is a small change that can make a significant difference in our overall well-being.

Looking for more helpful tips? Rachael is one of our dedicated myotherapists with a passion for addressing a range of issues, including headaches, back pain, and hip discomfort. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space to guide you through recovery and help you take control of your pain. Book your first consultation with her today!

Why do we get cramping muscles?

8/4/2025

 
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist
Muscle cramps, often referred to as muscle spasms, are sudden, involuntary contractions of one or more muscles. They can occur in various parts of the body, but they are most commonly experienced in the legs, particularly the calf muscles. The exact cause of muscle cramps can vary, but several factors contribute to their occurrence.
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What could be causing my cramping muscles?

​Dehydration: One of the most common causes of muscle cramps is dehydration. When your body lacks adequate fluids, electrolyte imbalances can occur. This disrupts the normal electrical signals that regulate muscle contractions, leading to cramping.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium play a crucial role in muscle function. An imbalance in these electrolytes, often due to poor diet or medical conditions, can lead to muscle cramps.
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Overexertion: Exercising intensely or for extended periods can lead to muscle fatigue. As muscles become fatigued, they are more prone to cramping due to reduced control and coordination.

Poor Blood Circulation: Insufficient blood flow to the muscles can result in oxygen and nutrient deprivation. This lack of resources can trigger muscle cramps, especially during prolonged periods of immobility.

Neuromuscular Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as nerve compression or diseases like ALS or multiple sclerosis, can disrupt the signals sent from the brain to the muscles, causing cramps.

Medications: Some medications, particularly diuretics, can lead to imbalances in electrolytes or dehydration, which may trigger muscle cramps as a side effect.

Age: As people age, they may become more susceptible to muscle cramps due to a natural loss of muscle mass and decreased flexibility.

Poor Stretching: Inadequate stretching before physical activity can increase the risk of muscle cramps, as it doesn't allow the muscles to prepare for the increased demand placed on them.

Inadequate Nutrition: A diet lacking in essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and calcium can increase the likelihood of muscle cramps.

To prevent muscle cramps, it's important to maintain proper hydration, ensure a balanced diet, incorporate regular stretching into your routine, and avoid overexertion.

Self Care Tips from a Myotherapist

27/3/2025

 
By Rachael Bird, Myotherapist
Here are some simple things you can incorporate into your daily routine to complement Myotherapy and promote overall musculoskeletal health.
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​Regular Stretching Exercises:
Include daily stretching routines to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Focus on areas prone to tightness, such as the neck, shoulders, lower back, and hips.

Ergonomic Workspace:
Ensure a well-designed and ergonomic workspace to prevent strain on the muscles and joints.
Maintain proper posture while sitting, and take breaks to stretch and move around.

Mindful Breathing Techniques:
Practise deep breathing exercises to relax the muscles and reduce overall stress.
Incorporate mindfulness techniques to promote body awareness and tension release.

Hydration and Nutrition:
Stay hydrated to support the elasticity of muscles and joints.
Consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support muscle health, including vitamins and minerals.

Regular Physical Activity:
Engage in regular, low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga to promote overall musculoskeletal health.
Consult with a Myotherapist for personalized exercise recommendations.

Heat and Cold Therapy:
Apply heat packs or cold compresses to areas of muscle soreness as recommended by your Myotherapist.
Alternate between hot and cold therapy for enhanced circulation and pain relief.
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Good Sleep Habits:
Prioritize quality sleep to support the body's natural healing processes.
Use supportive pillows and mattresses to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Stress Management:
Practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, mindfulness, or hobbies to prevent muscle tension associated with stress.
Consider incorporating stress-management techniques recommended by your Myotherapist.

Self-Massage Techniques:
Learn and practice self-massage techniques on trigger points or areas of tension.
Use foam rollers, massage balls, or other tools under the guidance of your Myotherapist.

Hydrotherapy/Water based healing- Walking/Swimming in the Pool:
Consider hydrotherapy, such as warm baths or contrast showers, to relax muscles and promote circulation. This form of self care treatment I would highly recommend for Those: post surgery, people with Arthritis, Frozen Shoulder, Knee Issues, Back Issues, Hip Issues and more. 
Due to this having a low impact on joints and muscles it is a highly effective way of helping to heal and gain strength or gain more movement in those areas.

Looking for more helpful tips? Rachael is one of our dedicated myotherapists with a passion for addressing a range of issues, including headaches, back pain, and hip discomfort. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive space to guide you through recovery and help you take control of your pain. Book your first consultation with her today!

Your At Home Pain toolkit

31/8/2020

 
When you have chronic pain, you get very familiar with pain that makes itself known every day. You may have some good days and some bad days, but either way its good to have a toolkit of things you can do at home to help reduce, manage or avoid pain flare ups.

This is even more important now, while Melbourne is under Stage 4 Restrictions in response to COVID19 and seeing your Myotherapist is no longer an option.
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Your toolkit will likely be different to someone elses, but these are some of the things that you can incorporate at home to help keep pain as low as possible.

Gentle movement - Walking, yoga, pilates, dancing, cycling, and other low impact exercises to keep your joints and muscles mobile. What you can achieve may change day by day, work within your own limits. There are plenty of free or affordable online options, my favourite that I'm personally using throughout lockdown is Erica Webb Yoga & Pilates virtual studio ($37 a month for unlimited classes)

Stretching - Make time to stretch each day, especially the muscles that feel tightest. If you're working from home, its really easy to get stuck sitting for hours at your desk - or couch, coffee table, hammock, whatever your work from home set up looks like.

Self care tools - Foam rollers, tennis balls and spiky balls, acupressure mats, TENS machines: these can all help reduce muscle pain and tension. Don't have one? You can pick these up cheap online on eBay or through sports stores.

Hot or cold therapy - Heat packs, hot water bottles, electric blankets to keep you warm and take away some of the ache. Ice packs or cool compresses can work better for acute inflammation areas or for numbing persistent pain.

Nutrition and hydration - Eat well, drink water, and avoid foods that tend to flare up your pain. Pre-plan meals and snacks so you can have some easy to grab options on bad pain days where you don't have the energy to cook (or clean!)

Stress management - Easier said than done during a pandemic, right? Find things that bring down your stress levels, that will be different for each person, but some classics include reading, listening to music, taking a nap, having a warm soak in epsom salts, booking a telehealth appointment with a counsellor, writing in a journal.

Seek support - Don't suffer alone! Reach out for a conversation with your friends, family, coworkers, neighbours. Don't forget there are plenty of services to support you, including talking with your GP, a counsellor, and support groups online.

Pain relief - I know a lot of our patients choose not to use pain relievers, but in these times where its hard to get access to hands on treatments that help, you may find that taking pain relief is helpful. This may include prescribed medications from your GP or over the counter recommendations from your pharmacist.

Gels and creams - There are a heap of options for topical pain creams, the most commonly used ones include Deep Heat, Fisiocrem, and Voltaren. My personal favourite is a non-pharmaceutical blend by Doterra called Ice Blue Rub, its got a cooling menthol effect that is fairly long lasting, but it is on the pricey side for a cream. A little goes a long way!

Sleep - What can you do to optimise your sleep cycle? A well rested body has the best opportunities to repair and recover. Some things to experiment with are an earlier bed time, switching off screens well before bed, changing your pillow, listening to relaxing music.


We hope it won't be long now until we're able to offer hands on treatments again. As soon as we know more, we'll make an announcement and get our online booking page active again.

Everything is Closed - What Can I Do At Home To Keep Active?

13/7/2020

 
Here in Melbourne, we're back in Stage 3 Restrictions.
That means that most of our favourite ways to move, stretch and exercise may not be available to us right now, including gyms, yoga studios, pilates classes, martial arts, personal training, and lots more.

So what are your options from home to keep moving, stretching and feeling physically well? Here are some of our favourite at home, online accessible resources.
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Erica Webb Yoga & Pilates Virtual Studio - Erica has an amazing and gentle approach to movement as medicine. Shes fun, insightful, and her classes are suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Erica is a local yoga teacher from Croydon. Her membership subscription costs less than a single traditional yoga class per month.

Nate Bower Fitness - you don't need a boxing bag to be able to follow along with these boxing drills. Guaranteed to get your heart rate up, and lots of beginner friendly classes. This YouTube channel provides free 20-30 minute boxing class videos.

Couch To 5K App - Want to start running? This app helps you go from dusting off your old runners, to running a full 5km. Starting with very small bursts of running with big walk intervals, and as your fitness improves the interval timing changes, until you can make it through your full 5km run. I've used this app myself in the past and found it really useful and encouraging. You can use the official C25K app on Apple or Android, or there are plenty of similar versions for free (maybe with a few ads!)

Mountain Pilates - Jeanette Tatton is a local pilates instructor in the Hills, and is running Zoom pilates classes each week. Pilates is a great full body workout that is gentle but effective at strengthening your body.

Alpha Health - Our good friend Ash and her partner Paul are amazing personal trainers offering online coaching to keep you fit and moving throughout isolation. When Anytime Fitness in Ferntree Gully is open, Ash offers training there, too.


What are your favourite online resources to stay inspired and healthy during lockdown? Let us know on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram!

New Years Resolutions Your Body Wants You To Make

16/12/2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Meet Our Team

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

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

    Dr Sarah Varmalis
    Dr Sarah is an experienced Senior Osteopath. She works with multiple body systems, not just the musculoskeletal system.
    ​Her clinical techniques include addressing concerns with the vascular system, nervous system, and organ systems.​

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

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

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

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

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Simple Wellness Myotherapy & Osteopathy
Shop 12B/150 Kelletts Rd, Rowville VIC 3178
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