Menopause is a crucial step in a woman’s life. Menopause marks the time when a woman’s fertility comes to an end, but it is also a time when the woman’s body goes through many meaningful changes that are all driven by hormone fluctuation. Indeed, this is the main reason menopause can be so challenging and, second, different for each individual. In this blog, I will summarise why hormone disbalance can cause so many changes, and what those changes are. The Women’s Hormons: which is which, and what’s their role Before we dive into what is happening during menopause, we have to take a look at the different types of hormones in a woman’s body and what they are responsible for. Here is a simplified list: Estrogen Produced by: Ovaries (mainly), adrenal glands, fat cells Functions: Regulates the menstrual cycle Stimulates the growth of the uterine lining (endometrium) Develops female secondary sexual characteristics (breasts, hips, etc.) Maintains bone health and cardiovascular function Influences mood and cognitive function Influences the dryness of skin and hair cells, even in the vagina walls Maintains muscle strength by helping different proteins to combine when the muscle needs to contract. Pain modulator and more…. Progesterone Produced by: Ovaries (corpus luteum), placenta (during pregnancy) Functions: Prepares the uterus for pregnancy after ovulation Maintains pregnancy and prevents early contractions Regulates the menstrual cycle Supports breast development for milk production Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Produced by: Pituitary gland Functions: Stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries Helps mature eggs for ovulation Works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Produced by: Pituitary gland Functions: Triggers ovulation (egg release) Stimulates the formation of the corpus luteum (which produces progesterone) Helps maintain early pregnancy Prolactin Produced by: Pituitary gland Functions: Stimulates breast milk production after childbirth Inhibits ovulation while breastfeeding Oxytocin Produced by: Hypothalamus (released by the pituitary gland) Functions: Triggers uterine contractions during labor Stimulates milk ejection during breastfeeding Plays a role in bonding and emotional attachment Testosterone (in women) Produced by: Ovaries, adrenal glands Functions: Supports libido (sex drive) Helps with muscle strength and bone density Affects mood and energy levels The Role of Hormones during the Menstrual Cycle. Since puberty, women’s lives are impacted by hormonal changes on a monthly basis. Indeed, once a woman starts her menstrual cycle, hormones dictate how she feels, how her skin looks, and how hair and other body parts feel. This is possible because the body’s cells, in many of the body’s parts, are covered in hormonal receptors, especially for estrogen. Here, you will find a graph that shows how the hormones fluctuate along the women’s menstruation cycle. Notice how in period time (Red bubble) and by the end of the Secretory Phase (Violet bubble), all the hormones, especially Estrogen, reach and maintain a low pick. To simplify the blog, we would focus on estrogen and progestogen hormones because those are the two primary hormones that play a role in the menopause journey (which includes the perimenopause and postmenopause time). Running low on Hormones and Menopause symptoms? Now that we analyse the role of the hormone in the menstruation cycle, we have a clearer idea of what does what and which hormone fluctuates in which phase of the month. Moving forward, we have to introduce the knowledge that women are born with all the eggs that they would ever release during menstruation. This is important information because this is what would roughly determine the start of women’s perimenopause and so menopause. I say roughly because during the 3 to 4 decades of menstruation cycles, each time, there would be a release of approximately 10.000 eggs per month for the first 2 to 3 decades and then less and less once perimenopause starts. So, on average, a woman is born with about 100.000 thousand eggs in her body, and on average, by the age of 30, she is lost about 90% of her eggs, and in her early 40′ s, she loses another 7% of those eggs, which marks already the perimenopause time (ZOE Podcast – with Dr Claire Haver). Indeed, the symptoms of menopause do not happen one day to another, even if menopause marks the day of 12 months of no menstrual cycle, but they start during perimenopause, which is a phase that begins about 10 to 7 years earlier than menopause. Now, you may start to understand all this “between” and “as per average,” which explains why the menopause experience is different from person to person, at least from the aspect of timing. Other factors play a massive role in symptom development and intensity, such as genetics, diet, external factors and stimuli, lack of exercise and movement, other pre-existing conditions, and more. What Happens Once Fewer and Fewer Eggs Get Released in a Menstrual Cycle? As we have previously seen, the level of hormones changes based on the body’s necessity to release eggs cyclicly. But as a woman starts to run low on the amount of eggs released, the body changes also the production of hormones, and is here where things start get complicated. So from a more regular fluctuation of hormones level, the body finds itself with a more randomised and unpredicted production of hormones, and all the glands and organs responsible for the hormone production and for the body functionality would start to be heavily affected by this. Indeed, as we already expressed earlier, Estrogen reaches its peak during the proliferative phase (the orange bubble in the above graph), which now is going to slowly disappear, and so less and less Estrogen is going to be produced. Estrogen, as described in the previous table, has a huge list of implications, and all the body functions that depends from Estrogen presence are going to be affected. Here we go then, during the perimenopause, with symptoms like: Irregular periods (shorter, longer, heavier, or lighter) Missed periods or unpredictable cycles Sudden warmth, flushing, or sweating (mainly upper body Night sweats cause sleep disturbance Difficulty falling or staying asleep Waking […]
Monthly Archives: March 2025
Blog
Strengthening Exercises: Building Resilience for Better Health
Strengthening exercises are an important way to improve our overall health by improving muscular endurance [...]
Continue readingBlog
Managing Menopause Symptoms: Lifestyle Changes, Nutrition, Exercise, and More
Menopause is a natural phase in every woman’s life, but it comes with a variety [...]
Continue reading
Blog
Hormones and Menopause: What is happening?
Menopause is a crucial step in a woman’s life. Menopause marks the time when a [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog
How Strength Exercises Can Help With Bone Density
Bone density is a key factor in bond fracture prevention. Bone is made of cells [...]
Continue readingMar
Blog
How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Help with Menopause Symptoms?
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, which marks the end of a [...]
Continue readingMar
Mar
Bone density is a key factor in bond fracture prevention. Bone is made of cells that die and regenerate. When this process is compromised, the risk of fracture arises. During the early stages of life, we can ensure that we intake and store calcium through food to build up our bones, but after a certain age (about 30), the body stops absorbing calcium, and the storage that we created is now our reserve for the rest of life. Cell Regeneration in Bone and Other Body’s Tissues The body’s cells, like muscle cells, skin cells, tendon cells, ligament cells and even bond cells, are in constant change via a process called cell regeneration. Old cells die off and they get replaced with new cells. In the case of bone, the cells that allow this process to happen are called osteoblasts. While we age, this process slows down, meaning that cells would still die, but they don’t get replaced. A typical example is a woman going through menopause. Estrogen, which is the hormone responsible for bond metabolism, allows the activity of osteoblasts. During menopause, indeed, women have a drop in Estrogen production, and osteoblasts are not as operative as they used to be. Strength Exercises and Cell Regeneration As this meta-analysis shows, strength exercises are a positive stress stimulus for the body and can help the osteoblast work harder and maintain bone cell regeneration. When the body perceives stress as physical resistance, it does its best to establish a reparation mechanism. So whenever we pick a weight against gravity, the body would implement a regeneration of the tissue that are used to complete this action. Who Is at Risk of Losing Bone Mass? There are several factors that can contribute to decreased bone mass: Age: Bone density typically peaks in early adulthood and declines with age. Gender: Women, especially postmenopausal, are at higher risk due to hormonal changes that accelerate bone loss. Family History: A family history of osteoporosis can increase risk. Body Size: Individuals with smaller body frames may have less bone mass to draw from as they age. Hormonal Levels: Thyroid imbalances and reduced sex hormones can lead to bone loss. Dietary Factors: Low calcium and vitamin D intake contribute to diminished bone density. Lifestyle Choices: A sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking are linked to weaker bones. I have included factors like dietary and hormonal levels in the above list. Bear in mind that taking supplements such as calcium and vitamin D (which helps retain calcium) could have severe contraindications. So, always talk to your doctor or specialist about the intake of supplements. How to determine Bone Density? To determine bone density, there is a diagnostic test called Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA). This non-invasive procedure measures the mineral content in bones, usually in areas like the spine, hip, or wrist, to assess bone density and identify potential risks of osteoporosis or fractures. The results are given as a T-score, which compares your bone density to the average peak bone mass of a healthy young adult. A T-score of -1.0 or above is considered normal, while a score between -1.0 and -2.5 indicates low bone mass (osteopenia), and a score of -2.5 or lower suggests osteoporosis. Other methods, like ultrasound or quantitative computed tomography (QCT), can also assess bone density, but DEXA remains the gold standard for bone health evaluations. Mobility before strengthening So far, we have discussed how strength exercises are a good way to maintain bond density. Still, I would not recommend that anyone who is not into strength exercise and has bone density issues go and start lifting heavily. Why (?), you may ask. Well, before we start lifting heavy, we want to ensure that the body mechanics are optimal for it, so we better start looking into your mobility and then pass on to the strength part of things. Please be aware that mobility has nothing to do with elasticity or stretching. Those are different practices. How Can We Achieve Great Mobility For people who decide to take a journey to ensure an optimal level of mobility and then strengthen the body, the first step is to assess their joint mobility with active and passive range of motion. After that, we could use a combo of Myotherapy treatment and mobility exercises to ensure they can quickly pick up the best of their mobility capacity, given their subjective presentation. And here is a list of mobility exercises which we may look into at first: Hip Openers to improve range of motion in the pelvis and lower back. Ankle Drills to support proper weight distribution in weight-bearing exercises. Thoracic Spine Mobility Exercises to prevent excessive strain on the lower back. AC Joint External rotation to ensure we can build strong rotator cuff muscles, essential for shoulder health It Is Time To Strength. How Can We Do This? Once the minimum mobility is achieved, which may take 1 to 2 weeks of training, depending on each individual and their subjective history and effort, we can start looking into more strengthening exercises. So, here is a list of different exercises that can help with strengthening, written with the progressions to follow: Calf raises with double leg, single leg and weight Hamstring and Quads Curl that gets weight added as weeks go by Standing Adduction and Abduction at cable machine or with resistance bend Glut Muscles training at cable machine or with resistance bend Deadlift for back and posterior chain muscle strength Squat with weights and explosion variations Cuff rotator-specific strength is Ideal before stepping into more complex arm weight-lifting Cervical muscle strength to prevent cervical headache and sore neck All of those exercises, except the cervical one, can then be modified to achieve plyometric drills and combined movement. But this is a process that would take months, and there is no rush to get to it, as I want you to be safe through out the all journey. Integrating Exercise into Myotherapy Treatment At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, I […]
Mar
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, which marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility. Typically menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, even if there are exceptions. Along this time frame, the woman’s body would go through a major change in hormonal balance that can trigger a variety of physical and emotional symptoms which may affect daily life. As a Lymphatic Drainage practitioner, I get to work with a lot of woman who seek relief from those symptoms with Lymphatic Drainage Massage (also known as Manual Lymphatic Drainage – MLD). This therapeutic technique focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to improve circulation and can stimulate a deep relaxation feeling. When do Menopause Symptoms start? Menopause symptoms start earlier than menopause itself. Indeed, symptoms can begin 10 years or several months before actual menopause, and this is the phase called Perimenopause. Different women, based often on their genetic background and lifestyle, would experience completely different symptoms with various intensities. But let’s have a look at what those symptoms are like: Lack of estrogen (not only during the menstrual cycle days); Irregular periods and heavy bleeding; Hot flashes (less common than what you think); Heavy mood swings; Disturbance in sleeping; Brain fog, which means difficulty concentrating, feeling mentally foggy, and struggling with simple tasks; Memory problems with difficulties in recalling names or words and challenges with verbal memory; Anxiety and Depression; Fatigue and Low Energy; Lightheadedness or dizziness; Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) can also occur; Wright gain, even with no change in diet; Low libido; Change in skin and hair consistency; Exceed of body hair, especially facial; Joint and muscle pain. These are some of the most common symptoms, which are often related to a drop in estrogen or changes in other body’s hormones. What are the changes between perimenopause and Menopause? The shift between those two phases is characterised by the fact that the woman would stop ovulating, and menopause starts at the end of the 12 months with no ovulation. Symptoms can settle as time passes by, but this is a really personal journey, and from what I heard and read, everyone experienced their own journey differently. Per my understanding, thought, an equilibrated lifestyle, which includes regular time for sleep, movement (with resistance, so strengthening), and an anti-inflammatory diet, is a key component for balancing those symptoms and improving the menopause experience. At the end of this blog, I would leave some links to books and podcasts I found (as a man) interesting to undestand better what a woman may go through this time of life. What is Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and how it works? Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a specialized form of gentle, rhythmic massage that aims to stimulate the body’s lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing waste, toxins, and excess fluids from tissues. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in immune function and maintaining fluid balance in the body. During the treatment, I would with my hands, perform light stretches and gentle pressure on your skin, starting at the cervical area and moving distally from there. The consequence of these light, repetitive skin stretch and pressure would boo the capillary of the Lymphatic System to work faster and harder, consequently collecting more lymph liquid, reducing potential swellings, and improving body fluid circulations. Only the area that I working on too would be exposed. The rest of the body is covered with a towel all the time. How Lymphatic Drainage Massage Can Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms Many women have found Lymphatic Drainage Massage a beneficial complementary therapy during menopause. Here’s how it may help with specific symptoms: Reducing Fluid Retention and BloatingGiven the ability of the lymphatic system to collect exceed liquid, Lymphatic Drainage Massage can help reduce water retention and bloatiness, which are common complaints during menopause. Also, when working on the abdominal area, MLD can help in speeding the bell and bludder functions. Improving Sleep and Reducing FatigueThe constant repetitive mechanical stimulation of the skin, stimulates the parasympathetic response of the central nervous system, that promote relaxation. This results in contributing to sleep quality and reducing fatigue during the day. Relieving Joint and Muscle Pain Along with the stimulation of fluid circulation and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest mode) lymphatic drainage massage promotes relief of stiffness and reduces discomfort in muscles and joints. Managing Stress and Mood SwingsThe calming effect can help balance mood swings and reduce stress by affecting the cortisol level in the body. Massage has been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which can help elevate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. Enhancing Skin HealthAs menopause can cause dry skin, LDM may help by improving blood flow, promoting detoxification, and increasing the delivery of nutrients to the skin. This can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. Supporting Hormonal BalanceWhile lymphatic massage cannot directly balance hormones, it can help reduce the toxic load on the body by facilitating detoxification, which may support overall hormonal balance. Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage Safe During Menopause? Lymphatic Drainage Massage is generally considered safe for most women, including those going through menopause. However, as already stated on the MLD page of my website, there are a series of contraindications that went to make sure we tick off before commencing any treatment. For more details about those conditions click here. Melbourne Massage and Treatment Location, Charges and Giovanni’s Lymphatic Drainage Massage Training. Location: Currently, my clinic is situated in Fitzroy North at Level 1/175 Holden St. This is right at the corner between Holden St, and St George Rd. The clinic is wheelchair accessible and has wheelchair accessible toilet too. To get here, you can use Tram 11 Stop 24, Tram 96 Stop 19 (the 96 Tram is 8 minutes’ walk), or Train Stop Rushall (the Train stop is 10 minutes’ walk). If you are driving, you can find the car park on Barkly St or Pilkington St. Please […]
Mar
Musculoskeletal pain can be complex, and orthopedic tests and hands-on treatment, sometimes, can be a limited tool to individualise what is happening with the body’s internal structure. Indeed, there are times when a deeper look is required to ensure we are on the right path. This is where body scans imaging comes into play to identify presentations like tendinopathy, bursitis, ligament tear or other underlying conditions. The Role of Body’s Scan in Diagnosing Pathology Body scans include a series of imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, to name a few. Ultrasound is a highly effective imaging tool used to assess soft tissue structures in real-time. Unlike X-rays, which primarily show bone, ultrasound provides detailed images of muscles, tendons, bursae, and ligaments. This makes it an excellent tool for diagnosing conditions such as: Tendinopathy – A chronic condition involving tendon degeneration due to overuse or injury. Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues. Those tissue types are found along different body joints, like the shoulder and the hip. Ligament Tears – Partial or complete tears of ligaments, often occurring after trauma or excessive stress. Baker’s cyst – is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee, often resulting from knee joint conditions like arthritis or meniscal tears, causing discomfort and limited mobility. When we are suspicious of one of those presentations, due to positive results obtained by orthopedic test and medical history, including mechanism of injury, we attempt a recovery process, based on the type of injury, symptoms, and other relevant information. Along this recovery process, we may start with isometric exercises. If, with the first 6 weeks, and a series of sessions, 3 to 4 sessions with this time frame, we still don’t see a major recovery, then we may want to get extra investigation ongoing via an ultrasound scan, which can clarify the underlying pathology. It allows us to confirm or rule out certain conditions, ensuring that treatment strategies are aligned with the actual tissue damage (if any is present). On the other hand, based always on the individual case, we could also require X-rays, which are often more helpful in diagnosing conditions related to the bones, such as arthritis or fractures, as they provide a clear view of bone structure and joint spaces. MRI is a scan that is used for Brain imaging, and when the investigation needs higher details, like when looking at the spine or a joint that via ultrasound was not giving any sign of issue. Ultrasound is also comparable to MRI, as it is faster, easier to deliver, and has fewer complications. How can myotherapy treatment help recovery from what a body scans would show? As we already discussed in another blog, Myotherapy is a practice that looks into the well-being of the skeletal muscle structure. To understand what can be done about a painful presentation, we would initially take a detailed clinical history, then look into objective measurements, such as your movement and body presentation. Given the result we can obtain, we would build up a treatment plan which includes: Hands-on Treatment – Techniques such as deep tissue massage, myofascial release, and dry needling can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Exercise Prescription – Strengthening and mobility exercises help restore function and prevent future injuries. Load Management Strategies – Proper guidance on activity levels ensures tissues heal without excessive strain. That management technique would then be combined and adjusted around the scan’s results. Here are a few examples: Bursitis: If a bursitis is confirmed, medications may be given to reduce the inflammation of the bursa, for that, we concentrate on MLD treatment to further reduce the inflammation and exercises to build strength on the structure that needs support. Ligament tear: When talking of ligament tear, the healing time can dilagate to months if not also a year, so we know now why the 6 weeks program may was not as responsive. We will keep focusing on the strength of the muscle that surrounds the specific joint, and use hands-on treatment to boost blood to the area affected. Arthritis: Medication or dietary change may be put in consideration for pain management and inflammatory reduction. Also in this case, MLD can be used to manage the pain response, and exercises for mantain movement in the affected joint/s. When Should You Consider an Ultrasound or other body scans? If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or restricted movement that is not improving with therapy, an ultrasound or other scan helps identify the cause. This can prevent prolonged discomfort and allow for a more targeted treatment approach. At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, in Fitzroy North, we aim to provide the most effective care possible. If you’re dealing with persistent musculoskeletal pain, book a consultation with Giovanni today. Together, we’ll determine the best action to get you back to optimal function. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Musculoskeletal Pain and Body Scans Imaging 1. What are body scans, and how do they help diagnose musculoskeletal pain?Body scans include imaging technologies such as ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI. These scans help diagnose soft tissue injuries (like tendinopathy, bursitis, and ligament tears) or bone-related conditions (such as fractures or arthritis). They provide a clearer picture of what might be causing pain, inflammation, or restricted movement. 2. Why is ultrasound commonly used in diagnosing soft tissue injuries?Ultrasound is highly effective for real-time imaging of soft tissues like muscles, tendons, bursae, and ligaments. It helps diagnose conditions such as tendinopathy, bursitis, and ligament tears, providing a dynamic view of the area being studied without the need for invasive procedures. 3. When should I consider getting an ultrasound or other scans for my injury?If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility that isn’t improving with initial therapy (such as exercises or hands-on treatment), it might be time to consider an ultrasound or other scans. These can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and allow for a more targeted treatment approach. 4. How do orthopedic […]
Mar
Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer thigh. It occurs when the “lateral femoral cutaneous nerve” (LFCN), which supplies sensation to the skin of the thigh, becomes compressed or irritated. While not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily activities. Now let’s see how Myotherapy treatment can help with this presentation. Causes of Meralgia Paresthetica Meralgia Paresthetica presents with symptoms of lateral thigh weakness and numbness, which are caused by compression or the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This compression can have typical causes, which include: Tight clothing – Wearing tight jeans, belts, or shapewear can compress the nerve at the hip height. Obesity or weight gain – Excess weight puts pressure on the nerve. Pregnancy – The growing uterus may contribute to nerve compression. Prolonged standing or walking – Excessive movement can irritate the nerve. Injury or trauma – Previous surgeries, injuries, or direct impact to the hip area can damage the nerve. Diabetes – Diabetic neuropathy may increase susceptibility to nerve-related conditions. Inguinal ligament – The LFCN passes right under the inguinal ligament, which may create compression on the nerve itself. All those factors can compress the branch of the femoral nerve, which innervates the lateral portion of the thigh. The origin of the nerve is at the lumbar level L2/L3. Indeed, when a portion of the skin has altered sensation, it is often a peripheral compression that causes the symptoms. Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica The symptoms for Meraglia Parestetica often involved one leg only, as it is quiet uncommon to get compression bilaterally. Those symptoms include: Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh. The skin of the lateral thigh can also become very sensitive and painful to the touch. Sharp or aching pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking. If the compression is due to organs or the inguinal ligament, movement can aggravate the presentation due to the tightness of the structure during movement. Increased sensitivity to touch in the affected area. Muscle weakness is not a symptom, as this condition affects sensation, not motor function. How can myotherapy treatment help individualise this presentation? As a myotherapist, I specialise in muscular skeletal presentations, and we focus on soft tissues. Through a series of assessments, we can determine whether the compression is peripheral or root nerve compression. Let’s see how. Medical History In the first step, we examine the medical history and physical examination, identifying risk factors and symptoms. Along with the physical examination, we examine the Myotome and Dermatome. Examination On top of active range of motion and another orthopedic test to rule in and out other possible presentations, there are some specific tests which we want to focus on, Myotome and Dermatome. The Myotome are resisted movement, like in this case, hip flexion, knee flexion, knee extension, where it would result in positive findings if we have evident weakness and or back pain. This test would rule in a compression to the spine level. Dermatome, on the other hand, are used to test the connectivity of the cutaneous nerve. So with a sharp and soft object, we will mark some line along the thigh area, looking for loss or confused sensations. This test would rule in a peripheral compression of the nerve. Notice that both presentations can be presented at the same time. Other tests that can be done for this presentation include: Electromyography (EMG) – To rule out other neurological disorders. Imaging tests (MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound) – Identifying structural issues or nerve compression. For those tests, Giovanni would write a referral letter for your GP. Treatment Options for Meralgia Paresthetica As often happens, the treatment options are multiple and must be embraced in groups, not individually. The overall aim of any treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce symptoms. Here is a list of treatment options and modalities: Lifestyle Modifications Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce nerve compression. Weight management to decrease excess pressure on the nerve. Avoid prolonged standing or walking if symptoms worsen. Medical Treatments Pain relievers – NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or acetaminophen for mild pain relief. Myotherapy treatment – along a series of myotherapy sessions we can reduce symptoms and improve the presentation. Corticosteroid injections – Reduce inflammation and pain. Nerve blocks – In severe cases, numbing the nerve can provide relief. Surgical Options (For Severe Cases) Nerve decompression surgery – Relieves pressure on the nerve. Neurectomy – Removing the affected nerve if pain is persistent. How Myotherapy Can Help At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, during a myotherapy session, after ensuring we are dealing with a Meralgia Paresthetica I may use a series of techniques to help you out with your symptoms. What technique to use is based on your individual presentation,, other cohexsitng presentations, adn also your choice and comfort. Here is a list of modalities used during a Myotherapy session: Muscle Energetic Technique (MET) – Helps reduce tension in the hip, thigh, and lower back muscles that may be contributing to nerve compression. Trigger Point Therapy – Addresses myofascial trigger points that can exacerbate pain and discomfort. Mobility and Strengthening Exercises – Improves mobility and reduces pressure on the nerve. Postural Education – Helps correct movement patterns that may be aggravating symptoms. Joint Mobilization – Enhances circulation and reduces inflammation in affected joints. Dry needling – Using a needle can help reduce pain and muscle ache and increase the neurological connection of those same soft tissues. After the hands-on treatment, we will then look into exercises that can help maintain the change we created. That said, there are other precautions to take in consideration, like: Maintain a healthy weight to prevent excess pressure on the nerve. Choose comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict the waist or thighs. Incorporate gentle mobility and exercise into your routine. Monitor underlying conditions, such as diabetes, to reduce nerve-related complications. Conclusion Meralgia Paresthetica can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and preventive care. Myotherapy can be a valuable complementary […]